Although the interior of the Serevan Palace was famous for its elegant imperial style, it wasn't designed in elaborated detail like the other classic Titan architectures. A good example would be the sleeping chambers of Prince O'Neil and Princess Alanis.
The most eye-catching element of the bedroom would definitely be the French windows as well as the ceiling which seemed to be stacked high like building blocks. The floor-to-ceiling French windows served as windows and door leading to the back garden of the palace. The blocks on the ceilings were divided into tiny squares, each of them was drawn with a bright colored painting depiction of the holy texts. In addition, the Italicoastal styled chandelier hanging from the ceiling was a lampstand inlaid with twelve gold-folded plates. This ingeniously conceived folding plates and design could brighten up the entire room instantaneously with minimal effort.
The master bedroom of the palace, like all Imperial Palaces, had a comfortable quilted cotton cover on the kapok bed. After drying, the kapok, which could be used to produce sugar, would turn into a soft floc, and most Titan nobles utilized it to fill their bedding.
In front of the bed was a Faran styled settee, which was mostly used for placing close-fitting clothing. However, the function of this item totally depended on the situation. Some young couples who couldn't hold themselves back would rather throw their clothing randomly on the soft cashmere carpet, or wherever possible.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette pulled off the bra from his head. The moment he realized what it actually was he threw that thing as far away from his as possible. No wonder he had had a dream of being strangled the night before. The marshal located his own underwear and shirt under the bed, while his pants and belt were found in the shower, but… what about his boots?
Oscar scratched his head in annoyance when he saw his boots in his wife's arms. Alanis held to them so tightly as if her life depended on them. Therefore, His Highness the Prince decided to leave his bedroom bare feet. Fortunately, the palace attendants were already waiting in line outside his door with a proper suit set.
"Morning, Messier!" His Highness the Prince greeted his assistant. Messier buttered up his master with flattering words before falling into his usual routine. The head of the Intelligence Analysis Division always utilized this short time to brief His Highness the Prince of his schedule or important events that happened the day before.
Oscar didn't like having a long and pompous discussion during his mealtime, especially during breakfast. His Highness the Prince thought the scrambled egg was definitely the greatest invention of the God of Light. He always appeared determined as if being on the battlefield alone whenever he devoured his scrambled eggs.
However, there were always exceptions. Take today, for example, young Oscar was feeling worried. He knocked his dining fork slightly on the plate, and those who were having breakfast with him stopped eating immediately.
"Messier told me that... the Westland Kingdom Alliance has added 12 divisions to the occupied territories in Riel border."
"Yes, Your Imperial Highness!" Messier quickly retrieved the military newspaper from his documents folder, "They consist of one Hoillander cavalry corps and two Faran infantry corps, in addition to Plantagenet Knights of the Kingdom of Weden."
"Why did the Plantagenet Dynasty send their main cavalry forces to Riel?" Oscar frowned at the complicated matter before him. He was debating in his mind whether he should have the scrambled egg. The plate of fluffy golden substance was too tempting.
Baron Messier motioned to the head of International Military Intelligence Operation Department. He believed that Baron Qureio was best qualified to speak on this matter.
Baron Qureio, the Director of International Military Intelligence Operation Department who had a straight silver hair had been nicknamed by his colleagues as the "Silver Fox of Military Intelligence Bureau." Qureio had an impressive experience of being the Consul General in six different countries. Even the extremely arrogance Marshal Alan had respect for his wittiness and determination in analyzing international affairs.
"Your Imperial Highness, this is just a cheap trick!" the old man with silver hair took over the military newspaper handed over by the division head. "Marshal Alan or Marshal Robin will not sit idly now that the alliance has added 12 divisions. They will also add additional troops to our empire's actual occupied area to maintain the balance of military power in Riel region."
Oscar shook his head, "What if the alliance adds twelve more troops? Will Marshal Alan and Marshal Robin have more forces to supply? The Western Army Group cannot compare with the allied forces of seven nations."
General Gondol Abassia spread his hand at the comment. His previous experience for working with Western Army Group gave him the right to state his opinion.
"Our empire's traditional strategic state determines that the west is not a strategic location to resist the five-nation or seven-nation allied forces. According to the operational focus of the Moristette Dynasty, which has a history of more than 400 years, if we face an invasion of the alliance, the core defense point would be Dulin, extending out to the front line of Valencia Fortress in southwest and Bron Fortress in the northwest."
Oscar's eyes widened, "You mean that we'll have to surrender the western territory of the three provinces when the time comes?"
The commander of Fifth Military Region nodded in response, "We have no better alternatives, this is our safest choice."
Old Baron Qureio spoke again after he returned the military newspaper to the Head of Military Intelligence, "Your Imperial Highness, according to the current situation, the Westland Alliance is only at the stage of testing water. Besides, our empire's defensive state is already quite stable! When the war comes, Marshal Alan in the north can completely resist the Deiss violent attack. On the other hand, Marshal Robin will preside over the west-central battle line, and the Empire will mobilize strong reinforcements of about 30,000 to 40,000 from east-central! As for the south..."
The old baron laughed as he stroked his beard, "We have the hero of the motherland, and that's you, Your Imperial Highness! I believe your reputation and the Southern Army Group's result in the recent years are enough to deter all enemies who intend to attack the South!"
Oscar gave the suggestion a serious thought. Alan in the north, Robin in the west, and himself in the south… it seemed as though there was really nothing to worry about. Hence, His Highness the Prince began to concentrate on tackling his scrambled eggs. Nonetheless, he stated his stance on the whole matter. He announced that if he were Alfa III His Majesty, he would completely give up fighting the Kingdom of Riel, which relationship became too tangled up to be unraveled, and focus all their strength into constructing the western border defenses instead. He would like to build the front line of Valencia Fortress and Bron Fortress into something that could represent similar spirit of Steinberger House's Saijo Mountain.
The 30th day of the 10th month in the Church calendar year 799 was the day the Southern Army Group reported to Imperial Emperor and Supreme Military that the bandit armed forces had been completely eradicated. Marshal of Imperial Guards, His Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette and his wife conducted a military review in Vielonna, the capital of Burton Province, for the victory of the long-running Southern War.
The Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth military regions of the Titan Empire, as well as the Southern Army Group, sent out their main forces as representatives to participate in the review. The music city of Vielonna was filled cheers and laughter, something that hadn't been observed for a while now. The crowd and nobles who had come from all over the place had caused the streets leading to Serevan Palace to be densely packed.
At 10 o'clock in the morning, the First Artillery Corps of the Imperial Guards fired eight rounds of salutes, symbolizing the turmoil which lasted for eight years. Slightly later, Marshal O'Neil Andrew Morisette and his elegant-looking wife Prince Alanis Alfa Morisette appeared on the aisle in front of the palace, their arms linked closely. Undoubtedly, they were received by bugle calls from Imperial Guards, and the whole city of Vielonna broke out into a deafening cheer.
"After the chaos of war, we learned about the essence of unity and fraternity. After achieving victory, we learned how to reflect on our ignorance about life."
To everyone's surprise, the Imperial Guards military review commenced with the speech of the empire princess.
Alanis Alfa Morisette stood alone on the podium in front of the Palace Square.
Her voice spread through the underground copper pipes to all corners of the square loud and clear.
"What did we obtain after eight years of fratricide? In addition to the tears of our loved ones was a bitter enmity, apart from lands that lie desolate was an impoverishment of the people. I genuinely hope that the people of Titan can draw lessons from the history. We could have celebrated equality upon all things in the world, and we could have used the spirit of fellowship to give back to the great creator! It is a regrettable matter that we didn't do so. We destroyed people's hearts with slaughters and demolished the countryside with a raging fire. Finally, we stand here today to celebrate the victory! But victory what of? The death of 240,000 innocent lives, the deaths, and injuries of 90,000 Imperial Guards? Is this a victory? This is the martyrdom for our own ignorance."
Alanis paused for effect before continuing her speech. Sobbing noises were heard from the crowd, the majority of them had on a confused face.
"On behalf of the Imperial Emperor, my father, the greatest mercy Alpha III His Majesty, and all members of the Titan imperial family, I would like to extend my humblest and sincerest apologies to all the southern peoples and imperial soldiers who have suffered from the war! We are wrong! We are wrong to have ignored the conflicts in this country, and we are wrong for not giving enough assistance to the vast majority of people who suffered greatly from cruel officials and brutal taxation."
Alanis bowed her body humbly towards the crowd, and on the lead by the nobles stood on both sides of the ceremonial platforms, everyone knelt down to one knee. These people included some deeply touched citizens, businessmen whose purses have thickened again, farmers in muddy boots, and also young students whose patriotism was stirred up by the speech. Of course, there were some who were reluctant to comply. However, they were frightened of the fully armed Red Tiger Knights who patrolled on the side. If they remained standing while all the others knelt down, they were afraid that the God-chosen knights would lay their whips on them.
"A three minutes moment of silence for the compatriots who passed away during the eight years of turmoil."
With the soft cry of the imperial princess, the military band played "Dulin Scott Requiem Mass." In the mournful sorrow atmosphere, tens of thousands of people and military soldiers lowered their heads to show respect for their relatives, their friends, their children, the enemy.
What followed was an exciting moment. Marshal of Imperial Guards O'Neil Andrew Morisette and the commander of the Southern Army Group, General Eugene Mir Bradley, stepped up to the podium positioned in front of the palace. Oscar pulled out his marshal's sword and placed the tip of the blade close to his chest.
"As a soldier, I always believed that happiness, or the ability to create happiness, is one of the human's instincts despite there existing also concepts like "war", "plague", "vengeance" and so on. However, I have hopes that the army and people of the empire can live happily, and it is your right to be able to lead a delightful life!"
His Highness the Prince stepped aside after finished his speech, leaving numerous high-ranking officers on the review podium with puzzled expressions. General Eugene frowned and nudged at the young man's arm silently. "Ten thousand soldiers are waiting for your review. It's now the time for you to command order."
In a casual manner, Oscar scanned the sea of officers that filled up the whole square, "I've changed my mind! You're the one who had been leading the Southern troops through those bloody battles. This victory is yours, I will not deprive you of your rights even if I have ten thousand reasons to do so."
General Eugene examined the marshal's face carefully for a long while. Finally, a warm smile spread across his face. The commander of the Southern Army Group pulled out his commanding sword facing the sea of military personnel, "Imperial Guards... advance!"
This was a moment of power and grandeur. With thousands of phalanxes as a unit, the troops of the Southern Army Group marched through the jubilant plaza aisle in an orderly and unceasing pace, cheering for a long life as they passed through the review podium.
The neat array of phalanxes in blue uniforms was a pleasing sight to the eyes. The soldiers were not in armors but they were all dressed in the rare blue army uniform. Glittering medals and the designation of the military unit on their arms signified their heroic origins, the golden star medals and ribbons showed off their unrelenting merits in pride. If one were to lose focus for the slightest bit, they would lose themselves in the sea of enthusiasm, or drown themselves in the majestic symphony of encouraging cries and neat marching steps.
The air lingering in Vielonna was filled with slight signs of autumn. It was the season of victory. Colors of autumn seemed to have already sprung up in the city. The phalanxes formed by the Imperial Guards seemingly stretched into infinity. The bright green, the dazzling gold, the silver in the steel, the black in the boots, and the action and momentum that showed the true colors of the soldiers... It was like a call that surged from within the military. They then listened to their body and allowed the autumn hints to show off recklessly. People indulged themselves in the single melody that couldn't be suppressed and sang songs with voices that raised from the bottom of their hearts. The whole scene was a piece of art which resulted from spontaneity and deep, moving feelings.
The celebration between military and southern nobles didn't end until midnight. Marshal O'Neil seemed to be drunk through the night. He allowed a woman who enjoyed dancing to leap onto the table, and didn't say a word when men tried to intoxicate her. The final lucky men standing could have the choice to either send the woman home or escort her back to any hotel. It was only until all the men in Serevan Palace paired themselves with a good girl that the prince's game came to a halt.
When Oscar was brought back to his study by several strong and tall soldiers, the Marshal of Imperial Guards finally returned to his original self. He lit a cigar and wiped his military uniform which smelt of alcohol using vanilla leaves. Just as the marshal wiped his crests and medals to shine again with a piece of velvet cloth, his subordinates entered the spacious room one after another.
The military intelligence personnel and the officers of the Southern Army Group separated themselves on both sides of the commander. They went forward to the Prince one by one and planted a respectful kiss on his hand to signify their most sincere congratulations and regards on his victory and his body respectively. The Prince of the Empire was calm at this time. The playfulness from the celebration moments before was now completely absent. With much meticulousness, he searched his memory and called out the names of each person and later praised their contributions throughout these eight years of turmoil using the most appropriate words.
"So... with our current advancement, does it mean that things are over?" Oscar spread out a demonstration map of the military forces which was quite unfamiliar to the eyes of the rest of the soldiers.
"Major Muktha Singh!" His Highness the Prince suddenly turned to his confidential secretary and made a gesture to the man who had just received a special promotion to the military secretary.
Muktha Singh saluted all the military officers present in the room. He didn't intend to cover up the scar that started from his neck deep down to his shoulder which he obtained by fighting in the Central Highland of Boudesdorf, since that was the confirmation of approval received from the marshal.
"Please!" the Confidential Secretary of Military Intelligence placed its pointer on a specific area on the map.
"For the past eight years, all the way until the midnight of today, the Faran Kingdom has added 24 divisions to his eastern and northern lines. For Italia, led by Prince Teodoro Manuel, the reformists are revising their backward military service system, reorganizing the Italia ground force, and continuously expanding the navy at an incredibly quick pace. Riel remains the focus of the actual struggle! The Westland seven-nation alliance has long maintained a 210,000 person-mixed army group in the Riel region. As for Deiss, although Her Majesty Queen Opareal Roulexberg is one of the most low-key monarchs in all of the Western monarchies, and remained in defensive position during the two times of Marshal Alan's attack, this queen is vigorously developing her National Defence Forces. The number of SS-level local independent brigades has reached 41. There are intelligence reports that show the Roulexberg royal secretly funding a firearms laboratory run by the Hoillander..."
Oscar suddenly waved his hand and motioned Muktha to return to his position. He believed that the short report had clearly explained their current situation.
"As you can all see, Titan, our motherland, is now surrounded by the enemy on three sides. The vast land provides us with a rich land filled with abundant resources, but it also provides the invaders with a broad battlefront."
"Do you mean… a world war is coming?" General Eugene looked at the demonstration map of the military forces. "Are you sure?"
Oscar nodded, "It's definitely going to happen, maybe just not now."
"Let's take a look at this!" His Highness the Prince of the empire revealed a document from his desk, "I believe everyone here is clear of the reason that decides the fate of war, so let's us take a look at what is actually going on in Westland!"
"First of all," Oscar pointed at the Faran Kingdom on the map, "Not long ago, news of the Prince of Faran's stroke spread around but it didn't attract much of our attention. It wasn't until His Highness's brother become the prince regent that our military intelligence department discovered there was more to this seemingly simple matter. The regent receives support from three military chiefs as soon as he took office, which suggests his interest in forcing an abdication. It is also worthwhile to note that I have had some personal grudges with the Prince's son when I was young. Hence, if they are not a bunch of idiots, then I welcome them to explore our southern defense."
The officers broke into a laughter as they all remembered the horror face of that unlucky Prince of Faran which was covered with pockmarks. The "Champion Cup" incident which happened in year 793 was one of the most famous diplomatic disputes in recent years.
"Next, Italia! The relationship between the Kingdom of Italia and the Holy See has been maintaining for more than 800 years. Religion is the most important part of the social life of Italia, but Prince Teodoro Manuel and the reformists' most prominent proposition is to exclude the bishop's party from the core of the state's upper-level rights, and to cancel a number of religious donations and tax liabilities."
"It seems that the Pope His Grand Eminence will despise the prince with the hatred he has for the infidels, however... based on the physical condition of the Pope His Grand Eminence Radriere VI which has barely been optimistic for these years, I guess he will soon be summoned by the God. Hence, it's highly likely that this Pope is going to take action against religious centrists of the royal family of Italia. Of course, he could also hand this mission over to the next Pope. However, the conflict between the royal family of Italia and the Holy See cannot be reconciled easily. I also think that Prince Teodoro Manuel will not succeed in his battle with the priests, as the Holy See can receive strong assistance from Faran and West Percy. These two countries that rely on ocean trades to make a fortune will definitely not allow a powerful Italia to be in the same boat as them. Therefore, the most likely situation to happen would be… for Prince Teodoro Manuel to be exiled or murdered, and the throne to be succeeded by Princess Caro Arsia Manuel who promised to serve the God for all her life."
Oscar took a sip of the sweet mint tea as he noticed some interesting expressions among the military officers. "Did that remind you of the spreading rumors between myself and Princess Caro Arsia Manuel?"
The officers shook their heads as they grinned from ear to ear, even General Eugene avoided the Prince's gaze. The General of the Imperial Guards was the one who was present when His Highness received the Princess of Italia.
"That's not the case!" Oscar also laughed as he realized he wasn't quite sensible at that time. "My interest in analyzing the political situation of Italia is entirely out of scruples with the Holy See. If the world war really breaks out... the position and attitude of the Holy See will be of utmost importance! We must find some people who have the potential to become our friends on the enemy's battlefield!"
"For example, West Percy!"
The soldiers were visibly surprised! The Kingdom of West Percy? This kingdom served as the leader of the Westland Kingdom Alliance at Riel's negotiating table, and their attitude towards Titan was the most aggressive one!
"Everyone here is a soldier, hence you are used to seeing enemies in the form of opposition like on the battlefield. However, the fact is, some enemies will not appear on the battlefield, and West Percy is one of them!"
Oscar blew on the ash of his cigar and flames lit up immediately, "Her Highness Princess Catalina Don Holmes is widely known as the wife of navy expedition fleet of West Percy Marshal Vern Gegard, but few people know of her second identity, which is the actual person in charge of Etha organization."
"I have always kept up a correspondence with her. The ways and perspectives she perceives complicated issues have become more obvious, and so are the policies of Kingdom of West Percy. Instead of competing for territory on land with the crack forces of Westland, it's certainly a better idea to utilize their strong maritime advantage in expanding overseas territories. Most of the sea is of no owner, and the actual area of West Percy is much larger than our Titan. Their only obstacle right now is the Engelish!"
Oscar nodded at the Kingdom of Engels located outside of the channel, "Sooner or later, the Engelish would become Titan's main enemy, because his desires for invasion and ambition to plunder territory are no worse than those of the Deiss. The Engelish royal family competed with West Percy in various fields, and naval battles between them never cease. However, the cannon has now emerged, and when they are adapted into ocean warfare, I believe these two sailors would engage in a horrendous battle to solve all their problems. Hence, when that time comes…"
"What should we do then?" General Eugene widened his eyes. "We didn't even have the means to go out to the sea. We could only watch on the shore when the two sailors are fighting."
Oscar smiled weakly as he shook his head, and made a gesture to the Chief of Staff of the Southern Army Group, Lieutenant General Tantalus Piche, "I know that many of you look down upon my Chief of Staff, thinking that Lieutenant General Tantalus Piche can assume this position because of personal relations."
"Tantalus! Show your colleagues what you've got!"
The Chief of the Staff of the Southern Army Group stood up immediately and shook out the sheet of Lighthouse Strategy plan they came up with when His Highness the Prince was only studying.
"Are you… are you really planning on triggering a world war?" General Eugene couldn't help but stare in horror as he looked at the plan. "The Slovenian Empire is not Persian, it is a sovereignty state! We would suffer from the entire Western monarchy..."
Oscar shook his head impatiently, "Have I not made myself clear just now? When Italia struggles with the Holy See, when Engels and West Percy engage in bouts of fierce fighting, when Faran is caught up with its own royal conflicts, no one would give any attention to what happens in Slovenian Empire located at the far east. When the Western Kingdom Alliance finally established their respective forces, we would have already obtained the opening to the sea!"
"Have you... have you considered our empire's domestic affairs?" General Eugene was getting anxious as he thought the young commander was too ambitious. The political unrest of the empire was rising to a new high with intensifying conflicts. This was certainly not the best time for any risky military actions.
Oscar nodded again and again, "This is where our problems lie. If we cannot grasp the political power in the capital at this time when the physical condition of Alfa III His Majesty is at a critical state, and establish the basic framework of the new dynasty, then everything I just said is indeed mere nonsense! But... I'm confident that the future successor of His Majesty and the Empire will not disappoint everyone!"
"Are you referring to His Elder Highness Prince Lobble?" an officer suddenly gave the marshal a scornful side glance.
Oscar's eyes immediately sharpened, "Lobble is my friend, also the owner of our empire."
"I am sorry, marshal. I behaved too frivolously!" the officer apologized almost instantly, and made sure His Highness's gaze eased before he returned to his seat.
"Let's not worry about these first. Domestic affairs need to be handled one step at a time, although we must also act quick! We can't afford to spare the enemy any time to respond. We must stabilize the capital as soon as possible."
Something suddenly flashed across General Eugene's mind. He remembered that albeit His Majesty was gravely sick, he still hasn't passed on yet! Based on his understanding of His Majesty, he would have had everything arranged properly.
"Marshal, do you mean to say… that things in the capital are already under control?"
Oscar shook his head slowly after a while. The situation in Dulin seemed to be in the hands of the emperor. Although this was a not a grave matter, it worried him nonetheless! What if things didn't go as he planned, or some unexpected mishaps happened to Alanis? Perhaps he would be the one being caught at short notice and didn't have time to react!
"Bringing back the topic to Western Kingdoms Alliance!" Oscar turned his head away in annoyance. He didn't want to face the matters in Dulin for now, as he wasn't completely sure to what extent did His Majesty the Emperor hold control over the capital.
"I would like to bring a peculiar thing to your attention!" Marshal of Imperial Guards suddenly hovered his hand over to a vast area on the map. The location he pointed at was Kingdom of Weden situated on the coast of the North Sea.
"In my opinion, the monarch of Kingdom of Weden - the Plantagenet Dynasty - is considered to be one of the most outstanding rulers in the world. The political strategies declared by His Majesty King Leoliam I are out of my expectation every time." Oscar retrieved another document from his desk. The crowd of military officers was able to vaguely distinguish this finely decorated document as a formal credential.
"I was only analyzing this issue with several military intelligence officials in the morning and we certainly didn't expect such an immediate reply!" the Prince spread out the credential delivered from the Kingdom of Weden.
"I think the whole world is guessing about his purpose when King Leoliam I assigned the long-established Plantagenet Knights into Riel. I believe no one would have guessed the aim of Plantagenet Knights military strategy was not Titan, but the Persians who were located thousands of miles away!"
"What?" almost all soldiers voiced out their shock.
"That's why I said His Majesty King Leoliam I of Plantagenet Dynasty is the most outstanding monarch of the current era. He is too clear-headed that it's almost terrifying!" Oscar's voice was low, as he was reminded of that fact that King Leoliam I was only two years older than himself. This king would certainly perform some incredible things in his future political career.
"This credential is the Kingdom of Weden asking for military back up! Leoliam I was extremely earnest in his correspondence. He illustrated through fact about the generations of friendly relations between Weden and Titan, as well as elaborated Plantagenet Dynasty's determination and courage in joining the eastern battle formation. However, in comparison to all these, what attracted my attention the most are the conditions offered by Leoliam!"
"What sort of conditions?" General Eugene didn't suppose the Wolf of the North Sea would offer His Majesty any local delicacies. They were talking about the descendants of barbaric North-landers, the close relatives of Yaran people. The blood that flowed through their king and nobles were nothing compared to the ruling class of traditional monarchy.
"The Plantagenet Knights would unconditionally obey the commander of Eastern battle formation and the Titan army, under the terms that he could construct a castle named after the King of Weden on the seized Persian land. Apart from this… I believe that Her Majesty Empress Rolyn Kate would be elated at this news! The people of the North Sea offered to marry their royal family member which is crowned 'Mermaid Princess' to her second son!"
"Oh no..." said the Brigadier general of the artillery soldiers, Viscount Tove Van Sukhoi, as if he just woke up from a sleep, "God of Light has mercy on the poor Weden. No matter what the mermaid princess was before, she would certainly become a promiscuous lady if she was to marry 'Silly Two!' He loves to exchange partners with other people, really, what a life! How good would it be if I was born a prince too?"
"Is that true?" Some military officers whose interests were piqued moved closer to the brigadier general of artillery soldiers. They were soldiers, but they were also men. No other topic in the world could be any more fascinating compared to this one.
"Of course!" Torry rubbed his eyes as he spoke, "Haven't you ever heard of His Second Highness's salon? That place is filled with all kinds of perverted madmen, the things they play..."
Brigadier general of artillery soldier suddenly noticed the vicious smile of His Highness the Prince. He appeared as though... as though he wanted to tear him down into pieces. Torry quickly adjusted his posture upright, "I'm sorry, just pretend that I've not spoken a word!" The viscount didn't forget to turn to His Highness the Prince's secretary and reminded, "Paurol, delete this paragraph from the minutes of the meeting."
Viscount Paurol Jawock rolled his eyes at the brigadier general in annoyance, "Do you think I'm an idiot like you? I didn't even write a word you said!"
Oscar calmed down the crowd with a wave of his hand, "Well, gentlemen, whether or not the mermaid princess would become a slut or something else, the Empire finally unraveled the second link in the chain of the Western Kingdom Alliance. Our enemies are dividing internally and this is certainly to our advantage!"
"And then what? Have you forgotten the Deiss?" General Eugene mentioned the empire's feud with caution.
"It's not Aryans' turn yet!" Oscar shrugged indifferently, "I want to talk about Hoilland! I don't understand how the Hoillanders turn out to be such experts in firearms. They are working on a large-scale manufacturing of firearms, and this means that they have finalized a design on their mini hand cannon. However, our Sukhoi Designing Bureau is still in the experimental stage."
The Prince looked at the helpless brigadier general of artillery, "As for the other armaments specialists in our empire... Let's not expect anything more from them! Not long ago, the representatives of the Artemisrae House brought a cannon into my garden as if they were presenting a treasure. To be honest, that cannon is something I would yearn to have! The caliber is 84mm, cannon length is 18m, its velocity at 416m/s, the effective range of pellet is 500m, the shotgun shell is 400m, the pellet weighs 10g, the shotgun shell weighs 8g, the cannon weighs 290 kg…"
"And the result is? What about the result?" Torry stood up excitedly. He had long heard about Artemisrae House's new era battlefield killer.
"And the result," Oscar spread his hand to the sky, "is that out of three tested shots, one destroyed my wife's favorite Faran rose flower bed, another made a loud roar and took the lives of several artillerymen."
"Oh... God of Light!" Torry chanted the name of the God several times. No matter how shameful the Artemisrae House was, the commanding officer of artillerymen paid tribute to those forerunners.
"Ah..." Oscar sighed, "The security measures of the Hoillanders are outrageously tight. My military secret agents have never succeeded in any major breakthrough!"
The military officials present on the scene offered pieces of advice, but the Military Intelligence Bureau Chief rejected all the suggestions, "We must rely on ourselves! Unless we wait for each battlefield to happen and then seize the enemy's artillery? I think you all are even more outrageous!"
The crowd kept quiet. Oscar soon realized he had killed the mood, and so he began analyzing the next nation.
"This time, the Ollier people seem to be determined to set the Deiss back to Stone Age." Oscar pointed to the north-central region of the map. "Kurezov I gathered 90 Divisions in the usual controversial area on the border between Deiss and Ollier. My God of Light! That is equivalent to the force of 30 Corps!"
The soldiers looked at the map in shock. 30 Corps! That was equal in value to 270,000 people! This way, There could be an Ollier soldier positioned on every square meter of the border between Deiss and Ollier.
A slight sneer crept over Oscar's face, "That's why I exclaimed that the King of Weden is extremely shrewd. I believe everyone is shocked by the enormous number of 30 Corps, but I don't think the Deiss will! They have a long history of fighting against Ollier soldiers, the Deiss Kingdom doesn't even need to think hard when dealing with these icemen!"
"You are trying to say that... the Olliers are only displaying a high-profile battle appearance at Deiss, and then…" General Eugene tapped on the North Sea.
Oscar immediately nodded, "That's right! If the conditions permit, the next step for the Olliers would be to move towards the west, and strive to get the entrance to the North Sea from the Weden!"
"Leoliam I is truly brilliant!" General Eugene couldn't help but gasp in admiration, "They are trying to obtain our sympathy and friendship in a humble manner. The marriage of the royal family can practically consolidate the alliance beyond this agreement, and most importantly…"
Oscar chuckled, "You have realized it too, haven't you? This strategy is not an arrangement that any military commander can arrive at. The Plantagenet Knights will surely appear on the battlefield with the Persians. Once Ollier initiates a war against them, then this main cavalry force can quickly arrive at the northern territory of Persian, and trespass the large area of no man's land in order to enter Ollier's eastern frontier. The Ollier's progress in the development of their eastern territory is evidently slow, and there are not many troops stationed too. The cavalry assault force of the Weden can definitely make a long-distance raid!"
The rest of the military personnel was late to realize this. They uniformly agreed to and praised the Weden's stratagem.
"Kurezov I is a poor man. On his west is Leoliam I, and on his south is Queen Roulexberg who has been well-prepared for a long time. I figure this Ollier king is not going to accomplish anything!" Oscar sighed with anticipation. This was the game between the rulers, it was a game that was both soul-stirring and nerve-wrecking.
"Gentlemen, I have some personal opinions on Her Majesty Queen Opareal Roulexberg of the Deiss Kingdom. This Queen is the first monarch in the Deiss Kingdom that has maintained such a low profile. She doesn't have extravagance entrance, no military guards that surround her all the time, nor is she involved in any scandal. Therefore, I think that she could be our worst enemy! She silently takes care of her domestic affairs, quietly assigns and deploys her troops, and carefully regulate the international relations. It seems to an outsider that she is completely isolating herself from the major political and military events happening in the mainland! The truth is, she has already assigned the date for dealing with the imaginary enemy on the top of her Supreme Command's combat schedule. It's alright if she remains silent, but once she issues a command for battle, I believe that the Deiss Kingdom by that time will become an enemy who we know nothing of!"
"Is this how you really regard the Queen?" the Head of Military Intelligence, Baron Messier, looked at his master doubtfully. He was one of the few people in the world who knew about Prince O'Neil and Queen Deiss hidden past.
Oscar raised his eyebrows furiously, "Isn't it right?"
Messier immediately lowered his head and remained silent.
The Marshal of Imperial Guards withdrew his gaze with satisfaction, and scanned the territory of Deiss on the map, "Rest assured, everyone! When all the major monarchies in the West are seeking their way out, Deiss the great wolf suddenly kept its mouth shut! Is this possible? Absolutely not! We must always put our guards up against the Yarans. I believe this is also the reason why Marshal Alan regards the military service in the north with so much importance."
General Eugene straightened his back and adjusted his position. He had way passed the age where he could be riding along his horse and fighting around, "My marshal, I could only make up one conclusion based on what I understood from your long analysis."
Oscar shifted his gaze around with interested eyes, "What is it?"
"Expand our military forces and prepare for battle! Is there any other possibility?" the Commander of the Southern Army Group was beginning to feel exhausted. "The Southern Army Group consists of a fixed number of five Regions, fifteen main forces, five building groups, and ten ready-to-go reserve troops. Then..." the old general thought again, before continuing. "If you deploy accordingly to the forces you demonstrated in the Lighthouse Strategy, we still need to arm at least six to eight more corps! However, I have no idea how to write this report to the military department!"
Oscar smiled slightly, "The report is meant for Alfa III His Majesty, you just have to slightly pass it through the military department!"
Eugene frowned, "Marshal Alan will kick my ass if I do so!"
"He couldn't say anything!" Oscar's smile suddenly turned cold, "Our Military Affairs Chancellor dismantled Sukhoi's ordnance production line and took over the heavily-armored infantry of the Jebron House. The Northern Army Group has become unprecedentedly powerful! He has no reason to stop me from expanding my military in the south. Moreover, if Karl Arnold House, the remaining force of the Big Three, is Marshal Alan's next target, then the intervention of Her Majesty Empress Rolyn Kate would keep him occupied for a while. He wouldn't have the heart to care about other affairs! We'll see!"
The invitation from the Princess's sleeping chamber was delivered to the study right on time as the clock chimed. The officers gradually stood up one after another, as they knew it was the marshal's wife way to issue the guests to the door. Any further opinions by this time would have no choice but to remain unsaid until the next appropriate occasion. Oscar responded to the generals' mocking with a pleasant smile. He personally sent each officer to the door and the commander didn't forget to shake hands with everyone. It was him who arrange these ordinary military men on an extraordinary chariot!
The rolling of the wheel moved in a regular manner like a pendulum, yet the changes of second hand were apparent and continued on no matter what. It was the history creeping up to take control of the entire situation.
Oscar tiptoed into his sister's bedroom silently. In the same customary gestures performed over the years, he planted a light kiss on Sasha's forehead as he blessed his beloved woman with a good night of sleep, before quietly withdrew from the room.
Who would have guessed Elizabeth and Trinity were not in their respective rooms? He made a mental note to pursue the matter tomorrow as the young prince finally felt exhaustion when he entered his wife's bedroom.
"My baby! Are you asleep? Why didn't you burn some lamps? It's cold the fall!" the young man murmured as he crawled into his bed, but was shocked by the warmth underneath the quilt.
"What are you doing? Is this asking me to move to the guest room?" Oscar scratched his head as the woman sprawled herself on him.
Trinity was nearly naked, and she staggered over the man's waist. Suddenly she pulled off the man's robe in an aggressive manner. Oscar sniffed at the girl's hair and picked up a strong smell of hashish.
"Whose idea is that?" Oscar turned to the princess who was lying on his left, but Alanis only grinned innocently. She stretched her thigh out from her nightdress and rubbed her soft skin against her husband's stiff muscles.
"It's you!" Oscar gritted his teeth and turned to his right. His "young daughter" who was nibbling Trinity's groin looked exactly like a wild little cat that craved for milk.
"Then I'll begin with you!" the excited man had forgotten all about his exhaustion and sleepiness as his male hormones erupted within his body like a volcano. He pushed Elizabeth's hair and pressed it roughly against his bed. It was only until he had satisfied his pleasures after rounds of rough sex that he began to think about the rationality of this whole incident. By this time, the man was embracing his wife, and the beautiful princess naughtily licked at a drop of sweat from the man.
"You are trying to please me! Why?" Oscar lifted his wife.
"Be gentler... because I'm happy!"
"Why?" Oscar ignored the frowning princess.
"Oh my God," Alanis finally began pleading, "are you trying to murder your own son or daughter?"
Oscar blinked in confusion as he didn't seem to understand what she meant. The eyebrows of the princess knitted even tighter now, "You... why did you stop?"
The man looked at the male organ which had separated from his wife's body, "Or what? You want me to spit at my child?"
Alanis fiercely bit on her husband who always spoke as he wished, and then broke out into laughter with the soon-to-be father. At this time, another tipsy lady joined in, and so Oscar had to start going on the offensive.
However, this round of attack was interrupted by a loud rap at the door. The irritating noise seemed to have magnified in the quiet palace. The annoyed prince grabbed his marshal's sword and opened his door with impatience.
"Give me a reason!" Without warning, Oscar placed the tip of the blade on the neck of Baron Messier, the Head of Military Intelligence. He failed to understand why this guy was being so ignorant.
"What about an encrypted urgent letter from the Imperial Secretariat?" Out of kindness the pale-faced chief of the military intelligence helped his master to remove the piece of clothing on his head, but the unlucky man quickly realized it was a woman's underwear. His face grew even paler as he was in dilemma to whether lay down the piece of clothing or cast it aside.
"An urgent letter from the Imperial Secretariat?" Oscar grabbed the white envelope but was slightly confused at the color choice. What did a white colored encrypted urgent report mean?
Messier pointed at the envelope, "If you think an encrypted urgent letter from the Imperial Secretariat is not a good enough reason... then I'll add another point."
Oscar's eyes widened as he waited for the answer.
"This is the critical notice of the dangerously-ill Imperial Emperor, Alfa III His Majesty!"