Chapter 114: Thirteenth Episode: Chapter 5
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Colonel Payne Lubelly of the Guards stared at the Marshal who stood in front of the map. He had an urge to bow fully to him. As the confidential secretary of the Military Affairs Officer of the Guards, Marshal Alan, Colonel Payne was very contented and extremely proud. In the Army Division, even though there were many military officers with the rank of Colonel, only Payne alone was able to be in contact with the highest military secrets of the Empire. He was the only one who could let Major General, Lieutenant General, and even General to bow to him.

As the area of the map on the wall was too large, Marshal Alan could only stand on the moveable stairs to work on the map. The attack against the Rielese had gone for one entire month, but from the labels which Marshal Alan placed on the map, we knew that the progress of the Guards was not substantial.

“I don’t understand… Why does Steinberger like to break a house apart?” Marshal Alan turned to his confidential secretary at his back. Both of them and a few military officers that god-knows-what they were busying about with were left at the huge Guards Command Center.

“That… I think… Duke Steinberger was probably releasing his anger like Duke Andrew,” Payne answered according to his opinions. He had followed Marshal Alan for eight years and had known that the Marshal liked his subordinates to use their brains.

“Is that so?” Marshal Alan turned to the map. He pointed at a few places that were represented by the obvious red crosses on the map of Riel Kingdom, “Four fortresses and two blockhouses at the border of Riel! They were all destroyed by the stone throwers of Duke Steinberger. His unit even burned everything that was flammable in these military buildings!”

“But… Marshal!” Colonel Payne Lubelly said carefully, “There was nothing bad about it! At the very least, the Rielese will have no chance of recovering their defensive stance toward our country in a hundred years. They can’t rebuild those military facilities that quickly!”

“That is indeed true!” Marshal Alan finally nodded, “This is all the trouble caused by the Rielese themselves. Giving way to invaders to attack another country at such peaceful times. I have no idea what these Rielese are thinking!”

Alan suddenly turned over to the corner that was still busy in the Combat Command Center.

“Still can’t find the reason Riel gave way to Deiss?”

Almost immediately, a Major General at the corner quickly checked on the documents all over the desk. Soon, he found what he needed.

“Report, Marshal. The Military Intelligence Bureau based in Riel received news today. The leader of Riel military politics had a secret meeting with the representative of Deiss’ Commander Board at the beginning of the year. The time and member of the meeting are unclear, but the information states that this series of meetings actually allows both Riel and Deiss to reach an agreement. The content of the agreement is still under investigation.”

Marshal Alan retrieved his gaze from the place of the Military Intelligence Bureau in satisfaction.

“It seemed that Rielese must receive some actual benefit! But… General Bencil Donnis of the Twelfth Region had already complained to me. Nothing could stop the determination of the people of Steinberger from breaking the house apart. The Guards could not keep up with them at all.”

“Yes, Marshal!” Colonel Payne took a document out of his hardwood file, “The latest war news states this: the attack unit of the West Region already surpassed the Steinberger Family armed forces by more than 60 kilometers. The Steinberger is indeed busy breaking houses apart, and… Duke Steinberger did not care about the urges of the Army Division.”

Alan turned his head away, “Why is he as stubborn as Dortmund? One is enough! Now it’s both of them! I can’t stand these local officers. They seem to be used to the free days. Payne…”

“Yes, Marshal!” The confidential secretary came forward.

Alan thought about it. He thought that… Such things should be worried by the Emperor himself.

“Place this complaint letter by General Bencil Donnis of the Commander of Twelfth Region into the report that will be presented to the Emperor.”

“Yes, Marshal!”

“Should we go?”

“Yes, Marshal!” Payne nodded, “There is still an hour more from the time you promised His Majesty the Emperor.”

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“Yes! An hour!” The Paladin that guarded the door nodded his head strictly, “Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette, your free time after six in the evening only lasts for an hour long.”

Oscar nodded with a bitter smile. His messenger and he helped each other and walked out of the gate of the castle and toward the mountain a small distance away.

There was still a dim red light at the skyline of the West. The sun was emitting its last radiance in the summer days. The grape plants far away emitted a fruity aroma. The farmers were still busy far away. These kind and sincere people greeted each other passionately in their mother tongue. Along with the wind blowing from the river, the singing voice of a young girl came faintly. Not long after, the red light at the sky finally disappeared. Many lights of the fishers were lighted up at the Laufenkamen River below the mountain.

As they walked up the hill, Ellington Steinberger was already out of breath. Oscar stopped. He put his new ‘cellmate’ on the ground.

“Your Highness! I remember that… You had the worst injury amongst the four of us!” Ellington looked at the lively little Oscar with doubt. This was too difficult to understand. His injury was still throbbing in pain but the Prince had already begun his morning exercises.

Oscar looked at the river from a distance away and showed a secretive smile. Laufenkamen River was so tender and quiet. The Prince imagined that he could touch the skin of the river. It was just like the breast of a cute girl.

“Ellington, when we get back to our country, let me bring you to a hot spring. You will love the taste of it!”

Ellington became even more confused. “Hot spring? I heard that… It can indeed make a body stronger, but can that change the nature of a person? Even the Deiss Paladin that guarded us said that you are a monster!”

Oscar looked around. Around his messenger and him, it was all Paladin that surrounded them near and far. To demonstrate the true definition of free activity, they kept a distance with the honored prisoners. However, these brave Deiss knights wore armors and had iron swords around their waist. They even carried longbows on their backs! It could be seen that they did not care about the distance between the prisoners and them. They were more like a hunting team that was about to move out.

“I wanted to test my ability on them!” Oscar said excitedly. “Yesterday when I was doing my morning exercise, I saw their head of knights. We already changed to wooden swords, but Opareal suddenly appeared stopped us strictly! Damn it! This Princess of Deiss is just like a witch. She can always find me in time.”

“Are you talking about me?” A beautiful women’s voice rang suddenly not far away.

“See! Am I right?” Oscar shrugged towards Ellington in despair.

The Paladin made an opening amongst the dense guards or the surveillance formation. Princess Opareal Roulexberg led a few noble Ladies into the quiet hill. The carefree girls let out a cheerful laughter. They took each other’s arms and held their dresses, their cheerful yet graceful steps made them as if they were dancing ballet.

Facing the two prisoners of Titan, the girls stopped their noise. They cast curious glances at the warriors of Titan and exchanged their opinions in small voices by using quick Deiss language.

“That Prince is so young!”

“I like his knight more. That young Colonel has depressed eyes!”

“No! I like the Prince. Oh god! He attained victory even when he faced countless Kingdom warriors!”

“Alright!’ Opareal stopped her companion just in time. These birdlike girls had never been to the battlefield. They were still at the age to indulge in knight’s novel and romance novel. Their sparrow-like hearts were not fitted to judge upon these two lions.

Oscar greeted Opareal and the ladies in the perfect courteous greetings. He knew that every Princess in the world was the same. They were always surrounded by children of the highest nobility.

“Did I disturb you?” Opareal let her dress down after she returned the greetings.

“Yes!” Oscar confirmed this without thinking.

“Hey!” Opareal made an angry face. “I haven’t even complained about you calling me a witch and you bit me first. This is not the action of a gentleman!”

“Your Highness!” Oscar came forward. The Paladin that was responsible to keep watch over him came forward too. This guy came too close to the Princess.

“I was just complaining to my messenger that the life at Lombardy Castle is too boring! There is no fun, no balls, and no music! As a result? When I said this, you and the ladies came.”

Opareal suddenly blushed under the gaze of the Prince. She stood there, not knowing what to say!

“Alright! I know it!” A lady came close to the Princess. “So… The person who likes the Prince most amongst us is actually…”

“Shut your mouth!” Opareal hit the arm of her companion and took a glance at the Prince who had already spent three months with her. “Oh… Luckily he doesn’t understand Deiss language!”

A fishing boat came towards the riverbank. The few Paladins who were in the outer area of the Guard circle immediately rushed towards that place. After a series of quick talk, a knight waved his hands at the Guard base on the hill. The knights near to the left of the Prince relaxed that hands that held the sword and knives. They were a little too nervous.

“Alright! Girls! Tonight’s job is here!” Opareal completely relaxed. She finally found an excuse to rid of the awkwardness.

“Do you want to come along?” Changing to Titan language, Opareal asked the Prince.

“You have to ask him!” Oscar pointed to the head of knights on the hill.

After standing still, the head of knights did a military greeting to the honorable Princess of the Kingdom, “Your Highness!” This words of the person in charge of the guard duty were a little rushed.

“Sir Marquis Harriens Van Rousted said that Prince O’Neil was not allowed to get near to 50 meters of the riverbank.”

Opareal did not say anything. She simply looked at the head of knights quietly.

Facing the gaze of the Princess, the head of knights finally realized the problem. Was the order of Sir Marquis Harriens Van Rousted more important than that of the future Queen?

“Your Highness! You… Please wait for a moment! I… Let me get the arrangement done!” The head of knights led the Paladin that he brought from the castles and rushed down the hill.

“Alright! Let’s go!” Opareal let out a cheer.

Oscar helped Ellington up again and made a ‘you first’ hand sign to the Princess.

Getting close to the riverbank, they could finally hear the sound of the river. Laufenkamen River played a beautiful melody, complementing this land and sustaining the hardworking people. There was a fisher boat of five-meter long by the riverbank. The Paladin lighted the fire torch to shine on the river. The shadows of the fisher boat were shone. This was a two-sail sampan boat of the Deiss. When it faced strong wing, it would travel much faster on water. It would be best not to get confused by its light boat body and the narrow cabin.

“Salute to Her Royal Highness Princess!” The owner of the fisher boat kneeled lowly by the riverbank. This was an old man. He had served many years for the royal family members who lived on the mountain.

“Alright! Let us see the results for today!” Opareal was the first one to walk on the fisher boat via the plank wood connection. However, before she stood properly on the bat, she was shocked by a tall and skinny man who suddenly ran out from the cabin.

At the surprised shout of the lady, Oscar ran towards the direction and caught the Princess who fell from the boat in a swift.

Deiss Knight withdrew their weapon. They rushed forward in a craze and the noble ladies bulged their eyes excitedly. A low-life that was dismembered was enough for them to discuss it for weeks!

“Wait! Wait!” The owner of the fisher boat ran towards the fisher boat first. She pressed the tall thin man who seemed as if he did not understand what had happened on the floor.

Numerous weapons pressed on the poor guy’s back. Deiss knights looked at their Princess. They were waiting for the Princess’ judgment upon this guy who ought to die a thousand times.

Being hold so dearly in one’s embrace. It was Opareal first time experiencing this! Even though the process was quick, she was able to identify care from the man’s eyes. Placing her down carefully on the riverbank by the man, Opareal felt that her heart was thumping violently and uncontrollably. Her breath was so intense and she did not know what to do. She could not even hear what the Knights were shouting in front of her. The man’s chest was so warm. His arm so strong. And his smell! Opareal realized that the man’s body had the smell of smoke and medicine. Maybe a little sweat, but she could not differentiate that. These smell made her dizzy.

“Your Highness! Your Highness! Are you alright?” The head of knights was almost driven toward madness!

“Yes… Yes, I am alright!” Opareal finally came to her senses. She did not dare to look at the Titan Prince who stood beside her. Instead, she gazed upon the tall thin man who surprised her for no reasons. He was looking all over the place in fear with bewildered eyes.

“Your Highness! He is just an idiot. A helper! I took him in just recently! You know it’s about the season for the fishing to get busy!” The owner explained in a loud voice. This smart old man did not care about the life of the helper actually. He only thought that it was good enough not to cause trouble to himself.

Opareal waved her hands. The Knights quickly took away the weapons that were placed on the idiot’s body. This idiot stood up nonchalantly as if nothing had happened. He pulled a huge basket and threw it towards the river bank.

Opareal went forward. She looked at the basket of seafood and this idiot who looked dazed.

“What is your name?”

“Er… Ugh… Er…” Facing the Princess’ question, the idiot simply let out a few meaningless sounds. He even used his hands and legs to show something to her.

“Your Highness! He is mute!” The old owner came towards them helplessly. He pulled the mute’s ear and pulled him towards the direction of the cabin. Then, he kicked this trouble-causing guy into the cabin. The whimpering of the mute could be heard from within the cabin.

“Your Highness! Please forgive… Please forgive us… Please forgive us…” The old owner faced the noble Royal Family Member once again. He did not even know how to explain this incident. He simply held his hat and bowed relentlessly.

“It’s alright!” Opareal waved her hands. “Everyone, come and have a look!”

The ladies at the side finally came forward. Even though they missed a good show, they did not mind at all! Surrounding the baskets full of seafood, these girls of noble upbringing that were honored and possessed ancient surnames actually evaluated the seafood as natural as they were buying vegetables from the market.

This scene more or less surprised Oscar! He even saw the ladies turning the fish and prawns that had a fishy smell back and forth without cringing. This… Could it be that even the noble lady of Deiss have to do this sort of thing?

“Tradition!” Opareal stood by the Prince’s side. She could sense the confusion in Oscar. “If it was a Titan lady, she will stay away from the kitchen, agriculture products and all kinds of hard work! However, in my country, hard work is a virtue, especially for the ladies! When war broke out, everything related to their family territory and family will be borne by them because the men are all enlisted! So, the women have to arrange food for the family and manage the few labor forces to cultivate the land. You see! There’s a lot to learn for a Deiss lady. They need to know how to identify seafood, how to manage the wine factory, how to work around in the kitchen and know how to cultivate the fields.”

“Even for me! The Princess of the Kingdom… is no exception!” Opareal said as she caught a lively fish from the basket. “Here, for you!”

Oscar took it, flustered, but the stickiness of the fish fin made this Prince, who had never done this before, jump like a clown. The poor fish then squirmed stubbornly in the hands of this fool-like young man.

Looking at the troubled Prince, the Paladin around him let out a sincere laugh. Towards this Titan warrior, they had an indescribable feeling. As a warrior, this Prince was braver and more excellent than anyone else! He was a hero! As for the Deiss, especially Deiss soldiers, they were more respectful than hateful towards the hero.

The troubled Oscar threw this fish into the sky. He took this chance when that head of knights that was closest to him had already set his eyes to midair.

The Prince turned around in a swift and withdrew the sword. As the head of Paladin, that officer was not slow in reaction. He saw the silhouette flickered in front of him and he placed his hands on his sword. However, this head of knight suddenly realized that his long sword was already in others’ hands!

The shine of the sword turned in high speed under the light of the torch. The brimming dots turned into a dancing fire. When everything returned to tranquility, Oscar released a satisfied sigh as he looked at the fish that was pierced by the knight’s sword.

The ladies clapped for him while the Princess was staring at him with eyes that seemed to ripple with water of awe. Only the disturbed Paladins pulled out their weapon and gathered together slowly as if they were facing an enemy.

“Isn’t this better?” Oscar brought the sword close to him. That fish on the blade had already stopped moving. Following that, Oscar threw the long sword back to the dazed head of knights.

“Keep it properly for me! Er… Braised is fine!”

The head of knights angrily clutched at his weapon, but he dared not to touch the fish on the sword. After all, this was a gift given by the Kingdom’s Princess!

“Alright, Your Highness! Your action caused the early termination of your free activity time. Please go back!”

Oscar smiled lightly. He took Ellington Steinberger by his neck and whispered into the messenger’s ears.

“Did you smell that? That boat, those fish and even in the air has the smell of Snowstorm!”

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Smellll!

Engerbury Roulexberg knew that he looked just like the wolfdog which was produced in the Kingdom, but he did not care. No one could stand the smell of corpses that had been strongly exposed to sunlight on him. Other than the stinking smell of perfume, that sort of fishy smell didn’t seem to be present. His Majesty the Ninth of Deiss raised his head in satisfaction. He glanced at the two officers in front of him. He truly did not want to think why these two guys had their eyebrows knitted so intensely.

“Tell me…” The King breathed heavily. He got over another month. Other than the gradual rotting of his body, he did not discover anything new. “My… My energy is limited!”

“Your Majesty! The Narcissus Knights had completely defeated all mobile forces at the east border,” The Palace Chief Einsenstein said in a deep voice, “Except for a few fortresses that had the Royal flag hanging on them, the land in the most eastern province of the Kingdom is no longer under our control! It seems that we must fight back towards the invasion of the Narcissus Knights!”

“Fight back?” The Deiss King was happy humming, “With what? The Teutonic Knights? The soldiers have not been fully replaced, haven’t they?”

Eisenstein took a deep breath. No matter what, they should admit that there was still a distance that was not able to be overcome between their country and Titan. This Giant’s population was the larger than that of Deiss by six-folds, and their land was wider than Deiss’. Facing such a strong opponent, any military actions of the Kingdom had to be carefully considered first. Even though Rapids place did not have anything that could be picked on in the document, this matter had already progressed to this stage. What more could they say?

“Then… Resume the negotiation with the Titan?”

Deiss took a glance at his old friend. He knew that since Eisenstein had said that, that meant that the highest Command Department could no longer find any solution.

“Sure! But… I still don’t want to let O’Neil Andrew Morisette go!”

Eisenstein nodded knowingly, “I understand, Your Majesty. I will instruct the Diplomatic officer to choose a condition in which the Titan could never accept.”

Deiss waved his hands at Harriens. “Why am I seeing you again?”

“Your Majesty!” Harriens carefully came forward. He had been noticing the small rein in the King’s hand. “The strange cases that happened two months ago finally have some leads now.”

“Say them…”

“Your Majesty, one month ago, I took the Chief of Staff of the southern border army as bait…”

“Enough!” His Majesty the Ninth suddenly interrupted the words of the head of spies, “I know it just by looking at you. The bait has been killed and you didn’t manage to catch anyone! Is that right?”

Harriens wiped his cold sweat as he nodded.

“Haha! You are as stupid as before!” Deiss held the rein in his hands tightly. “Is the opponent functioning in a team or…”

“One man!” Harriens said the answer in fear. “There was only one man. The only survivor of that action told me this! The scene was messed up. Except for the bodies, there were no other useful clues, but the bodies usually tell us a lot of things. But… But this time… Obviously, that assassin must be the ace in the hands of Titan Imperial Family. He used all sorts of weapons to take the lives of more than forty guards in that small mansion. Among them, there were even five Paladins…”

“Alright…” His Majesty the Ninth suddenly had his line of thought interrupted by a sudden pain in his body. “Stop… Just stop it right here!”

Engerbury Roulexberg took a box of opium cream and extracted a portion of dark red opium. Without looking at the appropriate portions, he then pushed it into his mouth in panic. The opium slowly took its effect. After a while, His Majesty the Ninth, who was tortured to exhaustion by the sickness, was finally able to open his bewildered eyes.

“Your Majesty, this is related to your safety. For such super assassin, once he has been given a duty, he will not stop. He is just like those death warriors. They will only stop the killing until the end of their lives. After this, he will be more careful. He will get closer to bigger and more obvious target.”

The Deiss King weakly looked at Harriens that became slowly blurred. “Get out! All of you get out! Get out!”

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“Yes, Your Majesty!” The Paladin, who guarded the study of the Emperor closed the door, left quickly after being hinted by Alfa III His Majesty.

“Alright!” Alfa III His Majesty stretched his back. As the ruler of Titan, he could not remember how long he had not been as busy as he was now.

“How is it, my Sir Marshal? Any trouble with dealing with the Rielese?” The Emperor lied on the comfortable sofa, looking at the Marshals that stood with military posture on his two sides and smiled. If they did not have an answer, then they should not blame him for being mean!

“Your Majesty!” Marshal Alan asked first, “The Knights of the Guards had already closed in on the Rielese’s Capital, so the Infantry Unit from all directions received strong resistance. But, I believe that you will see the Rielese opening the gate to the Capital and requesting for peace negotiation in half a month.”

“Then… What about the Narcissus Knights?” Alfa III His Majesty did not plan to let the Military Affairs Chancellor just like this.

Alan sighed a bit. Who knew what Dortmund is thinking! The Marshal bore himself and opened up the information collected by the Military Intelligence Bureau.

“Urgh… Until this point, the Narcissus County’s Military Personnel Bureau had dispensed 21 Independent Knights Brigade. They defeated Deiss’ 9 Corps of the East Border Army. The carriage from Andrew’s territory kept snatching resources from Deiss border day and night. It seems that… Marshal Dortmund has the intention of continuing the invasion of the Deiss Kingdom.”

“Ah…” Alfa III His Majesty sighed deeply. “Write a letter to Duke Andrew in my name! Ask him to Dulin for once. Just say that it is to discuss the strategy towards Deiss together. We should let him calm down completely!”

“Yes Your Majesty!” Alan nodded. It seemed that he could only use the name of the Emperor to ask Duke Andrew to stay away from the battlefield. “Your Majesty, and this!” The Military Affairs Chancellor took a document out again, “The Chief of Staff of the Narcissus Knights replied to your order towards the Army Division. On the letter, they totally accept the grace bestowed upon the Red Tiger Knights Division by His Majesty the Emperor. They had already begun choosing and replacing the soldiers and experienced commander for the Red Tiger. Then… It is a whole lot of compliment towards Your Majesty.”

“I know!” Alfa III His Majesty nodded, “Use the time wisely. Keep on urging the Andrew to manage this matter. The best method is to let Dortmund bring the whole new Red Tiger Knights Division over. This way, the Red Tiger can immediately join in the northern attack and the Imperial Family will not say anything towards the Andrew.”

Alan accepted the order respectfully.

“Sir Chief of Staff, do you have anything?” The Emperor turned towards Marshal Valier.

“Your Majesty, it was not something big. It’s just that a most important member of the Sukhoi family is about to have a wedding. I will represent the Army Division to go to Grizzly Fortress to attend…”

“Alright!” Alfa III His Majesty nodded, “I believe that through the defense war at Saijo Mountain, everyone can see the meaning of Sukhoi family to the Empire! I think… I can’t let them handle the fire weapon building technique single-handedly anymore!”

The Chief of Staff of the Guards suddenly showed a happy expression. “Your Majesty! I understand what you meant. Do you want the Sukhoi family to cooperate in technology with the Army Division or the two large arms dealers?”

“No!” The Emperor glared at Marshal Valier impatiently, “You completely misunderstood my words! The Sukhoi Family’s loyalty towards the Empire is doubtless, so I ordered them to be responsible for those confidential projects together with Dulin University and the fire weapons experts at the Imperial Military Academy. My Sir Chief of Staff, did you know that? Before I bring the traitor to the higher level of the Empire to hell, I will never ever again let the sensitive national resources be leaked out like before!”

“Yes! Yes, Your Majesty!” The Chief of Staff retreated to one side awkwardly. He noticed that Alan gave him a cold stare.

At night, the Hamilton Palace was extremely quiet since the Empire was having a large-scaled war right now. The Capital’s home base area had strengthened the security of the Imperial Family and the important places around Dulin. The nobility who used to only know how to show off their military uniform all got relieved of their duty. In return, the honored knights of the nobility took over their duty. These high-level knights, who were successors to the hereditary noble title, still kept the ancient battle tradition. Since they were young, they had begun to accept a standardized military training and were nurtured with patriotic thoughts.

In the shadows in front of the stairs of the Imperial Palace were two carriages that were normal in terms of design and type. There was a logo of Titan Guards painted on the carriages. This meant that these carriages were the objects of the Army, and the one in the carriages was the leader of the Army.

When Marshal Alan and Marshal Valier came down the stairs together, the Guards that belonged to both of them came forward. These professional soldiers, who were agile and attentive to their surroundings, took note of every corner in the dark. Even if this was the Palace, these Guards who were used to being nervous would not relax even a bit.

“Old friend!” Marshal Alan suddenly stopped the Chief of Staff who was about to board the carriage. “Won’t you let me send you back? It’s been a long time since the last time we have a chat!”

Marshal Valier Cypress looked at the Silverfox that fought with him for many years strangely. It could be said that… They had never chatted before! What was wrong with this old dude today?

“Alright!” The Chief of Staff nodded with a smile. “But there’s wine in your carriage?”

“Hehe! All ready for you!” Silverfox pushed Valier by his shoulder and brought his old rival who worked for more than 20 years with him on his carriage.

Looking at the reversed road and taking note of the dim light of the roadside lamp, Valier was obviously a little impatient. He had already had four shots of hard liquor. If he continued to drink, he would end up doing something improper!

“Old friend! What is this? Inviting me to your carriage and not saying a word. Do you plan to just let me drink by myself?”

Marshal Vann Hewitt Alan smiled coldly in the shadows of the carriage that the other person could not see. Just now, facing his old rival whom he competed with many years, this Marshal of the Guards thought about a lot of things. He thought of the lively young adult time and the depressed middle-age scenes. Then, he had entered his old age now. After getting used to the materialistic of Dulin, the fakeness of humanity and the ugly side of the world, except to defend the Empire’s gate during the remainder of his time, Alan could not think of anything more.

“Old friend!” After being silent for a long time, the Silverfox finally spoke, “I was thinking just now that both of us are already old! We don’t have much time left! It’s time for us to sit down and get a boost!”

“Yes! Yes!” Even though he did not understand what the Silverfox was on about, Marshal Valier Cypress still showed a rather plaint expression, “You are absolutely correct! My energy is not as high as before. After taking up the pen, I realized that nothing is in my brain! Hehe, thinking about the little Prince that won that ugly war at Saijo Mountain. I must admit! The age for the young men is about to come. Old guys like us should retire soon!”

“Guess what more I have thought about?” Alan leaned forward. He put himself under the light of the lamp of the carriage.

“Who can guess the thoughts of Silverfox?” Valier asked him back.

“Hahahahahah!” Marshal Alan laughed happily. He still remembered that the name ‘Silverfox’ first came from this old friend, “I was thinking that how I can get a good name after retiring.”

Valier avoided the gaze of the Silverfox. He was already beginning to feel guilty. He knew that the Silverfox would not do anything illogical.

“The Marshal of Guards that had served the Empire and the Imperial Family with all that he could for more than forty years! What more do you want other than this?”

Alan was still taking note of his old friend’s expression without going back! “Of course! Of course, I want more! I want my children to grow up in an honored and peaceful environment. I want them to remember that I am not only a sneaky military strategist but also a stubborn patriot!”

Valier set his gaze out of the window again, “What is wrong with you? You earned those names, without a doubt. But, why are you saying this?”

Marshal Alan leaned in the dark. His voice was extremely cold, “I said this because I feel it is not worth it for the guy that sold out the country’s highest confidential information, Valier!” Alan said as he touched his old friend’s arm. He successfully attracted the attention of the Chief of Staff.

“The Chief of Staff of the Guards, I am afraid that even you don’t know about this matter. It was Alfa III His Majesty that told me this! Even if Deiss is successful in their attack towards Area 21, they still can’t bring anything back because the Empire’s gold reserve had already followed the previous Emperor’s squander to hell! Except for Paladin, there is nothing more in Area 21!”

“You… What did you say?” Valier shouted in surprise, but he quickly noticed his rudeness. He quickly covered it up with his husky laughter. “Hehe… Hehehe, I can’t believe this. Our Emperor is actually out of money!”

Alan did not laugh at his old friend’s joke about the Emperor. He only stared worriedly at Valier.

“Some things… I did not want to say at first!”

“Such as?”

“Such as the things I talked about just now!” Alan knitted his eyebrows, “I said we are both old! We should think about having a good name after we retire! How good you are! You know how people of Dulin describe your goddaughters?”

Upon hearing about this, Valier’s expression became dark.

“Alan! I can’t believe you actually believe those dirty remark on the newspaper…”

“Old friend! Listen to me!” Alan interrupted the defense of the Chief of Staff, “You did have a few young and beautiful goddaughters. Did you forget about it? I have seen them in your house! Also, I heard that the faces of these ladies keep on changing. They hang around high-class venues and buy all sorts of valuable jewelry. The upper society of Dulin calls them Money Killer. It means that they spend money as if they have a grudge against money. They can’t wait to use the money…”

“Enough!” Valier threw away his wine glass in a sudden movement. “Alan! Did you invite me here to talk about this? I admit I am sponsoring these female students! Are you questioning my source of income? Are you doubting that I am the traitor? You are doubting a Marshal of the Imperial Guards, right? Tell your driver to stop the carriage. It seems that we need a duel!”

“No! No! No! No!” Alan waved his hand desperately, “Oh god! Oh God of Light! Look at how bad I angered my old friend! But… You are too sensitive. I am not what you said I am!”

Alan poured a glass of liquor for himself and picked up the wineglass his old friend threw on the floor.

“Valier! Obviously, you misunderstood my words! I am talking about getting a good name after retiring. How did you relate that to the traitor?” Alan looked at the furious Chief of Staff of the Guards playfully, “Your Goddaughters already let your name suffer some serious damage. Oh god! What are you thinking? You have sons and daughters. They will not be happy to let their father get pointed fingers at behind his back!”

Valier did not know what to think. His logic told him that the words of the Silverfox was definitely not as simple as it looked. However, the expression and action of this guy did not seem like the Silverfox was hiding anything from him.

“Valier, didn’t you just said? The age of the young man is about to come. Do you know how many people are fighting over a duty in Dulin every day? Do you know how many people are jealous of old guys like us who have taken the higher posts for many years?”

“What do you want to say?” The hard liquor burned in his stomach. Marshal Valier Cypress’ mind was already exceptionally confused. He shouted as he wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead.

“As your friend, I only wanted to tell you that if you don’t take note of your actions and daily lives, then sooner or later you will run into trouble. Do you know that? The Secret Service Department is investigating the background on your goddaughters. As compared to an old rival like me, Count Rudolf Hoss is the one that truly hates us!”

“Hahaha!” Valier suddenly laughed, “As expected of the Silverfox, always acting as if you are the third party watching this drama. But, my old friend, don’t you think what you said is too fake and intentional? What is this that you said to me? Warning? Don’t think I can’t see it. Even though you remove your family members from those sensitive military posts, you still replace them with your own subordinates! It’s me who wants to ask you. What do you want to do?”

Alan smiled, but his expression showed hostility and coldness without reserve.

“As a friend, what I said to you is indeed simply advice. But if you want to hear the warning… I also have that!”

Silverfox looked at the wine in his glass that shone the color of blood. “Valier, Sir Chief of Staff, if you don’t pull away from those 21 guys that caused trouble in which you arranged in the Military Intelligence Bureau in the shortest time possible, then I will not make any promises regarding their safety! Don’t you want to hear warnings? This is it!”

Valier took deep breaths. He did not understand and could not be sure! Why did the Silverfox end the balance that both of them had maintained for the past ten years all of a sudden? That old guy just broke it off with me, didn’t he? Could it be that… The Secret Service Department truly found something? Could it be that… The Emperor’s coldness… The sudden opening of the Military Intelligence Bureau… The escape of Deiss spies… It couldn’t be…

Looking at Valier who rushed back to his own carriage, Marshal Vann Hewitt Alan made a goodbye hand sign in disdain. Even though he had already seen enough of this world, the old Marshal still sighed. Humans! They could never get rid of the devil’s temptations! What was the devil? The Devil was the heart that knew no satisfaction!

Dulin’s night was covered with star lights. The passionate galaxy poured down from the other side of the sky onto the sky above Dulin. Facing the brimming light of the universe, Dulin opened its embrace. It let every house and building be covered in this pure and bright light.

However, Dulin was not fair. It only provided light and blessing to the places it liked. In the dark alley, at the shanty area and the low slums, Dulin usually ignored the existence of such truths! In these places that were associated with darkness all year long, the great Dulin city seemed extremely cruel.

The carriage suddenly stopped! Alan suddenly awakened from his thoughts. He heard the noise of the guarding knights outside of the carriage.

The confidential secretary of the Military Affairs Chancellor, Colonel Payne Lubelly opened the door of the Marshal in a swift. Alan was a little surprised because the first thing he saw was a lady that was covered in blood and wore tattered clothes.

Colonel Payne hugged this unconscious lady in his arms. He was a righteous soldier. Moreover, no gentleman would leave a lady in distress at the roadside without care.

“Marshal! She was unconscious on the ground. She seems to need help!”

Alan rolled his eyes. Looking at Payne’s shivering limbs, could it be that this kid had never hugged a woman before?

“Don’t you know to put her down on the seat? Tell the driver to change course! Go to the nearest national hospital!”

“It’s okay!” Countess Aeolia who was just put down on the seat sat up in a sudden movement. The stagger in her hand was already placed at the neck of the Marshal.

Colonel Payne Lubelly was shocked by the sudden incident. He slowly retreated from the carriage. He wanted to take his sword out, but he could not find his hilt anywhere.

Aya closed the carriage door and separated the Marshal and her with the shouting guarding knights.

“Alright! No one can disturb us now!”

The Silverfox could not see the dagger, but he could feel the uncomfortable coldness. This Marshal of the Guards smiled bitterly.

“Miss, if this was forty years ago, I will be extremely honored to know the fact that no one will bother us. But…”

“Oh! You are humorous even now?” Aya exclaimed.

The old man rolled his eyes. “Alright, Miss! You should know who I am and you should be clear what you are doing. Then let’s get this straight. What do you need?”

Aeolia exclaimed once again. “As expected of the Marshal Silverfox! I truly need your help!”

Looking at the confused Marshal of the Guards, Countess Aeolia began to count the list she made.

“Sir Marshal, I need a spacious, safe and best closed off location within the Deiss’ borders. I need an absolutely reliable contact person. Also, I need the guidance and aid of the agents of Military Intelligence Bureau based in Deiss. I need a detailed map that shows the army forces of Deiss. Also, I need to establish a safe and stable connection with Prince O’Neil who is held captive in the Lombardy Castle…”

“Wait! Wait!” Alan seemed to understand. “You are… A follower of Oscar?”

“Aeolia Siva Wimmester! I have the title of a Count! Most respectable Sir Marshal, it is nice to meet you!”

The old man held the brave woman’s hand with a bitter smile. This Marshal kissed her hand without a choice.

“Countess Aeolia, there are a lot of ways to get to know an old man! Why did you choose such method that will let a person’s heart stop?”

Facing the joke of the old Marshal, Aeolia smiled embarrassedly, “Sir Marshal, I only wanted to prove it to you that rather than those so-called elite agents under your command to secretly infiltrate the Deiss Kingdom, my people and I are much stronger than they were!”