Chapter 117: Thirteenth Episode: Chapter 8
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Autumn in Deiss Kingdom always came as a surprise. The initial change of season is usually first noticed in the most unobtrusive things, like the change of color in Laufenkamen river. All these changes happened as if it was a planned notice by the God, informing people about harvest time, informing birds to migrate, informing trees to shed leaves, informing flowers to change color, informing those who are obsessed with beautiful things that everything would bloom and bear fruits at this time.

In short, the season of fall came unexpectedly in year 797 and occupied the earth in the blink of an eye. It ruled the gardens and rivers, forests and air, pastoral lands and birds. Everything appeared to fall captive to the season, and it seemed that it was also true in the case of love.

Azure-winged magpies played around in fields. They called out loudly to their potential spouses, while simultaneously showing their masculine male physique by jumping to intense heights. Wild cats paired together. Sometimes, they were even drawn from one village to another by the desperate calls from the opposite sex. In the meantime, young fishermen rowing in the river would sing out loud notes of ancient melodies, as women working in pastoral lands listened attentively. If any of these daring women responded boldly to the men’s profession of love, the young fisherman would welcome her on board to join him, and then…

“And then I’m pretty sure you know perfectly well what they’re going to do with each other!” Opareal revealed a bright smile at Oscar, who pretended to be confused.

“Ola! I hope things will work well as they wish!” His Imperial Highness Prince from Titan took in a deep breath and filled his body and mind with the fresh air of fall. He was satisfied. He hadn’t expected his time in Deiss to be filled with inexplicable serendipity.

Opareal was expected to be Her Majesty the Queen of Deiss Kingdom in the near future. With her graceful though restrained demeanour, she lifted the bottom of her silk white dress slightly in a practiced manner. She smiled lovingly at the man beside her. The warm smile stretched perfectly on her beautiful face, and it was so sweet it resembled the first bloom of spring. Her eyes were bright as cat eye’s crystals, and her luscious locks shone like strings of like golden threads. From the fine string of pearls resting on her neck to the pair of chic diamond earrings, every inch of her revealed the shyness of a soon-to-be bride.

In the porch of the castle Oscar draped an overcoat over the princess’s shoulder. He felt rather subdued, looking at her excited cheerful self. Tomorrow would be her wedding day, all the beauty of this woman was in full bloom for her husband.

“Perhaps, we will never get to discuss poetry, literature, or even military matters anymore! Perhaps, she will not debate religion with me, dine with me, or even be in the same room with me in the future, ever again!” Oscar surprised himself at the thought of this, “I shouldn’t be looking forward to these!”

As they ascended the carriage bound for the countryside, Her Royal Highness Princess noticed the disappointed Imperial Highness Prince and voiced out her complaint.

“Cheer up, it’s Grape Festival today!”

It was the 4th day of 9th month, a day when Deiss people in Laufenkamen Riverside celebrated the tradition of Grape Festival. Each year this time, grape vineyards transformed into a dark sea of gleaming pearls. The fall sun stayed high and tall, its bright rays seeped through the dense shade, reflected on the fully ripe grapes and made them shine like a collection of precious pearls. Farmers were busy around the yards in all directions. Both men and women were seen holding a large rattan basket as they occupied themselves by reaping their hard labor of the past six months.

There was an affluent village not far away from the castle, and people were seen gathered around the vacant land at the edge of the vacant land. It was nothing more than a winding slope leading toward the river, with a few tall rubber trees enclosing the area, along with rows of wood fence and the purple alfalfa tended by farmers.

In the center of the vacant land was a massive wooden barrel of 5 meters in diameter and 1.5 meters in height, for the purpose of collecting freshly reaped, full and ripe grapes from the vineyard. As the adults announced the official opening of the celebration, the ladies who stood by the side, itching to go into the barrel, finally jumped in, and began a passionate song and dance.

The carriage whose exterior is carved with the royal family’s totem came to halt at the entrance. The knights avoided sounding the bugle to attract attention. Instead, they rode these massive warhorses toward the vacant area, leaving the peasants to have their fun.

The commoners were not surprised at the arrival of the Princess. She was loved and adored by the people since she was a young girl. They removed their hats to greet the royal member, and followed their beloved Princess and that handsome looking young man toward the wide wooden barrel.

On the side of the venue was a feast of food and wine, but this remained a world for men. Nobles from near and far gathered around the table with the most extravagant delicacies. They were perfectly content with indulging in the selection of food and wine with a view of enthusiastic women dancing in delight.

The women were well aware of the men’s gazes of admiration. These women in long skirts were soon going in to join the dance party, to jump up and down with their skirts lifted up to mid-thigh. Their strong and well-built thigh muscles were going to unfold before these annoying men’s eyes.

All of a sudden, the band positioned on the side of the land played the last note of the melody. Thick clouds skidded across the blue sky. Birds seemed to immediately stop chirping, while peasants and nobles burst out into deafening cheers. The band finally commenced to play a cheerful national dance music that raised the atmosphere of the venue into high spirits. Screams of excitement were heard from the crowd of slightly shy but enthusiastic Deiss women, as one after another, they were thrown into the barrel filled with grapes by the young blonde lads. Undoubtedly, these young men were the lovers of these ladies, as the tradition of Grape Festival didn’t allow married women to participate in the grape-stomping dance.

Grape-stomping dance was a dance that lived up to its name! This type of dance spread widely in wine-making villages and families for thousands of years. How happy were the people as they danced and stomped on the grapes! The women utilised their beautiful voices to show grace to God, to praise love, and show gratefulness for the fruitful reaping of their hard labor.

“Why are you still standing there?” Opareal, who has been itching to have a go stared at Oscar impatiently.

“You want go in?” His Imperial Prince watched in disbelief as the Princess rolled up the bottom of her dress to reveal half of her snow-white calves. The Prince of Deiss Kingdom!

“Of course! Why do you think I’m here for? I’m getting married tomorrow hence this is going to be my last Grape Festival celebration!”

Oscar felt the apparent annoyance in the princess’s tone when she mentioned her wedding, and he knew exactly what he should do next!

Accompanied by a sweet surprised scream, Opareal suddenly felt herself fly across the ground. Oscar held the beautiful girl sideway in his arms, and dashed full speed toward the barrel, but hesitated for a moment before performing his next move.

“Real, are you sure about this?” Oscar asked the blushing princess. It was his first time addressing her so tenderly with the endearment.

The crown of the Deiss Kingdom nodded her head in excitement. Oscar sounded a loud cry as he threw the Princess upward into the vast blue sky.

She flew! She really felt herself flying in the air! Opareal extended her arms as she embraced the wind and took in the amazing view of the thick clouds. In the midst of all enjoyment, still she experienced a slight sense of bitterness in her heart.

The ladies worked together to help the princess to her feet. Real stood there with a delightful smile spread across her face, not feeling any bit embarrassed of her white outfit that was drenched in grape juice. She licked her lips quickly, and the sweet fragrance of the grape juice awakened all the senses on her taste buds. However, in the depth of all these senses, a peculiar sour taste stood out among the rest, which she knew perfectly well was a combination of distress and misery.

“Let us begin!” Princess shouted loudly.

The band returned to performing, and the crowd gathered around the wooden barrel moved their body to the rhythm of the tune. The ladies in the barrel linked their arms together as they sang happily. Just like the other young men who surrounded the barrel to watch their lovers, Oscar took to his position and laid eyes on the beautiful princess. As the dance proceeded, fresh purple juice rolled down on both sides of Opareal’s cheeks. Her legs and feet was immersed in the color of grape juice, as well as her white satin outfit. The thin material stuck onto her moving limbs, proudly revealing the profundity of a young girl’s body.

Oscar’s mood was heightened as the clouds continue to skid across the sky. He was well aware that, after today, Opareal Roulexberg was going to leave the identity of young lady behind! She was going to be crowned the king of Deiss Kingdom, perhaps, only the God of Light knew what this young lady would turn into!

***************

“My God of Light! Look at what you’ve become?” Alfa III said as he walked toward his old friend who made an appearance in the vestibule of Hamilton Palace.

In response to the Emperor’s exaggerated exclaims, Dortmund only shrugged nonchalantly. After all these years, he was still rather satisfied with his own appearance. Just a few moments ago, the ladies, no matter young or old, gathered outside of the palace to steal a glance at the handsome commander-in-chief.

“The Empire’s Eastern Border Governor, Dortmund Andrew Nedgabel wish to greet Your Majesty…”

“Save the nonsense, you!” Alfa III helped the man who was about to kneel to get back up to his feet. He held Duke of Andrew by arm, and carefully examined this old friend whom he has not seen for sixteen years.

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty…”

The Emperor finally regained his thoughts at the call of his friend, and naturally he let out a helpless sigh.

“My old friend, we’re really not young anymore!”

Dortmund nodded in agreement, “However, it seems that women like me better than they like you.” As he finished his sentence the Duke turned to face an elegant lady who stood beside the Emperor.

Her Majesty the Empress, Rolyn Kate Karl Arnold Morisette, smiled and extended her arm to the Duke of Andrew.

Alfa III rolled his eyes at his old friend, “Yeah, yeah! You’re indeed more popular among the ladies. Only you can make my Empress step out of her mouldy stone castle.”

Rolyn Kate didn’t seem to take her husband’s mocking to heart. Instead, as an Empress, she linked her arm around the Duke’s.

“Your Majesty, in comparison to your Hamilton Palace, at least there are more people with a loyal and kind heart in my Westberg Fort.” Disregarding the Emperor’s sullen look, she turned to face Dortmund who appeared to be slightly lost in the conversation. “Come on, young fella! Look at what I’ve prepared for you!”

The Empress left Alfa III behind by himself, while she paced away with her arm in the Duke’s. All these entered the eyes of the nobles who were present to catch a glimpse of Marshal Andrew. However, Dortmund forced a helpless smile at the reign who dominated the nation as he walked past. With no alternative, the Emperor replied with another weak smile. He was well aware that he had a fall out with his wife over the matter about Sukhoi House.

Satisfied, Dortmund leaned against the tall chair. He was thankful for the authentic Schmitt white wine in his hand, but what pleased him more was the banquet organised by Her Majesty the Empress! There were only the three of them in the dining table. Apparently, the Emperor was trying to imply the notion that the three of them were a family! “I don’t buy it!” Dortmund thought to himself as he put down the wine glass.

As expected, Emperor asked the most sensitive question as soon as he took to his seat.

“How is it going, my marshal? Is it a smooth journey so far? Has the newly reformed Red Tiger cavalry settle down?”

Dortmund bowed slightly to His Majesty. He knew what was the emperor’s real concern, therefore he right away ignored the unnecessary small chat.

“Your Majesty, thank you for the grace bestowed upon Andrew and Red Tiger of Narcissus Knights! It would be their duty and responsibility to serve you for a lifetime! Up until now, they have been stationed in several different spots within the fortress in First Region. Be rest assured that under the enthusiastic leadership of First Military Region Commanding Officer Lieutenant General Dallas Bobbaston, they seem to be slightly lost about their own whereabouts.”

“Hahahaha! That’s good, that’s good…” Alfa III said and clinked his glass with others in excitement. Although there was only the three of them, he was used to the formality of dining in a banquet.

Roasted lobster, roasted squab, roasted pigeon, smoked trout, smoked squid, smoked sausage, cabbage salad, mushroom salad, cucumber caviar salad, condensed beef broth, creamy tomato soup, and tuna soup! Despite the sumptuous banquet, all three of them did not have any appetite. They were all laden with anxiety.

“Dortmund, I’m truly sorry regarding what happened to Oscar, you… I assume you’ve been informed?” The Emperor glanced into the marshal’s eyes, “Oscar is under the protection of Deiss Kingdom’s crown princess. In short, his life over there is not too bad.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’m well aware of young Oscar’s condition. He can be considered as a distinguished captive, haha!”

“I’m sorry! Let us not discuss about official matters today!” Alfa III felt a slight migraine in his temple. It seemed like the matters regarding the young prince wasn’t too much of a popular topic.

“Oh right, Your Majesty!” Dortmund said as he wiped off the corner of his mouth with a napkin, “Why wasn’t Marshal Alan present in the welcome ceremony of the Imperial Army in the capital just now?”

“Oh… Alan!” The emperor gave a quick side glance at Rolyn Kate who sat opposite himself, “Marshal Alan is headed to the north, under the invitation to a wedding of an important member of the Sukhoi House. As a matter of fact, it was supposed to be the task of another marshal, but you know what? Something really unfortunate happened to this marshal!”

Dortmund’s interest was piqued, “Do you mean the arrest of Chief of Staff of Imperial Army, Marshal Valier Cypress? I heard about it on my way to Dulin, those general officers along the army regions were in heated discussion of the matter!”

Alfa III put down his cutleries, “Is that so? Do you mind telling me, what is it that they talked about?”

Duke of Andrew shrugged nonchalantly, “They guessed and debated, but generally it could be separated into three different categories. First category of people heard the news and are burning with indignation; they’re all dying to tear Valier into flesh and bones. Second category of people remained cautious; they stay in the distant, quietly observing the situation. Third category of people was hot with emotions; they think that this is simply a conspiracy to disgrace and humiliate the marshal of Imperial Guards.”

Alfa III nodded in understanding, he had guessed the reactions of regional soldiers to be somewhat like this.

“But… Your Highness!” Dortmund couldn’t hide his worry between his brows, “In my opinion, there’s a need for you to perform an open and just trial! If Marshal Valier is indeed proven to be guilty, you should publicly announce his crime and wrongdoings. By doing so you can avoid further unstable situations among the Imperial Guards, simultaneously avoiding yourself some unnecessary problems!”

Alfa III looked at Duke of Andrew for a long moment before he finally responded, “Your point of view is similar to that of Marshal Alan! I’ll leave this treason to the hands of the military court.”

Dortmund replied with a slight nod of head, and didn’t say anything much after that. He sensed ingenuity from the tone of the emperor.

“Oh right!” All of a sudden His Majesty the Third laughed in delight, “Dortmund, I’m not sure if this is considered bad news, but as I mentioned earlier a member of the Sukhoi House is getting married, and the relevant subject is a pregnant lady of the respective House! Oh my God! I wouldn’t have let Marshal Alan go if I’d known earlier! How embarrassing is that! It doesn’t deserve my blessing at all!”

“A pregnant bride?” Duke of Andrew followed to laugh, “Your Majesty, it seems like you weren’t being cautious when it comes to making decisions, and this indeed is another irritating matter!”

“Clang!” Her Majesty the Empress Rolyn Kate laid down her cutleries, and that successfully attracted the men’s attraction. The empress was finally going to join in the conversation.

“Dear Dortmund, many rumors are being spread regarding this pregnant bride who is about to walk down the aisle.”

“Oh?” Dortmund was rather interested at the information, “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m not too familiar with the lady myself. As you’ve known, it’s has always been my military supplies officer who deals with Sukhoi House.”

“Haha! You should be pay extra attention to the lady then!” Her Majesty the Queen Rolyn Kate laughed half-heartedly. The past few years haven’t been smooth for her! Her first son indulged himself in petty pleasures, while the bride she hunted down for her second son was taken away by other people.

“Dortmund, you should have heard about this! The fortress artillery that decided the fate of Saijo Battle was invented by this lady!”

“Fortress artillery… was invented… invented by a lady?” Marshal Dortmund of the Narcissus Knights was completely lost for words!

“I’m sure you knew!” The empress said bitterly to herself, even though it was still that cool expression that remained on her face.

“Not only that, but it’s also rumored that the child in her stomach doesn’t belong to her fiancée, and… and there are other rumors concerning your youngest son, His Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette!”

“How… why is it concerning Oscar?”

The Empress used the wine glass as a cover to her grim face. She took a small sip of the strong white wine, and said casually, “Dear Dortmund! Have you forgotten that young Oscar once stayed in Grizzly Castle of Sukhoi House for a week while he was on his move? Some people did the math and calculated the period and time for the lady’s pregnant cycle, and they discovered that…”

“That’s enough! My empress!” Alfa III suddenly cut off the speaking empress. He appeared to be immensely annoyed and impatient. “Dortmund, now you know how silly is the life of these capital noble ladies, they have so much free time in their hands to calculate this kind of nonsense! It doesn’t matter if they’re just messing about, but they adore judging people and hurting others!”

Dortmund glanced at Rolyn Kate who looked sullen, “Your Majesty the Empress, if there’s indeed this kind of rumors, then I suggest you make a proper investigation, because… I don’t wish for any unnecessary troubles.”

“It’s nothing! Forget about it!” Weirdly enough, Rolyn Kate only replied with a wave of hand, “They’re just silly rumors! I have to admit that the ladies can carry a joke too far sometimes. Everyone knows that young Oscar only adores my daughter alone! It’s just that some people… they don’t wish my son-in-law to live a peaceful life!”

“That’s really enough!” Alfa III’s face was washed over by anger. He realised what his wife was trying to imply to the Duke of Andrew. “Oscar is still in Deiss! For the grace of God of Light, please stop discussing this!”

After this conversation, Dortmund appeared to be lost in his thoughts many times throughout the banquet.

“Are you crazy or are you mad?” As he sent off the Duke of Andrew to the door of the palace by his gaze, Alfa III finally revealed his real self and bashed his wife.

“I’m much more clear-headed than you!” Rolyn Kate turned her head away in disdain.

“You’re more clear-headed than me?” Alfa III fiercely dashed toward his wife, “Are you more clear-headed than me? I think you’ve completely lost your mind because of jealous and envy. I know you’ve investigated that Duchess of Sukhoi House! Do you know of the significance of the lady’s intelligence in technology to the empire?”

Rolyn Kate wished to defend herself, but His Majesty the Third already turned himself around without the intention to hear her arguments.

“Rolyn Kate! Don’t think I’m not aware of your plans!” Alfa III revealed his detest in his tone of voice. “You’re thinking of manipulating the Sukhoi House to your own benefit by using this piece of disgraceful information, am I right? Do you think Sukhoi House will surrender easily? Do you think that Duchess doesn’t have anything to backfire at you? Have you lost your mind by the torture of asthma? How do you think Dortmund will regard this matter? It’s a connection that binds them together with the country’s biggest arms manufacturer! This might be a dream come true for Andrew House! So what if the child in the stomach belongs to Oscar? I’m never allowing the outside people to admit to this fact, because undoubtedly it provides the best excuse for Andrew to get involved in a more intimate level with Sukhoi House!”

Rolyn Kate lowered her head, panting for breath. Indeed, she has considered about the possible reactions if the disgraceful news was exposed, but… no one really knew to whom that child belonged to, and Andrew could completely disregard that matter. If things went the way the emperor imagined, then Rolyn Kate admitted that she had not thought through the situation well! She thought Andrew didn’t care about young Oscar, so they wouldn’t even consider much of his child. However, the impregnated party wasn’t just a princess of the imperial family, but the dominating munitions manufacturer in the entire empire! If that was how it was, then… perhaps something really bad might arise from the incident!

“Was the reason for Marshal Alan to personally head north to avoid the trial of Marshal Valier Cypress?” Another matter suddenly came into her mind.

Alfa III felt unaccountably agitated and sat down on his seat, “No! I don’t think so. Red Tiger cavalry is soon going into the winter battle deployed by Alan, and we don’t have to concern ourselves with this because Alan never does something he’s not completely sure of! But… whatever! At least I can have complete control over Imperial Guards when he’s not around. Anyway… that fella Valier should be hung to death! It was really unexpected of him to sell out so many of the country’s confidential secrets!”

Her Majesty the Empress Rolyn Kate shook her head, “I’ve always feel that something is up within the political sphere of our country! The State Council hasn’t responded to the military’s actions, as if the chancellor is trying to hide from something!”

Emperor of Titan gave a snort of contempt. He never understood old Kachev, nor did he fathom what was on Silver Fox Alan’s mind! After a series incidents that happened lately, the Majesty felt that these officers whom he knew closely have all became distant.

***************

“Where are you guys bringing me?” Oscar asked the paladins around him in his mother tongue. However, he gave up almost immediately. In order to prevent him from having any contact with the outside world, the knights who guarded him were all just layabouts who didn’t even know how to speak one foreign language.

The ground was wet and damp, and a group of paladins guarded the Titan prince to their destination in a hurry. The light from torches was reflected clearly on the precipitous huge rocks. Oscar was rather perplexed. This was obviously the hidden passageway from the castle, but why did the Deiss show him this?

After travelling for about a kilometer along the rugged passageway, the tunnel finally began to bend upward. Soon, the knights arrived at the end of the tunnel, and the suspicious young Oscar was kindly invited out. He found himself in an ordinary farmhouse.

A ray of light broke into the darkness from the door of the farmhouse. Oscar didn’t dare to simply move around. Although the darkness gave him an advantage, he couldn’t make out the shadows of people moving around him, in addition to the long and deep breathing of Deiss paladins that deafened his ears. Outside of the door, he heard the chaos of carriages moving about along with the rushing steps of horses’ hooves. This was enough to dismiss any thoughts or plans the young Prince had in mind to himself.

The door to the farmhouse was opened gently. A lady in a cloak entered and the door closed immediately behind her. The paladins made no comment, but they quietly stepped back into the background. Oscar was a bit surprised. In fact, he was trembling with excitement. When he held the delicate body of the Deiss princess during the day and saw the flickering light in her blue eyes, he already knew something was going to happen at night!

“Can you see?”

She appeared to be staring on the ground, but Oscar raised her chin so she met his own eyes.

“Now I can!”

Opareal abruptly avoided the man’s touch, and turned toward the door. “Come with me!”

Outside the fenced farmhouse, there was a carriage waiting, the lights on it burning bright. Oscar shot a glance at Opareal’s face, but her head was bowed, which made it impossible to read her expression. Oscar became somewhat impatient, and grasped the hand of Deiss princess. It was a pair of small hands, but it was difficult to discern her body temperature through the silk gloves.

Real smiled lightly at the hero who has deeply impressed her. She noticed that the man was rather nervous, and was still slightly wary of herself! However, reminiscing back to the past year they have shared together, perhaps she could safely say that the exchanges with this Titan prince were still mostly pleasant and unforgettable! Hence, she decided to make a closure on her emotions tonight! After tonight, or perhaps… tomorrow, all this wouldn’t matter anymore! They would still be enemies, and that was their ultimate fate!

The carriage galloped ahead in the idyllic countryside, with paladins in warhorses guarded on either side. It was dead silent inside the carriage. Oscar wasn’t sure what was going to happen later, while Opareal… she hadn’t been able to utter a word as she lost herself in her own tangled thoughts. It has been half a year, and it should be said that at this moment, mere words couldn’t do justice of the thing that Opareal has pined for all this while. The reason she hasn’t uttered a word was because the incident should go without saying, if done otherwise, perhaps it would only make the matter worse.

At the crossroads in the field erected sparse kerosene lamps. The northern wind passed, and the flames swayed and seemed like it was going to be extinguished at any time. The way it couldn’t endure the bitter cold wind and the way it swayed resembled the human soul that was going astray in any possible moment.

The northern wind of early fall was still very gentle, but the trees in the courtyard rustled as the wind blew. It appeared that they have arrived at a church. Both the carriage and knights came to a halt, but the Titan prince was quite perplexed as she didn’t intend to leave the carriage.

There was no one else in the narrow country road. Just as the knights ignited the candlelight in the church, the north wind suddenly blew violently, and immediately the cold fall rain poured. Soon the muddy water spattered under the wheel, and through the window covered with water droplets, Opareal seemed to enjoy the rainy night scenery with great interest.

In fact, everything became like floating catkins in the rainy night, including the dark sky covered with clouds, but also the quiet, rain-filled wilderness. The landscape was no longer distinguishable. In the midst of intense cold irrigation of fall rain and northern wind, it seemed like only a tiny church situated in the countryside was emitting light and heat.

A paladin finally opened the door for the two Highnesses. He escorted them into the church, then closed the wooden door of the church behind him, leaving the young couple alone in the same space.

This was only an ordinary church, but the mottled walls engraved its rich history, and the totem of the chandelier displayed its glory! Even the statue of God of Light placed on the altar of the church was tastefully decorated with a golden outerwear.

“This was where I received my baptism!” Opareal slowly removed her cape, and draped the wet garment over one of the row of seats. “In fact, tomorrow… this is also where my husband and I will receive the blessing of God.”

Oscar was at a loss of words. He already knew that this was the private church of Roulexberg Royal Family, however, all of a sudden it hit him as he couldn’t figure out his own actions! Was he playing games? Not really! Was he merely seeking for pleasure? It didn’t seem like it as well. So, what was this feeling exactly that he had for this beautiful Deiss princess?

He admired her courage in entering the battlefield of life and death, he admired her simple and unadorned innocence, he admired her love for her people, her loyal and charismatic personality! Well… also including her elegant style of conversation, ability to carry a logical debate, her sweet and charming features! But… what did these mean? Oscar frantically searched in his mind all the positive traits of Opareal, but he didn’t know what good would it do to the already complex situation. Perhaps all these meant nothing at all?

A loud noise broke the church’s silence and tranquillity! A window was opened forcefully by the violent cold wind! The flames in the church swayed fiercely and Opareal was shocked under the influence of the many changes that happened under the dark shadow. When she finally recovered her startled self, she found herself being wrapped in the arms of the man.

Oscar’s face was close to the face of the woman he met on the battlefield. The initial fear and hesitation that lingered in her eyes were gone, and was replaced with hints of nervousness and shyness. Candlelight, fall wind, rainy night, the man was carried away by this scene, and finally he did something that he would regret for life. He violently placed his lips on the soft lips of the woman, indulging himself as he savoured every inch of her sweet taste…

He was the Imperial Highness Prince of Titan Empire, O’Neil Andrew Morisette, the future of Andrew! She was the Royal Highness Princess of Deiss Kingdom, Opareal Roulexberg, the future Roulex Queen! Perhaps, the next time they met again, no one would have thought the two great powers born in the same era had had such an inexplicable history.

“Real…” He shifted his gaze from the falling garments, and moaned out her name in despair. “Can you promise me…”

“I promise!”

“But… but I haven’t even asked!

“I will promise you no matter what you say!”

Oscar blinked, startled. He was again at a loss for words. A cold breeze blew passed, and the loving woman body shivered violently. Oscar closed her eyes, hugging the cold body in his arms, until she returned into a ball of raging fire!

“Real… pretend that I haven’t say anything.”

“No! Just think of it as I owe you a dream!”

The tiny church was still emitting faint light and heat. Tall knights took cover in the surrounding was basked in the fall rain, in their hands held weapons, one their face wore a detached expression. Perhaps, the God of Light who praised the love would give His blessing to the man and woman who have just untied to be one! However, ever since the ancient time, stories of the hero and beauty have always ended with legendary tragedy!

***************

Heavy rain poured on the old castle. The sky hung low, dense clouds formed thick together. Figures of knights filled the castle, as these loyal knights patrolled in the bleak storm. Despite the desolate darkness of the night drenched in rain, the knights still searched each corner of the wilderness carefully.

Raindrops the size of beans hit on wheat plants, emating burst after burst of dull roars. However, if one listened carefully, the sound of rain drops became slightly different in another corner of the paddy field. Here, the noise was produced from the rain drops hitting on the metal surface of armor.

A tall knight stood in the rain, his head was just slightly above the ears of wheat. He knew that the guards in Lombardy Castle couldn’t see him, but he on the other hand could identify the location of the guards situated on the tower and through the flames of the guards who took shelter under the canopy.

The knight squatted down, and he completely covered himself from the head to toe with a rain cloak. This secret service colonel from the Fourth Operational Unit of the Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau of Titan lit up a tiny candle. With that faint light, he hovered it over the kraft paper to obtain a final overview of the building icon drawn on map. For one last time, he again confirmed each high-risk location and position of the target.

He blew out the candle and removed the cloak. The colonel ripped the kraft paper into pieces and chewed them with great gusto before he swallowed them into his stomach. This Paladin turned around to glance at the members hidden behind himself, and motioned to them a firm gesture of attack.

Wheat billowed in the wind as night fell. Under the pouring rain, the waves of wheat rolled on and stretched into the vast, toward the direction of the castle located in distant. Titan guards drifted in the waves of wheat, silently and slowly moving closer to their target with each cautious step.

A Deiss guard stood in front of the enclosing castle wall, doubting the possibility of what he just saw. As he shielded his eyes from the light with one hand to have a better watch, the arrow already hit his neck.

Suddenly a flash of light glistened on the high slope north of the castle! This light vanished rapidly into the rain, and soon a huge hook clinked to the top of the city wall! The sudden and unexpected sound of metal attracted a Deiss guard’s attention. Immediately he rushed to the site of the accident, the iron hook and thick ropes still trembled slightly, but its claws were deeply embedded in the stone wall of the fortress. The guard looked down following the direction of the hooked claw, but couldn’t see anything apart from the darkness.

All of a sudden, the guard’s pupil contracted rapidly, and quickly he placed the whistle into his mouth! However, a steel arrow shot from the hand crossbow stifled him of air. The whistle failed to sound, but a thump was heard as the heavy body fell to the ground.

A Titan soldier skidded off the thick rope hooked on the wall, and on his hand, the crossbow was already loaded with a new arrow! The soldier was relieved as he made a successful landing from the rope! Finally, he entered Lombardy Castle, where the hero of Titan was imprisoned.

One after another, Titan soldiers fell from the sky. Gradually, they arrived at the top of the city wall. These soldiers bent at their waist, their back arched, and marched in silent footsteps. They quickly dispersed among the city wall; some ran to the tower, some hid in holes, and some were assigned to deal with the patrolling guards. The first soldier who arrived at the top casted the ropes down to the city walls, and fastened the other end of the ropes tightly to the castle battlement.

Colonel was the first to climb the ropes. He patted the soldier’s shoulder and revealed a smile of satisfaction. It seemed that luck was on their side! The rescue operations have officially begun!

The rain was still pouring, and a little sonata softly sounded in the tranquil night. Lombardy Castle appeared unusually calm under the attack of intense rain and violent northern wind. Rain water slowly washed off the blood on the dead bodies laid on the top of city wall, until it finally disappeared. The castle was bare, like an undefended lady. Visitors who came in midnight got rid of her guards and silently knocked on her door.

Walking through the corridor filled with works of art was undoubtedly a pleasant thing. Although the paladin already familiarised himself with every object in the castle, he still looked at some of the luxurious furnishings with reverence. Finally, the paladin discovered a situation that appeared out of harmony with the corridor scenery. There were a few drops of muddy footprints printed on the handmade carpet! Paladin confirmed his doubt after a careful examination with the help of light in his hand. Before he could fully pull out the sword, a Titan soldier rushed out from a corner in the dark! The Titan soldier covered his enemy’s mouth, and with another hand he tightly strangled the enemy’s arms.

Paladin felt extremely helpless, as he saw another intruder dash into the scene but failed to free himself! A sharp short blade had been painted black in order to avoid reflective light. The unfortunate Deiss guard witnessed with his own eyes as the black dagger buried itself into his breast bone.

He laid the corpse down on the ground and grabbed the lights, before waving his hand forward to motion his soldiers to reveal themselves from the dark. One after another, they moved in the corridor with extreme cautious. As they stepped one step forward, they stayed hidden behind an object to shield themselves from view.

The enemy’s body has been removed, leaving only a clear streak of bloodstain on the carpet.

A Deiss guard turned at the corner, but suddenly he was suspended by the ropes hung down from the roof. Another guard walked into the dark corridor, and immediately he was pulled out by the iron arm that appeared from the dark. One other guard had his throat cut off by a blade before he even realised what happened. There was another one who got shot down by a steel arrow that came flying from the end of the corridor. As the night guards opened the door to begin their change of shift, they were horrified to find the door arrayed with many archers. About that last guard, no one knew how he lost his life, but his corpse was seen slowly being towed away from the corridor into the corner. The horrible scene was terrifying, as if a demon had arisen from hell to devour every living soul without mercy.

At the end of the corridor a loud noise was heard, and the four paladins who were assigned to guard at the prince’s bedroom turned their head to the source of the sound in surprise. Finally, one among them walked toward the dark, and his footsteps disappeared as soon as he turned into the corner.

The rest of the paladins exchanged glances, and immediately they became highly alert. Without uttering a word, all of them silently revealed their sword from its sheath. All of a sudden, the guard who previously went forward to check on the situation revealed half of his body from the corner and motioned his comrades to come forward, although his movements seemed slightly stiff and unnatural. Another guard walked into the corner, and found himself strangled by a massive iron hand.

From the other side of the corner, two Titan soldiers revealed themselves, and aimed their hand crossbow at the panic-stricken enemies who turned to their heels and tried to escape.

The colonel twisted the knob on the door to the prince’s bedroom. Ever so slightly, he pushed the door ajar, and a ray of light from the corridor entered the dark room. In extreme silence, the colonel walked toward the bed and removed the blanket.

In that instance, an alarm was sounded all over the castle! Titan soldiers panicked and frantically checked their surrounding!

Colonel rushed out of the door, and pushed through the soldiers who guarded at the door, “There’s no one in there! This is a trap!”

“Hahahahaha!” Marquis Harriens Van Rousted rubbed at his palms, obviously pleased at the result as he watched the soldiers work to carry the dead bodies of Titan soldiers out of the castle. Deiss guards laid down these poor guys in neat rows on the vacant land at the back of the castle door. They were once the most valiant soldiers, but now…

“Twenty nine corpses! Haha!” Highest Executive Officer of DeKTer paced from front to back as he counted, “That’s right! Twenty nine corpses!”

“Your Excellency! There’s one that’s still alive!” A guard pushed the bleeding Titan officer into the mud puddle.

The colonel wished to get up to his feet, but his wounded limbs disagreed. He glanced at his comrades rested on the ground, and at the enemies that surrounded him. Finally, he shut his eyes, and darkness engulfed his vision.

“Haha! Call for the Highness Prince, let him witness this with his own eyes! Now I have enough reason to interrogate him!” Harriens commanded loudly in the rain.

“Your excellency! The Highness Prince is not in the castle!”

“What?” Harriens roared in anger. “Didn’t I asked for him to be transferred to the dungeon beforehand?”

“Yes, Your Excellency! But he’s not there!”

Just as Harriens was about to go crazy, the door to the castle was suddenly raised. A troop of paladins and a carriage intruded the space.

From the window, Oscar examined the chaotic scene with a cold expression on his face. He regained his gaze from the dead bodies and glared angrily at Opareal. He linked bits and pieces together and figured out what had happened. No wonder the princess hadn’t say a word since they left the church! As it turned out, she knew this would happen from the beginning! Perhaps, she just wanted to transfer himself from the castle when this happened.

Oscar removed himself from the carriage and was welcomed by the excited Harriens. Just a slight second before the Highest Executive Officer opened his mouth to speak, he was greeted with a forceful fist punch from His Imperial Highness Prince! Harriens fell to the muddy ground, shaking and trembling like a wild chicken. He whined loudly and cursed. Through his gritted teeth he ordered his guards to kill the Titan bastard, but everyone ignored him. In front of the crown of Deiss, any other voices was deemed inferior.

Oscar walked to the side of the soldier who was still panting for air. He grasped his arm tightly, as he felt the other party’s pulse grow weaker and weaker.

Colonel laid on the wet ground, and he thought he could finally rest in relief. Although he failed the mission, but at least he caught a glimpse of the hero of the empire. He saluted to His Highness, and said his last words in a trembling voice, “10th Jewel Street… wish to send their regards!”

Oscar nodded his head slightly. He understood now.

As he shut the eyes of the brave soldier, he realised the Deiss princess stood behind him, shielding him from the rain.

“Haha! Your Highness Princess! I should congratulate you!” Oscar extended his hands helplessly at the rows of dead corpses. “Don’t you think this makes the perfect wedding gift?”

Opareal remained silent, not saying a word to respond to the sarcasm. However, she felt the shift of emotions deeply in her heart. The man who just occupied herself a few moments ago has turned so cold like the fall rain droplets. In fact, Opareal expected this. She knew that this was how their fate was going to end.

Oscar walked away from the princess and her umbrella, without turning back. No one realised that in his hand was a belonging passed to him by the deceased soldier. It was a piece of paper, wrapped around a master key!

On the other side of the river, Aeolia stood in the rain with her horse. The dense forest perfectly shielded her and her knights from view. The countess watched silently at the burning flames ignited in the castle. She gave out a weak sigh, but didn’t say anything further.

“Godot! Let the hawk eagle soar!” Ricky demanded of the giant behind him.

Immediately, Godot opened the rattan basket carried on his back, and a hawk eagle of strong physique poked its head out in alert. Godot extended his hand, and that eagle jumped on his thick arm. The messenger was only waiting for its command. All of a sudden, Godot thrusted his arm in the air. Taking the hint, the hawk eagle stretched out its wing, and flew into the cold air. On its claw was a letter. After a brief while of circling in their air, it dived right into the thick, dense cloud.

“Why are you so sure that the mission is going to fail?” Ricky asked the countess, curious.

“Because I know total loyalty doesn’t exist. No matter in Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau, Secret Service Department, or even the intelligence organisation in our own House.”

Ricky frowned, perplexed with the reply, “So why did you send them to death?”

Aya smiled slightly, “Since the Deiss people already know about the existence of the rescue action, then I’ll give them one! If not, the DeKTer will not let their guards down.”

Suddenly, Ricky came to a realisation. Neither the sweet and shy facade, nor the quick and astute side, was the true color of this countess.

“Someone has to be sacrificed!” Aya said coolly. “Hopefully the Deiss people will intercept our little eagle, then they would find out about our call to abort the mission. But even if they don’t take down the eagle, I’m sure they have other ways of obtaining this information anyway. Therefore…”

“Alright! Alright!” Ricky put his hands up impatiently to interrupt, “I don’t need to know about your smart little tricks, just tell me when will we take action.”

“Tomorrow!”

“Tomorrow?” Ricky was greatly shocked!

“That’s right! Tomorrow! Even as my assistant you didn’t think about this, so there’s no way the Deiss would have guessed.”

The countess’s laughter broke the silence of the quiet night. Aeolia suddenly realised, that she was indeed suited for this kind of task!