Dulin was still as it was before.

When dusk came, this most populated city in Westland was illuminated with lights, darkened by the smoke from the chimneys, warmed by the nobles’ saloons and contaminated by the biological wastes of the beggars and wanderers.

This city had always been noisy; there were traveling merchants from all over the world and scholars from all parts of the land.

Viscount Tich Nedgabel Andrew Golbagd was one of the scholars from Narcissus. He majored in the mainland’s History of Art at Dulin University. Although even those who knew him well had never seen his paintings, there was not much disparity between his image and that of a genuine artist.

It had already been the tenth month now. Just five months ago, Viscount Golbagd had welcomed our young Prince into the capital. And now, this Viscount had taken up the task handed over to him by his family. However, this task required quite an extensive amount of time. As the overall person in charge of Narcissus County’s Military Command Bureau in Dulin, Viscount Golbagd was ordered to give in his all to support and coordinate with His Imperial Highness Prince’s operations. Of course, the prerequisite of supporting these operations was that they were beneficial to the family.

What was beneficial to the family? Viscount Golbagd had no idea how to answer this because there were just indeed too many answers to it. As a leader of the Secret Agents, Tich’s life was highly undisciplined. Of course, there were some who referred to it as dissolute, but all of these were required in the line of his work. Viscount Golbagd had four apartments in Dulin, but he realized that he had never visited any of them. The Viscount’s meals were so inconsistent and uncertain. As he was busy, he could only eat whenever the opportunity arose.

However, before he executed any secret missions for the family, Tich would reflect upon himself before the image of God in the Dulin Scott Cathedral. Dulin was a civilized world; although it was in a bit of a turmoil here, one could not be able to engage in too many activities that would cause harm to human life; because murderers would one day become the victims.

Just like today, the year 791, 20th day of the 10th month, Viscount Tich Nedgabel Andrew Golbagd had already arranged his journey for the day. In the morning he would settle some urgent matters. In the afternoon, he would greet the returning young Prince outside the city. However, when he had finished praying and was about to leave the huge doors of the cathedral, an assassination attempt directed at him took place before the temple of the gods.

“There were three people, no! Perhaps four. Just when I mounted the carriage, they rushed up at me. My coachman took out one of them with his horsewhip while I myself stabbed one, but as you can see, the one who fell was me.” Tich said between coughs. A dagger had pierced through his lung lobe and he could only survive and regain consciousness that quickly owing to the many years of training and his experienced life on the battlefield back in the days.

Oscar was very irritated for he did not expect to encounter such troubling matters just when he arrived at the official residence in Dulin. However, he had to investigate it thoroughly for Tich was his elder cousin, and not to mention the person responsible for the Military Investigation Bureau in Dulin as well. His being attacked by assassins indicated that the family’s secret force had been exposed in Dulin. If this matter could not be resolved quickly, the family deployment of the investigative force in Dulin would come to a standstill.

“Who do you think is the most suspicious?” Oscar sliced up an orange for his cousin. The youngster was brandishing a table knife in his hand and appeared as if he did not intend to place it down.

“The Secret Service Department.”

“The Secret Service Department?” Oscar was a somewhat astonished.

“That’s right.” Tich affirmed, “You know? Recently, there are rumors going around Dulin saying that the Princess and Your Highness being attacked by assassins in the mountain forest was completely staged with the motive of to securing the opportunity to send troops to the Kingdom of Italia.”

Oscar contemplated, “Ohh… This is a good idea, if I were the Duke of Andrew, I would do so as well.”

TIch gave a bitter laugh, “It’s such a pity that our Commander will never do such a thing! My subordinates caught an Italia merchant and he confessed that he had obtained permission from the Secret Service Department to spread these rumors. Anyway, you see, that was just yesterday’s matter and today I have become like this.”

“Tich, you should return home. However, you should first recuperate at Kenshin Palace for a period of time, and only leave Dulin once everything has settled down.” Oscar thought it through for his cousin.

“It can’t be helped,” Tich was a little speechless. He understood that his mission in Dulin was over. As a leader of the Secret Agents, they knew once they were exposed, there would be usually no favorable outcomes. He was alive, and that itself was already fortunate enough.

“Oh, that’s right, if you would like to contact the Military Investigation Bureau during this period, you could go to the ‘Dog Biting Club of Red Light Street. ‘ Once you’re there, tell them ‘I am looking for the purebred Highland dog’, and the person will introduce you to my deputy. She will be in charge of everything when I leave my post.”

“Did you say… she?”

“Yes, that’s right, it’s a she! You will know by then.”

Oscar looked around; he felt that his cousin no longer needed him for anything.

“In that case, let it be like this, my cousin Tich; I am about to take my leave, you should rest early. Oh god, you don’t know just how much blood you lost. My doctor said that the fact you could awaken alone was a miracle.”

“Yes, I know, little chap! It’s up to you now, I didn’t help you much, but please don’t be disappointed in me.”

“How could I be?” After saying this, Oscar shut the room door for his cousin and his followers immediately swarmed him. All these criminals knew that the youngster’s family member had encountered an incident and based on the youngster’s temperament in the past, things would only escalate from here onwards, becoming more interesting.

“How are things? Do you need me to do anything for you?” Baron Erbe was the first to speak, as this huge conman was the teen’s household manager.

“Get in touch with Baron Thomas, Aulet of the Lair, I would like to see him at this instant.”

The crowd gazed at the youngster in understanding; it seemed that this sullen little lad was about to take actions.

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

While waiting for the Baron, Her Highness The Princess, Caro Arsia Manuel, sent an attendant over. She had invited the young Prince to escort her to the Royal Reception that evening. However, the Prince’s manager claimed that His Highness had already slept. The Princess’ attendant gazed up at the Sun, which was still hung high up in the sky, and after pondering a while, he came back to his senses. He believed that Caro Asia would understand that she was rejected.

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

“My apologies, my little princess! You see, you’ve just finished your journey, and here I am bringing overwhelming news. Oh, my little princess, please forgive me.”

Her Imperial Highness The Princess Alanis Alfa Morisettte gazed at her father who was seated on the throne and she snorted with contempt without letting anyone hear her.

“Father Emperor, this is nothing. Rather, I did not take care of myself and made you worry.”

“No, no!” Alfa III waved his hands urgently. “My little princess, you handled it quite excellently, I am proud of you!”

Alanis stood up and saluted to her father for the praise he had just given.

“Come and sit, sit down quickly!” His Majesty III used a hand to lift up his chin, “So… If it is as you say, then the Andrew Family is not very welcoming about yours and the Prince’s arrival!”

“Father Emperor, how do I say this? I should say that if it were any other guests, the Andrew family would welcome them warmly. However, the main point is that they did not regard us as anything. Particularly His Highness Prince Oscar, I personally witnessed this; he has returned from the battlefield, but has yet to receive the acknowledgment of his family.”

The Emperor fell silent, pondering about many matters. These issues included Andrew’s decision-making, the Narcissus Knight’s attack, the pope’s words and actions in Roman City, and Italia’s Princess’ explicit warmth towards the young prince.

“Alanis, perhaps the Imperial household members and I should discuss the issue of your marriage!” His Majesty suddenly announced.

“My marriage?” Alanis appeared to be horrified, “Then, my Emperor Father, could you tell me who my husband is before my marriage?”

The Emperor rolled his eyes, “Aside from O’Neil Andrew Morisette, who else can it be? Do you think you can still marry anyone else after spending a night with him in a tea room?

Alanis blushed. Although she was delighted, she felt even more skeptical, “Timing-wise isn’t it… isn’t it a little too early? I am two years older than Oscar, Not to mention… Not to mention he… he isn’t fully grown yet.”

“Nonsense!” Alfa III suddenly appeared jovial; he rarely had the opportunity to tease his little daughter, “That young lad is already a man. When I was his age, I was already even a father; age is not an issue.”

“But… Bu…”

“Enough, Alanis!” The Emperor waved his hand, “Don’t tell me that you plan on letting others get ahead of you? For example the young lady of the House of Andrew, who has her eye on him, and that Princess from Italia. These two are very promising girls, and moreover, little Oscar is a child with a future full of possibilities. Honestly speaking, as a father, I am deeply worried about you!”

“Are you worried about your strategy or your Emperor position?” Alanis muttered in her heart; she despised being in a situation where she was used.

“If you feel that this is required, then I have no objections. However… Could you explain to me in detail about the reason behind this?” Alanis’ eyes bored into the Emperor’s. She was aware that she did not have the power to question this, but she felt that her father who was determining her fate should give her a definite explanation.

Sure enough, Alfa III’s expression appeared a little awkward, but he quickly relaxed since his daughter was not against it.

“My little daughter, although I do not wish to tie you down with the bondage of marriage so early on, some matters need to be cleared up. If the Andrew family accepts this arrangement, then everything will be fine; but if they insist on carrying out the Prince and the young lady Sasha E. Nedgabel Andrew’s engagement, then the Andrews must make a choice between perishing and surviving.”

Alanis was astonished; she did not know that the relationship between the Imperial Household and the Andrews could deteriorate to such an extent all of a sudden.

“You… Do you want to oppose the House of Andrew? Or are you saying… saying that we should pressure them…?”

“No, no!” The Emperor shook his head, “Being able to maintain the current relationship with the Andrews cannot be any better. The thing is, I can no longer trust them. The Andrews have already developed an extremely dangerous sense of aggression and this is far more deadly than anything else. So at this time, the marriage of that child of theirs with a special status and the Imperial household is an opportunity for both parties to come to an understanding with each other. With this understanding that we shall be united properly in the future, the Andrews will no longer pose a threat to us.”

Something immediately came to Alanis’ mind, “So in other words… is it really Andrew’s own fabricated conspiracy? But I do not feel so! There isn’t a trace, not even within their family!”

Alfa III was also deeply perplexed about this, “Yes, that’s right! There isn’t a single trace. I have even consulted a few of the cabinet ministers’ opinions, but they all unanimously regarded it as a rumor! However, I am the Emperor, Alanis, you understand? An Emperor must doubt all things! So… I’d rather believe that it is not a rumor.”

Having heard what was just said, Alanis could only nod. However, she was not convinced; she felt that the issue should be viewed from another perspective.

“Father Emperor, actually you need not fret so. However, who told you to bring up a group of good-for-nothing fools within the Secret Service Department?”

“The Secret Service Department?” Alfa III somewhat understood, “My little Princess, do you have any countermeasure? Do you mind revealing it to me?”

“Of course not, you are my Emperor Father, while I am Princess of Holy Titan. I mean that since we cannot do anything against the Andrews, perhaps we should focus the investigative force onto the south, for that is still crucial. Furthermore, the southern people differ from those in the mainland; most of the Empire’s huge merchants come from the mountain areas, so the southerners’ value profits. When they lay eyes on the money, they are like wolves having seen fresh blood. Let us use money as our weapons; I believe the people will take the bait. However, there is something that I must remind you. By all means, do not let the good-for-nothing Secret Service Department use the funds allocated to them for their pleasures and personal indulgence, as that would ultimately get us nowhere.”

The Emperor checked on his young daughter. It appeared as if she had grown taller and she had turned out even more beautiful and poised. She was progressively more incisive in speech and her thoughts were more and more meticulous. Perhaps… she would be just like her future husband… intelligent above all else!

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

The curtain of the night finally covered Titan. From the flower fields of Narcissus County to the ferry crossing on Don River; from the ancient forest in the North to the snowy, white, mountainous peaks in the South; stars and moonlight appeared to fill the heavens and the Earth. Dulin was the jewel of Titan when the last rays of the warm sunset glow had faded away, a curtain of darkness engulfed the whole city. If this curtain were not lifted up, it would be likely that no one would know which repertoire was staging.

The gigantic granite-arched door of the Kenshin Palace had a handwritten tag, “No.10 Jewel Street”. This indicated that the Palace of the Imperial Household had become a private property as the Titan Empire’s Palaces’ wouldn’t be assigned any worldly tags.

We know that this Palace belonged to His Imperial Highness The Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette. Despite the fact that His Highness The Prince was a member of the Imperial Household, most Imperial Household members do not have their own Palaces. They would usually wait for the Imperial Secretariat’s arrangements. However, the Kenshin Palace was different, Alfa III’s Mother Empress had granted the Palace to Princess Mica and now her son had inherited it. So, this Palace was about to be categorized as a private asset, no longer being a possession of the Imperial Household.

The first time Kenshin Palace was seen was back in the middle of the 5th month, but now it had forever bidden farewell to its former appearance. His Highness The Prince had hired many great architects to renovate his house before his return and they had completed the grand and queer task.

Firstly, let us talk about the huge gates. The huge gates of the Kenshin Palace were originally two huge iron railings and had now been replaced with an artistic model made of gran into an art as a model of granite structure. These stone gates had a circular arch, and engraved on both sides were the totems that represented the Imperial Household and the House of Andrew. Aside from that, carved above it was the folklore of the gods and angels appearing on the battlefield, blessing the Narcissus Knights.

After entering the huge gates, one would see a maze made up of walls of trees. Usually one would use a hoop-shaped pavement linking the main gates to the main house, but the Prince did not consider it as a good idea. He instructed the great master gardeners to build dense walls of trees. Among these walls of trees, there would only be two paved pathways for the purposes of entering and leaving, while the others would be dead ends.

Subsequently came the fountain in front of the main house. This fountain’s main attraction would be the sculpture on it, which was unexpectedly in the image of Her Highness The Princess, Mica Alfa Morisette. This Princess was leaning to the side, in her hand was a freshly picked Narcissus flower and on her palm hung a basket. The fountain water was gushing out from the basket. At that moment, the Princess had become a completely pure and holy mother, with her face shining with a joyful and kind radiance. However, His Highness The Prince O’Neil only gave the fountain a few casual glances when passing by. Since he did not comment, then it would not be good for us to judge it.

From the exterior, the main building of the Kenshin Palace was still exactly the same for the Prince did not feel it necessary to carry out any modifications; he only ordered someone to polish the sculpture on the Palace’s outer wall. There were prominent changes once one entered the main house; the patio was broadened with a fashionable layout, the main hall was refurbished into the main living room, pure wood that had not been carved before were used to produce all the furniture and, despite its simple exterior, the growth rings on the wooden furniture became the best decoration.

There were sofas arranged at the corner of the room as seats for the hosts and guests. A delicate, low table separated each cushion. Although this layout took up most of the space in the main living room, His Highness The Prince did not mind at all. Instead of leaving the space empty, it would be better to cram it with things that looked pleasing to the eye.

The next thing that was worth mentioning was the lightings. The lamps were an essential facility in the Prince’s palace. It successfully illuminated with the elegance the design intended to portray, fulfilling the main purpose of accentuating it. The three-kilogram crystal chandelier made of copper in the main living room of the Kenshin Palace was well known. The golden candelabra decorated in every corner of the main living room and the bell-glass covers were built up with meticulous precision. When the night was closing in and all the candles were illuminated in the Palace, you would realize that there was not a single spot in that entire space which was not emitting light and warmth.

It was said that His Imperial Highness The Prince O’Neil plated 79 kilograms of gold for the candelabra, the lampshades and all sorts of refractive utensils.

In that way, the Kenshin Palace became a golden Palace by night. To the nobles, this was an extremely pleasing color.

Next up were the Palace’s customized rooms. The washrooms and toilets were fundamentally a cold, dark silver color. All the toiletries, even a small soapbox, were also plated with pure silver. Aside from that, renowned and priceless murals encompassed the ceiling of the palace. The recreation room of the Kenshin Palace was located at the landing return of the stairs on the second floor, which also happened to be the location where the King of Assassins had slain the leader of the assassins. However, there was not a trace of menace left in the air anymore. The variety of card tables could satisfy the needs of the guests, and to the side of that were the bars and a spacious lounge area. The palace also had 25 parlors of varying sizes, close to 19 bedrooms and guest rooms. All these rooms were decorated with different layouts and foundations. It was said that High Highness O’Neil specially fixed up a Persian-styled lounge and the Prince’s horseman handpicked some of the furnishings and layouts.

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

Captain Vick… Oh sorry! The former secretary of the prison warden no longer existed. After a period of imprisonment, he had transformed into Colonel Vick. During the time when Oscar was traveling away, he took up a sinecure using the identity of a confidential secretary. The concept of the sinecure was one working day per month, specifically for the purposes of receiving his wages.

Therefore, Vick was very satisfied with his current lifestyle. If he were in Damorga, he would not have even considered it; now he had begun to plan to strive for a noble title. Despite this being an extravagant fantasy for an ordinary military official, the Palace Chief, Laston Cambre, with whom he had become well acquainted, told him that if he obtained assistance from the prince, it would absolutely not be a difficult matter.

Naturally, Vick put in even more effort. The blood and sweat of the countless builders and architects were poured into that luxurious and glamorous residence, but Vick’s contribution was definitely just as much. This secretary acted as the last-minute leader of the project; he was rigorous in the progression of the project, stern in inspecting and approving each completed room; aside from the gray walls, floor, and other building materials, even the white powder and iron nails on it were personally inspected by him.

However, there had been rumors that there was someone who put in more effort than Vick, and that was none other than Colonel Vick’s wife, Madam Keegan. Vick never knew that his wife actually had such an outstanding ability to organize. When Vick was worried about the buying attendants, Madam Keegan stood out and asked what she should do for His Highness. If it weren’t for the youngster, she would forever be clueless as to how to use the mixer and the cocktail sets. Of course, if it weren’t for His Highness, she would still be the wife of a Captain and not the future Madam of Baron Keegan.

This Madam had stayed for half a month in a servant’s institution, consequently receiving a respectable servant class and, with this, had entered the Kenshin Palace. When these attendants knew that they were to serve a prince, the pride and sense of superiority that were ingrained in them were exhibited even more perfectly. All of this was owing to Madam Keegan’s little scheme. She did not reveal anything related to the Prince beforehand but allowed the Palace to give the attendants a pleasant surprise. Following this, the servants were very obedient to the Madam and their work became way more efficient.

Thus, His Highness The Prince’s Kenshin Palace was systematically built up; Colonel Vick was responsible for the Palace’s affairs while Madam Keegan took care of the kitchen, gardens, laundry room, service and labors involving internal matters.

The only thing left was the dining hall that we had yet to know about. It could be described as enormous; covering an area of close to two hundred meter squares. It was located at the back of the huge living room. The dining hall had exquisite cupboards and built-in cabinets; displayed on those them was an assortment of priceless wine cups and delicate porcelain from the East.

Before arriving at the dining hall, one would have to pass through a maze of mirrors and a corridor lined with collections. Only heaven knew where the youngster obtained these rare spoils, but seeing the disreputable companions who were about to gather for a meal after officially opening the new home, we could believe that the prince indeed had that capability.

The dinner was scrumptious; the main course was divided into four servings, with three people forming a group. The dishes included steamed lobster, roasted crab, a small steak, clay pot mutton, cabbage salad, sardine salad, strawberry, banana tower, custard bread, white bread, and a huge fruit pie.

Oscar was naturally seated in the master seat. He ordered the attendant to retrieve two bottles of Faran Leon white grape wine, dated back to the year 720, from the cellar. It was said that this wine was equal in price to gold on the black market and now the privileged would couple this wine with sumptuous dishes and consume to their hearts’ content.

Arranged before His Highness were four dinner knives, three dining forks, and two soup spoons; the ordinary people would not pay attention to the specific uses of this similar tableware. This was because they did not even have the privilege to taste lobster, and would absolutely have no idea how to use forks and knives to shell the crabs. However, to an Imperial household member, they would definitely not be muddled by things such as these; they even fixed a specific soup spoon for different soups during meals.

“So… Are the dishes to your satisfaction?” Oscar purposefully inquired his little sister, seeing that she did not touch her food at all.

“Uhh… How do I say this?” Sasha really did not want to hurt little Oscar who would easily slim down during the journey, “I believe some others know how to relish it better than me.” The girl pointed to the King of Sins, Doramy, who had huge lobsters firmly in his hands.

“Mmm… Mmm… Ohh…” By that, the King of Sins was indicating somewhere along the lines of ‘Please don’t mind me, enjoy as much as you can!’

“So… Sasha, go ahead with Annie to see your rooms. I initially wanted to personally show you around, but…” The young prince stopped mid-sentence and pointed to his dinner plate. Apparently, he still had tons of appetizing food waiting for him.

“Okay, I get it! Aunt Annie, come!” Without another word, Sasha left with the Lady Countess. However, she knew her brother did not choose to remain because of the unfinished food; His Highness definitely had certain topics he wished to bring up with his companions that were not suitable to the ears of the females.

“Indeed a fine woman!” Colonel Vick remarked in a low voice while gazing in the direction to which the ladies disappeared. “So Your Highness… Are you interested in drinking while listening to what I have to say?”

“Certainly, I am waiting.” Oscar gestured to the attendants at the left and right of him, who subsequently retreated while his messenger shut the doors of the dining hall tightly for His Highness and his trusted aides.

“Actually it is nothing!” Seeing that the atmosphere had suddenly turned serious, Vick instead became a little nervous, “A lot of illustrious cabinet ministers sent gifts on the day the main gates of the palace were opened. You know, I actually intended to let you do the honors of opening it, but…”

“Forget about it! This isn’t a big issue, in fact, I am now very satisfied with our new home. You know, Vick, I was worried that all this while that you might have turned the Kenshin Palace into a pillbox, like Damorga!” Oscar laughed in delight, the criminals of once-upon-a-time joined in, creating a commotion.

“Hehe…” Vick joined in the laugh as well. Inadvertently, he knew the identities of the men seated there better than anyone else, but he no longer felt even a little bit uncomfortable. “Your Highness, I must say that your worries are absolutely unnecessary! Don’t tell me that everyone has not had enough of that place!”

“Yes, Vick, your thoughts are in line with ours!” The King of Sins finally replaced the huge lobster that only had its skeleton left, “Come, I suggest we toast to Colonel Vick who has turned over a new leaf and successfully stepped out of Damorga!”

Sure enough, this suggestion received a unanimous response from the criminals. They all loved the phrase ‘turned over a new leaf’, but they felt that the object of this phrase was inappropriate.

Colonel Vick took a swig off the white grape wine from his wine glass, not caring the least about teasings such as this, “So, Your Highness, next up we will be a few official and unofficial wine receptions, all of which were sent to us in the past few days. I have already filtered them for you, so please do not see it as strange.”

“That’s right Vick, there’s no need to mind about these things, for you are my secretary, and these matters are within your scope of power.” Oscar gently raised the knife and fork in his hands.

“Hehe, thank you for putting your trust in me, Your Highness, so… in the near future…” Vick fished out his notebook, “As in tomorrow, the military will call together a celebration party for the victory against Italia. This is very important and His Majesty the Emperor personally requested that you be present.”

Oscar shrugged, “I have almost forgotten, this house is so comfortable that I am even beginning to turn dumb!” The youngster stretched out his hand to release a huge crab pincer, “But… to hell with victory! Can an attack with a strong start and weak finish be considered a victory?”

The young prince spat in between biting the crab pincer, “I’d like to see the expression on the Silver Fox’s face. Victory? Really, to hell with it!”

Vick had no comment on the prince’s complaints for he did not know much about the internal matters, “Another thing is, on the day after tomorrow, the Royal household of Italia’s visiting group will be holding a commemorative peace reception at Demulez Palace, specialized for receiving foreign guests in order to celebrate the restoration of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.”

Oscar almost spat out the white wine he had just drunk a moment ago!

“Is there anything more preposterous than this? Is there anything else that can embarrass the people of Titan more than this? Commemorative peace reception!” Oscar stretched out both his index fingers and poked them forward hysterically, “To scorn with peace! To scorn with the cursed Royal Household of Italia! To show our scorn, let us toast!”

The criminals complied loudly.

Vick could only give a bitter laugh; outsiders should never see the childish actions of the Prince.

“That’s about it, there isn’t anything else; all is quiet in Dulin.” Vick finished his first ever briefing in his official career.

“Oh? Quiet?” The teen pulled over the napkin and wiped his mouth, “I, for one do not think so! Have you heard? This morning, an assassination attempt took place at Dulin Scott Cathedral. Oh heavens! Can you believe it? Right before the gods! And furthermore, these wretched assassins harmed a God-Chosen warrior!”

Vick could sense the seriousness of the situation, “A child of Andrew? Your relative? Oh goodness, gracious! I should know of things such as this, but I completely…”

“No Vick, it is not your fault!” Perhaps it was because Oscar drank some wine, his face appeared flushed, and his eyes had a sinister glint. “Someone is definitely manipulating public opinion. There isn’t many in Dulin who can impede news from the newspaper office, so the answer is very clear! Baron Thomas Aulet!”

This Baron acknowledged from his seat.

“Time for you to make an appearance; no one can get away with violating Andrew. You can go and visit my cousin Tich tomorrow and pay close attention when he describes the appearance of those assassins. Mobilize my force, find them and make them pay the price! I believe an appropriate end to them would be being hanged inverted on the street lamps until their blood has run dry.”

“Yes, I will not let you down.” Baron Thomas Aulet bowed in acknowledgment.

“Your Highness, if that is all for your command, would you like to hear about matters of the Lair?” The Baron walked past the long table and personally filled the young prince’s wine glass.

“Of course, but I have already heard about it to a certain extent. The people of the Underworld are widely circulating about a rise of an intelligent and capable bigshot. If their descriptions are right, then I’d have to thank you, for you did very well!”

“Thank you, Your Highness, allow me to still bring you up to date about the Lair!” The Baron took out a map, drawn on it were the highly precise outlines of each alley and building in the Lair.

“Look, with the opera house as the center, I have used different colors to represent a family, have a look! These little clumps of color have proved your strategy to be completely right! When I started to get in touch with the families managing our territories… How should I put this? I should say they were completely flattered! They knew the significance of Dulin’s Lair, so negotiations were smooth.” The Baron rubbed his hands together excitedly. This man was like Colonel Vick, living half a year’s life in Dulin City has completely changed him, and now he could easily mobilize a few influential families of the Underworld. Moreover, practically all the forces that were in dishonest trades were filled with respect for him.

“You see, the gold territories represent the Fleming Family and I have handed the lottery business over to them. Despite their casino still being renovated, their horses and dogs racing is open for betting once a week, out of which we obtain three percent of every token they earn. The green represents the Crelini family; Leon Arsea Crelini has come to Dulin in person for the preparations of matters related to handing over the territory, but unfortunately, you were not here at that time. Isn’t Mr. Crelini an old friend of yours? Now the Crelini family completely monopolizes Dulin’s market and they even expanded the targets of their goods to the upper-class society, and naturally, all of this is done in secrecy. Here we have a four-percent revenue, as the Crelini family especially gave one percent away for you, this is also one of our enormous incomes.”

“And after that… the blue is the Thieves Union of the South, who are professional robbers that steal everything. Negotiating with them is the most challenging because these people completely rely on their intuition and fervor when stealing and I fear that they may burst into the Emperor’s palace without realizing it. However, I have confined them in the smallest of the territories; even though they can still operate freely in the other districts, having to distribute their benefits with the other powers will be enough to discourage them from doing so. You know that the Fleming and Crelini Family are vicious giants that the Thieves Union cannot afford to anger.”

“And the grey color, which is also the district of the center opera house. This is the safe haven for the middlemen of Westland. Here, a fair environment and the assurance of safety can be provided for all kinds of business transactions and are directly controlled by our people. Another one would be the black-colored assassin trading area. This area is sealed off and it is difficult for outsiders to enter. Basically, the shady business of hiring an assassin takes place here, and I dare not extract any profits here; it’s good enough if these desperados do not stir any trouble. Moreover, there will definitely come a time when we will need them. The orange color represents the slave market and is set up through the investments from various huge merchants. Another is the area at the center of the grey area where we ensure that others do not violate the interests of our decent merchants and managers within the Lair. The brown district borders on the grey area, a distribution center for smuggling, which is constructed by a few huge smuggling guilds. We draw one percent from the turnover of their profits. However, do not underestimate this one percent of profits, as this is the second largest revenue after opium! Lastly, the white condominium zone. You know that our revenue includes a portion of that of the Ministry of Justice. None of these men are available to be sent for discussion from the top tier to the bottom; their soldiers have to patrol, their court needs someone to run trials, their public prosecutor needs an additional allowance. So this area is the symbol of the Lair’s stability, and the Ministry of Justice could use this stable area to report back to the Emperor.”

“So… What do you think?” The Baron concluded and took out a handkerchief to wipe his face. From his single map, he could associate so many things that he was trembling with excitement.

Oscar furrowed his eyebrows; he suddenly disliked these things and felt sick about them so much that he could not explain it precisely. Perhaps, it was the journey to Narcissus County that caused him to develop conflicting emotions; if the things he operated in Dulin were placed in Narcissus County, he would certainly be reprimanded as the worst scum in the whole history of the Andrew Family!

However… For the time being, let it be like this!

“Your distinguished Baron, I cannot deny your accomplishments, but… Had there never been an eruption of conflict between these families and the various sorts of power having intersections?”

Thomas Aulet grinned, “Your Highness, your strategy has basically eliminated such a possibility because they do not have any intertwining of interests; they run their own careers. Of course, I cannot deny that the matter of crossing boundaries will happen in future. However, rest assured, this will go against the play regulations we have set up; everyone will see the person as an enemy of the Lair and attack him as one until the chap who does not abide by the rules dare not show his face again in Dulin.”

“But… Your Highness, you seem to be dissatisfied?” The Baron finally noticed that the prince was not overjoyed.

“Uhh… I mean to say…” Oscar deliberated; in spite of not wanting to get excessively involved in those matters, he did not want to crush the enthusiasm of his trusted aide, “I mean to say, why haven’t you mentioned what district this red line represents all this while?” Oscar finally found a topic.

“This red line!” Thomas Aulet was evidently stunned. He did not intend to bring it up, but not because he wanted to hide it from His Imperial Highness The Prince, “Ohh… That is… That is Red Light Street.”

Oscar suddenly recalled, “Previously, you mentioned that you encountered some inconvenience at Red Light Street. How is it? Are you still unable to resolve it?”

“Your Highness… No… No, it isn’t like that!” Thomas Aulet suddenly hesitated; he did not wish to admit that, while he was addressing the problem at Red Light Street, he had gotten mixed up in a love affair, “It’s better for you to personally find out yourself! Seriously! And that Madame at Red Light Street, I think there is really a need for you to…”

“Thomas!” Oscar interjected, “You mean to say I should visit a lowly brothel? Or to mingle with the prostitutes there?”

“Your Highness!” The Baron’s expression suddenly became serious, “You should not address Zoera like that, she is a…”

“Hold on! Hold on!” The King of Sins could sense the abnormality in the Baron’s tone, “She’s called Zoera! Oh hohoho! You see? Such an intimate way of calling her! This chap is definitely hiding something!”

“Yes indeed!” The liar of a manager nodded, “I just realized that our Baron Aulet is at the age of youth and vigor, and moreover, he is still a bachelor!”

“That’s right!” Sarlat Drosha the Paladin joined in the fun, “In my homeland, nothing excites the people more than a union between a gangster and a prostitute…”

“Shut up, you stinky hedgehog!” Thomas Aulet had already lunged at Sarlat while speaking and held him up by the collar, “You filth! You want to challenge me?”

Sarlat was startled; he realized that he had enraged the Baron who was so adept at restricting his emotions!

“Thomas! Enough!” Oscar watched all of this, brimming with interest. He was now full of curiosity about that big shot at Red light Street. This Madame not only erected a war flag in the Baron’s world but also possessed a unique charm. Otherwise, she would absolutely be incapable of mesmerizing the cold-hearted Baron to this extent.

“Thomas, arrange a time and place for me!” Oscar was smirking, it was rare to look forward to a woman worth meeting.

“Gah!” Thomas let off a sigh. He was indeed infuriated; had the prince not declared his stand? Let’s see how Zoera took care of these bugs once she had become part of the little organization!

“Your Highness, let the time be whenever it is convenient for you; the location will be at Madame Zoera’s headquarters, the Dog Biting Club at Red Light Street!”

“What? Where did you say?” Oscar was stunned beyond comprehension.

“The Red Light Street’s Dog Biting Club, why? Could it be that you have heard of this infamous club?” The Baron was instead startled by the Prince’s response.

“It’s the Dog Biting Club right?” Oscar suddenly burst into laughter; he was looking forward to the meeting her even more now. If his predictions were correct, then this Madame Zoera had an approximately eighty to nintety percent chance to be the deputy commander of the Narcissus Military Command Bureau who was in charge of the intelligence work in Dulin.