Today was the 9th day of the 11th month, 791st year in the Church’s calendar, a Monday. It was a fairly ordinary day in Dulin, or you could say, an ordinary working day. The members of each official residence assumed their duties early in the morning and the citizens fell into work one after another. The people were as before, discussing the weather, the prices of goods, the latest clause announced by the state bureau. However, today was the 9th day of the 11th month; there was another additional topic of discussion, which was His Imperial Highness The Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette’s birthday.

The preparations in the Kenshin Palace had reached a point where the hours were being counted down; it was ten thirty in the morning now, it was an hour and a half before the opening ceremony of the wine reception to celebrate His Imperial Highness The Prince’s birthday.

“My beloved! Have you forgotten this?” The Empire Princess waved the golden medal, “You should wear this on your chest.”

Oscar took the medal and looked at it. If Alanis didn’t mention it, he would indeed have forgotten. This was the Empire’s medal of valor that the Emperor awarded him a few days ago to honor the youngster’s heroic accomplishments during the encounter with assassins in the Southern mountains.

“Forget about it!” Oscar tossed it onto the bed, “This reminds me of that unpleasant incident. I’ll just use the silver button embedded on the family crest.”

Oscar puffed out his chest and watched as his fiancée pinned the totem of Narcissus Fierce Tiger onto his collar, “How is it? Does it look better?”

“Of course! Today, you decide everything!” Alanis chuckled.

“Thank you!” Oscar was elated. He scrutinized himself once more in the mirror and was pretty pleased with himself.

The teen had tied his slightly curly hair up into a firm bun behind his head just as before. He still wore his favorite royal blue-velvet ceremonial robe and close-fitting flannel trousers. His boots were newly made; the moccasins reflected a dazzling brilliance and the buckles were rows of sparkling green crystals.

“My little Oscar, you look indisputably perfect, but… will you fancy adorning yourself with some jewelry?” The Princess suggested. “I’m serious, won’t your attire appear a little too plain?”

Oscar shrugged, “I already have on the ring, which is our keepsake! I refuse any other jewelry such as the necklace. I will never allow that thing to around my neck.”

“Then, we can set off!” Alanis felt that they were more or less ready. She planted a kiss on the Prince’s cheek. The chubby Prince said he would only wear the engagement ring she gave him, yet she was satisfied enough with that!

“Very well!” Oscar tugged at his tie, then turned around, headed towards the door.

“Happy birthday, Your Highness!”

“Your Highness, a very happy birthday to you!”

Oscar greeted his old friends with a grin. They were standing guards outside the room rather than entertaining the strangers downstairs. The teen… Oh, no! Just look at him! Today was his sixteenth birthday and yet he was already an adult! In other words, this youngster preferred hanging out with his bad company.

Young Oscar embraced Baron Erbe, Paul, Murat, Kamille Rayen, Sarlat Drosha, Doramy Basinger, and so on. The Prince wrung his hands, perhaps it was best to leave it here. He had hugged everyone from Damorga and the Red Tiger Assault Division.

The youngster unwrapped the gifts from everyone in ecstasy. Ola! Paul had given him a uniquely modeled small knife; Murat had given him a book published by the Narcissus County’s Military, titled “The War History of the Red Tigers”; Sarlat Drosha had given him a first-rate rapier and Oscar equipped it on the spot, and it goes on and on. In short, the Prince had received many gifts to his liking. Of course, one that was worth mentioning was that from Ricky the Liar. Just as in the previous years, the household manager had presented the Prince with a gorgeous maiden, leaving Oscar feeling reluctant to entertain him.

Next were the ladies. Lady Countess Antonia had given the prince a hand-woven scarf while Miss Fenrar had given the Prince an intricately framed dieting plan. Only these? The youngster took a swift look around, apparently, these were all of them!

Annie could tell that the Prince was perplexed and so she explained it to him while helping to clear up the presents. As it turned out, the young lady was still doing herself up, saying that her gift would only be taken out later in the evening. Furthermore, there was still Lady Aeolia. The talent she portrayed in writing left people gasping in amazement, yet her gift in mathematics was even more astounding. The expenses for the Kenshin Palace and the money required for His Imperial Highness The Prince’s daily expenses always caused Colonel Vick great distress. However, once Lady Aya took over this job, everything fell into order.

“At least I do not need to worry about going bankrupt; this ought to be the best gift that Aeolia has given me!” Oscar exclaimed while smiling.

“That is what I told her!” Countess Antonia also smiled. “Yesterday she was so worked up about not being able to find a gift for you. In the end, I was the one who helped her bake the cake. Thankfully you cleared it all this morning and Aya is very pleased.”

“Aeolia!” The prince again muttered the Countess’ name.

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

Just past eleven o’clock, the flow of guests at No. 10 Jewel Street reached its peak. The line of carriages outside the huge palace gates extended all the way to the end of the street; an endless stream of people filled through the paved pathway within the walls of trees, causing His Imperial Highness The Prince’s birthday wine reception to undeniably resemble that of a grand festival. The wine reception had drawn all the top-notch nobles within the capital circle, and for this reason, the prince had made over a thousand invitation cards and nobles who did not receive the invite could use their family’s business card to pay a visit. Naturally, they were expected to bring presents of significant value to the host; otherwise, their behavior would be regarded as impolite.

The various decorations of the Kenshin Palace were completed. Although the prince had remodeled the huge living room beyond recognition, it could still accommodate a few hundred guests. For this reason, the prince’s servants opened the French windows surrounding the living room; the guests could either use it as a window or a door, allowing those who were outside to participate in the ongoing programs in the living room without having to feel left out.

Long tables were spread with white cloth arranged at the edge of the garden close to the living room, and an assortment of food and beverages were spread out over it. Beside the dining tables was a slightly elevated stage where a twenty-five-person band invited by the Prince was seated. Actually, the prince had invited twelve bands with a varying number of members, and they were scattered over every corner of the palace. They ensured that the guests who were milling around were able to enjoy heavenly music.

“So… respected guests!” Her Imperial Highness The Princess Alanis stood elegantly at the heart of the dance floor in the living room. She successfully silenced the rowdy crowd. At that moment, she solemnly considered herself the mistress of the Kenshin Palace.

“Respected guests, thank you for attending my fiancée’s, His Imperial Highness The Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette’s birthday celebration! The twelfth hour has just chimed, shall we begin?”

One after another, the nobles took wine glasses filled with champagne from the attendants who were shuttling back and forth, and subsequently, a loud cheer erupted.

“Let us invite our Imperial Highness The Prince to say a few words! Goodness, gracious, he is actually younger than me by two years, it feels like he’s my child!” Alanis’ comment amused the crowd and the whole palace reverberated with the sound of a joyous laughter.

“Ola!” The young Prince emerged from the crowd and hooked the prince’s arm, “By the God of Light, I do not mind bearing a child with you this instance!”

Alanis blushed furiously; she firmly pinched young Oscar who was spurting nonsense. The crowd of onlookers erupted in an even more joyous laughter!

“Okay, dear friends, respected gentlemen, ladies, and Madams!” Oscar raised his wine glass, “As the Princess, my adorable fiancé says, I am still a child, but I am about to leave that age behind forever. Thank you for coming to the Kenshin Palace to witness this terrifying moment!”

Still laughing, the people raised their glasses; they agreed with what the prince said. Leaving the teenage years and advancing into the young adult age filled with uncertainty and an unknown path was indeed something terrifying.

“Ola! Let us toast! I am a grown-up now. No longer do I have to sneak around to drink liquor!”

“Cheers!” The whole palace resounded with one voice and was followed soon after by lively music. The dashing men and stunning ladies in the palace partnered up as if they had planned it!

The wine reception had officially begun. The people were relieved that the Prince was not like the Emperor, Alfa III, who gave a long-winded speech during the feast held at the Kenshin Palace previously.

The few thousand years old customs adopted by the Titan’s nobles were embodied at its best during the wine reception. The people were wary of the boundaries between their status and institutions; the cabinet ministers of high authority were assembled at a remote corner while the young gentlemen and ladies born into the aristocratic families occupied the dance floor and the most conspicuous seats. Although some of the guests were invited, whose status and positions prevented them from striking up a conversation with the top-class figures in the living room, they nevertheless had managed to hang out in the gardens among their own circles.

After Oscar and the Princess ended their first dance, he accepted the offer of a young Duchess. The little chubby youngster was overjoyed; today was his birthday and the dance partner before him was irrefutably the most attractive among the crowd there. He inquired about the young lady’s name and found out that she was actually the Princess’ younger cousin, Her Majesty Empress’ niece, called Deliohiera Karl Arnold.

“You’re lady Karl Arnold?” Oscar was astonished, “If I remember correctly, I think I had slain… Oh, no! In a fair duel against me, your brother…”

“Your Highness!” Young Duchess Karl Arnold interjected, “Please do not bring up that person, speaking of which, I must thank you! If you haven’t slaughtered him, then I can’t guarantee I won’t do so myself one day!”

“What… What do you mean?” Oscar stopped dancing in his tracks, he was dubious as to whether the lady was really a direct member of the Karl Arnold family, since… since the person he killed was her own brother!

“Have no doubt, I dare swear that everything I say is true!” Duchess Deliohiera Karl Arnold led the Prince to resume in their dance. Her face portrayed a look of disgust as if she had seen a cockroach, “Do you think a scoundrel who harasses his own sister at the age of ten has any hope? So, believe me, what you did is what I have been praying for daily.”

Oscar dared not continue the topic further!

After the song ended, another dignified and stunning young lady was already waiting by the Prince’s side. Duchess Karl Arnold elegantly passed over the Prince’s hand and whispered a warning into young Oscar’s ear, “Hey, Your Highness, do not be deceived by this young lady’s appearance, she is a well-known prostitute in the capital circle, from the High Official of the Ministry of Justice’s family!”

Oscar rolled his eyes.

Marquise Andeses from the Ministry of Justice High Official’s family lifted her skirts and gave the prince an impeccably mannered bow. However, her conversation with the prince was less than impressive.

“Your Highness, you know, a while ago I was worried about you?”

“Oh? Why?” Oscar was curious.

“I fear that Duchess Deliohiera Karl Arnold may stab you because you killed her brother. You know? He was her lover! Oh, goodness, gracious! Her own brother! She really has no shame!”

Oscar again rolled his eyes. Now he had really come to know the respected ladies from the capital’s noble circle.

A loud exclamation of awe suddenly came from the crowd. Oscar noticed that the people had their eyes set on the stairs leading up to the second floor of the palace.

“Andrew’s Narcissus Corolla!” Oh wow! Young Lady Sasha Andrew Nedgabel’s beauty was indescribable. Her hair was pulled back behind her head, and a jade dragonfly rested quietly on it. She did not use any cosmetics and only applied light rose-colored lipstick onto her lips and silver powder. The young lady was dressed in a pure white ceremonial robe of the court. Surprisingly, none of the Titan nobles there had ever seen such a style! The robe’s corset was stuck tightly against the margin of the breast, accentuating the perfect outlines of them. There was no other clothing above the corset; the young lady was exposing her entire shoulders! Her white skirt was decorated with numerous Narcissus. The people only saw that these flowers in full bloom were sewn out of lace once she drew closer to them. The young lady glided down the red-carpeted steps like an angel and the people’s exclamation of awe traveled forth in waves!

“Who is the female companion of the Duke Andrew’s Young Lady?” The people turned their gazes upon the person beside Sasha. The youths whispered among one another; they did not recall the capital circle ever having such a stunning beauty.

Aeolia appeared like a startled rabbit, following close behind Sasha. She had never been the center of attention of so many people. The gazes that fell on her chest and fair back made her practically want to end her own life.

Oscar walked over to the two young ladies, dazed. He was proud beyond comparison! It was a gift from the God of Light that both these angels were members of his family.

“Niz!” A young girl leaned towards Her Highness Princess’ ear, “That young lady is provoking you!” Being able to address the Empire Princess, as “Niz” was definitely a good friend of hers. Evidently, this good friend of hers was outraged by the injustice.

“Yes, Niz! We should do something about it!” Another girl chimed in.

“Do what?” Alanis smiled as she assessed the situation in the distance. Her fiancé was wedged between two young ladies who were just as good as her.

“Do what? Do you even need to ask? Naturally, it’s to make things hard for that young lady and that Countess who popped out from who knows where!” One of the girls prompted the princess bitterly.

Alanis gently set the wine glass aside, her face was unreadable, “You guys only know how to cause trouble for others. That young lady is destined to be my fiancé’s second wife, why should I inconvenience her?”

“But, the prince can only have four wives after he becomes the Duke of Andrew, and this is a matter that is absolutely not certain! So…”

“Enough!” Alanis cut off her friend’s coaxing impatiently and made her way through the crowd, toward the young ladies.

“Sasha!” The Princess gave the young lady a warm embrace. “You really look too perfect; allow me to introduce my friends to you!”

Sasha nodded and shot a look at the young prince that said, “Everything is fine”. She was Andrew’s Narcissus Corolla; she would not lose!

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

Oscar realized that Aeolia was clearly not suited for occasions such as this. She had her head down and was shaking continuously in his arms and was even making mistakes in the dance steps. Oscar decided to lead her away from the crowd, believing that the Countess, who was easily shy, was more suited to be hidden away in the depths of the palace.

Once Aeolia had settled down, Oscar’s secretary stopped him. It turned out that Colonel Vick had already finalized the list of people who needed to see His Highness The Prince in private.

“Then…” Oscar carefully screened through the list, “Arrange for this Baron Gondol Abassia to be the first; I shall wait for him in the study.”

“As you wish, Your Highness!” Vick nodded, “However, does this Major General of the guards deserve such an attention from you? I recall you have only met him once.”

Oscar patted Vick on the shoulder, “My Colonel, I am unable to decide his worth as of now, because… Forget about it! I can only surrender it to the future to decide.”

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

Baron Gondol Abassia stood respectfully in His Imperial Highness The Prince’s study. He had heard that His Highness was holding a grand birthday wine reception, but he never imagined himself to be part of it. When the invitation with the seal of the Imperial Household and the Andrew family’s totem appeared before him, he simply could not believe his eyes. Right up to when the prince received him, he still dared not believe the reality of it.

“General Abassia, how have you been? Please have a seat!”

“Thank you, Your Highness! But, it is better for me to stand, and I do not have a military office. Please, by all means, do not call me General again.”

Oscar lighted a cigar and sized up this Major General of the guards. The general was still as sad as before; his left sleeve was still bare, the extended scar on his face was still as sinister-looking, and his commissioned officer uniform still had no military rank. Although his uniform was well-ironed, a few patches on it had slightly faded.

“Your Highness, I feel very honored being able to be invited to your birthday wine reception. I wish you a happy birthday and…”

“Distinguished Baron,” Oscar broke off the useless talk, “Let me be direct and save you from having to wonder! I’ve instructed my secretary, Colonel Vick to assist your family before, but I understand that you tactfully refused. Now I’d like to change my approach, for example, hiring you as my military affairs advisor.”

Abassia’s scarred face was scrunched up. Fortunately, Oscar was already very used to seeing all sorts of repulsive faces back in Damorga, for the scar that extended across Abassia’s face would have given anyone who had come across it nightmares.

“Your Highness, are… are you sure you need me… to be your military affairs advisor?” Abassia was still highly skeptical about the rationality of the matter. This was because he was convinced that the military affairs advisor whom His Highness needed was a valiant General who could always emerge victorious on the battlefield and not an indigent, hideous handicap like him.

“Yes, that’s right, I need you! To be exact, I need General Abassia to command a whole soldier division in defeating the United Cavalry Army of Faran and Riel Kingdom at Doncaster plains of the Empire’s Western Borders!” Oscar could not help but draw a deep breath after completing his lengthy sentence.

“Your Highness, please forgive my impertinence, I… Cannot accept.” Abassia remained standing at the same spot with his chest puffed out, “Your Highness, I see your arrangement as a kind of charity. I apologize for saying so, but if you are to go on the battlefield tomorrow, I will follow you to the end. However, you are now not a soldier yet, so you simply do not need a military affairs advisor.”

Oscar shook his head; this Major General of the guards was a really stubborn one!

“Very well! Let me tell you this, I am about to go to Dulin’s Imperial Military Academy to register for the History of War Theoretical Research Class of the thirty-ninth officer of the guards. You know I have never been exposed to a proper institutional education before this; you don’t wish to see me appear as an idiot before that group of officers, right? So don’t you think that I need a seasoned military affairs advisor? Or perhaps, a family tutor!”

Abassia fell into protracted silence, deep in thought. Fortunately, he was a straightforward person. “In that case… Your Highness, if you think that I am qualified, then I will accept your employment.”

Oscar curled his lips. Seriously… He needed to plead to appoint this man.

“Then, Baron Abassia, please sit!”

“Your Highness, it’s better if I stand!”

Oscar scratched his head; this person was really just so stiff! “I say, Distinguished Baron, do you really feel awkward or are you intentionally opposing me?”

Abassia’s eyes widened, “Your Highness, you are a prince! The person of highest rank that I have ever met before this was my region’s commander. Although there are many important figures in Dulin, what am I? So… It’s best if I stand!”

Oscar waved his hands; he felt that he could not converse with a professional soldier who was stubborn, rigid, and who values rank above all else. “Very well… The meeting is over!”

“So Your Highness, when do I officially take office?”

Oscar puffed out a wisp of smoke and casually settled into the sofa, “When you step out of that door behind you, you are already my military affairs advisor.”

After saying this, the prince’s gaze landed upon his secretary, Vick, who was suppressing a smile, “Hey! Next!”

Vick promptly adjusted his look and checked the list, “Next is Duchess Deliohiera Karl Arnold and she brought a letter personally handwritten by Duke Karl Arnold.”

“Oh no…” Oscar slapped his forehead; deep down, he was aware that Duchess Karl Arnold was a little peculiar.

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

“Titan Empire’s His Majesty Alfa III!” The attendant of the Kenshin Palace announced His Majesty Emperor’s arrival with his booming voice.

Alfa III strode into the living room with the stout Finance Minister and the frail

Military Commander.

“Father Emperor!” Alanis flung herself into her father’s embrace like a little bird. She indeed despised him. However, at the very least this Emperor showed due respect towards her and his son-in-law.

“Oh! My treasure! You are heavy!” The Emperor exclaimed joyfully.

Alanis gave her father a sharp pinch just as how she treated her fiancé.

“Your Majesty!” Oscar pushed through the crowd and came forward; he had just received the news. “It is truly unexpected; just this morning the Imperial Secretariat said that you had an important meeting from which you are unable to get away.”

The Emperor was in an exceptionally good mood; his left arm was hooked over his daughter and his right hand pulled his little son-in-law in close.

“Young lad! Let me tell you if you have any matters it will be best to personally make a visit to the palace to verify. Of all things, do not listen to the nonsense of the Imperial Secretariat!”

Oscar saw that the palace chief behind the Emperor forced a laugh.

“Marquis Laston Cambre, is it true?” The Prince asked the palace chief.

“Your Highness, you know? Even an Emperor can sometimes blurt things without thinking!”

“Hahahahaha!” Alfa III burst into laughter, “See, where else can I find a palace chief who dares to ridicule the Emperor in his presence! But… I can feel at ease handing over court matters to such a person!” The Emperor quipped while nudging Laston Cambre on the shoulder.

Oscar was finally convinced that if Alfa III were a Devil King, then he definitely would have had three brains as the watchdogs. One was the Palace Chief, Laston Cambre, one was the head of the Secret Service, Rudolf Hoss and last, if the prince did not guess incorrectly, should have been His Majesty’s confidential secretary, Philip Goolean.

The Emperor greeted the cabinet ministers who came to welcome him, but His Majesty quickly disregarded them and wedged himself among the throng of women.

Oscar pulled the Finance Minister aside, “Are you alright?”

Godzilla shot a glare at the young prince, “Thank you. You actually remember me eh, little madman? I cannot forget that you went so far as to send a manager to visit me!”

“Godzilla! Don’t tell me that you cannot tell that it was because of my guilt that I dared not pay you a visit?” Oscar faked a smile and edged closer, “You are my old friend! Come over here, let me see how your wound is healing.”

“Ouch!” The Sea Creature sharply scream, “You little madman! Can’t you be a little more gentle?”

The huge fatty and little fatty shoved each other as if nothing had ever happened before.

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

“Marshal Alan!” Oscar invited the Marshal to a quiet corner, “Would you like something to drink? Whiskey? Rum? Of course, Absinthe isn’t bad either.”

The Silver Fox smiled and seized up the youngster, “No need for the bother, my stomach can only tolerate plain water. I’m old! I’m unfit for anything!”

“You can’t say that! The Empire’s military cannot do without you!” Oscar put on an upset look. The many dinner parties had trained him to have perfect a ‘Social countenance’!

“Young man!” The Silver Fox took the cup of water from the prince, “I have to remind you that interaction naturally requires one to use their brain and ingratiate themselves, but sincerity is the true way of communicating. Perhaps sincerity may cause you to suffer losses, but at least you can have a peace of mind.”

The old Marshal gulped some plain water; he said these things to the young prince because he regarded him as a person. “Young man! You know? There isn’t much difference between you, who was flitting among the crowd a while ago and Marquis Godzilla! You displayed slyness and worldliness, and you were even putting yourself out there!”

Oscar was stunned; he knew that the Marshal’s criticisms were harsher than normal.

“Your Imperial Highness Prince, you are an Imperial Highness! What’s more is that you are a general who is about to enter the army. There is absolutely no need for you to sell yourself and even conceal your true feelings before others! If you meet a person you like, you can directly tell the person what you like about him, if you meet one you loathe, then directly tell him what you dislike about him. Only this way can you attract those with true talent and charm to your side!”

Marshal Alan stared at the youngster meaningfully, “Child! Sincerity is a quality that a great person must possess. Cutting the Sea Creature on the throat was a right choice! You have absolutely no obligation to put on such a pitiful face! Tell him clearly, you wretched fatty, if there is a next time, I will instead cut that tiny brain below! Do you think he has the audacity to do anything to you? He will immediately try to earn your favor!”

Oscar gazed at the Silver Fox in disbelief. He couldn’t believe that this old, serious Marshal actually blurted those… Those low…

“Thank you!” Oscar suddenly came to a realization, he no longer knew how to face this old man who was earnestly providing him guidance. He felt his face burn and was extremely ashamed! He only just knew that the things he picked up from the social platform was actually wrong and was a synonym of hypocrisy and scorn!

“Here.” Alan handed two documents to the young prince, “This is the inauguration documents signed by His Majesty the Emperor and this is the certificate of enrollment signed by me. Open it and have a look! Lieutenant General of the guards, His Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette!”

“Lieutenant General of the guards?” Oscar was taken aback, but he quickly rejoiced, “I am actually a Lieutenant General? It is really like the Division Commander of the Snow Lions, Colonel Hyatt Brandy said! General O’Neil! Oh wow! It sounds so lordly!” The youngster thought about it with delight, but his joy was quickly dashed!

“Hold on! Hold on!” Oscar’s brows appeared as if they were scrunched together.

“My Marshal! The certificate of enrollment you signed is written… Length of schooling, 5 years! This length of schooling, 5 years… What does it mean?

Alan gave a hoarse laugh; he just knew this lad would react this way.

“The so-called length of schooling is the duration of your semester. Length of schooling, 5 years means that…”

“Means that I will have to study there for five years!” Oscar interjected, “Which insane fellow invented this? Oh, goodness, gracious! Five years! How is it I never heard anyone mention this before?”

“My apologies!” Marshal Alan settled down comfortably into the sofa, “Otherwise, what do you plan to do? Do you take the award of the Imperial Military Office for a joke? A fifteen-year-old… Oh, that’s right, you’re already sixteen! A sixteen-year-old General! Are you a General of the scouts? Military science, war studies; these aren’t as those described in war history or those concluded in the theoretical materials. It is a science that covers every manifestation of nature, perhaps even an art! It requires you to experience it with your life! To a youngster like you, who is still a blank sheet, the duration of five years may even still be insufficient!”

Oscar mumbled, being rendered speechless. Five years! It made him feel as if he had stepped out of Damorga only to enter another prison! This wouldn’t do! I must discuss this with His Majesty; I must talk this over with my fiancé; I must talk this over with Sasha! This was too much! Oscar thought while getting to his feet. He walked away without giving the old Marshal a second thought.

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

“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Vick finally caught the prince with great difficulty.

“Let go of me! This is an emergency! Quickly release me!” Oscar was close to hysteria.

“Your Highness, the real emergency is here!” Vick tugged at the prince and stepped into the living room. “Look, the person beside His Majesty III is the envoy that the Kingdom of Italia sent to Titan. He would like to invite you to personally unwrap that gift, hurry! Even the Emperor is waiting for you!”

Oscar abruptly recalled Princess Caro Arsia Manuel. He stroked his lips subconsciously. “A present from the Italians?” He was already starting to look forward to it.

“Sorry to keep everyone waiting!” Oscar squeezed through the crowd. Before the Italia envoy could greet him, he had already uncovered the gift!

“Wow!” The crowd erupted with excited gasps.

Oscar gazed at the present and could not help but stare blankly at it. This was a sculpture in the image of a man. To be exact, it was his head sculpture! To be even more precise, it was a head sculpture completely identical to his features, hair and even his expression!

The envoy of Italia stepped forth and reminded, “Your Highness, you should have a look at the signature underneath this gift.”

As soon as Oscar heard that, he started searching. However, the Emperor beat him to it and read out in a booming voice: “Delius Dedenil! Made for the sixteenth birthday of His Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette! A gift from Italia’s Royal Household of Manuel!”

“Wow!” The surrounding crowd again let out a gasp of awe in unison.

Alfa III shook his head in a pity, “Young lad, this present is far more valuable than those that I have given you! If it weren’t carved in the figure of your head, I would definitely move it into my imperial palace. You know? Master Dedenil is the greatest artist of this present age and has produced countless priceless works that are passed down from generation to generation!”

Oscar unexpectedly shook his head, “My Majesty, putting it this way isn’t right. Admittedly, Master Dedenil’s works are precious, but how can you par this gift with the treasure chest you have given me? Could it be that you have forgotten the world’s most precious treasure you have handed over to me?”

Alfa III abruptly came to a realization; he saw Alanis nestled against his side, “Hahaha! Indeed! You are truly very fortunate!”

“Report!” The thunderous high-pitched male voice startled everyone in the living room.

A communications official covered in dust and windblown debris appeared at the living room door with a red-skinned file clutched tightly in his hand.

Alfa III’s face was suddenly in a panic; he was all too familiar with that emergency military affairs report. The military men dressed in general uniforms in the living room crowded around His Majesty. Their faces had the same panicked expression.

The Emperor opened the blood-red military report and the jubilant atmosphere in the hall fell to its all-time low; no one dared make a sound! The joyous din in Dulin caused the people to completely turn their backs on the faraway war, but when the report emerged before their eyes, fear and helplessness now gripped their hearts.

Alfa III screened through the whole report without a sound and heaved a sigh. His Majesty then passed the file to the young prince beside him.

“You are the host here, it is better for you to announce it.”

Oscar took the file, feeling a little perturbed.

“Report from the Southern Army Group’s Military Command Center to the Imperial Ministry of Military Affairs. On the 6th day of the 11th month, 11 p.m., the destroyer unit under the Southern Region seized control of Stowenken, Meridian, Doga, Fooschni, Cyren, Azhar Fortress, Shanresse Holden, and Babelton, one after another! As of now, the guards have taken back all the major cities occupied by the insurgents. Most of the insurgents were annihilated, and the remaining survivors have fled to deep into the mountains. The officers and men affiliated with the Southern Region report to His Majesty Emperor and Titan’s military-masses, our army has acquired victory in stages!”

“Long live His Majesty!” Without waiting for Oscar to finish, the whole palace shook with the roaring cheers of the crowd! The nobles surged towards the Emperor in a frenzy.

“Colonel Vick, open the cellars and bring forth the precious, good wine of the Kenshin Palace! ” The prince instructed his secretary.

“Great!” Alfa III stood there in high spirits; he finally broke into a signature smile of his, “Thanks to His Highness Prince, we now have two pieces of good news.”

The wine reception had turned into a carnival. The news of victory had mesmerized the people and stirred them up! Be it gentlemen or ladies, Dukes or Lords; the people congratulated each other, embraced one another, exchanged flattery, crossed their arms and drank with one another. The Sun slowly started to set on the west and the people danced and sang drunkenly; the Sun gradually sank below the distant horizon and the people were still seeking good drinks. The Emperor enjoyed wine receptions; he had not indulged himself like this since forever! His Majesty borrowed the young prince’s authority to match up the pairs in the Kenshin Palace; claiming that he wanted to dance with all the ladies. Of course, if the circumstances permit, he would want to make love with all the ladies that were pleasing to his eyes!

Alanis was practically the first to excuse herself from the wine reception. Oscar did not try to urge her to stay for he knew that the princess detested the Emperor’s unrestrained behavior. Oscar carefully hid away all the female members of his house; His Majesty was already drunk beyond reason after dinner. A group of Madams who had sexy figures and knew no shame had him surrounded. Their perfume and increasingly exposed bodies caused the Emperor to burn with desire for them. Thus, the well brought up gentlemen of high status also left, followed by the bewildered young ladies who were blushing furiously and lastly, the upright and dashing military men who were filled with indignation!

Finally, the ones who persisted to the end were the most shameless and vulgar nobles! On his sixteenth birthday, Oscar remembered that moment and the faces of those who hardly concealed their desire and obscenity.

The prince shifted his gaze away from the tangle of bodies; he was utterly disgusted and felt that it was dishonoring to him. However, he realized with a start that practically all the nobles were doing the same thing! The youngster shoved a girl who had thrown herself onto him towards Doramy Basinger, the old chap’s arms. Just when he had turned away and was about to leave, he saw the King of Sins make an obscene gesture simulating penetration towards him.

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

The moon hung low in the sky, and the clouds masked it in a hazy halo. The lights in gardens of the Kenshin Palace were extinguished. The elegant moonlight immediately cloaked it in a silvery outline. In this pure world that seemed to stretch on forever, the gentlemen, youths, ladies, Madams craved to make a living.

Oscar stood on the veranda of his bedroom and assessed everything that had taken place in the gardens. The lights were off in the room, and the darkness more or less managed to soothe him.

A girl hugged the young prince from behind and her soft hair let off a familiar scent of Narcissus. Oscar turned around and took his sister into his arms, but suddenly released her with a startle.

The naked body under the moonlight appeared like the sculpture of a Goddess. The gentle ray of light made its way over the girl’s towering chest and between the perfectly round buttocks.

Oscar wanted to say something but realized that he could not make a sound. The girl’s delicate fragrance pierced his nose and her brilliance stung his eyes!

“This is my present for you brother…” Sasha bit her lower lip, feeling thankful that her brother did not turn on the lights.

Oscar took in the sight before him to his heart’s content, not missing a single of the fine details. He wanted to engrave the world’s most beautiful picture into his memory forever! Finally, just when the young lady was about to melt under the intense, burning gaze, she snatched up her cloak.

Tears welled up in Sasha’s eyes and she stared blankly at the cloak draped over her body.

“Thank you!” Oscar once again brought his beloved into his embrace, “I have received your gift, but before I put a wedding ring on her, I will absolutely not open it.”

Sasha lifted her head and searched for her brother’s lips.

His youth ended in an intense, passionate kiss!