Titan Beneath the Heavens Chapter 165

It takes a week to travel from Vielonna to Yang, also known as City of Crossroads. But Prince O'Neil and his wife only took three days. From there, they traveled north to Limbourg, the capital of Bandaray Province, using the main route with five days in horse carriage instead of the originally estimated ten days. When they continued their journey by moving along the sparsely populated Imperial Guards' war route, O'Neil Andrew Morisette had already given up on counting the days, but he knew his troops must take a break in Damorel Province to rest and reorganize.

Initially, Alanis didn't complain about her husband's schedule. The imperial princess recognized the severity of the situation. The capital's doctors' team was trying to save her father's life in full force. It wasn't a matter that could afford further delay.

Oscar was told that everything in the capital remained normal, and he thought this was absolutely unusual. Majority of the people were just patiently waiting for the news of death from the emperor's palace. If this was indeed the case, then Oscar assumed his trip back to the capital would be all for nothing. Everything would be over for Oscar in Dulin without the support of Alfa III. The emperor's presence hindered the undercurrents of resentment, and once this barrier was lost, all kinds of monsters would emerge from the abyss.

Oscar had no alternative but to take a break. His troops have traveled hurriedly more than 300 kilometers within 20 days. The Red Tiger Knights who were used to enduring hardships and working hard began to show signs of exhaustion once they arrived at Damorel Province. Even if the human body could endure extreme fatigue, the knights' warhorses gradually slowed down in their galloping. Oscar arranged for his Red Tigers to stay in the prison castle while he and his wife sought accommodation in the town.

The emperor's confidential secretary, Philip Goolean, sent in a courier. Philip's tone betrayed hints of pessimism and regret. Alfa III His Majesty could no longer speak and could survive only on liquid foods and tons of drugs.

The prince suggested to his wife that they have to continue on their journey the following day but Alanis protested vehemently. She argued that she has not bathed for more than a week, and this crisis was beyond imagination to the imperial princess.

There was nothing the prince could do but reaffirm the importance of the issue. However, Alanis who thought it through began to convince her husband instead.

"If the God of Light insists on bringing back our father at this time, why bother to hurry back when we should just take our time?"

Oscar frowned at the argument, and his opinion was slightly swayed. He has long been worrying about His Majesty's health condition but refused to ponder thoroughly at the current situation.

Anyway, was it possible that a better result would come after careful contemplation?

Oscar didn't believe this argument as it stood on insufficient grounds. The military intelligence work in the capital area was controlled and limited by both the head of Imperial Army and Secret Service Department, which was why their investigation on certain people and other matters could not be completed. It was exactly this attitude that made the Military Intelligence Bureau Chief so passive. Although he was very well aware of the daring and mischievous individuals in the city of Dulin, he could not understand how these people will cause trouble.

By 22nd day of the 11th month, the soldiers of Red Tiger Cavalry Corps have had two days of rest. The warden of Damorga prison and the local garrison provided much help to the prince and his troops during their brief stay. It was Paladin Major General Kamille Rayen's second visit to the massive prison castle. He hesitated in front of the gate of the fortress. It seemed that since a few years ago, the moment O'Neil Andrew Morisette stepped out of this prison gate, that everything in the world became uncertain.

Messengers kept running to and fro Dulin through day and night. The Marshal of the Imperial Guards, who was accustomed to the brazen cold wind above the prison tower, stood there to look out at the national route. Oscar's heart always skipped a beat whenever he noticed a team of knights dashing across the national route. He did not wish for them to be the Imperial Cavalry who have come bearing unpleasant news. Instead, he was expecting some impractical fantasies, for example… the emperor suddenly coming to consciousness this morning, or that his enemies were all poisoned to death in a night.

On the 23rd day of 11th month, Oscar still hasn't been informed any worthy news. He had no alternative but to abuse his power to force the highest authority to allow him entrance to the underground dungeon.

Prisons, high walls, winters, servitude camps, and even the underground dungeon where the King of Assassins was imprisoned, all remained the same. When Oscar walked past the low castle aisles and countless sentry posts, he had this peculiar sensation where he felt as if he has been cut off from the outside world for a long time. As if his body, a temporary shell, has always been buried in this horrid place, and now he was just a lonely soul that wandered aimlessly under the sky.

Maybe... this soul was deadly still.

O'Neil Andrew Morisette only came to this realization when he shuttled between the aisles. He discovered the fire within his soul was about to burn out. He couldn't bear to face the past of his childhood, he was unable to tolerate the atmosphere of the prison, and it was with extreme difficulty that he forced himself to look at the faces of the prisoners with a calm and normal face.

He has many friends whom he could no longer find in here. The winter in Damorga prison was even colder than Dulin in the north. Most people he knew here died of typhoid fever, while those unfamiliar to him died inexplicably. Life in here seemed to have been magnified by God. Nothing in the human world could compare to the sky of Damorga.

Oscar sneered a few times as he stared at the empty dungeon cell. No wonder the warden insisted on rejecting his request to receive the prisoner, even if this daring act came with a high risk of angering him. It turned out there was nothing here at all.

"Where's the man? I only ask once," the prince turned his back to the people who stood outside the stone door. Right now, he urgently needed an answer.

"It was half a month ago... that the Secret Service Department came and brought the prisoner away," the prison warden immediately fell to his knees. He found it difficult to understand how His Highness in front of him had lived in such a horrible place.

"Secret Service Department?" Oscar's brow knitted even deeper. "This prisoner has been imprisoned here for almost two decades. Is there a need to change cell?"

The warden quickly replied, "That didn't seem to be their intention..."

"And what is?"

"The lord who came from Secret Service Department had a long private talk with the prisoner, I reckon they were negotiating a deal!" 

"Ola…" Young Oscar rubbed his forehead at the new-found information. He seemed to have immediately understood some things. It was highly probable that the Secret Service Department intended to employ this top-notch assassin for an assassination. It required little effort to arrive at this conclusion, as that was what 13 was most skilled at! The only deal anyone could have with him was undoubtedly for a planned assassination, but who was the target of Secret Service Department this time? He or she must be someone of utmost importance if it demanded Rudolf Hoss to assign this super assassin who basically had no existence in the world!

All the nostalgic feelings Oscar had disappeared as he examined the empty dungeon once more. His old friend was gone. Perhaps he returned to his former trade, perhaps he was actually gone from this world. Anyway, he needed to inquire someone about this matter. Hindsight told Oscar that things are never as simple as they appear.

On the 24th day, His Highness the Prince hurriedly bid farewell to this hell on earth where he had been imprisoned for ten years. He found that he had no emotion at all for this place, except for certain people and certain things, all that remained was the dark ink imprinted in his memory.

Just as the entire troop was ready to move on, the prince was nowhere to be found. Paladin Kamille Rayen had no alternative but to send out one company to search for the young prince. Finally, the knights located His Highness the Prince at the north side of the prison wall. His Highness stood beside a small tomb and laid down a garland -- something rare to be found in this season, above the small tomb.

"Is this someone you know?" Kamille stepped forward and asked.

Oscar nodded his head slightly, "Yes… little Boo! Oh, I gave her this nickname. Her name was Brooklyn."

"Do you miss her dearly?"

Oscar shook his head in response, "She's a naïve, superficial, promiscuous little whore!"

Kamille Rayen was rather shocked at His Highness the Prince's inappropriate words. If O'Neil Andrew Morisette spoke about a person with such description, it could only mean that he missed and cherished the memory of this person too much.

"Let's go!"

Accompanied by his knights, the marshal quickly left the lonely tomb. This would be the last time Oscar visited Damorga – the place that shaped him, tempered him, and destroyed him all at once. The final visit did not stir up a surge of emotion in him, nor was it as exciting as he anticipated. What he experienced were instead unbearable desperation and a crying soul.

This place had deprived Oscar of many things, but it was also these things that made him the current Marshal of Imperial Guards, His Highness the Prince of the Empire, the Chief of Military Intelligence Bureau. If his future as the Emperor of the Great Andrew is included, Damorga would certainly be immensely proud of itself. However, the first thing that Great Andrew Emperor did after his coronation was to demolish the prison and replace it with a new paramilitary fort.

"You still can't forget about the past? Alanis leaned back to the comfortable carriage seat as she gently caressed her husband's braid.

Oscar remained silent. Indeed, he could never forget, even though some memories were not as fresh when he reminisced about it.

"Aww… poor little man! I'm sorry for you, we shouldn't have rested and reorganized in Damorga," the princess threw herself into her husband's embrace. She felt genuinely sorry for her lover.

Oscar shook his head in response, "No! It's not your fault. One way or another, we had to take a pause in Damorga."

"Why?" asked the confused princess.

Her husband let out a laugh before replying, "The whole world thought Her Elder Highness Princess Ashfin Kristen was in the south. Her Majesty the Empress's secret agents and some nosy people searched almost all of the five southern provinces but their effort was to no avail. That's because Ashfin is right here in Damorga! No other place is safer than here!"

"You imprisoned her in Damorga?" Alanis's eyes widened in disbelief, "Hold on a second, if I remember correctly, she delivered the child in the south, right?"

"Yes!" Oscar nodded, "She's no longer important since she delivered the child, as the person Her Majesty the Empress wants to destroy naturally became your Father Emperor's little princess!"

Alanis gave out a sigh of contempt, "What an awful mess!"

Oscar shrugged helplessly as there was nothing he could do about the matter. The root of all cause was Alfa III the horny male dog… um… or should he say the male dog who was about to be summoned by God.

"All grace to the God of Light! You've finally returned!" Chief of Staff of Imperial Guards, Marshal Robin Sparse at last reunited with the young prince whom he missed dearly in the courier station in the south of Dulin city.

It seemed that it had just snowed in Dulin as the road was covered with a layer of thin ice. Oscar, who was immensely bored, began counting at the hooves' prints left by the horses. As he was counting near to six hundred, the man whose mood was badly battered, gradually started to calm down.

"Things are starting to get out of control!" Oscar mumbled to himself, he had been complaining nonstop the moment he entered the old marshal's office. "Her Majesty Rolyn Kate is spending her final years in the convent, Silver Fox hiding behind the northern warmth at this time, and that damned old Kachev requested for his ten years' worth vacation all at once! Why didn't this old dog escape the cold in this kind of brazen winter?"

Marshal Robin frowned at the comment. He went up to shut the door tightly before pressing his student, whose mental state was terrible, down to the settee.

"I ought to remind you that this is the military, not your Kenshin Palace,"

Oscar puffed a few times before he calmed down. Then, he rolled a cigar for himself and began smoking as if he had no regards for the presence of the old marshal.

"Can't you see that all these people are lying low until this blows over?" The old marshal laid down comfortably on the seat.

"I know!" Oscar turned his head in annoyance, "My Red Tigers are arriving at the capital from three directions, no one is stupid enough to irritate me at this moment."

The Chief of Staff of Imperial Guard waved his hands in the air, "Apart from your Red Tigers, Steinberger House also assigned one independent infantry brigade to the capital in the name of parading for Holy Day of God. The commanding officer is one of your old friends, by the way."

Oscar thought about it for a moment, could it be the one who went through Saijo Mountain battle with him…"General Endorph?"

The old man shook his head, "It's Wellington, your messenger!"

"Excellent!" Oscar slapped on the armrest of the settee, but suddenly he grew suspicious. "No, it shouldn't be! How come I've not been told about any of this?"

From his own office, Chief of Staff pointed to the direction of Hamilton Palace. "His Majesty the Emperor arranged for this personally, only those who receive the emperor's official sealed letter are informed about this."

"I knew His Majesty would definitely have early preparations for his posthumous affairs!" Young prince extinguished the cigar, "There's no reason to doubt Steinberger House's loyalty to the Imperial Family, a crack troop of 5,000 warfare infantry brigade is enough to decide the fate of Dulin!"

"Haha!" Marshal Robin suddenly laughed, "Not including Steinberger, the combat troops also consist of an infantry division of the Titania House and the Southern Army Group's Snow Lions!"

"What do you mean? My Snow Lions?" Oscar was rather surprised, "I… I have completely no idea about this!"

The Chief of Staff of Imperial Guards just shrugged with indifference, "This means that your control over the south is actually not as powerful as you thought! Never underestimate the boldness of Imperial Family or Secret Service Department when it comes to dealing with emergencies. You could easily be killed by some conspirator if you are not careful enough!"

Oscar shook his head in confusion as he couldn't understand why Alfa III avoided him intentionally when he was making all these arrangements. Or did he also avoid everyone else? But at least he wouldn't have kept Alanis at arm's length! Unless… unless that lost male dog has changed his mind?

"Do you know what we should do now?" All of a sudden, Marshal Robin waved his hand in front of the young man.

"What else can we do except to see if His Majesty can survive this critical period?"

"No!" Chief of Staff shook his head, "It would be too late by then! The moment His Majesty the Emperor falls, His Elder Highness Prince Lobble would not be able to get the crown smoothly. All those clowns would scramble on stage to do their attacking dance!"

"My Red Tigers are not mere decorations!" Oscar mentioned through his gritted teeth.

"My child! Don't you get it? Armed forces are not the solution to every problem!" Old marshal held his hands together. "Those clowns would not fight the knights with force, that's why Her Majesty the Empress is hiding in the convent, and old Kachev has run away to the nursing home. Besides, what can you do even if you grasp control of the whole Imperial Guards? Push the empress into the coffin next to His Majesty the Emperor? Or drag Kachev from the nursing home and into the prison? You simply can't do that?"

On the other hand, Oscar didn't really mind the suggestion. He thought that it was worth a try if things come to that point.

"Don't even think about it!" The old man knocked hard on the young student's forehead. "His Majesty the Emperor is still fighting a tough battle with Death, we should try our best to steer clear of bloody events or any impulsive decision."

"Then what's the point of my return? To dig His Majesty's grave?"

"Don't be so anxious!" Robin laughed, "You should know what sort of things are lurking in the dark. You shouldn't be so eager and impulsively mobilize a whole cavalry corps! Your enemies have been warned and are now hiding in the secluded places inaccessible to you, silently plotting their conspiracy in delight."

The uneasy young man kept switching positions on the settee. It wasn't that he was afraid of the enemy's schemes, instead, he was more worried about the unimaginable things that the sick emperor would do, for instance…

"I sought verification from the Secret Service Department! Rudolf Hoss claimed that he had no idea Alfa III His Majesty released the super criminal from the Damorga prison." Oscar examined the sky outside of the window with sorrow. "However, it's definitely possible that it's Rudolf intention to keep the truth from me, although I can't seem to find an explanation why."

"What's the matter? What are you saying?" The Imperial Guards Chief of Staff was totally puzzled.

"Damorga prison has been guarding a top-notch assassin who is widely agreed to be the best assassin in the entire Westland. Half a month ago, he was brought away by a carriage from Secret Service Department, and my Military Intelligence Bureau couldn't trace any information on what happened after. I have reasons to believe that the only person powerful enough to negotiate a deal with the super assassin is Alfa III His Majesty. I think he's planning to murder someone!"

Marshal Robin's eyes widened in shock, "And no news on the assassin's whereabouts?"

Oscar was frustrated. "That's why I mentioned things are getting out of hand! It has been almost half a month, but our enemies are still healthy and well! According to the assassin's capability… grave news would have been announced by now!"

"Perhaps… there could be an enemy that the emperor is aware of that's out of our knowledge?" The old man could only arrive at this conclusion after serious thought.

"This seems to be the only explanation!" Oscar muttered to himself, "The poisoning of His Majesty the Emperor is still not solved. Although the lady who carried the poison is still not identified… I'm sure the emperor must have had some idea of who she is. It's just that it's not a name that we can recite simply!"

"You're suspicious of Her Elder Highness Ashfin Kristen?"

Oscar shook his head in denial, "That lunatic wouldn't be able to execute something like that, I have my bet on… Rolyn Kate! She had one sexual encounter with His Majesty not long before the poisoning incident was exposed, however, the encounter wasn't registered in the Imperial Secretariat's record."

Marshal Robin disagreed with the idea, "Do you have sufficient reasons to think so?"

"Yes!" Oscar held on to his own marshal's sword. "Empress Rolyn Kate was born into Karl Arnold House, one of the Big Three in the north, but His Majesty the Emperor and Marshal Alan were desperately trying to get the Big Three back to their original state. For the benefit of her House and her immediate interests in the north, Rolyn Kate has every reason to murder her husband."

"Since you have thought of this, His Majesty the Emperor is not stupid, and he will certainly suspect this too!" the old marshal looked at the young prince with amusement. "But how come he and Alan haven't been taking any action? This shows that suspicion against Empress Rolyn Kate is still without proof."

"I don't believe it!" Oscar shook his head again and again, "I don't believe that His Majesty will let go of those who hurt him. This must be the reason for him to mobilize this assassin unless you can think of any other possibility?"

The old marshal sighed softly at the loss of what to do. It seemed that there was indeed no other better explanation.

"Well! I have traveled thousands of miles away to the capital for weeks but you haven't welcomed my return yet!" Oscar stretched his arms widely at his tutor, and the latter received it with a warm smile. 

Winter in Dulin was dark and solemn, as slight snow north-western wind would visit the huge capital at the end of the 11th month. The streets at night appeared to be extremely desolate under the dim influence of the streetlights and extended itself with turns and twists like a drunk man trying to walk straight. During the day, the fallen snow formed layers of frost on the road. The silent dark alleys occasionally witnessed the cursing of pedestrians when the careless men slip on the ground.

Dulin Scott Cathedral was the temple of worship for Titan Imperial Family. Its position in the center of the city's geography allowed it to stand tall quietly in the night. Moonlight cast a faint silhouette over the ancient half-timbered porch and towering fleche. Upon entering this mythical religious world, one can discern those new decorations from the old ones.

Archbishop Karl Arnold held the highest authority in Titan parish as assigned by the Holy See. His stature was as tall as his status. This hearty man wearing a white wig does not enjoy the Langeais style mural nor did he like overly bright-colored paintings. Even the plated golden fence in front of the God of Light's stature was an annoyance to his sight.

In short, Archbishop Karl Arnold had enough of the years as the guardian of God. Once he had carefully studied the classics teaching of God. In comparison to the theological discovery founded by Narcissus, he thought these words of God were nothing more than nonsense babbled by a group of drunkards.

There was no essential difference between Karl Arnold and the rest of the senior clergymen. They served the God, but they also insulted the God. They feared God, but deep down in their hearts, they knew they weren't the most devout believers. Nothing else was more practical than the gold coins. Since his youth, Archbishop Karl Arnold had believed that as long as he bribes the angels that lead the way, the gates of heaven would naturally be opened for you. Similarly, as long as the relationship between Death was well maintained, then the demons from hell would not bother you with trouble.

Bright lights of candles illuminated the cathedral. This was the time when even the most pious believers couldn't resist the urge to fall asleep, but someone just had to confess to the bishop at one o'clock in the morning. The middle-aged man, dressed in very ordinary clothing, entered the hall from the corner door at the back of the cathedral and immediately hurried into the narrow confession stall. The nervous and anxious man, who carried himself like a guilty thief, appeared to be really in need of some appeasement.

Karl Arnold joined in the confession stall a few moments later dressed in a neat robe. In his hand was a book of God's words and a cross-shaped worship totem which hung the stature of God.

The archbishop in high spirit knocked on the wooden partition in the confession stall, "Poor man, you can begin!"

The middle-aged man took off his hat respectfully, and the faint

the faint candlelight illuminated his face. Marquis Laston Cambre, the palace chief of Titan Emperor stared deep into the eyes of the archbishop behind the wooden walls.

"Aren't you a little too comfortable?"

Karl Arnold shook his head lightly, "My poor child, this is not the tone suited for confession."

"Alright!" Laston Cambre moved his head nearer to the wooden partition, "My poor hostess would like to know when can she take the next move? The convent you assigned her to is going to drive her mad!"

Archbishop Karl Arnold again shook his head from left to right. "Tell your hostess that she can take the next step when I think the time is ripe for action!"

"When would be considered a good time?" Laston was genuinely anxious. "Prince O'Neil and his wife have returned to the capital, and Princess Alanis was just checking in on His Majesty on his sick bed. Everywhere in Dulin is surrounded by the armed forces of His Majesty's favored officers. Our advantage…"

"Our advantage is that no one knows the truth!" Karl Arnold interrupted the palace chief. "Don't look for me if there's nothing urgent. The poisoning incident of His Majesty has already damaged your reputation in the palace, I'm worried that Rudolf Hoss the hound has picked on some suspicious scent. You better be extra cautious!"

"There's no need to worry about Rudolf Hoss. He seems occupied handling some shady affairs for His Majesty."

"Any idea what it is?" Karl Arnold showed his concerned.

"Not sure! Seems to be a cleansing, or perhaps aiming at one specific person!"

Archbishop let out a sigh of relief, "It's not going to be us. Osli Alfa Morisette wouldn't have guessed the truth even after he goes to hell!"

The palace chief shook his head with anxiety, "I think the condition is not so optimistic! Not only will Marshal will keep your House under surveillance in the north, he will definitely have bigger actions. Otherwise, he will not turn a blind eye to the news of the emperor's critical illness."

"That's Alan's attitude! Even if the Titan Emperor really did go to hell, this Silver Fox wouldn't even frown a bit. Alan is used to analyzing things from the top of the cloud, the gravely ill emperor to him is just a pawn that he could sacrifice at any time."

Marquis Laston Cambre nodded in agreement, but suddenly he was reminded of another issue.

"Out of expectation, Prince O'Neil brought back Her Elder Highness Ashfin Kristen from Damorga prison. We miscalculated this time! The forces that have been assigned to the South have been seized by the Military Intelligence secret agents."

"It's not necessarily something bad!" Karl Arnold smiled slightly, "At least for now, since Rolyn Kate can't hurt Her Elder Highness Ashfin and her little princess, so... let Prince O'Neil protect them. We can use that dirty bastard sooner or later."

"You mean the little princess?"

"Yes!" replied Karl Arnold with his usual evil laughter. "We'll let Alfa III's descendant reap what her father has sown. Now that's fair, isn't it?"

Laston grew impatient "You have to at least give me an order or something, if not what am I supposed to explain to Rolyn?"

"You address her as Rolyn?" The archbishop's gaze suddenly became threatening.

"Oh... I mean Her Majesty Empress Rolyn Kate!" the palace chief quickly corrected himself, and lowered his head in panic.

Karl Arnold snorted coldly, "Remind my sister to wake up from indulging herself in those absurd sexual fantasies, and keep a safe distance from the ridiculous men!"

Laston Cambre's face turned bright red but he didn't refute.

"Go on, poor child... The night is still young!"

The palace chief hurried out of the confession room as if he had been granted amnesty, and then put onto himself a huge black cloak before stepping into the dark.

Darkness spread on the land of Titan like thick black ink, from the mountains of the south to the snowy forests of the north, from the valleys of the western hills to the daffodil fields of the east. The city light of Dulin appeared as if the brightest star in the still, quiet night. It spread warmth to all corners of the city and illuminated the ground with its faint light.

Its greatness spread out from the center of the great Dulins Plain, extending all the way to the fortress in Imperial Guards' First Region, over the national route that leads to all ways, and only gradually dissipated as it reached the historical Ravenhan.

Ravenhan had flourished in history because of its wool trade, particularly for its production of the famous blue fine woolen fabrics. This kind of soft, dense, but durable fabric has always been used by noblemen as material for clothes. It was said that the Marshal of Imperial Guard, His Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette, of distinguished reputation also used this kind of fabric to tailor more than 500 pieces of uniforms. It was definitely a rare luxury.

At the end of the seventh century, Ravenhan lost the foundation for the production of wool, because the Hoillanders brought in cheaper and more durable fine woolen fabrics. Ravenhan has since transitioned from a production site to a vacation center. This location, which was only two days' journey away from the capital, became of the capital of nobles who adored the scenery of pastures and grasslands, and a popular site for property investment.

As the Secretary of State of Titan, Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand considered himself as half a Dulin. The old man, who loved peace and quiet, naturally followed the capital nobles' tradition and purchased a huge villa on the outskirts of Ravenhan. This villa as tall as a castle was given an adorable nickname of "Kachev's Hut" by people who were familiar with it.

Most of the time, old Kachev wasted the majority of his valuable sleeping time at night due to the need to wake up to urinate. Unlike many other old people, the empire's Secretary of State had very little sleep, sometimes not even having the desire to sleep. However, when exhaustion hits, the old man may fall asleep whenever and wherever. Most people thought Kachev was just exploiting his seniority, but the truth was he wasn't. The empire's Secretary of State no longer had the energy and dignity of his youth. He hated his own hands because they often trembled without reason; he hated his ureter because he usually stood for half an hour and only managed two or three drops of urine even though he constantly had the urge to pee. 

"Hence... I didn't have time to beat around the bush with the Emperor anymore!" the old man exclaimed as he looked at his daughter.

"Are you giving up now?" Marquis Erdogan Vas Ferdinand went close to her father's side in an almost threatening manner. "You are thinking of giving up that after you sold me to the bastard?"

Kachev slowly shook his head, "Our initial goal was too ambitious, and it was completely my fault!"

"No!" Erdogan broke free of her father's hand, "It was O'Neil Andrew Morisette's fault! If it wasn't for him, my son would become a prince. My son would have everything O'Neil has! This includes the Young Lady of the Andrew House, the authority of being Marshal of Imperial Guards, and the position of the Chief of Military Intelligence Bureau."

The old man shook his head again, "That's not true! If you think of this matter as the responsibility of Prince O'Neil, then I advise you to quickly find a hiding place for yourself! Look around us, all around us are around us are the secret agents of Military Intelligence Bureau and Secret Service Department! I underestimated Rudolf Hoss, as well as Prince O'Neil. Really, when I first saw him many years ago, he was just a little kid who knew only to show off his wealth!"

"It's not too late!" Erdogan took the initiative to grab his father's arm. "They can't fight you! You can utilize your network of contacts and Secretary of State's authority to continue to outwit them! They..."

"Wake up, Doran!" This time it was the old man who shook off his daughter's hand, "Do not forget that they have Alfa III behind them. When the emperor falls, the empress will come out to handle the situation. Even if the empress remains silent, it will be Alan who presides over the overall situation. If Alan isn't interested in participating in the battle then O'Neil Andrew Morisette's Red Tigers will have control over the capital. Supposed that I can defeat one and bring down two, but the last one will definitely knock us down! We don't have any true allies on the same boat, we simply can't compete with the whole Morisette Imperial Family!"

Discouraged, the elderly sunk himself into the chair, "Perhaps His Majesty wouldn't have been so cautious around me if I wasn't that arrogant and aggressive in Dulin over the years! My guess is he will not leave the world in peace. He has probably already made all the necessary arrangements for the future in order to ensure the continuation of his dynasty's! His final cleansing before he passes on must be extremely terrifying, maybe we wouldn't be spared from it too."

A wide smile spread over Erdogan's face. "Father, I think... Osli would never have guessed..."

The old man's ear shook slightly as his daughter's whispered, and his face was washed over with panic. "What are you saying?"

"Haha!" The coquettish woman leaned back into her seat, and her glamorous face was replaced with a proud look. "You heard me, didn't you? This is what His Second Highness Prince Lobmus told me!"

All of a sudden, Erdogan exclaimed her disgust. "The only advantage of that disgusting guy is that he tells me everything! Besides, I'm sure he will not joke about this kind of thing!"

"Hahahaha!" laughed the old Kachev. "Oh! No wonder Rolyn Kate quickly accepted my offer, she was actually planning a huge conspiracy! Look at me! I can't deny the fact that I'm really old. How did I not realize that sick old witch was the source of all trouble?"

"It's not too late to discover now!" Erdogan's eyes glowed with intense brilliance, "If we just try a little harder and assist the empress in her scheme to push over the court, I believe she will accept my son and let him becomes a prince of the Empire like O'Neil Andrew Morisette!"

The old Kachev smiled slightly but didn't say anything to his elated daughter. Why would Rolyn Kate win? Or that Silver Fox Alan and O'Neil Andrew Morisette definitely lose? God of Light never agreed to a smooth and easy coup! It would have been a great mistake if they chose to stand with the wrong team now! The Secretary of State was calculating the gains and losses silently in his heart, but no matter how he imagined, old woman Rolyn Kate's determination and means were not comparable to the prince who was willing to risk anything and everything.

Well, wasn't the answer fairly apparent now?

"No! I don't know anything at all!" Oscar Andrew Morisette waved his hand at his wife, "Obviously, your father has had certain affairs arranged accordingly, but I have only a little or no knowledge of all that. Those people who might be associated are not even here in Dulin. This is not merely tacit understanding, but a prelude to a storm!"

All of a sudden Alanis became impatient, "You only care about those things! I've returned so late at night and you didn't even bother to ask about Father Emperor's health condition!"

Oscar made a disgusted noise, "Don't you talk to me like that, Alanis! You're no any better than me! Haven't you been calling Alfa III His Majesty a male dog? And you should be delighted now that the male dog is in trouble!"

"Shut up!" Alanis waved her hand forcefully and it hit a teacup nearby. It flew slightly above the prince's head and shattered into pieces as it hit the wall.

Oscar stared at his wife for a long time, and he finally softened.

"I'm sorry!" the man apologized as he wiped the tears from the woman's cheeks, "It's not a laughing matter, and I shouldn't have said that. I know we are both not in a good mood."

Alanis turned her head away sharply in annoyance. Although she did call her father names, she felt devastated when she saw the skinny body slowly dying away on his sick bed.

"His Majesty is still not getting any better?" Oscar finally remembered to ask. Alanis shook her head in sorrow, "He came to consciousness when I arrived. He recognized me and opened his mouth trying to speak to me, but no words came out, then… then he just kept smiling!"

The imperial princess could no longer contain herself. Her grief was too immense she could hardly bear the pain inside her heart. So what if her father was the biggest rogue under the heaven?

Osli Andrew Morisette was still the empire's Emperor who crawled on the ground and let toddler Alanis rode on his back, he was also the excited father who dissolved into tears at his daughter's wedding.

Oscar pulled his disheartened wife into an embrace, "He will be fine! Everything will be fine..."

His Highness the Prince appeared to be comforting himself. His gaze went across the forehead of his shuddering wife. He noticed that the night outside the window began to snow.

Wind and snow turned into a burly giant near the horizon, and above the giant's head was a vast sky covered with dark clouds as cold frost froze his waist. His feet were made up of an abundance of snow, and the white marks hovered heavily over the Titan ground.

The blizzard spread from the capital of the empire up north, through the majestic Black Forest, through the bleak and dark hills, all the way to the Jebron Fortress which stood high on the edge of the mountains.

The old commander of Imperial Guards wanted to open the window on the fortress tower, but the cold wind that resisted against the heavy wooden window caused his hands to shiver. In the end, he managed to open it with the help of his new bride Bie.

Marshal Alan's infamous silver hair fluttered as the northern wind blew, his wrinkles tangled into a mass due to the cold frost. The old man stared quietly into the snowy night. In addition to the whistling wind, noises of snow crushing the crispy branches could be heard from the distance.

Alan was waiting! He no longer had hope in the current emperor, but he still attached great importance to what the emperor entrusted him. This was probably the last thing he could do for the Emperor of Morisette Dynasty – Alfa III His Majesty.

The old man unfolded the confidential letter that the emperor handed him as he looked out to the wind and snow.

Scribbled handwriting in trembling strokes...

The commander of the Imperial Guards carefully identified the characters who appeared dancing under the lights of the fortress.

The ruler of the Empire only said one sentence.

"Whoever who forces an abdication of my eldest son is the real enemy of the Morisette Dynasty!"

Chapter end