Titan Beneath the Heavens Chapter 216

At the very least, this showed that the Princess of West Percy was wary of the intentions of the Titan Prince toward collaborations, and was not very fair in her attitude towards the Engelish. The Faran was another conventional enemy of the Engels, and Prince William also had to be careful of his personal safety when he appeared at Faran's border. Presumably, the Farans had come to learn the things that Titan was discussing with one of its allies and enemies, something the Farans were excluded from. This was practically a kind of insult to the Farans, who had a fondness for excellence above others. Even Prince O'Neil was praying that when the three-party discussion officially began, the Farans would, with all hope, not appear to cause trouble.

The West Percians would be located in a manor within the vicinity of a military depot. Actually… a military depot was just a pleasant way of putting it. Those who had yet to see the world would certainly think that the huge wooden stockade were the fortifications of the Farans. On the side of the Titans, the Imperial Guards had prepared a local garrison and an Independent Cavalry Brigade for the three-nation summit. When His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil's convoy entered the border's condominium zone, these two units began drawing closer to the Faran's barracks.

The Prince of the Engels, who came from afar, did not have the advantage that the Titans did. The only choice William had was to obediently follow Oscar from behind, appearing like the Titan prince's entourage. However, this prince was never the protagonist. In his country, he only played a supporting role in the Royal Household, and most of the time, he only served as a contrast for the protagonists.

The meeting place was the manor's Roman-esque main house, with its tall arches and marble pillars. Catalina Don Holmes, wearing a formal, traditional court attire, seemed to have completely broken away from her pain. She lifted her skirt and glided down the pure white woolen carpet until the Titan Prince and the Engelish's carriages came to a halt in the courtyard. 

"To trouble a respected Lady to answer the door… This is truly a sin!" Oscar exclaimed in exaggeration as he got off the carriage. Prince William followed at his side. The reserved Engelishman smiled perfunctorily, and when his gaze met that of the Princess of West Percy's, they shifted their eyes away.

Oscar trampled over flower petals on the woolen carpet. He continued walking into the large living room of the main house, only to be greeted by the drinks and buffets the owners had prepared for them. The Prince of Titan decided to serve some niceties as he was picking his food, talking about nothing more than the weather, alongside the local geography and culture.

Who would have imagined that the princess of West Percy, in contrast, was not feeling uneasy or having an awkward demeanor; she smiled like a rose in the advent of spring, and her body language was lively and vivid like a squirrel after hibernation. Alas, all of that was a facade. When Oscar accidentally brushed her fingers, Catalina suddenly became a startled bird, jumping in a panic without warning.

Oscar was very interested in this realization, and after unobtrusively proving the point, he discovered a fact… Catalina was afraid of this touch. She would panic, she would blush, and she would lose her ability to speak and act for a short period of time. The Titan Prince had reason to believe that the foolish girl felt guilty for the wrong she had done before. 

However... Catalina was simply guilty, nothing more. She was a woman. It was only after great thought that she figured out that one issue; cooperating with the Andrews to develop Slovenia and the Black Sea region would only benefit her country, and not, in fact, come to haunt her later. As for the Engelish, she had long since seen through the "Fur Seal". They were a group of carnivorous animals that, when starved a fresh, warm meal, they would swarm forwards to snatch one. If it came to that, it would be even more difficult to deal with West Percy if they did not make good preparations to once again carry out a decisive battle with the Engelish at sea.

Since Katerina had already thought of this, one must ask, "why would you want to assassinate O'Neil Andrew Morisette, the catalyst?" The Princess of West Percy's answer would be shrouded in obscurity; she would say, "I hate him!" or "who cares about the reason, Oscar definitely must die!"

In other words, ... The operation of assassinating Titan was entirely wishful thinking of Catalina's. After the event, she was severely criticized by the king. Even the Her Majesty the Queen, who guided her to enter Etha, also publicly questioned her way of thinking, or rather, imagination. Therefore, it is believed that pressure from the top was the fundamental reason Catalina Don Holmes participated in the meeting. If she were left to her own devices, she would choose to evade Oscar her whole life. Perhaps this was the ultimate solution for her first lover. However, as we all know, Catalina had chosen an outrageously foolish path. Only dispensable, faint and distant memories remained between her and Oscar.

Oscar would not be bothered to cater to a silly woman like Catalina. The Titan Prince used a half hour's time to establish West Percy's intended sphere of influence between the Black Sea and the Aldrid Sea without offering Her Royal Highness the Princess any room for bargaining. Everything went according to the previously agreed parameters, and in order to get a foothold in this area, West Percy was to unconditionally open the port and shore-based facilities that belonged to the country at Jebrotoh Strait to Titan and the Andrews.

As far as the Engelish were concerned, they did not seem to have to pay anything for the benefits that it received in the written agreement. However, the Titan Prince repeatedly emphasized one point: the issue of the tariffs of imported and exported goods. The Engelish would set up a place for the commercial affairs diplomatic representatives at the coastal area of the Eichin Sea, and at the same time, relinquish the tax difference between the customs of the two places. This difference would then be fully given to Titan.

To take it a step further, since the Andrews were clear on forming an open ocean navy, the Engelish would not be allowed to sit and watch. The Andrews would dominate a part of the Engels navy in the Black Sea and the Aldrid Sea waters through mercenaries. The Andrews temporarily transferred sailors and veteran captains from the Engels Royal Navy to compensate for leadership vacancies in Andrew's navy positions.

Although this project was not necessarily beneficial to the Andrews in the long run, in the primary stage before a modern open-ocean navy would come into shape, an accomplished mentor could shorten the growth process of the entire event by half a century. This was a huge step for the extremely gold sensitive Steward Dynasty in the journey of advancing to the Far East.

Although the Ancient Silk Road on land was yet to be completed, the Persian Empire was still the world's first goods distribution center even after their collapse. Even the people of the current age could not predict the business opportunities hidden along this trading route.

Perhaps, the warmongers among the Engelish considered part of the territorial waters taken by West Percy as purely redundant, but Prince William had a taste of the Titan Prince's short temper. When speaking of the possibility of the Engels' exclusive commercial benefits, O'Neil Andrew Morisette made it clear that: "if that is the case... Please ask your country to return and discuss this issue after thoroughly distinguishing between the winner and loser with Faran and West Percy."

William could interpret the words of the Titan Prince as instigation. An instigation for the Engelish to launch a new round of maritime showdowns, or to take his words as coercion. Using the West Percy and Faran military power at the Disin Sea to coerce the Engels into pulling out from the competition and participating fairly in the game. In accordance with normal reasoning, the possibility of Prince O'Neil being more inclined towards the second attitude was a little larger. However, from William's view, this newly emerging powerful figure was an out-and-out expansionist. He would not let go of any opportunities for territory expansion.

It did not matter where or when the Engels launched a maritime campaign against Faran and West Percy; the winning party would face pressure from Titan, while the losing party would leave behind a lot of power deserts. Would Titan still be able to keep in line with them? O'Neil Andrew Morisette would have mostly thrown in his bargaining chip during the war. In that way… it was uncertain who would be the winner and loser. So… William almost signed the agreement without even thinking. Even if he could not enjoy the benefits alone, he had done the huge business of immense benefits on behalf of this country.

The only thing that surprised the Prince of Engels was that the Prince of Titans added the second motion to the bilateral agreement. He requested that William Steward must hold his wedding in Vielonna.

"And... Are you serious? You wouldn't have written this in the agreement if you weren't!"

Oscar nodded his head solemnly, "Of course it's serious! I can even tell you that should you refuse, there is a possibility of this agreement becoming a waste of paper at any moment!"

"To tell you the truth, I can't decide on this kind of thing. Even my father can't! According to our laws, my fiancée must receive the approval of half the noble members of the House of Lords…"

"They have a gold coast lying in front of them!" Oscar cut off the Prince of Engels. "Trust me! Even if you married a Pagan like me, the councilors of your country would accept her without hesitation. No one in the world would go against gold!"

"So in other words... You're going to marry off your daughter?" William had an exhilarated expression on his face. He believed that those who were extremely infatuated by her would have long since been made into their fiancée, were it not for his rumors circulating in the outside world that the soprano singer was the exclusive property of this Titan Prince.

Oscar tapped his cigarette. It seemed that his hypothesis would soon become a reality.

"Yes, I'm going to marry off my daughter!" the Titan Prince leaned comfortably into the sofa. This feeling was as satisfying as watching the potted plants blossom and bear fruit.

"Although this is the first time, I would never wrong you and your country's Royal Family! When you and my adopted daughter walk into the church, Elizabeth will have an independent title and fiefdom. You will marry a true Titan princess. There is no doubt about this!"

"Hehehehehe..." William Steward suddenly burst into laughter. He waved his hand at Prince O'Neil. "Your Highness, I have to remind you that matters such as attaching a name and marrying off a princess is not something that you can solve… you have yet to become the Titan Empire's Emperor!"

"I will be!"

"You ... What did you say?"

Oscar rubbed his nose embarrassedly. "I mean... Her Majesty the Empress will surely facilitate this. She values the relationship between our country and Engels a lot."

William cautiously eyed O'Neil Andrew Morisette, who was almost speaking conceited nonsense. He was not sure whether the other person was blurting it out due to a slip of the tongue, or he had intentions behind it. If the Head of Andrew really had such an intention…

It was still too early to say. Just when the three parties participating in the meeting thought that conversation was coming to an end, the Farans finally appeared! Prince O'Neil and the Princess of West Percy, rather grudgingly, welcomed the Faran envoy. From its status, one could see how concerned the Faran court was towards the three-party meeting. 

Prince Whitney Kristen, the uncle of the Faran Regent of the present age, had the staunchest anti-Titan stance among the figures that held true power within the Faran Kristen Dynasty's old generation. The old man did not even salute when he was faced with a whole house full of young people. He made a huge show of sitting on the master seat, using the tea he brought to prepare a fine beverage. Then, he said some pompous and high-sounding words for the occasion. He only lifted his ass up from the sofa when the owner of the manor was about to set out dinner.

Oscar clenched his fist. He already had enough of this uninvited guest's arrogance and nonsense. After bumping heads with the other person a few times, he finally became hostile.

"Sir, let us be honest, Slovenia already formed a benefit layout to be agreed upon. This process has nothing to do with your country. What does Faran want?" 

Prince Whitney Kristen eyed the young Titan Prince with disdain, "I will send an official diplomatic note to Her Majesty the Empress of your country explaining our country's views on this matter." This meant that O'Neil Andrew Morisette was not worthy to know.

Oscar stroked his nose. He also did not wish to get tangled up with this old dog who did not have a clear head, "Very well then, do you need me to tell you Her Majesty the Empress' address and mailbox?"

The old Prince snorted coldly, "If your country's Empress still has a reason, she will look into the legal responsibility of you and your lackeys' brazen invasion into a sovereign monarchy.

Oscar rolled his eyes, "Is this the Farans' threat?"

"This is just a conventional friend's word of advice!" Prince Kristen knocked his cane against the floor. " The threat, on one hand, is of a different content! For example, the second Anti-Titan Alliance? Don't you think this name is quite pleasant to the ears?"

Oscar looked at Princess of West Percy who hung her hand without speaking, then at the Prince of Engels who was smiling. Now was the time to put the alliance to the test.

The Titan Prince held William's arm and flashed a smile at the special Faran Imperial Envoy who had not grasped the situation. "Sir, everyone is very busy and I will not be seeing you out! However, I also have a piece of advice. If you have the opportunity to go and bathe, remember two things! One, keep a distance away from the Engelish's carriages. I'm not sure which of them has fireworks and firecrackers. Second, don't enter the bathrooms run by the West Percians. I can't be certain whether the female slaves in the house are not religious zealots in hiding."

The old man wrung his hands and after shooting a glare at the crowd in the room, he turned and left in anger. However, as he was passing the mistress of Etha, he suddenly came to a stop. He only gave Princess Catalina a phrase: "Sell one's soul for gain!"

The West Percy Princess suddenly stopped the Prince of Faran. "Sir, this title, the second Anti-Titan Alliance, to my country, it is out of season."

The Faran Court Special Envoy's eyes widened. He nodded firmly and then with his head held high, strode out of the meeting room.

During the farewell, Oscar held the back of Catalina's hand up and planted a passionate, heavy kiss on it. He said to her, "Thank you. I mean… for all this!"

Catalina frowned and after her eyes caught a glimpse of the red scar on the Titan Prince's neck, she swiftly averted them.

"You're welcome..."

Oscar scrutinized the other person's expression. He could not read Catalina, neither did he want to spend unnecessary thoughts to figure these things out. If she was wrong, let her continue on. If she earnestly hoped for a normal relationship… the Titan Prince would also welcome it. The Princess of West Percy… the Prince of Titan; this was their relationship. Oscar was no longer an impulsive teenager. There was only one aim for him to restrain his emotions and feign ignorance, but it was now year 801, the 5th month. He did not want anyone to know where his heart belonged, and the refuge of his soul.

From how he saw it, the point in life that was considered the endpoint was an issue that should be explored. However, there was one thing that he was very clear about. In the current world structure and political platform of Titan, he needed a new foothold to unveil his overall ambition and aspiration. Actually… Oscar's greatest ambition and aspiration were not to take over the supreme seat, but to bring his knights to appreciate the vast amount of customs in the great wide world. Just like Slovenia right before his eyes, the Aldrid Sea that was as verdant as lichen, and the Eichin Sea that produced mermaids and countless beautiful myths. O'Neil Andrew Morisette would carve the imprint of Fierce Tigers and Narcissus on all these.

To tell the truth... Didn't this kind of thing make one excited beyond reason, simply by just thinking about it?

"But... Is such an arrangement good or bad?" Janin Sherman's muttering caught Oscar's attention.

"What do you mean?" Prince Titan looked up in confusion. The three-way alliance with Engels and West Percy had been through repeated demonstration.

The Head of the Military Intelligence Southern Sub-bureau's eyes widened, "You really don't know, or are you just acting ignorant?"

Oscar was already a little annoyed. No one had ever questioned him this way, "Janin, you have to let me know where exactly is there a problem?"

General Sherman spread his hands, "My Lord, this is originally your family's matter, I should not have asked! But, if you insist on marrying Lady Elizabeth off to that Prince William… then what will become of the child?"

Oscar suddenly made a time-out gesture. "Child? What child?"

"You don't know?" Janin suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.

"Just what is it about?" Oscar grabbed at the other man's collar violently.

"The secret agent who was in charge of guarding Lady Elizabeth returned a report saying that...The clinic that the Lady often visited prescribed her with a one month of tocolytics! I… I thought you definitely knew…"

Oscar withdrew his hands, trembling. For a brief moment, he had lost the ability to think. 

Chapter end