Titan Beneath the Heavens Chapter 74

Year 791, 21st day of the 10th month on Titan Empire's divine Light Calendar, a fire beacon suddenly ignited in the southern territory of this ancient Empire. However, the Capital's Military were having problems trying to verify the enemies' identities, not the Farans, more so not the Italians who had just been utterly defeated. It was strangely quiet at the Empire's national border; there was no trace of suffering from an enemy invasion. Then how did the fire beacon light up?

A rebellion? A riot? Aside from these, there were no other possible explanations. Enemies had appeared from within the Empire; they are to one's surprise, those farmers, hunters, merchants and craftsmen in various workshops.

Why would the southern mountain region become Titan Empire's most populated and affluent region? Following the shift in the mainland's economic terrain, the merchants and various businessmen started to concentrate along the coastal areas. We know that Titan Empire did not set out to sea, but yet it had the largest consumer groups of Westland. As an ancient nation, it occupied the mainland's first place in terms of the number of Titan nobles and wealth that they possessed. When the Persians cut off the trading route in the East, there was a change in the supply and demand of the luxury goods.

As nobles, they needed a standard method that allowed them to continuously add to their wealth. However, the luxurious goods were dwindling, and the prices were soaring. Thus, the increase in the buying power also determines the noble class' exploitation strength.

In Titan, there were two forms of address of the people. Those who had their own lands and property were collectively called the free people while those who had nothing and had to serve in the nobles' territories were called tenants. This was the foundation of Titan Empire's governing and also the cornerstone for producing wealth. Nobles were a social class that reaped without sowing; they possessed territories and various properties. Furthermore, the Empire's government will grant an annuity to the nobles according to the class of their titles.

To the nobles, the very existence of the governing foundation was entirely for them. The wealth that the free people created was private property that received the protection of the gods. The nobles of Titan admitted this, but they could use the nation's power to plunder and taxation was undoubtedly the best channel. Titan's taxation had already reached the degree of one over twelve for tax in the sixth century. This was at that time the highest among the Western Kingdoms. However, this situation worsened further in the seventh century, taxation of one over tenth, and taxation for one over nine appeared one after another. In certain private territories in a vast region, taxations with the standard of one to five appeared in succession. Just like this, the wealth generated by the free people declined because after the riches entered the state treasury, their value deteriorated.

As for the tenants, only god knows how they continue to survive! The number of tenants that the Titan noble class possessed should be seven tenth and above, of the entire population. Other classes were the citizen class, the free people, and another half were the families with Military merits and the aristocratic families of the knights, while only the remaining small portions are the nobles themselves.

The nobles were extremely cruel with regards to the tenants' deprivation. Exploitation of the tenants' labor for free had become a tradition. There was nothing to be said regarding this, the nobles' principles were built on this tradition. However, the tenants' situation not only stopped at losing the fruits of their labor; if the nobles disliked the name tenant, then mules or cattle were more suited for these lowly low class people. The nobles had complete authority over the tenants in their territories; if this did not count, then the old Lords of Titan had methods of abuse or one could say, methods of having fun that were newer and more cruel.

Speaking of it would greatly offend the God of Light; so let's forget about it, we only need to know that the Lords of Titan slept on a gold mountain that was compact with skeletons.

Although an overwhelming majority of Titan's people were already insensitive to the views of the Vatican and the cruel poisoning by the rulers, but a nationality would forever have a group of people brimming with bravery. When their wives or daughters were seized, when their lands were robed, when survival became a dream for them, the people rose and rebelled. In year 571 on Titan's Church's Calendar, an uprising erupted with the Tanz peoples' opposition against the new taxation laws, in year 612, "The Farmers' Uprising" erupted, year 617, the "Great Southern Uprising" in opposition of the Vatican's one to eleven taxation erupted, year 629, the "Uprising of the Guilds" erupted in the area of Dulin, in year 677, "Uprising of the Ranchers" erupted in the southern plains, in year 680, "Uprising of the Forest Workers" erupted in the northern forest area in opposition of tyranny.

Bathed in the peasants' smoke of war, the Titan Empire underwent a bumpy ride to finally arrive in Church's year 791. The beacons ignited for survival once again sprang up and spread across the southern territories, but this time it had a different nature than the previous peasant conflicts. A completely new class played the role of leader of the uprising, they poured in new energy and new meaning for the war to crusade against the nobles.

The south was just as that of Alfa III's understanding. This was Titan's merchant class and the new nobles' roots. Geographically, we could see that the mountain area was Titan's region that was closest to the coastal Kingdoms. Although transport was inconvenient and the annual trading period was greatly affected by the weather, but this still became the distribution center for the exchange and distribution of goods with the coastal Kingdom. The merchants' activities spurred the economic development of the whole region while some of the merchants were even conferred with noble titles due to their contribution to Titan's Imperial household. The status of these new nobles were lowly, they even did not have the right to join the region's House of Lords.

Thus, the contradiction became prominent; the merchants possessed financial resources more solid than that of the noble class, but they however had no influence at all in the National policy and the nobles could still make use of the privilege in their grasp to exploit. The new nobles who were differentiated out from among the merchants also started to express intense unease for their situation; they not only had to pay tribute to the country but also had to endure taxations like the merchants and the progressively unreasonable commerce policies.

Hence, in Light's year 791, after the dialogue between the merchant class and the new nobles with the local government fell through, they already lost their patience to continue to compromise with the ruling class. An unprecedented scale of an armed battle slowly came into being; a conspiracy aimed at Titan's highest ruling authorities slowly came to surface. When Titan's Southern Region was occupied with conducting an assault on Italia, the insurgents who were hiding in various farms and workshops received their arms in succession. Finally, when the empty southern mountain region was immersed in a jubilant mood over their victorious battle against Italia, the insurgents removed their disguises, flashed their swords and attacked the cities and villages in the mountain area madly. The nobles who had once stepped all over them had became lowly prisoners overnight. The insurgents put on leg chains and iron clamps onto these Lords. As for those who were the most treacherous and evil among them, the guillotines and gallows were their belonging.

"Freedom!" "Equality!" The nobles heard the insurgents' cheering before they were executed, but they still could not make sense of the meaning of these two unfamiliar words until their death.

This was the most fundamental difference between the southern uprising in year 791 and any of the other peasant wars in history. The rising merchant class had already done adequate mental preparations for the uprising. When the poor and miserable tenants took up their hoes, the propagandists informed them, we do not only fight for survival, but more so, we fight for equality and liberty. The eyes of the people shone with a look that they never had before. Perhaps they would be impaled and crucified by the soldiers of the Lords who came to suppress them, but at least they would earn an opportunity for their future generations!

"So? As the ruler of this Empire! Don't tell me that I don't have any means?" Alfa III sat upright in his throne, having not slept the whole night.

"Victory? How ridiculous our victory is! Our victory actually ruined ourselves!" The Emperor gazed at the obedient cabinet ministers beneath his throne, unable to refrain from thundering at them.

"The Tower of Heroes has already been lighted the whole night and my army has actually yet to obtain any useful information, while my secret service, hahaha!" The Emperor instead laughed in his rage.

"Count Rudolf Hoss, have you been staying too long in Dulin? Do you want to return to the younger days when you trained everywhere? Tell me! When I asked you about the Secret Service's investigation in the South, how did you answer me? In the presence of these cabinet ministers, tell me!"

"Your Majesty!" Rudolf Hoss was a little nervous, but he still had on an emboldened look. "The special case officer in charged of the incident of His Imperial Highness Prince and Her Imperial Highness Princess' encounter with the assassins had gone missing, we are unable to determine whether he is alive or dead, but there is another possibility that cannot be ruled out, this officer may have betrayed and fled to..."

"That's enough!" The Emperor's roar reverberated throughout the palace. "I...I did not expect the secret service that is in charged of managing the Empire's secret missions had already fallen to this plight! We would have had a very clear grasp on the armed rebellion once upon a time, but now, we have even lost contact with the South!"

"So..." Alfa III gripped the stack of documents in his hands tightly, he knew that he had to make a firm resolution; the reorganization of the secret service had already been settled conclusively.

"All of you get back to your posts! Especially you!" The Emperor pointed at Hoss.

"Marshal Alan! Please accompany for a while." The Emperor suddenly issued an invitation to the Empire's Military Affairs Chancellor just when the crowd of cabinet ministers was about to exit the doors of the palace hall.

The absolutely empty main halls no longer bear the clamor and noise of the previous night. Glasses and dishes were in disarray on the tabletop even the overturned and tilted sofa had not been put back in order. The Emperor seemed to have aged a lot, he stooped down with his eyes trained at who knows where for a very long time, until the Marshal placed a cup of steaming hot black tea.

"Your Majesty! It's still best if you go rest a while! The military has veterans and as for the Secret Service, although Your Majesty's anger is relevant, but as long as Count Hoss truly throw in his efforts, I believe that there will not be much of a problem."

"Thank you!" The Emperor took the teacup; he once again stared at the dark black liquid, lost in thought.

"Your Majesty!" The old Marshal really felt that this was not the time to remain silent, "I believe the staff officers and combat divisions have now already issued out a corresponding deployment against the unrest that suddenly broke out in the South. Although the situation is still unclear, but as long as the counterinsurgency troops arrive at their positions, there should..."

"Marshal! This I am still not that worried about! Those who initiated the revolt are nothing more than the underclass who are like worms." The Emperor shook his head. "Do you know? I am worried about a different issue. My daughter, little Alanis, she mentioned this when she was speaking about the time she encountered assassins in the mountains, 'If the ones who came up with this conspiracy are the people within the Empire, then I have reason to believe that there is a change in the loyalty and belief of the Empire's subjects towards the Imperial Household.' Now this, is the most dangerous!"

The Marshal nodded his head lightly. To the Morisette Dynasty, the people were the foundation of their rule. Once this foundation started to crumble from within, then it will not be long before the days of an interregnum.

"You Majesty, your worries are yet to be proved, perhaps..."

"No!" Alfa III once again denied the Marshal's words, "Just last night, my son-in-law and I were having a secret talk. He mentioned of an official of the Secret service operation in Rylie province. This secret service official already developed doubts and fear over the enormous power of the Merchant class, so... the fire beacon came just at the right time!"

The Emperor finished drinking his tea, "using assassins to cripple the southern government and military body, and some more, taking advantage of the Empire's attack of Italia to deplete the southern military force, and initiating a riot the eve before their victory, using the fastest speed to seize all the significant territories in the south. My Military Affairs Chancellor..." The Emperor suddenly broke into a sinister laugh.

"If my speculations really come to stand, then this means that we have been played into the hands of others! Can you accept this kind of arrangements?"

Alan's expression altered again and again. When he saw the fire beacon, many thoughts ran through his mind. However, when he personally voiced them, the feeling of shame would surge in like a tide, perhaps... the people had already forgotten about the Silver Fox's cunning and terror?

"Your Majesty! The military is awaiting your command" The old Marshal stood up respectfully.

"For the rebels, show absolutely no tolerance! For those who sympathize, they are guilty as for treason! For those who are on the fence, their crimes are as their associates! For the counterinsurgents that fails, their military office and titles will be questioned!"

"We will abide to the Emperor's command!" The old Marshal bowed deeply.

"My Marshal!" The Emperor helped Alan up; "I really do not know what will become of the Empire if it loses you."

Alan had already passed the emotional age, but he still accepted the Emperor's compliment gladly, "Your Majesty, the efforts of my fellow military colleagues also speak for themselves."

"Let's not talk about this anymore!" The Emperor was suddenly impatient, he waved his hand in annoyance and shame, "I still do not know just what kind of people those who manage the nation for me are. They rely on the benevolence of their forefathers and run amok, just like Rudolf's secret service, aside from embezzling the public funds, there is nothing else that they are good at!"

Without a word, Alan stood down, the secret service were not something he could simply appraise.

"The very existence of the Empire has already received threats from within, the prestige of the Imperial household has also been contradicted by the ruling foundation. It seems... The reorganization of the secret service department and the corresponding autocratic sector is required!" The Emperor expressed while opening the files that had always been in his hands.

"Your Majesty! You are saying that..." Alan did not conceal the joy on his face.

"That's right!" The Emperor gazed resolutely at the old Marshal, "I will secretly assemble the main Imperial Household members and the external influential families to conduct a coordination conference soon and then during the House of Lords Annual Meeting that comes then after, haha!"

The Emperor suddenly paused, his expression was as if he wanted to pick someone to devour!

"I will like to put forth a proposal to establish a cabinet in the Ministry of Senior Nobility, reorganize the Secret Service Department, the Justice Department, and the Military Affairs Department!"

"Your Majesty!" Alan stood up abruptly. "The Ministry of Senior Nobility will never approve of this proposal that severely sways the authority and benefits of the noble class! They will oppose it vehemently, so... I feel that they may not even spare a thought and also will not consent to your proposition of reform."

"Of course they will not agree!" Alfa III chuckled, "how can those men give up the authority that they had held in their hands for all these years easily? However... Count Hoss' office desk is already piled up with quite a lot of filthy charges. The trading of the nations' interest, the embezzlement of the country's wealth, the illegal acquisition of gold, smuggling, theft, adultery, incest... My distinguished marshal, truly, I cannot continue on; if I were to list out every charge, it will at least take until the later half of the night today. These damned fools! If all these wretched men were to go to hell... I believe that a quarter of the seats in the Ministry of Senior Nobility will be vacant. When the time comes... Do you still think that my proposal will be overruled?"

Alan had already tried his best to appear composed, but he still could not help but to shudder mildly. If His Majesty the Emperor really planned to carry out the things that he just heard, then... this would undoubtedly be the largest purging operation in the whole few hundred years history of the Titan Empire.

"Your Majesty, are you certain? You should know, I will absolutely show no compassion to those nobles who willingly went corrupt; I would just like to remind you, although your way of handling things will be able to achieve the objective of reorganizing the government smoothly, but... but the resentment and fear of the noble class towards you will accumulate to a certain extent."

"I understand this reasoning!" The Emperor appeared unconcerned, "Let them fear! Let them hate! Their authority will be taken over by the new generation that is far more loyal than them; the departments that have been corrupted by them will be reconstructed by new policies and when everything has settled down, who would care about those who dug their own graves!"

Alan fell silent, he was aware that the matter would absolutely not be as optimistic as the Emperor made it out to be.

"So... Your distinguished Marshal." The Emperor indicated the files in his hands, "The Military Intelligence Bureau, hehe! Why say that the fire beacons arrived right on time? It has truly allowed me to understand the value of existing in this world. If this completely new Secret Service Department really forms as you say, then the Empire's military affairs will take a huge leap forwards, I can even foresee that Titan will no longer be hampered by sudden military incidents! Isn't that right?"

Alan nodded his head, "Your Majesty, these are just what my fellow-workers and I are striving for."

"Make it happen!" The Emperor placed the files into the old Marshal's hands. "I understand that this will be a long process, but please do not doubt my resolve!"

"Wise and great Majesty Alfa III!" Marshal Alan gave an exceptionally respectful salute, "you will see the great divine Titan once again rise and soar in under your lead!"

This was a very chaotic tussle; this was a war between men and woman. The intertwining of limbs and the exchange of bodily fluids could not explain the meaning within; even a man's exploration of a woman's naked body could not reveal the difference between the reproductive organs, while a female could not obtain redemption and spiritual solace from the male's resurgence.

The youngster's desire came fiercely and swiftly and the loss of energy and release came so fast left him in awe.

"Fenrar!" Did you claw my back rotten?" Oscar caressed the female body beside him.

"Mmm..."

The youngster pushed the trainee doctor that had no marks, lightly to the side. He surveyed the surroundings. That's right! This was his bedroom in Kenshin Palace. Here, there was his polar bear sofa, Annie, Fenrar and his mother's spirit.

Young lady? Oscar opened the tall windows in his bedroom; the southwestern breeze stirred the curtains. The young lady was not at Kenshin Palace, she had gone to spend the night alone at the official residence at Penelope Avenue.

The sky seemed to have cooled down all of a sudden! Early morning Dulin no longer had the heat of the past; the cool breeze caused a lot of dust to swirl up. The people had changed into their autumn wear and summertime just suddenly withdrew itself, like the timing of the tides. The maids sent a cloak for His Imperial Highness Prince who was standing by the window staring into space and the youngster unconsciously draped it over himself. The maid was a little curious, what was her young master looking at? She flicked a quick glance outside the window, the flourishing blossoms had fallen overnight and the Palace's courtyard gardens displayed an array of dreary run-down colors. Although the trees were still dressed in their green wear, but the individual leaves among them had already started to age and fall in loneliness?

The maid shook her head; she could not make sense of why the prince was so attentive. This youngster was already one of the most celebrated people in Dulin city. He not only had immeasurable wealth, but even the Empire's Princess had already became his fiancée. In the eyes of a maid, a person with privilege of the highest stratum such as this should not have any worries. So, when this youngster's eyes glazed over, she could not comprehend it at all.

"Your Imperial Highness, would you like to have breakfast in your bedroom?"

The teen did not respond.

"Perhaps in the side hall or outdoors?" The maid attempted again.

The youth shook his head. "Order the carriage porch to prepare the carriage, also ask my butler and secretary to meet me downstairs."

The city of Dulin was welcoming a new season. The people were used to calling it the Season of Profit or the Season of Harvest, but these were all farmers' version. The citizen class looked down upon the farmers; the work of these people were lowly, but yet they worshipped the harvest because the harvest signified the profit of gold. What the citizens of Dulin lacked, was gold.

The people left their homes before the break of dawn. Once they lifted their heads, they could then see the Tower of Heroes. The fire beacon naturally frightened the people, but this fluster only lasted until the morning paper hit the markets and then vanished. However, it was the man from the South who was stirring up matters, this was nothing really. The barbarians living in the caves better cooperated with this wealthy man. This world was not fair at all, why should I leave home starving while those wealthy men could enjoy a sumptuous breakfast? The people surrounded the stall that sold the morning papers, discussing this.

The doorways of every office had those seeking for employment, looking around. On their bodies hung a sign that wrote "Speed Writing, 20 Ti coins per hour", and some wrote "Translation, 50 per 1000 words." The remaining were the people who used their physical strength to work. Their had sunken eyes, but their muscles were fairly solid. These unemployed people pestered the passing pedestrians, there were practically bragging about their respective trade almost like rogues.

The business of the snack stall was slow; the people really had too little money in their pockets. A fried potato cake sold for two Ti coins was even resented as expensive by some! Just you freaking forget about it! The vendors spat at these stingy people, why don't you just go eat dirt? That was amusingly cheap!

The citizens repeated their routines like the previous thousand over years in this huge city. The wealthy came and go into all sorts of restaurants and bars, the poor went to the filthy little food stores and the chaotic market to pass the days. The energetic poor youngsters got up early in the morning and put on their rogue outfits. They would flood into the Lair in gangs; that was heaven, but when they were chased out of the casinos and brothels, badly battered, then only would they realize that this was actually hell! However, hell had its pleasures. When their caved noses no longer hurt, these rogues would dash in with high spirits. To them, to be noticed by a big shot or a prostitute was a divine encounter by the God of Light.

His Imperial Highness' carriage was traveling along the posh neighborhood; here, presented a flourishing scene. The gentlemen on their morning exercise greeted each other, the maids who were pushing gorgeous strollers followed closely behind their masters. The young ladies also woke awfully early; they had agreed to go for an outing at the outskirts. The servants had already helped packed delicious refreshments and cakes the night before. The soldiers on patrol from the Ministry of Justice had just changed into their brand new autumn military uniform. They strutted here and there on the side of the streets, as if showing off, but every time a carriage engraved with the class and family crest emerged on the pavement, these tiny bugs would respectfully stand aside.

The carriage of the Andrew Family had a silver Narcissus totem engraved on it. These handcrafted flowers glimmered with a cold radiance under the gloomy early morning sunlight. The vehicles on the street were avoiding it one after another. The status of the person in the carriage was a widely circulated topic. Even today, aside from the Emperor, there was no one else who could be on par with him in all of Dulin.

No. 31 Penelope Avenue, the official residence of Titan Empire's Eastern Border Governor, Duke Andrew, Sasha was already rather familiar with this place. At that moment, she was carrying a water bottle and strolling in the garden; after all, it was unlike her hometown. The growth of the Narcissus here appeared extremely miserable. The young lady gently squeezed the dried out branches. She shook her head helplessly, the temperature was low, and the Narcissus in the garden had already missed the blooming period.

An interesting book, a steaming cup of morning tea, a sturdy sling chair made of rattan, a green ground with sparsely fallen leaves. Sasha did not know why she was still not satisfied; she kept feeling as if this place was missing something.

"Who invented this sort of stuff?"

"Oh goodness gracious!" Sasha was scared stiff by the sudden voice.

"Oh! I apologize! I thought you noticed me." Oscar gave a grin; this more or less made one doubt his sincerity.

"Little Oscar, my brother! Don't tell me you're still playing that game of 'Scare Sasha to win a Prize'?" The young lady appeared immensely calm; we absolutely could not tell that this girl had just experienced a serious emotional blow.

Oscar recalled it, "Scar Sasha to win a prize", hehe, this was an exceedingly amusing game when he was young.

"My little Sasha, look who's talking! Who was the one who invented this?" The prince picked up the high heels that had been kicked onto the awn by the young lady.

"Oh! You were talking about this!" Sasha suddenly giggling, "It's very fascinating! This is a patent of a King of short stature, it was not made for women, but as you can see now, the ladies of the world have been mesmerized by it."

Oscar shrugged his shoulders and sat on the lawn. The conversation seemed to have suddenly broke off here; the two youngsters did not know what else to say and this embarrassment made the prince feel agitated. He knew that he had to break the ice but he already declared all the rhetoric feeble before they even left his lips.

"Do you regret it?"

Sasha sighed heavily, oh god! The silence had passed at long last! She bored into little Oscar who had suddenly raised the question.

"Why are you suddenly asking this?"

Oscar lifted his head; he mustered up his courage and met his sister's eyes.

"Because I will not apologize to you for this matter, that is not the conduct of a man, you know? What matters most to a man is having the courage to take responsibility for his actions! I proposed to the Princess, I became the Emperor's son-in-law. This Emperor will paint my future with rich colors; this is my objective! So, I will not apologize to you because of this, and I consult you with cruelty, cold-bloodedness, irresponsibility and betrayal, us becoming how we are now, do you... regret it?"

Sasha wanted to weep, but she held it in. That's right, this man was indeed what he said he was, Cruel! Cold-blooded! Irresponsible! And even a betrayer! However, is that what she truly wanted?

"Your heart will tell you!" Sasha snapped the book in her hands shut; she could not read on anymore.

"Heart?" Oscar clutched his chest with his hand, "the heart has already sunk, and he does not know what he truly wants! At times like this, he only hopes to receive understanding, of course, he does not deserve as much, he should be completely blind to the deceptions and lies, he should be used to all these. When he can no longer feel pain or loss, everything will have ended and I believe at that time, I will be standing at the peak of power! I believe at that time, I will no longer remember the girl who once filled my heart and soul with infinite vigor and power!"

"Will you?" Sasha tear up; she did not let out any sound, "O'Neil Andrew Morisette! Answer with your heart! Will you?"

Oscar embraced his younger sister; the tears of this girl caused him to ache until he forgot himself.

"Not at all! Not at all! If a day like that really comes, I will dig my heart out! I will surrender my heart to you for safekeeping! I will not let anything fool or occupy my heart, it will belong only to you!"

"But you are destined to be the husband of another!" Sasha at last broke down into tears in her brother's embrace.

"Do you know? My Oscar! My brother! Every time I think of this, Iresent it so much that I want to light up Dulin, it is so appallingly filthy here! Everything here attempts to shame me and rob me of my people. They have already snatched you away from me, what else do they plan do to?"

Oscar tightened his embrace, his fingers had already embedded themselves in his sister's flesh, "I will bring you away from here! Follow me and leave this place! Let us go to University Town! There, it is a temple of wisdom, we can go far away from Dulin, far away from this thing that has every pore contaminated by blood!"

"No!" Sasha suddenly determinedly struggled out of the youngster's embrace "How can I forget the boundary stone's promise? We agreed to make a stand against this world that is filled with evil beasts together. I cannot give up!"

Sasha appeared to be talking crazy; Oscar gazed at her, perplexed.

"Yes, that's right, brother! We cannot evade! More so, we are unable to!" The eyes of the young lady had already ignited with a ray like that of a flame of war. "I was caught unprepared by the sudden unforeseen events, how can I have become so useless? I am Sasha Andrew Nedgabel! My brother, I have already waited for ten years, how can I have become so impatient after I have grown up? So what of ten years? So what of twenty years? I can wait! More so fight for myself!"

"Sasha! You... You..."

"Brother! Don't tell me that you do not understand what I am saying? Oh God of Light! This is now not the time for me to admit defeat, also not the time for you to be downhearted! Don't forget! The head of the family is a special case blessed by God, he can have four legitimate wives. So, my brother! We must both strive hard!"

Oscar glanced at his younger sister who was a little hysterical, unable to utter a word.

"Brother! We cannot give up, if we want to be together for eternity, then we can never give up!"

"Together for eternity!" Oscar burst into laughter, he laughed to his hearts content, and he laughed to an obsession! "That's right, I've said so much, explained so much, complained so much, in the end I could only have this one conclusion! If we want to be together for eternity, then we can never give up! Sasha! Thank you!"

The young lady smiled. The smile was as if the whole heaven and earth were rejoicing. Sasha suddenly planted a kiss on her brother's cheek and Oscar kissed his sister's earlobe.

The young lady's face blushed like fire. She winced under the ineffable pounding of her whole being. Sasha retreated backwards as if startled. She did not know that it felt this way to have her earlobe kissed. However, she already thought about Mother Celia's warning, mother said, "you need to keep a certain safe distance from this dangerous young man."

Oscar also could not tell what was up with him. Oh goodness gracious! This was Sasha! Who was Sasha? Sasha was that younger sister who had always chased after him from behind. What were the thoughts that just ran through this young man's mind? He wanted to explore Sasha's lips; he wanted to brand a hickey onto the neckline of this girl. Was that considered a crime?

The youngster felt that he should calm down a while; he shook his somewhat dizzy head and tried hard to focus his line of vision onto objects away from the girl's body.

High heels! This was a pretty decent topic. After a moment of embarrassing and heart throbbing silence, Oscar finally found a pretty good topic.

"Sasha, to be honest, high heels is a thing made to torment the females."

The young lady stared blankly, she did not quite understand her brother's meaning, "What? Why do you have such an understanding? According to what I know, high-heels are to highlight the female height and the beautiful curves of the legs, only are they..."

"No! No! No!" Oscar shook his head firmly, "I have noticed that every time you return home wearing high-heels, you would scrunch up your face and massage yourself. This indicates that this thing is absolutely not anything good! Did you not say so yourself? This thing is a man's patent, so this little thing definitely has a tendency to abuse the females.

"Brother! What are you saying? You are just trying to force some logic!" Oscar's reaction to the high heels made Sasha break down into tears and laughter.

"Then let me have a look at your leg! Let's see whether they have been squeezed out of shape, if they have..." Oscar snatched up a little snowy white leg from underneath the young lady's skirt.

"Ola..." In the midst of Sasha's startled cries, Oscar expressed a sigh from his heart; his hand was cupping an organ that was delicate and beautiful beyond compare!

Oscar gently stroked the surface of the foot that was as glossy as crystal. The pointer of his heartbeat was swaying continuously towards a dangerous scale. Sasha had already forgotten how to think; her speech was indistinct yet the sweetness of her crazy talk was indescribable.

"Can I kiss them?" The youngster's eyes were like shining stars.

"I don't know!" Sasha looked away adorably, even if she were given courage for a day, she would not dare watch the youngster carry out all that.

"Then I will assume that I have received an invitation!" Oscar stooped down his body victoriously.

The young lady pursed her lips; she covered her eyes with her hands.

Autumn had unexpectedly engulfed Dulin overnight; the fallen leaves floated gently over the treetops and slowly settled itself onto the youngster's back. A light breeze caressed the youngster's hair, and the fallen leaves were carried over to the front of the girl's lips. The girl stretched out her hand to remove the leaf, she faced the rising sun and flashed a bright smile.

An interesting book, a steaming cup of morning tea, a sturdy sling chair made of rattan, a green ground with sparsely fallen leaves, a boy sitting on the grass, a girl lying supine on the sling chair. All of this indifference was as if they held the whole brimming friendship in each of their hearts.

Chapter end