Vielonna is prosperous. It is situated in the Serevan District, which is inhabited by nobles and the main street of "Broken Dream", where the rich merchants gathered. Crowds who are dressed up extravagantly stride among the towering, majestic buildings. The leisurely diners idled their time away under the shade of umbrellas in the coffee shops by the streets. The laughter of children rang out from the gardens and parks that dotted throughout the lofty blocks. The children played hide-and-seek around the thicket. Every once in a while, they would take a bite off from the frozen desserts in their servants' hand.
"Really just forget about the ways of this world!" Oscar muttered as he was mounting the carriage with his adopted daughter.
The world's most stunning girl tugged at her adoptive father's arm anxiously and then quickly closed the carriage door.
"Have you seen it?" O'Neil Andrew Morisette motioned towards the buildings that were suspected to be a mental hospital outside the carriage window. "Why should they build orphanages to resemble prisons? Heh, there are even wire nettings! Do you know how expensive those are? Do you know what an important military supply it is? I really don't understand why they would want to place the children... I mean to say..."
"To cultivate lifeless prisoners and sly beggars!"
Oscar glanced at Elizabeth in astonishment, "that's right, it seems to be that way!"
Elizabeth gave a bitter laugh. "From what I gather, this is the fate of these children when they grow up. Prisoners... beggars... nothing else!"
That was how the orphanage was. Those pitiful children were merchandise. The more pitiful and miserable they were, the more donations the orphanage received. Moreover, each of the children has the lowest living compensation from the government and are forced to provide forced labor. Once the boys have grown up, they have to enter the military and get posted to the most remote and dangerous positions. As for the girls... no one was exactly certain about the girls' circumstances because they would vanish from the orphanage before they became adults.
"Is it like that?"
"Wouldn't you know if you just go and ask Lady Monia Amerson?"
Oscar nodded, and then shook his head. Monia was also a soldier despite everyone saying that she wasn't.
After a perceptible amount of time has elapsed, when the scenery on both sides started to gradually tower over them, the prince finally couldn't take it anymore, "I say... is there a need for us to still visit the convent? Wouldn't it do to just hand the donations over to the archbishop?"
"I noticed that... there is some conflict between you and the God of Light and the attendants of the gods!" Elizabeth sized up the young prince apprehensively.
"It's not like that," Oscar denied. "The gods should be revered in our hearts, not talked about all day like certain people... Okay, let us not talk about this and let's go shopping!"
There were two places to shop in Vielonna. One was Tailor Street and the second one was Empress Sutton Street. There were a few hundred years of history for the formation of these two places. The stores that lined both sides of the street appeared extremely ancient. The merchants depended on the prestige accumulated over the years to gain customers.
As for a customer such as His Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette, the merchants were naturally overwhelmed when they caught sight of the Andrew Family's luxurious carriage that was of the best workmanship. In order to enable the entire street of jewelers to reap profits, the owners of the buildings convened for a meeting. They put forward plans and ideas for the young prince who was seated erect on the master seat and displayed jewelry designs that have never appeared on the market to the prince.
"Actually... my demands are simple. Each shop design a piece that can match up to the Lady beside me!"
In the end, Oscar instructed them that way and later dragged Elizabeth, who was brimming with pride, away. The Lady gave the young prince a few furious kisses and asked whether her adoptive father noticed the expression on a few of the great jewelers.
The Prince replied that he of course noticed. "Their expressions were as if they have stumbled across a miracle! Creating a jewelry that can match up to you will be enough to keep them fretting over it for a while!"
The carriage passed the mouth of two streets and turned onto an avenue and lastly came to a halt at the T intersection on the avenue. The knights guarding the prince flanked onto both sides of the street and only opened the carriage door for His Highness when his personal bodyguard, Mister Paul dismounted from the other carriage.
"Babua Singha? Is this the shop's name?" Oscar lifted his head and peered at the tailor shop that didn't look too impressive. He even noticed that a few carriages engraved with the nobles' crest were parked in front of the store. His knights were negotiating with those coachmen.
Soon, there was a response from within the store. First were the nobles who reached slightly earlier than the prince. They didn't say much, merely stopped to greet the prince and hurried on their way. Oscar appreciated this modest and prudent behavior. He indeed didn't like to have a crowd of busybodies observing from the side when he chose clothes for his girl.
"Okay, these few!" Oscar indicated the few clothing clutched in his hand towards the storekeeper.
"Just these?" the storekeeper stared incredulously at the young prince. He was a little skeptical about His Highness' tastes.
"Respected Highness, are... are you sure? These are... these are the cheapest goods in the store."
Upon hearing the storekeeper's explanation, Elizabeth's two adorable eyebrows twitched accordingly. She shot a look that harbored ill intentions at her adoptive father.
"I know!" Oscar spread the few cheap goods onto the tailor's counter. "So I don't want all of these. Wrap up the rest of them!"
The shopkeeper was momentarily dumbfounded and only registered what His Highness Prince was saying after a few seconds!
"Oh, God of Light! Respected Highness, your taste is excellent! But... but there's a problem with this!"
"What problem?" Oscar's eyes widened.
The shopkeeper bent his back to form an arc. "We still do not know the Lady's figure. After measuring, we need to modify the finished products."
"Understood!" Oscar snapped his fingers. He took hold of Elizabeth's slender waist and instructed his daughter under his breath. "Child, go with him. If he makes a move on you, scream loudly."
Elizabeth didn't utter a word but merely rolled her eyes at the youngster and then followed the unctuously fawning shopkeeper to enter the back room.
"You are infatuated with her!" Paul who had nothing better to do, finally slunk up.
"Hehe! I think so too!" Oscar gave a contented sigh.
"There's a problem here!" the King of Assassins lowered his voice.
Oscar shot a glance at the attendant who was changing the tea for him. "I know!"
"And you're still sitting here?" Paul leaned against the prince without interest. He was actually using his body to shield a side of the prince.
"Engaging in activity once in a while isn't bad!"
As if responding to His Highness Prince's words, the doors and windows of the store shattered onto the ground. Thick iron bars immediately barred all the exits and entrances.
The attendant vanished. Steam was rising from the tea. Sunlight streamed through the frames of iron bars and spilled onto the floor. The leaden silence in the room was sufficient for one to hear a needle strike the ground. However, if there really were a slight stir, the assassins hiding all over the room would have launched into a frenzied assault.
***************
The special soldiers outside were observing the situation in the room. Although they were a little anxious, they didn't lose their common sense. The officer leading the soldiers have received a report that both the windows at the front, back and on all levels of the store were already sealed off by iron bars. The unusually cool-headed officer only curled his lips and hurried towards his soldiers, instructing. "Find a suitable position and blow off the ceiling!"
In the end, he added, "no one can harm our Commander in our presence. Seize the troublemakers and drag them behind the carriages!"
Oscar didn't act rashly. He simply wiggled his bottom that was slightly stiff from sitting. A helpless groan came from the sofa as if protesting against the youngster's weight.
An iron arrow suddenly penetrated through the wall! The explosive force of the crossbow caused the iron arrow to still maintain its high-speed momentous force after penetrating the wooden wall. Oscar inclined his head slightly and the arrow caught in his hair.
"Determining position by sound?"
Another arrow came in response to the King of Assassin. Two distinct arrow holes appeared on the opposite wall.
Paul finally moved. There was no way to dodge this sharp arrow and he could only break away from his original position. This didn't matter, the sound of boots trampling on the ground immediately brought on even more iron arrows! For a moment, arrows flitted past and the whole room was filled with whistling sounds!
Oscar dropped and rolled on the ground, having no idea just how many arrows he has avoided. He only knew that the unseen assassins were relying on their sense of hearing to determine his position and not only that, their ability in pinpointing was miraculously accurate. For that reason, he basically couldn't stop at a position for more than a second.
It seemed that the floor wasn't that simple as well! A broad knight sword pierced out continuously, following the track that the young prince rolled. Sawdust and the gleam of the sword continued to dance underneath the youngster's body! Oscar righted his body abruptly. The steel blade pierced through the ground, but the prince already drew out his dagger and used the sharp edge of the blade to hook onto the point of the sword. The arrows arrived right on schedule and Oscar felt the whip of the wind beside his face. He turned his head and caught the iron arrow in his mouth. At the same time, he exerted a powerful twist to the edge of his knife and he knew that he has gotten rid of the assassin hidden beneath the floor.
The prince gave a powerful thrust and the long sword burst through the ground. Snowstorm plowed forwards without caring about priorities and in a blink of an eye, the sword was in his hand. Oscar got up abruptly and straightened his back, using his body to protect Paul. He then brandished his dagger, forming a bright white full moon. A smile was playing on his lips. He did a backhand on the sword and its tip immediately sunk into the ground. The dull sound of a body being pierced was music to his hears!
With a loud cry, the King of Assassins lifted the long sword. The tip of the sword that had a body suspended on it broke through the ground. The tremendous splintering sound filled the room. Paul then swung the tip of the sword and the body of the assassin glided off. The lifeless shell slammed heavily against the wooden wall that was full of arrow holes. After that tremendous sound, the arrows stopped. Once again the room resumed its silence whereas the prince and his assassin have vanished without a trace.
A dull rumble sounded from the roof. It was the sound of the knights who were guarding the prince pounding against the tiles and bricks using battle-axes and iron hammers. The assassins tried to distinguish every sound in a panic but to no avail!
Finally, someone lost his patience and peeked into the room through the hole made by the iron arrow. Sunlight stung his eyes and when he once again opened them, a dagger was deeply embedded into it instantly.
This tiny sound immediately attracted a group assault by the assassins. However, a long sword was the first to thrust through the wooden wall and yet another assassin was pierced. His comrade released a seemingly frantic wave of arrows towards the opposite wall.
When the sound of iron arrows being loaded onto the crossbow rang out, the broad knight sword already sliced open the wooden wall. Following that came another loud boom and a body broke through the wall and entered! The assassins' reactions weren't slow and arrows were practically released immediately! Five to six iron arrows found its mark on a body and without a sound it fell onto the floor and then only did the assassins see clearly that it was actually their comrade who hid beneath the floor.
Oscar and Paul waltzed into the hidden room behind the wall.
"Good afternoon, sirs!" the prince greeted the assassins who were complete strangers to him, warmly.
A dull rumble came from the ceiling and sunlight fought to pour into the room. The assassins who were accustomed to darkness reflexively shielded their faces. The swirling dust and dazzling sunlight seemed to have robbed them of the ability to function, but their sharp hearing still allowed them to distinguish the sound of a heavy object landing.
The resistance practically crumbled in an instant. The special soldiers who descended from the skies struck the vital parts of the assassins accurately with the hilt of their swords and sledgehammers in their hands. Oscar shrugged and turned to confront the only man still standing in the room.
"Storekeeper, where is my little daughter?"
In alarm, the storekeeper tightened his hand on the crossbow directed at his target, but he had forgotten that he hasn't reloaded an arrow onto his crossbow. The crossbow let out a helpless twang. One of the knights impatiently gave the storekeeper a kick; a pretty forceful one by the looks of it! The sound of bone cracking indicated that his knee was done for!
"Thank goodness you didn't chop off this tailor's hands," Oscar went forward, "he still owes me a hundred dresses!"
"Sir, I've found the Lady!" A knight reported to Oscar.
"Oh, that's great! Let us go see her! My little daughter has definitely been given a fright!"
Elizabeth was stuffed into a pile of materials in the basement of the store. Oscar and the knights untied the ropes binding her hands. The adopted daughter of the prince was whining. The knights hurriedly removed the lump of cloth that was stuffed into the girl's mouth.
Oscar embraced the gorgeous teenage girl. She appeared to have suffered quite a fright. "It's that old thing coming for me! They are coming for me! He wants to kill you! He will never let me off!"
"It's okay, it's okay. I'm here, no one can harm you." Oscar caressed the girl's back. She seemed to still be unable to calm down at that moment and the prince could only lead her away from that wretched place.
***************
Irut Manzonola and his younger twin brother, Huber Manzonola observed everything that just unfolded from an attic opposite the Babua Singha Tailor Shop. When old Irut saw that the completely unscathed young prince walks out of the store with his little kitten in his arms, the financial big shot rapped the walking stick in his hand so loudly that it shook the heavens.
The younger Manzonola brother was aware that his elder brother was in an extremely terrible mood, but didn't know how to comfort his brother. In the end, he could only say. "Is there a need to arrange for it once more?"
Old Irut nodded his head with a snort. He didn't expect that the meticulously planned assassination operation would end just like this! He thought those unlucky soldiers would carry out a few corpses from the little shop. They indeed did carry out a few corpses, but those were all that of the hitman hired by the younger Manzonola brother.
The younger Manzonola brother crouched down awkwardly. He gripped the armrest of the recliner and tried to gaze at his brother with sincerity.
"Irut, look at me! After squatting down like this, I need half a day before I can stand again. We are both old! What's more is that our opponent is the Prince of the Empire, a Marshal of the guards who controls a secret army in his hands. We..."
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Old Irut screamed madly. "Coward! Weakling!"
The old man's cane fell onto his younger brother and he watched with satisfaction at his brother who dodged to one side like a mouse. "Weren't all of the enemies who stood before us as stubborn as the Alps? But still, we were victorious in the end! If you are afraid of a puny little boy, then it's best if you return to the countryside and retire!"
The younger Manzonola brother didn't utter a word. He crawled up with difficulty from the corner and then silently stood behind his brother.
"Weakling! Where did your previous zeal go to?" Old Irut chided on.
***************
Oscar helped Elizabeth onto the carriage and closed the door for her. At that moment, Baron Messier already hurried over. He embraced his young master elatedly and proceeded to whisper excitedly in his ear.
"Take a guess where the old chaps of the Vielonna Trading Hall are at."
"Where?"
"The opposite attic!" the Baron exclaimed while gesturing towards the open window of the attic across the street and old Irut, upon witnessing that scene, was so frightened that he threw away the cup in his hand.
Oscar led Paul and the Division Head of the Military Intelligence to ring the doorbell of that store. Behind them were soldiers of the Guards who lined the whole street.
"I would like to speak with the old mister in the attic!" Putting on a kindly air, Oscar sized up the manager of the shop. He noticed that it was an antique shop that sold famous paintings.
"There... there's nothing in the attic!" The boss of the antique shop whispered.
"Do you know who am I?" Oscar found it amusing.
"You're... Marshal of the Guards, His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette."
"Then do you know what you are saying?" Oscar was no longer smiling.
"I... I..."
"Invite His Highness up!" An old voice traveled out from the attic.
Oscar knitted his eyebrows but still trudged up the stairs with his two followers. The attic was unexpectedly huge, but only had a fireplace and a few high-backed chairs. Old Irut occupied the huge recliner that appeared quite cozy while his younger brother stood behind him as before.
If both of them were rag dolls, they would definitely be extremely adorable! Oscar had no idea why he thought that way. He was still a little dubious. Didn't these two old chaps have any upbringing? Could it be that their parents didn't tell them that they should kneel with one knee upon seeing the top-notch Imperial Household member?
"What are you two doing here? You have to pay up for enjoying the show!" Oscar helped himself and dragged a chair to sit across the old man. The old man's face didn't have much rosiness to it. The pale lips appeared a little dry; his nostrils gave off forceful huffs like an angry old horse.
"You've taken away something that belongs to me!" Old Irut again rapped his cane on the floor.
"Oh my God of Light!" Oscar clutched at his chest as if having been startled. "This is the first time someone spoke to me this way. Considering that you're still using honorifics, I will forgive your impertinence this time!"
The youngster pressed closer to the old man who was etched with wrinkles as if scrutinizing him.
"But... I'd like to ask. Have you become a dotard or do you really deem yourself as amazing? You're not foolish to the degree that you'd ask me for compensation, right? Don't tell me you'd like to battle it out in court with me? Just like what you did at the trading hall."
Old Irut wanted to knock his cane with all his might, but the younger Manzonola brother placed a hand on his shoulder.
"My brother would just like to explain to you..."
"I didn't ask you! Shut up!" bellowed Oscar who proceeded to wave his hand. "Both of you keep your distance. You make me sick."
It was evident that Irut was infuriated. When had he ever received such humiliation?
"Answer my question Mr. Irut. What are both of you doing here?" Oscar resumed his composed manner. He wanted to see how the Manzonola brothers would explain the matter.
"We are inspecting our family's properties. All the stores along this street are our properties." Old Irut spat out between gritted teeth, fuming with rage.
"Ola! Really? It seems that you're quite a huge merchant!" Oscar clapped his hands, feigned excitement and turned to face the Division Head of the Military Intelligence behind him. "Seal up all the stores along this street. The assassins may still be here, hurry!"
Baron Messier delightedly gave a brief response and then turned around and descended the stairs.
"Wait!"
The Baron stopped in his tracks.
With a wry smile, Oscar assessed old Irut's unconcerned face, "I've almost forgotten. You're a huge merchant, so why would you care about a few tailors' shops? How about we do it like this. Messier, how much do you know about the Manzonola Family's properties?"
Messier once again turned around. "We have a clear grasp about it. The Manzonola Family possesses four streets of lots in Vielonna. In Burton Province, they have a ranch, three large-scale farms, seven manual workshops of processed meat products and gold and silver utensils. In Rylie Province, there are two vacation manors, a quarry, and nineteen flour factories. However, these properties in other provinces were purchased under an alias."
Oscar contemplated and made his decision.
"From now onwards, deploy guards to be stationed in all the properties of the Manzonola Family. Search everyone who is suspicious, arrest the ruffians who resist and contradict the guards."
"Our family has never had any ruffians!" Old Irut had already jumped up from his seat.
Oscar shrugged, "who knows? We've just killed three and captured four. It goes without saying that as eyewitnesses of a brutal assassination incident, we would have to trouble both of you to aid in the Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau's investigation! Guards... take them away!"
"Your Highness, please hold on!" The younger Manzonola brother suddenly dashed in front of his brother. Old Irut stared at Huber in astonishment. Huber Manzonola absolutely did not see that he was already kneeling with one knee by the youngster's legs. He then used his forehead to touch the prince's boots. Now, this was the etiquette that one should have toward an Imperial Household member.
"Your Highness, I can guarantee you that my brother and I are only coincidentally sitting here!"
"Is it like that?" Oscar spun to face old Irut who was standing there imperiously.
Irut shook off his brother's hand. He initially wanted to argue but in the end, he only snorted angrily.
Oscar sighed in exasperation. This pair of siblings weren't completely useless, but if the elder brother is in a hurry to descend into hell, it seemed that no one could stop him.
"Okay, let it be like this!" The prince stood up, having even omitted the farewell. Towards this extremely opinionated old dog, he didn't have to say anything else.
"Your Highness... Your Highness..." The younger Manzonola brother still seemed to want to explain something, but the young prince already disappeared on the patio. Soon afterward, the sound of a carriage leaving came from outside the door.
Although news about the celebrated Highness Prince's encounter with the assassins circulated within the city, the world still went on as usual. Just like the numbers that continued to jump on the "Broken Dream Stone" of the Vielonna Trading Hall, it seemed that nothing could prevent business from going on.
As the Titan Empire's financial trading center, the Vielonna Trading Hall was a pride. This was because it possessed leadership positions of all industries and a massive treasury that could compare to that of the Empire's.
This giant treasury was located in a dark tunnel at a depth of fifty meters beneath the trading hall and occupied four hundred squares. It only had one door that can be used to enter and exit. People would say, isn't this just nonsense? Who would leave a backdoor or a skylight for a treasury?
The treasury of the Vielonna Trading Hall has a very overbearing name, which was, "Peter Dynasty"! Peter the great was the first ruler of the holy Roman Empire. We need not care about His Greatness' glorious feats, but only the wealth that he possessed. It was said that the gold of Peter the Great could completely fill Caesar Palace. The servants of His Greatness could sweep out a sack of golden powder from the palace each day.
Now "Peter Dynasty" indeed verified this legend. The passing of time could indeed grind the gold bricks into golden powder. The workers of the Vielonna Trading Hall have to clean up at the start of every month. Although the golden powder swept out weren't that much, it was enough to cause those who have never seen the world to go into shock.
To enter "Peter Dynasty", one has to go through four doors. The first one was on the ground. Beside the door, there was only one work counter and inside the counter was an elderly office employee. This chap, who was as blind as a bat, would only recognize the access pass but not the people. Usually, he would use a magnifying glass to scrutinize your access pass for a protracted period of time before stamping on a red crest onto it.
By holding the access pass that bears a red crest, you could open the first door that led to "Peter Dynasty". This huge door was at the end of the corridor at one of the floors of the trading hall. It appeared very ordinary and altar lamps hung on either side of the huge doors.
Knocking on the brass knocker, a window will pop up on the door. After sliding in the access pass and waiting for a brief moment, the huge doors will sound three times and open inwards. You will then enter the office of "Peter Dynasty".
The clamor in the office of "Peter Dynasty", when compared to the silence of the corridor, was practically unbearable to the people. The office worker would shout out all sorts of numbers like mad. To one side, a recorder would fill in all kinds of forms with the breakneck speed of worker bees. Lastly were the treasurers who filled in the settlement records for the general counter. The figures on the record were staggeringly huge. Each time, cooperation from several treasurers was required to complete the task.
The office that occupied not more than forty to fifty squares operated under this tense and bustling atmosphere. This place was in charge of managing all the funds that went in and out of the treasury. All these funds will then be summarized into a report form that is as long as an ancient religious scroll. Those who hold the access pass together with this summarized record will lastly be respectfully invited to the second door that led to the underground by an office employee.
Upon opening the second door, one would be greeted by a spacious scene. The space beyond the door was a little stuffy because it has no windows, merely the mouth of two chutes constructed of steel. The mouth of the chute on the left was for receiving while that on the right was to deliver out.
Here, the office employees would receive your transaction records immediately. They only looked at the last figure. "Man! Depositing a hundred and nineteen thousand golden Tis!"
The office worker would ring the bronze bell beside the mouth of the chute. The bronze bell was directed connected to the bank outside the wall. The banker would after listening to the bell, slide down golden Tis from the other side of the chute. Each bag contained ten thousand golden Tis. The total would be nineteen heavy bags of gold for you to inspect. If there aren't any incidents, you would definitely answer with "that's right!" Yes, this is "Peter Dynasty" and up until now, there hadn't been any serious errors in "Peter Dynasty".
Since there isn't any error, then very well... you may proceed to the third door that leads to the underground treasury together with the hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis. Don't be afraid, for a burly bodyguard who harbors absolutely no ill intention towards you or your golden Tis, will accompany you from behind. In fact, once you've passed through the first door, you're already under the tightest protection. You wouldn't know just how many paladins are blending in with the office employees, but they indeed exist!
The amount handed in by the Vielonna Trading Hall to the Imperial Tax Bureau annually was one seventh of what the Morisette Dynasty received. Referring to this place as the national treasury wasn't an exaggeration. In order to protect the Empire's largest group of taxpayers, the Southern Army Group allocated the tightest and most elite guarding force for the trading hall's treasury.
So have no doubt, those who follow you and your golden Tis through the third door are all the noblest of paladins. They have no interest whatever in your gold and only cared about the order there and the mission on their shoulders.
After the third door is the cool underground space. Here there is a flight of steps that lead down into the abyss and a slide to transport the golden coins. The metal slide emanates a gentle glow under the light of the torches. Bag after bag of gold coins would slide down smoothly, producing a beautiful sound.
This sound was just too pleasant! It signifies that your hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis have arrived in the most secure place in the world.
Of course, you haven't seen the last door that leads to the treasury so it's still a little early. The true massive doors of the underground treasury are one with a diameter of two meters, a thickness of forty-nine centimeters, a metal chunk that is a mix of steel and aluminum. This metal chunk was successfully refined by chance after scrapping numerous raw materials.
To open the last door, we require three keys because "Peter Dynasty" has three gatekeepers. They live in three different areas of the city and each receives protection from thirty over kick-ass hired soldiers. Every day around this time, about two to three in the afternoon, the three gatekeepers would hurry to the trading hall from different locations. If anyone discovers that the gatekeepers are gathered together at any other time other than that hour, then the key of the treasury would be handed over to another for safekeeping
After all the gatekeepers have arrived, they would enter the lowest level of the treasury together with a crowd of paladin guards and carry out their once daily inventory duty. This job was actually pretty effortless because the amount that was to be deposited and to be withdrawn have all been settled by the office after the first door.
So... the three gatekeepers start their work. They would insert the key that hung before their chest into three keyholes in three different directions simultaneously and turns the keys at the same time until the alloy gate lets out the booming friction sound of metal.
Behind the three gatekeepers is a strip of fine red line and it carries the same meaning as that on the front lines of the battlefield. If anyone crosses the red line while the gatekeepers are opening the door, the paladins that were standing guard around would immediately kill the person. Before you enter the third door, there would be an office employee who would explain the rules here to you. It was said that up until now, no one dared challenge the rules of "Peter Dynasty".
After the door opens, the paladins are still guarding the front line. The gatekeepers aren't in a hurry to start work. At this time, you could smoke a packet of cigarettes or snort some opium. Anyway, no one cares what you did, you just have to wait.
To clarify, waiting is necessary. This was because "Peter Dynasty" has a mechanism that was unmatched in the world! This mechanism could convert the inner treasury into a deadly place with scarce oxygen within fifteen minutes. In other words, it would be a near vacuum.
No one knew the principle behind this mechanism. They only knew that there was an opening that linked the treasury to a vein of groundwater. Perhaps it was the water conservatory operating system or perhaps a mystical incantation, in short, the theories differ, but the fact was still evident, all the robbers under the sun regarded the treasury of the Vielonna Trading Hall as a virgin land. Although they have successfully entered the treasury, they would all choke to death without exception.
So, to the mister who is depositing a hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis, please bear in mind that each day, the treasury is only open for an hour. Then it would become a sacred area for the gold and a tomb for the living.
"So... Your Highness, aren't we just having wishful thinking?" Baron Messier De Quixote said while wiping the beads of sweat on his forehead. "We have a Special Combat Brigade! Since it is a robbery, I think only taking it by storm will work!"
"Then go and gather the manpower!" Oscar shot a glare at the Division Head of the Military Intelligence. "Don't forget to bring along our military flag, otherwise the people wouldn't know who did it."
Messier could only hang his head. The prince's cutting remarks weren't pleasant to hear, but they were indeed facts. Using the Special Combat Brigade to storm the Vielonna Trading Hall? That was equal to declaring, "Our Military Intelligence Bureau is robbing! Those related or not related, stand aside and blood won't be splashed on you!"
"Is there really no other way?"
The young prince's voice interrupted the Baron's fantasy. Messier promptly snapped out of it but still didn't have any ideas.
Oscar held a quill pen in his mouth and wasn't even aware of the ink staining his mouth. He repeatedly assessed the construction plan of "Peter Dynasty" that was piled onto the table.
The blueprint of the construction plan has the words of the Empire's top secret distinctly printed onto it. This was gotten hold of by Oscar from the Empire's Confidential Department using his authority. It was said that there was only this one blueprint in the whole world. Aside from that architect who was able to make a lucky escape a hundred over years ago, all the workers who participated in the treasury project were silenced.
"Just what is this all about?" Oscar opened up a blueprint. On it was the operating result schematic of the vacuum mechanism.
As expected, Messier shook his head.
"Aren't you just annoying!" Oscar finally lost his temper! "Mes, you see? I need help, but you keep standing there shaking your head. Can't you do any other action?"
Messier nodded but in the end, shook his head with a bitter smile.
"Your Highness, I am powerless! Truly, even you've seen it! This place is guarded by a group of elite and dauntless hired soldiers and also forty-five paladins deployed by the Southern Army Group! Aside from storming..."
"Forget it! Forget it!" Oscar waved aside the blueprint on the table and settled down into the sofa. "I now only know why the Southern Army Group has so few paladins. So it turns out that they've all been sent to Vielonna to stand guard for the merchants!"
"Hehe!" the Division Head of the Military Intelligence seemed to have broken into a laugh to please him. "Of course they'd want to guard this treasury, my boy! Don't you already know? The average deposit daily is 37360000 golden Tis. And this hasn't taken into account the 769 boxes of precious stones and 110 famous paintings. If we..."
"Don't you feel bothered?" Oscar interjected. "Just listening to these figures I feel frustrated. I'm absolutely sick of it! Let us not talk about how we're going to enter, but even if we manage to get in, how will we carry away our spoils?"
"Have you calculated how heavy 37360000 golden Tis is? Have you calculated just how much surface it takes up if this money were spread out on the ground?" Oscar suddenly stopped for he just remembered that it was his own idea of robbing the treasury.
"This is bad, I really did engage in wishful thinking!" O'Neil Andrew Morisette cursed continuously. It seemed that even the robbers have their own difficulties.
***************
"Okay, okay! Now you can relax!" RuPaul Roy's voice suddenly traveled out.
Georgio Verones promptly headed towards the scoundrel in his eyes, "Oh la la! Uncle Roy, thanks to your kindness, Marquis Janin settled all the deposits an hour ago!" Geo exclaimed while turning towards a noble lord beside him that was dressed oddly. As soon as the Lord spoke, it was in a string of rapid West Percy language and RuPaul Roy could only bend down and nod repeatedly.
"Marquis Janin says he will definitely remember the kindness of this Titan friend of yours!"
"Tell the Marquis that being able to be of service to him is the honor of this Titan friend!" RuPaul Roy was like a pug that came from the Far East, sticking his tongue out.
Master Geo accurately translated the old dog's words in the West Percy language and as a result, Marquis Janin broke into a joyful laugh. The red beard on his face quivered momentarily.
"I'm going to attend our country's Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette's court banquet. I shall take my leave! I'll leave matters here to you both!"
Geo conveyed the Marquis' words to RuPaul Roy at once. The old dog immediately straightened. He summoned an attendant from the door. "Prepare the carriage for Marquis Janin!"
Geo waved his hand at the old codger. "No need, His Excellency rode in the carriage allocated by the Kingdom of West Percy to Vielonna's consulate."
The old man parted regretfully with the foreign Marquis who came from afar at the entrance of the trading hall. When the carriage of the "Red Bearded Pirate" (a derogatory term for the West Persians) left his line of sight, only then did he pull Georgio to a secluded corner.
"Just what is that man's interest?" Blinking his distrustful eyes, the old dog sized up the young noble.
"Uncle RuPaul, I'm not too sure as well; it's my father who introduced him to me. I only know that that fellow brings with him several purchasing contracts from the government of the Kingdom of West Percy. They need ten thousand over sailcloths because if their large sailboats don't have sails, then they can't go out to sea! It is said that they are about to go to war again with the Engels abroad! All of West Percy's shipyards are rushing their work!"
"Mm!" RuPaul Roy nodded, "My friends in West Percy has indeed brought up this matter. Their timber business can make anyone envious once they see it. As long as the things are used in shipbuilding, their prices were rocketing. You're saying... that Marquis Janin is purchasing Titan sailcloth for his kingdom?"
"Yes, that's right! Moreover, it's urgent! He even gave me the cash deposit! Isn't that already in the treasury?" Georgio Verones trembled with excitement. A hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis! Oh gosh, his father could finally build his own castle!
Just how many years has the old dog, RuPaul Roy been involved in the financial market? He could see through all the greed of the youngsters.
"Why did you look for me?"
Master Geo cried out a silent "Damn you old fox", but his face already had a sincere smile.
"My Uncle Roy, I should also be able to handle this!"
"This is indeed the truth!" RuPaul Roy gave a hollow laugh. "If it really is the nation's contract and the cash deposit is really a hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis... times ten once more according to custom, heh heh! Young chap, you still don't have the qualifications to make the business of a 190 thousand golden Tis a reality."
"So that's why, Uncle Roy, I referred Narquis Janin to you. You can use your connections to investigate where this Marquis is coming from... to be honest with you, although this Marquis stays in the West Percy consulate, I still can't trust him. This is because he keeps pressing us to purchase but I have never seen him actually come up with the 190 thousand golden Tis!"
"Idiot!" RuPaul Roy spat. "Will anyone let you see the money before he has seen the cloth? The West Persian merchants are known for their astute. They have never suffered losses in their maritime trade. Will they let a fool like you receive the benefit?"
"Heh heh heh! Wouldn't it do if I take three-tenths of this business? I indeed followed the rules entirely!" Geo smiled apologetically and scratched his head unconsciously.
"Tomorrow I will personally make a visit to the West Percy consulate. Wait for my news!" RuPaul Roy appeared to be reluctant to continue the conversation with the youngster. He simply waved his hand and headed towards the main door.
"Hmph! As if I'm afraid that you won't take the bait?" Geo spat heavily towards the old man's back.
***************
Marquis Janin sat in the carriage with a dignified air and by his side were two of his followers.
"That's enough Janin, take off that ridiculous beard of yours!"
"Yes, sir!" Marquis Janin, oh sorry, it's the fourth group under the first operation squad of Titan Empire's Military Intelligence Bureau southern sub-bureau's special operation subdivision's... gah, whatever! To make it simple, Marquis Janin who came from the Kingdom of West Percy was actually a special agent of the Military Intelligence.
"Tell us, how is it inside?" Brigade Commander Luke Citel sized up the old special agent who had worked for years in the secret service field.
"How do I say it? To describe it... I can only say that it is exactly the same as the arrangement in the blueprint!"
Although Major Janin's words weren't helpful, Luke Citel and his leader of the commandos still nodded.
"Big worm" Blasky cursed under his breath, "The splendid errand arranged by His Highness! Over a hundred or so years, just how many have tried to take advantage of the trading hall and in the end still failed? Could it be that we can actually succeed?"
Luke Citel shot a look at his subordinate. Grumbling about the Commander was not a good sign.
"It's not that no one has succeeded, otherwise, how else would the people know that someone had died in the treasury? How did those who died in the treasury get inside?"
"No one knows!" Blasky shook his head. "I've seen the case files that year. The investigations of more ten forensic experts didn't yield any conclusions. Since the people were all dead, the matter was ultimately inconclusive!"
"Reporting, commander!" Major Janin suddenly interrupted.
"I think... I already know the way to get in!"
Vielonna is prosperous. It is situated in the Serevan District, which is inhabited by nobles and the main street of "Broken Dream", where the rich merchants gathered. Crowds who are dressed up extravagantly stride among the towering, majestic buildings. The leisurely diners idled their time away under the shade of umbrellas in the coffee shops by the streets. The laughter of children rang out from the gardens and parks that dotted throughout the lofty blocks. The children played hide-and-seek around the thicket. Every once in a while, they would take a bite off from the frozen desserts in their servants' hand.
"Really just forget about the ways of this world!" Oscar muttered as he was mounting the carriage with his adopted daughter.
The world's most stunning girl tugged at her adoptive father's arm anxiously and then quickly closed the carriage door.
"Have you seen it?" O'Neil Andrew Morisette motioned towards the buildings that were suspected to be a mental hospital outside the carriage window. "Why should they build orphanages to resemble prisons? Heh, there are even wire nettings! Do you know how expensive those are? Do you know what an important military supply it is? I really don't understand why they would want to place the children... I mean to say..."
"To cultivate lifeless prisoners and sly beggars!"
Oscar glanced at Elizabeth in astonishment, "that's right, it seems to be that way!"
Elizabeth gave a bitter laugh. "From what I gather, this is the fate of these children when they grow up. Prisoners... beggars... nothing else!"
That was how the orphanage was. Those pitiful children were merchandise. The more pitiful and miserable they were, the more donations the orphanage received. Moreover, each of the children has the lowest living compensation from the government and are forced to provide forced labor. Once the boys have grown up, they have to enter the military and get posted to the most remote and dangerous positions. As for the girls... no one was exactly certain about the girls' circumstances because they would vanish from the orphanage before they became adults.
"Is it like that?"
"Wouldn't you know if you just go and ask Lady Monia Amerson?"
Oscar nodded, and then shook his head. Monia was also a soldier despite everyone saying that she wasn't.
After a perceptible amount of time has elapsed, when the scenery on both sides started to gradually tower over them, the prince finally couldn't take it anymore, "I say... is there a need for us to still visit the convent? Wouldn't it do to just hand the donations over to the archbishop?"
"I noticed that... there is some conflict between you and the God of Light and the attendants of the gods!" Elizabeth sized up the young prince apprehensively.
"It's not like that," Oscar denied. "The gods should be revered in our hearts, not talked about all day like certain people... Okay, let us not talk about this and let's go shopping!"
There were two places to shop in Vielonna. One was Tailor Street and the second one was Empress Sutton Street. There were a few hundred years of history for the formation of these two places. The stores that lined both sides of the street appeared extremely ancient. The merchants depended on the prestige accumulated over the years to gain customers.
As for a customer such as His Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette, the merchants were naturally overwhelmed when they caught sight of the Andrew Family's luxurious carriage that was of the best workmanship. In order to enable the entire street of jewelers to reap profits, the owners of the buildings convened for a meeting. They put forward plans and ideas for the young prince who was seated erect on the master seat and displayed jewelry designs that have never appeared on the market to the prince.
"Actually... my demands are simple. Each shop design a piece that can match up to the Lady beside me!"
In the end, Oscar instructed them that way and later dragged Elizabeth, who was brimming with pride, away. The Lady gave the young prince a few furious kisses and asked whether her adoptive father noticed the expression on a few of the great jewelers.
The Prince replied that he of course noticed. "Their expressions were as if they have stumbled across a miracle! Creating a jewelry that can match up to you will be enough to keep them fretting over it for a while!"
The carriage passed the mouth of two streets and turned onto an avenue and lastly came to a halt at the T intersection on the avenue. The knights guarding the prince flanked onto both sides of the street and only opened the carriage door for His Highness when his personal bodyguard, Mister Paul dismounted from the other carriage.
"Babua Singha? Is this the shop's name?" Oscar lifted his head and peered at the tailor shop that didn't look too impressive. He even noticed that a few carriages engraved with the nobles' crest were parked in front of the store. His knights were negotiating with those coachmen.
Soon, there was a response from within the store. First were the nobles who reached slightly earlier than the prince. They didn't say much, merely stopped to greet the prince and hurried on their way. Oscar appreciated this modest and prudent behavior. He indeed didn't like to have a crowd of busybodies observing from the side when he chose clothes for his girl.
"Okay, these few!" Oscar indicated the few clothing clutched in his hand towards the storekeeper.
"Just these?" the storekeeper stared incredulously at the young prince. He was a little skeptical about His Highness' tastes.
"Respected Highness, are... are you sure? These are... these are the cheapest goods in the store."
Upon hearing the storekeeper's explanation, Elizabeth's two adorable eyebrows twitched accordingly. She shot a look that harbored ill intentions at her adoptive father.
"I know!" Oscar spread the few cheap goods onto the tailor's counter. "So I don't want all of these. Wrap up the rest of them!"
The shopkeeper was momentarily dumbfounded and only registered what His Highness Prince was saying after a few seconds!
"Oh, God of Light! Respected Highness, your taste is excellent! But... but there's a problem with this!"
"What problem?" Oscar's eyes widened.
The shopkeeper bent his back to form an arc. "We still do not know the Lady's figure. After measuring, we need to modify the finished products."
"Understood!" Oscar snapped his fingers. He took hold of Elizabeth's slender waist and instructed his daughter under his breath. "Child, go with him. If he makes a move on you, scream loudly."
Elizabeth didn't utter a word but merely rolled her eyes at the youngster and then followed the unctuously fawning shopkeeper to enter the back room.
"You are infatuated with her!" Paul who had nothing better to do, finally slunk up.
"Hehe! I think so too!" Oscar gave a contented sigh.
"There's a problem here!" the King of Assassins lowered his voice.
Oscar shot a glance at the attendant who was changing the tea for him. "I know!"
"And you're still sitting here?" Paul leaned against the prince without interest. He was actually using his body to shield a side of the prince.
"Engaging in activity once in a while isn't bad!"
As if responding to His Highness Prince's words, the doors and windows of the store shattered onto the ground. Thick iron bars immediately barred all the exits and entrances.
The attendant vanished. Steam was rising from the tea. Sunlight streamed through the frames of iron bars and spilled onto the floor. The leaden silence in the room was sufficient for one to hear a needle strike the ground. However, if there really were a slight stir, the assassins hiding all over the room would have launched into a frenzied assault.
***************
The special soldiers outside were observing the situation in the room. Although they were a little anxious, they didn't lose their common sense. The officer leading the soldiers have received a report that both the windows at the front, back and on all levels of the store were already sealed off by iron bars. The unusually cool-headed officer only curled his lips and hurried towards his soldiers, instructing. "Find a suitable position and blow off the ceiling!"
In the end, he added, "no one can harm our Commander in our presence. Seize the troublemakers and drag them behind the carriages!"
Oscar didn't act rashly. He simply wiggled his bottom that was slightly stiff from sitting. A helpless groan came from the sofa as if protesting against the youngster's weight.
An iron arrow suddenly penetrated through the wall! The explosive force of the crossbow caused the iron arrow to still maintain its high-speed momentous force after penetrating the wooden wall. Oscar inclined his head slightly and the arrow caught in his hair.
"Determining position by sound?"
Another arrow came in response to the King of Assassin. Two distinct arrow holes appeared on the opposite wall.
Paul finally moved. There was no way to dodge this sharp arrow and he could only break away from his original position. This didn't matter, the sound of boots trampling on the ground immediately brought on even more iron arrows! For a moment, arrows flitted past and the whole room was filled with whistling sounds!
Oscar dropped and rolled on the ground, having no idea just how many arrows he has avoided. He only knew that the unseen assassins were relying on their sense of hearing to determine his position and not only that, their ability in pinpointing was miraculously accurate. For that reason, he basically couldn't stop at a position for more than a second.
It seemed that the floor wasn't that simple as well! A broad knight sword pierced out continuously, following the track that the young prince rolled. Sawdust and the gleam of the sword continued to dance underneath the youngster's body! Oscar righted his body abruptly. The steel blade pierced through the ground, but the prince already drew out his dagger and used the sharp edge of the blade to hook onto the point of the sword. The arrows arrived right on schedule and Oscar felt the whip of the wind beside his face. He turned his head and caught the iron arrow in his mouth. At the same time, he exerted a powerful twist to the edge of his knife and he knew that he has gotten rid of the assassin hidden beneath the floor.
The prince gave a powerful thrust and the long sword burst through the ground. Snowstorm plowed forwards without caring about priorities and in a blink of an eye, the sword was in his hand. Oscar got up abruptly and straightened his back, using his body to protect Paul. He then brandished his dagger, forming a bright white full moon. A smile was playing on his lips. He did a backhand on the sword and its tip immediately sunk into the ground. The dull sound of a body being pierced was music to his hears!
With a loud cry, the King of Assassins lifted the long sword. The tip of the sword that had a body suspended on it broke through the ground. The tremendous splintering sound filled the room. Paul then swung the tip of the sword and the body of the assassin glided off. The lifeless shell slammed heavily against the wooden wall that was full of arrow holes. After that tremendous sound, the arrows stopped. Once again the room resumed its silence whereas the prince and his assassin have vanished without a trace.
A dull rumble sounded from the roof. It was the sound of the knights who were guarding the prince pounding against the tiles and bricks using battle-axes and iron hammers. The assassins tried to distinguish every sound in a panic but to no avail!
Finally, someone lost his patience and peeked into the room through the hole made by the iron arrow. Sunlight stung his eyes and when he once again opened them, a dagger was deeply embedded into it instantly.
This tiny sound immediately attracted a group assault by the assassins. However, a long sword was the first to thrust through the wooden wall and yet another assassin was pierced. His comrade released a seemingly frantic wave of arrows towards the opposite wall.
When the sound of iron arrows being loaded onto the crossbow rang out, the broad knight sword already sliced open the wooden wall. Following that came another loud boom and a body broke through the wall and entered! The assassins' reactions weren't slow and arrows were practically released immediately! Five to six iron arrows found its mark on a body and without a sound it fell onto the floor and then only did the assassins see clearly that it was actually their comrade who hid beneath the floor.
Oscar and Paul waltzed into the hidden room behind the wall.
"Good afternoon, sirs!" the prince greeted the assassins who were complete strangers to him, warmly.
A dull rumble came from the ceiling and sunlight fought to pour into the room. The assassins who were accustomed to darkness reflexively shielded their faces. The swirling dust and dazzling sunlight seemed to have robbed them of the ability to function, but their sharp hearing still allowed them to distinguish the sound of a heavy object landing.
The resistance practically crumbled in an instant. The special soldiers who descended from the skies struck the vital parts of the assassins accurately with the hilt of their swords and sledgehammers in their hands. Oscar shrugged and turned to confront the only man still standing in the room.
"Storekeeper, where is my little daughter?"
In alarm, the storekeeper tightened his hand on the crossbow directed at his target, but he had forgotten that he hasn't reloaded an arrow onto his crossbow. The crossbow let out a helpless twang. One of the knights impatiently gave the storekeeper a kick; a pretty forceful one by the looks of it! The sound of bone cracking indicated that his knee was done for!
"Thank goodness you didn't chop off this tailor's hands," Oscar went forward, "he still owes me a hundred dresses!"
"Sir, I've found the Lady!" A knight reported to Oscar.
"Oh, that's great! Let us go see her! My little daughter has definitely been given a fright!"
Elizabeth was stuffed into a pile of materials in the basement of the store. Oscar and the knights untied the ropes binding her hands. The adopted daughter of the prince was whining. The knights hurriedly removed the lump of cloth that was stuffed into the girl's mouth.
Oscar embraced the gorgeous teenage girl. She appeared to have suffered quite a fright. "It's that old thing coming for me! They are coming for me! He wants to kill you! He will never let me off!"
"It's okay, it's okay. I'm here, no one can harm you." Oscar caressed the girl's back. She seemed to still be unable to calm down at that moment and the prince could only lead her away from that wretched place.
***************
Irut Manzonola and his younger twin brother, Huber Manzonola observed everything that just unfolded from an attic opposite the Babua Singha Tailor Shop. When old Irut saw that the completely unscathed young prince walks out of the store with his little kitten in his arms, the financial big shot rapped the walking stick in his hand so loudly that it shook the heavens.
The younger Manzonola brother was aware that his elder brother was in an extremely terrible mood, but didn't know how to comfort his brother. In the end, he could only say. "Is there a need to arrange for it once more?"
Old Irut nodded his head with a snort. He didn't expect that the meticulously planned assassination operation would end just like this! He thought those unlucky soldiers would carry out a few corpses from the little shop. They indeed did carry out a few corpses, but those were all that of the hitman hired by the younger Manzonola brother.
The younger Manzonola brother crouched down awkwardly. He gripped the armrest of the recliner and tried to gaze at his brother with sincerity.
"Irut, look at me! After squatting down like this, I need half a day before I can stand again. We are both old! What's more is that our opponent is the Prince of the Empire, a Marshal of the guards who controls a secret army in his hands. We..."
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Old Irut screamed madly. "Coward! Weakling!"
The old man's cane fell onto his younger brother and he watched with satisfaction at his brother who dodged to one side like a mouse. "Weren't all of the enemies who stood before us as stubborn as the Alps? But still, we were victorious in the end! If you are afraid of a puny little boy, then it's best if you return to the countryside and retire!"
The younger Manzonola brother didn't utter a word. He crawled up with difficulty from the corner and then silently stood behind his brother.
"Weakling! Where did your previous zeal go to?" Old Irut chided on.
***************
Oscar helped Elizabeth onto the carriage and closed the door for her. At that moment, Baron Messier already hurried over. He embraced his young master elatedly and proceeded to whisper excitedly in his ear.
"Take a guess where the old chaps of the Vielonna Trading Hall are at."
"Where?"
"The opposite attic!" the Baron exclaimed while gesturing towards the open window of the attic across the street and old Irut, upon witnessing that scene, was so frightened that he threw away the cup in his hand.
Oscar led Paul and the Division Head of the Military Intelligence to ring the doorbell of that store. Behind them were soldiers of the Guards who lined the whole street.
"I would like to speak with the old mister in the attic!" Putting on a kindly air, Oscar sized up the manager of the shop. He noticed that it was an antique shop that sold famous paintings.
"There... there's nothing in the attic!" The boss of the antique shop whispered.
"Do you know who am I?" Oscar found it amusing.
"You're... Marshal of the Guards, His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette."
"Then do you know what you are saying?" Oscar was no longer smiling.
"I... I..."
"Invite His Highness up!" An old voice traveled out from the attic.
Oscar knitted his eyebrows but still trudged up the stairs with his two followers. The attic was unexpectedly huge, but only had a fireplace and a few high-backed chairs. Old Irut occupied the huge recliner that appeared quite cozy while his younger brother stood behind him as before.
If both of them were rag dolls, they would definitely be extremely adorable! Oscar had no idea why he thought that way. He was still a little dubious. Didn't these two old chaps have any upbringing? Could it be that their parents didn't tell them that they should kneel with one knee upon seeing the top-notch Imperial Household member?
"What are you two doing here? You have to pay up for enjoying the show!" Oscar helped himself and dragged a chair to sit across the old man. The old man's face didn't have much rosiness to it. The pale lips appeared a little dry; his nostrils gave off forceful huffs like an angry old horse.
"You've taken away something that belongs to me!" Old Irut again rapped his cane on the floor.
"Oh my God of Light!" Oscar clutched at his chest as if having been startled. "This is the first time someone spoke to me this way. Considering that you're still using honorifics, I will forgive your impertinence this time!"
The youngster pressed closer to the old man who was etched with wrinkles as if scrutinizing him.
"But... I'd like to ask. Have you become a dotard or do you really deem yourself as amazing? You're not foolish to the degree that you'd ask me for compensation, right? Don't tell me you'd like to battle it out in court with me? Just like what you did at the trading hall."
Old Irut wanted to knock his cane with all his might, but the younger Manzonola brother placed a hand on his shoulder.
"My brother would just like to explain to you..."
"I didn't ask you! Shut up!" bellowed Oscar who proceeded to wave his hand. "Both of you keep your distance. You make me sick."
It was evident that Irut was infuriated. When had he ever received such humiliation?
"Answer my question Mr. Irut. What are both of you doing here?" Oscar resumed his composed manner. He wanted to see how the Manzonola brothers would explain the matter.
"We are inspecting our family's properties. All the stores along this street are our properties." Old Irut spat out between gritted teeth, fuming with rage.
"Ola! Really? It seems that you're quite a huge merchant!" Oscar clapped his hands, feigned excitement and turned to face the Division Head of the Military Intelligence behind him. "Seal up all the stores along this street. The assassins may still be here, hurry!"
Baron Messier delightedly gave a brief response and then turned around and descended the stairs.
"Wait!"
The Baron stopped in his tracks.
With a wry smile, Oscar assessed old Irut's unconcerned face, "I've almost forgotten. You're a huge merchant, so why would you care about a few tailors' shops? How about we do it like this. Messier, how much do you know about the Manzonola Family's properties?"
Messier once again turned around. "We have a clear grasp about it. The Manzonola Family possesses four streets of lots in Vielonna. In Burton Province, they have a ranch, three large-scale farms, seven manual workshops of processed meat products and gold and silver utensils. In Rylie Province, there are two vacation manors, a quarry, and nineteen flour factories. However, these properties in other provinces were purchased under an alias."
Oscar contemplated and made his decision.
"From now onwards, deploy guards to be stationed in all the properties of the Manzonola Family. Search everyone who is suspicious, arrest the ruffians who resist and contradict the guards."
"Our family has never had any ruffians!" Old Irut had already jumped up from his seat.
Oscar shrugged, "who knows? We've just killed three and captured four. It goes without saying that as eyewitnesses of a brutal assassination incident, we would have to trouble both of you to aid in the Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau's investigation! Guards... take them away!"
"Your Highness, please hold on!" The younger Manzonola brother suddenly dashed in front of his brother. Old Irut stared at Huber in astonishment. Huber Manzonola absolutely did not see that he was already kneeling with one knee by the youngster's legs. He then used his forehead to touch the prince's boots. Now, this was the etiquette that one should have toward an Imperial Household member.
"Your Highness, I can guarantee you that my brother and I are only coincidentally sitting here!"
"Is it like that?" Oscar spun to face old Irut who was standing there imperiously.
Irut shook off his brother's hand. He initially wanted to argue but in the end, he only snorted angrily.
Oscar sighed in exasperation. This pair of siblings weren't completely useless, but if the elder brother is in a hurry to descend into hell, it seemed that no one could stop him.
"Okay, let it be like this!" The prince stood up, having even omitted the farewell. Towards this extremely opinionated old dog, he didn't have to say anything else.
"Your Highness... Your Highness..." The younger Manzonola brother still seemed to want to explain something, but the young prince already disappeared on the patio. Soon afterward, the sound of a carriage leaving came from outside the door.
Although news about the celebrated Highness Prince's encounter with the assassins circulated within the city, the world still went on as usual. Just like the numbers that continued to jump on the "Broken Dream Stone" of the Vielonna Trading Hall, it seemed that nothing could prevent business from going on.
As the Titan Empire's financial trading center, the Vielonna Trading Hall was a pride. This was because it possessed leadership positions of all industries and a massive treasury that could compare to that of the Empire's.
This giant treasury was located in a dark tunnel at a depth of fifty meters beneath the trading hall and occupied four hundred squares. It only had one door that can be used to enter and exit. People would say, isn't this just nonsense? Who would leave a backdoor or a skylight for a treasury?
The treasury of the Vielonna Trading Hall has a very overbearing name, which was, "Peter Dynasty"! Peter the great was the first ruler of the holy Roman Empire. We need not care about His Greatness' glorious feats, but only the wealth that he possessed. It was said that the gold of Peter the Great could completely fill Caesar Palace. The servants of His Greatness could sweep out a sack of golden powder from the palace each day.
Now "Peter Dynasty" indeed verified this legend. The passing of time could indeed grind the gold bricks into golden powder. The workers of the Vielonna Trading Hall have to clean up at the start of every month. Although the golden powder swept out weren't that much, it was enough to cause those who have never seen the world to go into shock.
To enter "Peter Dynasty", one has to go through four doors. The first one was on the ground. Beside the door, there was only one work counter and inside the counter was an elderly office employee. This chap, who was as blind as a bat, would only recognize the access pass but not the people. Usually, he would use a magnifying glass to scrutinize your access pass for a protracted period of time before stamping on a red crest onto it.
By holding the access pass that bears a red crest, you could open the first door that led to "Peter Dynasty". This huge door was at the end of the corridor at one of the floors of the trading hall. It appeared very ordinary and altar lamps hung on either side of the huge doors.
Knocking on the brass knocker, a window will pop up on the door. After sliding in the access pass and waiting for a brief moment, the huge doors will sound three times and open inwards. You will then enter the office of "Peter Dynasty".
The clamor in the office of "Peter Dynasty", when compared to the silence of the corridor, was practically unbearable to the people. The office worker would shout out all sorts of numbers like mad. To one side, a recorder would fill in all kinds of forms with the breakneck speed of worker bees. Lastly were the treasurers who filled in the settlement records for the general counter. The figures on the record were staggeringly huge. Each time, cooperation from several treasurers was required to complete the task.
The office that occupied not more than forty to fifty squares operated under this tense and bustling atmosphere. This place was in charge of managing all the funds that went in and out of the treasury. All these funds will then be summarized into a report form that is as long as an ancient religious scroll. Those who hold the access pass together with this summarized record will lastly be respectfully invited to the second door that led to the underground by an office employee.
Upon opening the second door, one would be greeted by a spacious scene. The space beyond the door was a little stuffy because it has no windows, merely the mouth of two chutes constructed of steel. The mouth of the chute on the left was for receiving while that on the right was to deliver out.
Here, the office employees would receive your transaction records immediately. They only looked at the last figure. "Man! Depositing a hundred and nineteen thousand golden Tis!"
The office worker would ring the bronze bell beside the mouth of the chute. The bronze bell was directed connected to the bank outside the wall. The banker would after listening to the bell, slide down golden Tis from the other side of the chute. Each bag contained ten thousand golden Tis. The total would be nineteen heavy bags of gold for you to inspect. If there aren't any incidents, you would definitely answer with "that's right!" Yes, this is "Peter Dynasty" and up until now, there hadn't been any serious errors in "Peter Dynasty".
Since there isn't any error, then very well... you may proceed to the third door that leads to the underground treasury together with the hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis. Don't be afraid, for a burly bodyguard who harbors absolutely no ill intention towards you or your golden Tis, will accompany you from behind. In fact, once you've passed through the first door, you're already under the tightest protection. You wouldn't know just how many paladins are blending in with the office employees, but they indeed exist!
The amount handed in by the Vielonna Trading Hall to the Imperial Tax Bureau annually was one seventh of what the Morisette Dynasty received. Referring to this place as the national treasury wasn't an exaggeration. In order to protect the Empire's largest group of taxpayers, the Southern Army Group allocated the tightest and most elite guarding force for the trading hall's treasury.
So have no doubt, those who follow you and your golden Tis through the third door are all the noblest of paladins. They have no interest whatever in your gold and only cared about the order there and the mission on their shoulders.
After the third door is the cool underground space. Here there is a flight of steps that lead down into the abyss and a slide to transport the golden coins. The metal slide emanates a gentle glow under the light of the torches. Bag after bag of gold coins would slide down smoothly, producing a beautiful sound.
This sound was just too pleasant! It signifies that your hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis have arrived in the most secure place in the world.
Of course, you haven't seen the last door that leads to the treasury so it's still a little early. The true massive doors of the underground treasury are one with a diameter of two meters, a thickness of forty-nine centimeters, a metal chunk that is a mix of steel and aluminum. This metal chunk was successfully refined by chance after scrapping numerous raw materials.
To open the last door, we require three keys because "Peter Dynasty" has three gatekeepers. They live in three different areas of the city and each receives protection from thirty over kick-ass hired soldiers. Every day around this time, about two to three in the afternoon, the three gatekeepers would hurry to the trading hall from different locations. If anyone discovers that the gatekeepers are gathered together at any other time other than that hour, then the key of the treasury would be handed over to another for safekeeping
After all the gatekeepers have arrived, they would enter the lowest level of the treasury together with a crowd of paladin guards and carry out their once daily inventory duty. This job was actually pretty effortless because the amount that was to be deposited and to be withdrawn have all been settled by the office after the first door.
So... the three gatekeepers start their work. They would insert the key that hung before their chest into three keyholes in three different directions simultaneously and turns the keys at the same time until the alloy gate lets out the booming friction sound of metal.
Behind the three gatekeepers is a strip of fine red line and it carries the same meaning as that on the front lines of the battlefield. If anyone crosses the red line while the gatekeepers are opening the door, the paladins that were standing guard around would immediately kill the person. Before you enter the third door, there would be an office employee who would explain the rules here to you. It was said that up until now, no one dared challenge the rules of "Peter Dynasty".
After the door opens, the paladins are still guarding the front line. The gatekeepers aren't in a hurry to start work. At this time, you could smoke a packet of cigarettes or snort some opium. Anyway, no one cares what you did, you just have to wait.
To clarify, waiting is necessary. This was because "Peter Dynasty" has a mechanism that was unmatched in the world! This mechanism could convert the inner treasury into a deadly place with scarce oxygen within fifteen minutes. In other words, it would be a near vacuum.
No one knew the principle behind this mechanism. They only knew that there was an opening that linked the treasury to a vein of groundwater. Perhaps it was the water conservatory operating system or perhaps a mystical incantation, in short, the theories differ, but the fact was still evident, all the robbers under the sun regarded the treasury of the Vielonna Trading Hall as a virgin land. Although they have successfully entered the treasury, they would all choke to death without exception.
So, to the mister who is depositing a hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis, please bear in mind that each day, the treasury is only open for an hour. Then it would become a sacred area for the gold and a tomb for the living.
"So... Your Highness, aren't we just having wishful thinking?" Baron Messier De Quixote said while wiping the beads of sweat on his forehead. "We have a Special Combat Brigade! Since it is a robbery, I think only taking it by storm will work!"
"Then go and gather the manpower!" Oscar shot a glare at the Division Head of the Military Intelligence. "Don't forget to bring along our military flag, otherwise the people wouldn't know who did it."
Messier could only hang his head. The prince's cutting remarks weren't pleasant to hear, but they were indeed facts. Using the Special Combat Brigade to storm the Vielonna Trading Hall? That was equal to declaring, "Our Military Intelligence Bureau is robbing! Those related or not related, stand aside and blood won't be splashed on you!"
"Is there really no other way?"
The young prince's voice interrupted the Baron's fantasy. Messier promptly snapped out of it but still didn't have any ideas.
Oscar held a quill pen in his mouth and wasn't even aware of the ink staining his mouth. He repeatedly assessed the construction plan of "Peter Dynasty" that was piled onto the table.
The blueprint of the construction plan has the words of the Empire's top secret distinctly printed onto it. This was gotten hold of by Oscar from the Empire's Confidential Department using his authority. It was said that there was only this one blueprint in the whole world. Aside from that architect who was able to make a lucky escape a hundred over years ago, all the workers who participated in the treasury project were silenced.
"Just what is this all about?" Oscar opened up a blueprint. On it was the operating result schematic of the vacuum mechanism.
As expected, Messier shook his head.
"Aren't you just annoying!" Oscar finally lost his temper! "Mes, you see? I need help, but you keep standing there shaking your head. Can't you do any other action?"
Messier nodded but in the end, shook his head with a bitter smile.
"Your Highness, I am powerless! Truly, even you've seen it! This place is guarded by a group of elite and dauntless hired soldiers and also forty-five paladins deployed by the Southern Army Group! Aside from storming..."
"Forget it! Forget it!" Oscar waved aside the blueprint on the table and settled down into the sofa. "I now only know why the Southern Army Group has so few paladins. So it turns out that they've all been sent to Vielonna to stand guard for the merchants!"
"Hehe!" the Division Head of the Military Intelligence seemed to have broken into a laugh to please him. "Of course they'd want to guard this treasury, my boy! Don't you already know? The average deposit daily is 37360000 golden Tis. And this hasn't taken into account the 769 boxes of precious stones and 110 famous paintings. If we..."
"Don't you feel bothered?" Oscar interjected. "Just listening to these figures I feel frustrated. I'm absolutely sick of it! Let us not talk about how we're going to enter, but even if we manage to get in, how will we carry away our spoils?"
"Have you calculated how heavy 37360000 golden Tis is? Have you calculated just how much surface it takes up if this money were spread out on the ground?" Oscar suddenly stopped for he just remembered that it was his own idea of robbing the treasury.
"This is bad, I really did engage in wishful thinking!" O'Neil Andrew Morisette cursed continuously. It seemed that even the robbers have their own difficulties.
***************
"Okay, okay! Now you can relax!" RuPaul Roy's voice suddenly traveled out.
Georgio Verones promptly headed towards the scoundrel in his eyes, "Oh la la! Uncle Roy, thanks to your kindness, Marquis Janin settled all the deposits an hour ago!" Geo exclaimed while turning towards a noble lord beside him that was dressed oddly. As soon as the Lord spoke, it was in a string of rapid West Percy language and RuPaul Roy could only bend down and nod repeatedly.
"Marquis Janin says he will definitely remember the kindness of this Titan friend of yours!"
"Tell the Marquis that being able to be of service to him is the honor of this Titan friend!" RuPaul Roy was like a pug that came from the Far East, sticking his tongue out.
Master Geo accurately translated the old dog's words in the West Percy language and as a result, Marquis Janin broke into a joyful laugh. The red beard on his face quivered momentarily.
"I'm going to attend our country's Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette's court banquet. I shall take my leave! I'll leave matters here to you both!"
Geo conveyed the Marquis' words to RuPaul Roy at once. The old dog immediately straightened. He summoned an attendant from the door. "Prepare the carriage for Marquis Janin!"
Geo waved his hand at the old codger. "No need, His Excellency rode in the carriage allocated by the Kingdom of West Percy to Vielonna's consulate."
The old man parted regretfully with the foreign Marquis who came from afar at the entrance of the trading hall. When the carriage of the "Red Bearded Pirate" (a derogatory term for the West Persians) left his line of sight, only then did he pull Georgio to a secluded corner.
"Just what is that man's interest?" Blinking his distrustful eyes, the old dog sized up the young noble.
"Uncle RuPaul, I'm not too sure as well; it's my father who introduced him to me. I only know that that fellow brings with him several purchasing contracts from the government of the Kingdom of West Percy. They need ten thousand over sailcloths because if their large sailboats don't have sails, then they can't go out to sea! It is said that they are about to go to war again with the Engels abroad! All of West Percy's shipyards are rushing their work!"
"Mm!" RuPaul Roy nodded, "My friends in West Percy has indeed brought up this matter. Their timber business can make anyone envious once they see it. As long as the things are used in shipbuilding, their prices were rocketing. You're saying... that Marquis Janin is purchasing Titan sailcloth for his kingdom?"
"Yes, that's right! Moreover, it's urgent! He even gave me the cash deposit! Isn't that already in the treasury?" Georgio Verones trembled with excitement. A hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis! Oh gosh, his father could finally build his own castle!
Just how many years has the old dog, RuPaul Roy been involved in the financial market? He could see through all the greed of the youngsters.
"Why did you look for me?"
Master Geo cried out a silent "Damn you old fox", but his face already had a sincere smile.
"My Uncle Roy, I should also be able to handle this!"
"This is indeed the truth!" RuPaul Roy gave a hollow laugh. "If it really is the nation's contract and the cash deposit is really a hundred and ninety thousand golden Tis... times ten once more according to custom, heh heh! Young chap, you still don't have the qualifications to make the business of a 190 thousand golden Tis a reality."
"So that's why, Uncle Roy, I referred Narquis Janin to you. You can use your connections to investigate where this Marquis is coming from... to be honest with you, although this Marquis stays in the West Percy consulate, I still can't trust him. This is because he keeps pressing us to purchase but I have never seen him actually come up with the 190 thousand golden Tis!"
"Idiot!" RuPaul Roy spat. "Will anyone let you see the money before he has seen the cloth? The West Persian merchants are known for their astute. They have never suffered losses in their maritime trade. Will they let a fool like you receive the benefit?"
"Heh heh heh! Wouldn't it do if I take three-tenths of this business? I indeed followed the rules entirely!" Geo smiled apologetically and scratched his head unconsciously.
"Tomorrow I will personally make a visit to the West Percy consulate. Wait for my news!" RuPaul Roy appeared to be reluctant to continue the conversation with the youngster. He simply waved his hand and headed towards the main door.
"Hmph! As if I'm afraid that you won't take the bait?" Geo spat heavily towards the old man's back.
***************
Marquis Janin sat in the carriage with a dignified air and by his side were two of his followers.
"That's enough Janin, take off that ridiculous beard of yours!"
"Yes, sir!" Marquis Janin, oh sorry, it's the fourth group under the first operation squad of Titan Empire's Military Intelligence Bureau southern sub-bureau's special operation subdivision's... gah, whatever! To make it simple, Marquis Janin who came from the Kingdom of West Percy was actually a special agent of the Military Intelligence.
"Tell us, how is it inside?" Brigade Commander Luke Citel sized up the old special agent who had worked for years in the secret service field.
"How do I say it? To describe it... I can only say that it is exactly the same as the arrangement in the blueprint!"
Although Major Janin's words weren't helpful, Luke Citel and his leader of the commandos still nodded.
"Big worm" Blasky cursed under his breath, "The splendid errand arranged by His Highness! Over a hundred or so years, just how many have tried to take advantage of the trading hall and in the end still failed? Could it be that we can actually succeed?"
Luke Citel shot a look at his subordinate. Grumbling about the Commander was not a good sign.
"It's not that no one has succeeded, otherwise, how else would the people know that someone had died in the treasury? How did those who died in the treasury get inside?"
"No one knows!" Blasky shook his head. "I've seen the case files that year. The investigations of more ten forensic experts didn't yield any conclusions. Since the people were all dead, the matter was ultimately inconclusive!"
"Reporting, commander!" Major Janin suddenly interrupted.
"I think... I already know the way to get in!"
