It was on the 9th day of the 11th month in Church Calendar Year 798, Prince O'Neil's 24th birthday. A lot of things had transpired on this very day. At seven in the morning, the trading hall at Vielonna finally reopened after being closed for around one and a half month.
Without observing at the good and bad of the nobles, the nature of a businessman was not complicated. Even though chasing at profits was an existing character of a businessman, he must also have his own principle and quality. Based on justice, trust, and qualities like diligence and honesty, the businessmen of the Titan Empire began their new round of trading activities.
The most unbelievable thing for the businessmen was that the supply at the trading hall in Vielonna was still enough. The worry they had before was practically nonexistent. The people thought that after the clearance, the market system and raw supply area that was controlled by the finance bosses would experience a supply shortage. However, the reality was not that way.
Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette did a huge amount of preparation for the recovery of the trading hall. One of it was to recover the regulation of supply and raw material production. When 'Broken Dream' came back to business, the five southern provinces had already accumulated a large number of resources, especially flour and dried nuts in which their prices soared during winter. The actual prices of these resources now were so low to their astonishment.
The businessmen's initial investment choice was really clear. Even though the prices announced in 'Broken Dream' were mostly very cheap, they still treated wheat, metal, natural resources and salt, which were strongly related to their living, as their main trade items.
This situation was more or less what Georgio Verones initially predicted. As the new president of Vielonna Trading Hall, this young man did something unexpected right when he took up the role.
Young Master Geo said, "The Trading Hall Council can officially disband now!" Therefore, this President fired himself and replaced the Council with a 'Stake Holder Joint Meeting'. This joint organization that was recently set up actually meant expanding the previous Trading Hall Council without boundary. Some small and middle-sized businesses could also speak up in this huge self-managing trading system and possessed legal rights to watch over the system. They increased the energy of managing this new trading joint organization.
Even though it was in the broad daylight, the businessmen from all over the Empire still lit up fireworks in front of the gate of the Trading Hall. Some people who enjoyed fun events even brought a circus and choir. Therefore, the day of trading turned into an event to showcase local arts and talents. As compared to the previous chaos caused by the businessmen, this performance was undoubtedly more popular with the citizens of Vielonna. The people once again flooded the street. They gave passionate cheers and claps for the flower-decorated carriages that passed by and dancing girls who showed their bare legs.
The birthday party for Prince O'Neil began in the midst of cheers and fireworks blooming in the sky.
At 12 p.m. on the 9th day of 11th month, the first cannon division of the Guards arranged themselves neatly in formation at the square in front of Serevan Palace. The cannons were fired for 24 times, signaling the 24th birthday of Prince O'Neil.
This time, the rumbling of the cannons did not cause a mess like they did in the evening on the 8th. When the first cannon division of the Guards first participated in the real fight, all citizens were stunned by the firelight blinking from the direction of the port. The people thought the punishment of the God had already befallen Vielonna! Therefore, many families began their preparation to run away from here without understanding the situation completely. Only until it was already dark that they received accurate news. It was actually just a direct unit of Marshal O'Neil carrying out an operation. It was only when the head of the criminal was hanged on the old city wall during dawn had the chaos finally calmed down.
The cannon fire on the 9th was different. The gunners of the First Cannon Division filled the cannon with fake cannonballs that could only let out sounds. There were only fire sparks and sounds. No scary explosion and flying debris would be present. The surrounding people finally felt the friendliness of the cannon and even felt the happiness behind the rumbling of the cannon fire.
After the 24 cannon fires, the guests who gathered around the square entered Serevan Palace respectively and began the celebratory ball that lasted for a whole day.
Just as the MC of the ball, Viscount Paurol Jawock, expected, the number of guests that came to celebrate the birthday of the Prince was around two thousand people. All the nobles in Vielonna and Burton Province naturally attended this event. The nobles and officials from the other four provinces in the south also came to Serevan Palace.
Paurol Javock was an excellent speaker. His brains not only had all sort of bad ideas to harm others but also beautiful words that even flattered the God of Light. Other than that, little Paurol of the Viscount Javock family seemed to be an amazing organizer as well. Not only was he the MC of the ball, he also managed the reception and manpower distribution work of the whole palace.
It seemed that Prince O'Neil had his reasons for choosing such an evil guy to be his Palace assistant. At least Paurol Javock knew when and who to harm. He was also familiar with all rules and courtesy when talking to others. Even Princess Alanis said, "Paurol is a good kid. Let's introduce a lady of a Duke to him."
Paurol was a little excited. To be specific, he was very looking forward to it! He said to the Princess, "Your Highness, will that be the only child in the family?"
Look at this kid! He did not care to hide his intention at all. Marrying the sole child of a Duke meant having the rights to succeed to that title. The Javock family would be ecstatic.
Alanis thought about it and turned to her husband, "Do you still remember the ball held at Westberg Fort many years ago? You killed my cousin in a fair duel."
Oscar held his head. He seemed to remember it. "It's... Karl Arnold family's... What's his name again?"
Alanis rolled her eyes. She turned back to Viscount Javock who was acting like a dog, "No matter what that guy is called, the Karl Arnold family still has a daughter. Even though the title of Duke Karl Arnold will not be succeeded by his daughter, do you know what the identity of this lady Duke means?"
Paurol flashed an ecstatic smile, "I am not too clear about what that means. I only know that this Lady of Duke Karl Arnold is Her Majesty the Queen's favorite niece. She is also your cousin. Also... I heard she is a beauty."
"It's good that you know of that!" Alanis smiled, "I will ask my mother about this!"
Therefore, Viscount Javock left in satisfaction. If he could truly get to know this lady of Duke Karl Arnold, then it meant that he had the opportunity to enter the nobles circle in the Capital. His achievement would surpass that of his father's! Actually, every local noble had the thought of participating in the central power of the Empire, but very few could realize this thought.
Therefore, when old Marquis Javock saw the prideful stance of his son, he said to his son, "You little, it's too early for you to be happy!"
Paurol thought he was right, so he calmed himself down. Rather than having a dream of marrying a lady of Duke, it was better for him to perfect the things he should do now. This way, the Prince and the Princess would remember his good points.
The birthday party finally became an event to showcase the status and aura of the Imperial Family. It was mostly thanks to Viscount Javock. The budget for the ball and all sorts of celebratory events was two hundred and ninety thousand golden Ti. Paurol did not waste even a golden Ti. He ordered people to buy a huge amount of luxurious goods from stores with good reputation. The name of Prince O'Neil was still very popular amongst the businessmen. The Vielonna lacked in many aspects after the chaos except for these two things! To fight for the rights to participate in the ball, some infamous bands and performers even announced that they did not mind about the pay at all.
Paurol was very fair. He invited all artists that did not mind the payment into the Palace. During the day of the birthday ball, several small and large halls in Serevan Palace had their schedule fully booked. The guests who were here could listen and watch performances of different style and different tribes from all over the place in the Palace.
Lastly, another important work completely showed the character and socializing techniques of Paurol Javock. This Viscount moved a smart accountant company into the Prince's Palace. More than ten accountants were right here to calculate and evaluate the presents given by the guests. According to the actual value of the present, Javock arranged the seating arrangement without hesitation. Those generous families and officials were invited into numerous small living rooms while those that came for the fun were brought to the big hall of the Palace.
Even though the big hall in Serevan Palace was the main venue of the birthday ball, it was too chaotic. The music and the dances never stopped. Moreover, there was only one bar that served drinks and buffet counter. The bigshots in the small guest rooms were different! There were not only seemingly unlimited drinks and food available here, the Palace chefs even prepared some special cuisines. Not even the nobles knew about the weird yet delicious cuisines. At last, the Prince and his wife would sit for a while in each guest room to get to know these people that paid the price. When the people were happy, the top-level nobles from all over the south even had the honor of inviting the Princess to a dance. Of course, the main character of the birthday ball, O'Neil Andrew Morisette, was the focus in the dance floor. Those madams and ladies almost wanted to rip each other's skirts just to hold the Prince's arm.
Until late evening, the crowd in the palace slowly subsided. The people had their shares of fun, but the big shots that had high status in the five southern provinces still stayed behind. They all knew the Prince would lead his armies into the war zone after the birthday ball. Before this, they surely had some things to talk about and the Prince would instruct a few important matters as well.
The dinner was held in the main hall. Viscount Javock and the Palace Chief Sir Rowel began to organize the people to clean the venue. They placed the square tables into a long table of forty meters long. According to the usual rules, the Prince would sit at the main seat of the men at the inner side of the palace, while Alanis would sit at the main seat of the women by the palace door.
When the big shots were all seated according to the seating arrangement, the servants then begin to serve the food for dinner. The first food that was served was naturally a huge birthday cake. To be more specific... this was a 'layered cake', made by the bakery in one whole week that had been in business for a long time in the history of Vielonna. This huge cake was around two meters in height. The fillings were in total a thousand layers, bringing the meaning of longevity.
The Prince brought his wife to jump up to the long table to blow the candles on top of the cake. Then the couples cut the cake together. The seated people immediately let out a deafening cheer.
After that, it was the job of the servants. They divided the cake and shared a small piece with every guest present here. Even though there were more than one hundred guests at the dining table, there was still half of the cake left even after distributing.
The mains and sides of dinner were served together. The mains were in a large tray. It was a hundred grilled chickens with a hundred crabs under them. The fiery red crabs had many skewers affixed to them. Atop the skewers were the golden grilled chickens. The guests exclaimed in satisfaction. Once this food was seen, it could quickly increase the appetite of the people.
There were many sides. Soon, almost one hundred dishes were placed on the long table. They were mostly meat – those that flew in the sky, those that ran on the ground and those that swam in the water. Beneath the meat were the vegetables. These fresh vegetables were bought from the warmer Faran Kingdom. During the process of transporting the vegetables, they were kept fresh in ice. So, when they were served, they still kept a fresh color.
Princess Alanis raised her glass after the dining plates of the guests were completely filled by the servants.
"To my husband!"
The guests followed suit. "To Prince O'Neil!"
Oscar then laughed happily, "Thank you! Thank you to everyone! Cheers! Let us cheer!"
"Will you tell us what you wish for?" A noble suddenly asked this question.
Oscar laughed again. He raised his wine glass towards the ceiling. "God above, I wish for the south to prosper!"
The nobles cheer again. The sound of glasses colliding against each other echoed throughout the room.
"Did Princess Ashfin Kristen not come?" Oscar suddenly pulled at the Palace Chief beside him.
Rowel shook his head helplessly, "Lady Monia said that Princess Ashfin's health is..."
"Alright alright! I know!" Oscar interrupted the Palace Chief impatiently. "Who knows what our Princess is thinking. We don't see her coming out from her room at all these days!"
Rowel nodded. "Yes! Her Highness Ashfin has been locking herself in her room. It's been... A month!"
Oscar shrugged, "Leave her."
Rowel answered, "Yes! Let's not care about her!"
As the host, the Prince finally hit the crystal glass. Then, the dinner began. The nobles craved into their food as if all the dishes on the table were their enemy.
After changing a few plates, the people started to chat about all sorts of things. The men were naturally talking about the matter of the country. The women, with the Princess as their leader, were discussing all types of skin care products and certain men. Sometimes, a Madame would join the conversation of the men, but except for the Princess's words, most women had no fun at all.
The confidential secretary of Alfa III His Majesty, Count Philip Goolean said to his wife, "Look at you! You didn't even bear a child for me. What more can I expect from you?"
The people laughed. However, Madame Monique Goolean did not show her weakness. She glanced at her husband with mockery.
"Hey, you are being unfair! When you are messing with those women in Dulin, don't tell me you are also thinking about your wife not bearing a child for you."
The people laughed even more. They all knew Madame Monique was a weird one amongst the noble family.
Oscar waved his hands, "Madame Goolean, I am leaving this place tomorrow. Philip's vacation is also about to begin. You can completely keep your game up now."
After saying this, the Prince even pretended to think about it. "How about tomorrow night?"
Amongst the laugh of the nobles, Madame Monique was not fazed at all, "Your Highness, you should keep up your game with Her Highness the Princess as well. Since you are departing tomorrow, then let's make it tonight!"
Alanis's face was already extremely red from the effect of alcohol. Without caring about her status, she screamed at the Emperor's confidential secretary, "Philip! Keep your bitch under control!"
Madame Monique quickly stood up from her seat, hearing this. She held her skirt and bowed to the Princess. "Your Highness, thank you for your compliment. Philip likes to call me that in private occasions as well!"
"Hahahahahaha!" The nobles present laughed even more outrageously! Madame Goolean might be frivolous, but she was indeed a real delight in the upper class of the society in the south of Empire.
"Your Highness! Are your direct units ready?" Finally, a serious-looking official started this topic.
Oscar nodded with confidence, "Yes, that is right. Actually, a part of my elite force has already entered the mountain area. I think... No situation that is worth worrying about has shown up yet currently."
General Vangol Abberning Hagrid, the Commander Officer of the Fifteenth Region who sat at the right side of the Prince, spoke up as well. He felt that this young man was a little underestimating the enemy.
"I think we should not be careless with this matter. The criminals in the mountain area have already fought with the Guards for six years. They are all experienced veterans!"
General Vangol then glanced at the soldiers at the dining table. "Haven't all of you been to the war zones? You should know that the criminals' resistance is fiercer than what rumors say it to be. Even the 1-1 Snow Lions cannot win against them. The 8431st Special Combat Brigade before had also withdrawn from the battle due to the heavy loss and damage."
Oscar sighed, "Yes, yes! If we can bring these criminals to the service, how good would that be! They are already the most excellent mountain warriors in this world."
The nobles all nodded. Only General Vangol frowned. He pulled at the Marshal's sleeve and said in a low voice to the Prince, "Kid, what are you playing at? That is impossible!"
Oscar smiled secretively. He bit the ear of the General of the Guards. "Robbing the underground treasury of Vielonna Trading Hall is also impossible! What about now?"
Hagrid shook his head, "Even though there are previous examples of getting criminals into service in the history, still it is different this time! The Southern Army Group has already take it on with the criminals. No one will agree..."
"No! No!" Oscar shook his head. "This is not about the Southern Army group. Arming the criminals is already an existing reality. They have their own ideal, army management, base and the people who support them. I am not that dumb to think that I can eliminate them just by using a Special Combat Brigade!"
"Then what are you planning to do going to the war zone? Fooling around?" General Vangol widened his eyes. He looked at the Prince unbelievably. He was probably the sole Marshal who did not want to win a war?
Oscar shrugged. He cut the beef steak on his plate into a few chunks.
"See this? This is my aim. To divide the units of the criminals and cut off the connections between them. I want to cut off their connections with the businessmen! Until the moment the southern businessmen completely give up the idea to oppose the Empire by using brute force, the armed criminals will naturally break off from within. They may be disbanded, may be recruited by the Guards. In a nutshell, they will be completely eliminated."
Hagrid shook his head again. "Young man, you are underestimating the hatred of the southern nobles against these rebels! Unless they are eliminated completely in a physical and mental sense, the nobles will not let them go easily! After walking out of the mountain area, they have no way to survive. They can only continue the guerrilla war in the mountains."
Oscar held the General's shoulder. "Be more confident with me, alright? My strategy will be a long-term work! Firstly, of course... We must fight a few great elimination wars and eliminate the main criminals that are the most determined and possess the most combat ability amongst them. Secondly, we still need to quicken the recovery work of societal regulations and production line outside of the mountain. We need to work on making the five provinces back to their previous state before the war as soon as possible. Lastly... Have you heard of the Boustead family? You must have heard about it before, right?"
Hagrid lowered his head. He was thinking why the Prince suddenly spoke of this matter.
Oscar played with his glass. He glanced at the Chief Commander of the Fifteenth Region funnily.
"Someone said to me once: in the south of the Empire, there are financial big shots like the Manzonola family, but also rich businessmen that believe in fair trading and honesty like the Boustead family. The Boustead family is the true representative of the businessmen. They have the status of leader in the whole free trade area. Until now, they have been the main force in opposing those big shots in the Vielonna Trading Hall."
"You... What do you want to do to the Boustead family?" General Vangol asked worriedly.
Oscar smiled, "I should be the one asking you a question. Why did you marry your only daughter to the kid in Boustead family?"
Hagrid turned his head away in difficulty. At last, he said, "Just as you describe, the Boustead family is the leader of the free trade area. Moreover, the people in this family all have a sense of justice!"
"You... Are you still a Marquis?"
"Why did you ask?"
Oscar nodded. He suddenly left his seat. The whole dining table immediately quieted down.
"Continue, my friends! General Vangol and I are just going to see how the renovation of the washroom has proceeded!"
Princess Alanis pretended to hold her hands on her chest, "You scared me. I thought you are bringing a lady back." Then the nobles once again let out roaring laughter.
The tall Guards brought the Marshal and General into a huge study room in the palace. Hagrid kept staring at the wide back of the young man. He was not too sure but seemed very sure at the same time. This smart Prince must have found something.
After sitting on the sofa, Oscar sighed in relaxation. It was finally quiet now!
"Uncle Vangol, do you mind pouring me some wine? Airan Grapefruit Sweet Wine is fine!"
General Vangol did as he said. He admitted that he was a little afraid of this young man.
Prince O'Neil had his share of Airan Grapefruit Sweet Wine as he wished for. The fresh aroma of grapefruit and the slight taste of liquor made him fell in love with it. After having one sip, the Prince exclaimed 'Ola'.
"Such delicious wine!"
Hagrid simply nodded. He knew this guy was waiting for him to show his weakness.
However, Oscar did not plan to wait any longer.
"Uncle Vangol, your daughter brought a title to the Boustead family! The House of Lords passed this suggestion at the end of Year 794. The Boustead received a title of Count just like that. Even though this title cannot be inherited, the Boustead family now has the rights to participate in political matters. If... the Boustead family used their wealth to further prepare themselves, they will attain an inheritable title in the near future. If you become their insurer to Alfa III His Majesty, they can even attain a land of their own! Let me guess. After all of this, what will you, or to be more specific, the Hagrid family, achieve?"
General Vangol held his hands tightly. He was waiting for the Prince to say what he wanted.
Oscar threw a scroll from the table. "This is the record of actions of the armed criminals in these six years. It's not hard to realize that the Fifteenth Region of the Empire, that is the area in which the 'Hercules' Hagrid family is in power, has never been invaded before. Uncle Vangol, how am I supposed to look at this matter?"
The General of the Guards shook his head. "The Boustead family are proper businessmen. They..."
"Don't tell me about this!" Oscar interrupted General Vongol's words. "Let's talk about another matter! In the first half of Year 787, when Marshal Alan was inspecting the southern region, who introduced the head of Boustead family to Marshal of the Guards?"
"It's me!" General Hagrid said as he wiped the sweat trickling from his forehead. He must truly be nervous now.
"Alright then!" Oscar hummed coldly. "What about Year 791? My wife and I entered the southern mountain area after we passed through Vielonna. Who delivered messages for Marshal Alan to his businessman friend?"
This time! The Chief Commander of the Fifteenth Region finally shut his mouth tight. He had no intention of bearing the sin the Prince was pointing towards now.
Oscar continued his words without any intention of letting him go. He stared right into the General's face.
"Uncle Vangol! In the Year 791, my wife and I were still children when we were attacked in the mountain. We had no idea who had betrayed the Imperial family! Didn't you ask this just now? What did I come to the south for? I can tell you clearly! I am here for vengeance. You and the Boustead family owe a huge one to O'Neil Andrew Morisette!"
General Vangol Abberning Hagrid stood up swiftly. "Sir Marshal, if you are accusing me of this, then I think we can absolutely discuss this in the military court! Now, if you may, I will be excusing..."
"Sit down!" Oscar suddenly shouted, but he immediately lowered his voice afterward. "Uncle Vangol, before we finish our talk, you can't leave the Serevan Palace!"
"Is this a threat?" General Hagrid glanced at the young man in front of him with mockery.
"No! This is an invitation, please finish this conversation with me." Oscar sat on the sofa steadily. He was still in a relaxed state. "If you leave now, my messenger will send the arrows to the night sky! At that time, the special combat soldiers who have been hiding near Hagrid mansion and the Command Unit of the Fifteenth Region will carry out the planned arrest action."
"Do you even have proof? On what basis are you taking action for these pointless accusations?" General Vangol was still looking at the person who threatened him with disdain.
Oscar shrugged, "In the Year 791! A small border post under the Hagrid family once allowed a mercenary unit comprised of Italian into our border without any official documentation. Have you forgotten about it? According to sayings, they carried out this task under your order! Even though you eliminated the whole unit in that post after this matter, but there always is a survivor! Uncle Vangol, do you want to talk to this survivor? He is right outside of the door. He can come in anytime!"
The General's breathing became quick and unsteady, "Impossible! There can't be any survivor! That post..."
"Ola!" Oscar yelled happily, "General, continue! Why can't it be possible that there is a survivor from that post? It's because you checked the number of dead bodies afterward, right? However, do you still remember that there is a body that was burnt until it was completely deformed in the post?"
Hagrid's hands finally left the door of the study room. He returned to his seat. He knew that he had no chance of talking back.
"The problem is that corpse. That poor guy is the brother of the leader of the unit at the post. He was just there to visit his younger brother while his brother went hunting on the mountains for him! Thank god! He managed to survive that massacre and can still make testimony for me in the military court!"
General Hagrid went limp on the sofa, "Say it! What do you want?"
Oscar snatched the wine glass in which General of the Guards had already held up. General Vangol was surprised! He saw the Prince pressing the bell on the table and the Division Head of Military Intelligence Bureau came in almost immediately.
"Messier!" Oscar said as he handed the glass to his subordinate. "Give this wine to our precious witness. Tell him that his life of hiding everywhere is now over!"
Messier took the order and left, but General Vangol was dripping a cold sweat. That wine was originally meant for him.
Oscar waved his hands, "Don't be scared. There is nothing you should be scared of! Because you are an understanding person, the existence of that witness is indeed, an extra move. His testimony will turn the Hagrid family over. If the Hagrid family is finished, the strongest defense system in southern Titan is also gone! His existence only makes me see the truth behind the huge conspiracy in Year 791. I don't care about the rest!"
"Don't care?" Hagrid looked at this young man unbelievably. He could not keep up with the thoughts of this Prince. This Marshal was still shouting about payback just now! Now, he said he did not care anymore?
Oscar glared at the General impatiently, "Or else, what do you want to do? Wait for the Secret Service Department to hear of this as well? Wait for this matter to reach the ears of Alfa III HIs Majesty? Or do you want to wait until the moment Hagrid crumbles apart? To the point that even my Mam Celia is disdainful towards you?"
Oscar thought about it, "Moreover... My Mam Celia should really give you up! I still remember how happy she was when she saw you, but now you have actually betrayed her. She and her son almost died at the hands of those Italian mercenaries! The head of the members of direct relation to the Andrew is worth ten thousand golden Ti. Can you pay that price?"
"Enough!" General Vangol shouted, "Say it! Tell me what you want to do."
"Are you remorseful? Are you regretting it?" Oscar continued to attack the pale middle-aged man.
Hagrid took the young man by his collar with great force, but his punch stopped in midair. He saw that the son of his lover was sending him a disdainful gaze.
"I felt horrible! When I knew you guys safely returned from the mountain, I was relieved. But I did not regret it! Not even in the least!" General Vangol released the kid. He admitted that he was trying to explain to the kid.
"The Guards of the Empire needed an excuse to start the war. The southern businessmen also needed a chance to expand. Marshal Alan's aim was extremely simple actually. It was to completely change the defensive stance of the Empire's army into offensive!"
"But Alan was fooled by his businessmen friends!" Oscar smiled when he thought of this embarrassing matter of Silverfox. "Was the riot in Year 791 completely out of your expectations?"
Hagrid nodded in difficulty, "Indeed! That riot came too suddenly. We were completely unprepared!"
Oscar held his jaw in question. "Can you tell me? Under these circumstances, why are you still maintaining a relationship with the Boustead family? To the point of marrying your daughter!"
General Vangol sighed, "Didn't you say it? The Boustead family is the true leader of the businessmen. The movement of this family affects the whole situation in the south. I think... If the Boustead wants it, the south will resume its peace and stability..."
"Hahaha!" Oscar laughed. "In the end, you are also fooled by them! The Boustead attained a title and the rights to participate in political affairs. However, they still support a part of the armed criminals because they are very clear of their aim. As long as someone is still resisting, then the status of the Boustead is stable. They can get more benefits out of this."
The General of the Guards nodded, defeated. "The truth is more or less what we talked about. The Boustead family is really cunning. They indeed are clear about this!"
Oscar suddenly mumbled a word coldly, "It's time to stop their fooling around!"
Hagrid frowned, "You want to do something about the Boustead? It's impossible! They are very careful. The important family members are mostly overseas. It's not like I did not try to take actions on them, but my attempts all failed. So, I am thinking about compromising with them. In the end, compromising is what I did!"
Oscar patted the shoulder of the General, "Alright, Uncle Vangol! I understand your situation now! Just let the matter pass. I can understand Marshal Alan's as well as your strategy of rearranging the defense of the Empire because I am also a soldier. Also, I am not any stupider than you or Marshal Alan! However... the Boustead family... Please send a message to them for me!"
"Please say it!"
Oscar thought about it, "Compromising goes both ways! If the Boustead family continues to help with the arms of the criminals or continue their act of resisting against the Empire, then my Military Intelligence Bureau will not hesitate. I will gather every special combat member and hunt all the Boustead down in this whole world. This will go on until either they surrender to the Empire, or are eliminated until no one is left!"
Hagrid looked at the young man in shock. "Just... Just this?"
Oscar shook his head, "I believe the Boustead family will know which to choose, so... Tell them my condition!"
"What conditions?"
Oscar spread a map open and pointed to the location where it was surrounded by mountains.
"This place! Almost all of our units of the Southern Army Group had tumbled in this place. There must be a huge base of the armed criminals, but the topography at this place is too dangerous. My operation members did not find anything even after a few large-scale searches. I even lost quite a handful of people!"
"Your condition is to let the Boustead family pinpoint the location of the armed criminals?"
"Yes!"
General Vangol shook his head, "I am afraid they won't agree to this. If they did this, it's the same as betraying the whole businessman level!"
Oscar once again let out a cold laugh, "No! Tell the head of the Boustead family. If he leads the way for me, I will arrange a role as Minister of Commerce in the future joint government of the five southern provinces for him. If... He still does not agree to it, then let him start running. I don't have anything more to say."
"Alright! I will convey your words completely to them." After saying this, Vangol rubbed his fingers hesitantly.
"What do you want to say?" Oscar stood up,
General Hagrid quickly followed suit, "I want to ask. Are you really not going to... care... Hmm... About the attack you experienced in the mountain in Year 791?"
Oscar laughed, "Uncle Vangol, speaking of this, after I enter the mountain area, are you still going to send me to the enemy? Just like that time in Year 791?"
The General of the Guards immediately made a hand sign to swear. "God of Light above. If I once again have the intention of harming O'Neil Andrew Morisette, the Hagrid people will taste all hell in life and at last fall into hell..."
"Enough!" Oscar quickly pulled at the General's arm and pulled him out of the study room. "I am not worried about this. However, it's time for the Boustead family to take their stance."
"I will try my best to convince them!" General Vangol quickly agreed. "Oh right! You... Will you tell Celia about this?"
Oscar raised his eyebrow. "Uncle, I don't like you calling my mother that friendly. You hurt her. Even though she may never know, but I do. You hurt her cruelly before!"
Hagrid could only sigh helplessly. It was indeed true. He did not have the right to call his lover like before.
"I... I shall excuse myself!"
Oscar nodded. He turned to Baron Messier, who was standing by the side.
"Send Sir General back to his mansion for me. Also, tell our Special Combat Brigade Commander that the action tonight has been called off!"
General Vangol broke into another cold sweat, but Oscar had already taken him by his shoulder. "Uncle, please do not doubt anything. You made a correct choice! If you left my palace in extreme anger just now, do you know how the matter would turn into? The Hagrid family, which has a long history, will accept judgment under absolute proof. Of course, your family warriors possibly cannot accept this. Thus, a war broke out in Vielonna and the whole Burton Province. However, the result is obvious. The Imperial Guards will control the situation with bloodshed. They will hang the soldier of Hagrid on a tree. Maybe even pull their bodies all over the streets to show the people! Still, the lucky thing is you made the correct choice. None of this is going to happen!"
As if replying to the Prince's words, the sound of gunshots rang in the huge palace!
Bang! Bang again!
The humming of the gunfire still echoed in the Palace.
The palace was in a chaos almost at the next moment. Numerous Special Combat Warriors who were fully armed rushed out from corners. They surrounded the Prince who was in the corridor tightly. Having seen all of these, General Hagrid finally showed a bitter smile. The Prince was correct. He definitely could not leave this palace.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette, who changed his expression, looked around him in the protection circle of his knights. He knew that the two clear hummings were definitely from the fire gun. Could it be that... The southern criminals are actually here?"
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" The Palace Chief, Sir Rowel came running in panic. "It's... It's the bedroom of Her Highness Ashfin Kristen!"
In the bedroom of Her Highness Ashfin Kristen, Monia Amerson was carefully inspecting the body of the assassin. She first checked the breath of the assassin. After making sure he was dead, she tore his clothes apart. When O'Neil Andrew Morisette and a large group of guards enter the bedroom, this was what they saw.
Oscar took a glance at Princess Ashfin Kristen who was on the bed and the body lying on the ground. He finally realized things were going out of control!
Ashfin Kristen was still the graceful and beautiful Faran Princess. She was clearly shocked by this event. Her expression was extremely stunned. But... Was it just Oscar? The belly of this Princess had a little bump.
Pulling Monia Amerson who was squatting on the ground out of the bedroom, Oscar ordered the Guards to send Ashfin to Alanis. At last, he fiercely pulled the collar of the Marksman.
"She is pregnant?"
"Two and a half months!"
Oscar cursed in a low voice. "Damn it!" He knew his old friend had never touched his wife. This child must belong to that old dog Alfa III.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"The First Prince told me to keep this matter a secret. Also..."
"Shut up!" Oscar pushed the lady soldier away in a great force. Monia was almost swung to the wall.
Paul came forward. As the King of Assassin, he must be held responsible to any uninvited guest in the palace.
"What should we do now?" Snowstorm scratched his head.
Oscar turned his head away, troubled. "What more can we do? Our plan tomorrow has not changed. We will move out in the morning tomorrow, but we must bring Ashfin with us. His Majesty Alfa III placed her with me is for me to protect her. Now, it seems that person who wants her life has begun her moves!"
"Is it the Queen?"
"Who else could it be?" Oscar rolled his eyes. "Will that jealous woman allow this disgusting thing be known to others?"
Paul shook his head, "The Imperial Family matter is truly disgusting!"
Oscar sighed without a choice.
"Oh yeah!" The King of Assassin said, "Happy Birthday!"
The Prince only gave a bitter smile. "Thanks for reminding me. I almost forgot!"
This was the reason why, on the 9th day of 11th month in Year 798, the 24th birthday of O'Neil Andrew Morisette, a lot of things had transpired. Moreover, these matters would definitely bring about crucial repercussions to the future of the Prince.
It was on the 9th day of the 11th month in Church Calendar Year 798, Prince O'Neil's 24th birthday. A lot of things had transpired on this very day. At seven in the morning, the trading hall at Vielonna finally reopened after being closed for around one and a half month.
Without observing at the good and bad of the nobles, the nature of a businessman was not complicated. Even though chasing at profits was an existing character of a businessman, he must also have his own principle and quality. Based on justice, trust, and qualities like diligence and honesty, the businessmen of the Titan Empire began their new round of trading activities.
The most unbelievable thing for the businessmen was that the supply at the trading hall in Vielonna was still enough. The worry they had before was practically nonexistent. The people thought that after the clearance, the market system and raw supply area that was controlled by the finance bosses would experience a supply shortage. However, the reality was not that way.
Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette did a huge amount of preparation for the recovery of the trading hall. One of it was to recover the regulation of supply and raw material production. When 'Broken Dream' came back to business, the five southern provinces had already accumulated a large number of resources, especially flour and dried nuts in which their prices soared during winter. The actual prices of these resources now were so low to their astonishment.
The businessmen's initial investment choice was really clear. Even though the prices announced in 'Broken Dream' were mostly very cheap, they still treated wheat, metal, natural resources and salt, which were strongly related to their living, as their main trade items.
This situation was more or less what Georgio Verones initially predicted. As the new president of Vielonna Trading Hall, this young man did something unexpected right when he took up the role.
Young Master Geo said, "The Trading Hall Council can officially disband now!" Therefore, this President fired himself and replaced the Council with a 'Stake Holder Joint Meeting'. This joint organization that was recently set up actually meant expanding the previous Trading Hall Council without boundary. Some small and middle-sized businesses could also speak up in this huge self-managing trading system and possessed legal rights to watch over the system. They increased the energy of managing this new trading joint organization.
Even though it was in the broad daylight, the businessmen from all over the Empire still lit up fireworks in front of the gate of the Trading Hall. Some people who enjoyed fun events even brought a circus and choir. Therefore, the day of trading turned into an event to showcase local arts and talents. As compared to the previous chaos caused by the businessmen, this performance was undoubtedly more popular with the citizens of Vielonna. The people once again flooded the street. They gave passionate cheers and claps for the flower-decorated carriages that passed by and dancing girls who showed their bare legs.
The birthday party for Prince O'Neil began in the midst of cheers and fireworks blooming in the sky.
At 12 p.m. on the 9th day of 11th month, the first cannon division of the Guards arranged themselves neatly in formation at the square in front of Serevan Palace. The cannons were fired for 24 times, signaling the 24th birthday of Prince O'Neil.
This time, the rumbling of the cannons did not cause a mess like they did in the evening on the 8th. When the first cannon division of the Guards first participated in the real fight, all citizens were stunned by the firelight blinking from the direction of the port. The people thought the punishment of the God had already befallen Vielonna! Therefore, many families began their preparation to run away from here without understanding the situation completely. Only until it was already dark that they received accurate news. It was actually just a direct unit of Marshal O'Neil carrying out an operation. It was only when the head of the criminal was hanged on the old city wall during dawn had the chaos finally calmed down.
The cannon fire on the 9th was different. The gunners of the First Cannon Division filled the cannon with fake cannonballs that could only let out sounds. There were only fire sparks and sounds. No scary explosion and flying debris would be present. The surrounding people finally felt the friendliness of the cannon and even felt the happiness behind the rumbling of the cannon fire.
After the 24 cannon fires, the guests who gathered around the square entered Serevan Palace respectively and began the celebratory ball that lasted for a whole day.
Just as the MC of the ball, Viscount Paurol Jawock, expected, the number of guests that came to celebrate the birthday of the Prince was around two thousand people. All the nobles in Vielonna and Burton Province naturally attended this event. The nobles and officials from the other four provinces in the south also came to Serevan Palace.
Paurol Javock was an excellent speaker. His brains not only had all sort of bad ideas to harm others but also beautiful words that even flattered the God of Light. Other than that, little Paurol of the Viscount Javock family seemed to be an amazing organizer as well. Not only was he the MC of the ball, he also managed the reception and manpower distribution work of the whole palace.
It seemed that Prince O'Neil had his reasons for choosing such an evil guy to be his Palace assistant. At least Paurol Javock knew when and who to harm. He was also familiar with all rules and courtesy when talking to others. Even Princess Alanis said, "Paurol is a good kid. Let's introduce a lady of a Duke to him."
Paurol was a little excited. To be specific, he was very looking forward to it! He said to the Princess, "Your Highness, will that be the only child in the family?"
Look at this kid! He did not care to hide his intention at all. Marrying the sole child of a Duke meant having the rights to succeed to that title. The Javock family would be ecstatic.
Alanis thought about it and turned to her husband, "Do you still remember the ball held at Westberg Fort many years ago? You killed my cousin in a fair duel."
Oscar held his head. He seemed to remember it. "It's... Karl Arnold family's... What's his name again?"
Alanis rolled her eyes. She turned back to Viscount Javock who was acting like a dog, "No matter what that guy is called, the Karl Arnold family still has a daughter. Even though the title of Duke Karl Arnold will not be succeeded by his daughter, do you know what the identity of this lady Duke means?"
Paurol flashed an ecstatic smile, "I am not too clear about what that means. I only know that this Lady of Duke Karl Arnold is Her Majesty the Queen's favorite niece. She is also your cousin. Also... I heard she is a beauty."
"It's good that you know of that!" Alanis smiled, "I will ask my mother about this!"
Therefore, Viscount Javock left in satisfaction. If he could truly get to know this lady of Duke Karl Arnold, then it meant that he had the opportunity to enter the nobles circle in the Capital. His achievement would surpass that of his father's! Actually, every local noble had the thought of participating in the central power of the Empire, but very few could realize this thought.
Therefore, when old Marquis Javock saw the prideful stance of his son, he said to his son, "You little, it's too early for you to be happy!"
Paurol thought he was right, so he calmed himself down. Rather than having a dream of marrying a lady of Duke, it was better for him to perfect the things he should do now. This way, the Prince and the Princess would remember his good points.
The birthday party finally became an event to showcase the status and aura of the Imperial Family. It was mostly thanks to Viscount Javock. The budget for the ball and all sorts of celebratory events was two hundred and ninety thousand golden Ti. Paurol did not waste even a golden Ti. He ordered people to buy a huge amount of luxurious goods from stores with good reputation. The name of Prince O'Neil was still very popular amongst the businessmen. The Vielonna lacked in many aspects after the chaos except for these two things! To fight for the rights to participate in the ball, some infamous bands and performers even announced that they did not mind about the pay at all.
Paurol was very fair. He invited all artists that did not mind the payment into the Palace. During the day of the birthday ball, several small and large halls in Serevan Palace had their schedule fully booked. The guests who were here could listen and watch performances of different style and different tribes from all over the place in the Palace.
Lastly, another important work completely showed the character and socializing techniques of Paurol Javock. This Viscount moved a smart accountant company into the Prince's Palace. More than ten accountants were right here to calculate and evaluate the presents given by the guests. According to the actual value of the present, Javock arranged the seating arrangement without hesitation. Those generous families and officials were invited into numerous small living rooms while those that came for the fun were brought to the big hall of the Palace.
Even though the big hall in Serevan Palace was the main venue of the birthday ball, it was too chaotic. The music and the dances never stopped. Moreover, there was only one bar that served drinks and buffet counter. The bigshots in the small guest rooms were different! There were not only seemingly unlimited drinks and food available here, the Palace chefs even prepared some special cuisines. Not even the nobles knew about the weird yet delicious cuisines. At last, the Prince and his wife would sit for a while in each guest room to get to know these people that paid the price. When the people were happy, the top-level nobles from all over the south even had the honor of inviting the Princess to a dance. Of course, the main character of the birthday ball, O'Neil Andrew Morisette, was the focus in the dance floor. Those madams and ladies almost wanted to rip each other's skirts just to hold the Prince's arm.
Until late evening, the crowd in the palace slowly subsided. The people had their shares of fun, but the big shots that had high status in the five southern provinces still stayed behind. They all knew the Prince would lead his armies into the war zone after the birthday ball. Before this, they surely had some things to talk about and the Prince would instruct a few important matters as well.
The dinner was held in the main hall. Viscount Javock and the Palace Chief Sir Rowel began to organize the people to clean the venue. They placed the square tables into a long table of forty meters long. According to the usual rules, the Prince would sit at the main seat of the men at the inner side of the palace, while Alanis would sit at the main seat of the women by the palace door.
When the big shots were all seated according to the seating arrangement, the servants then begin to serve the food for dinner. The first food that was served was naturally a huge birthday cake. To be more specific... this was a 'layered cake', made by the bakery in one whole week that had been in business for a long time in the history of Vielonna. This huge cake was around two meters in height. The fillings were in total a thousand layers, bringing the meaning of longevity.
The Prince brought his wife to jump up to the long table to blow the candles on top of the cake. Then the couples cut the cake together. The seated people immediately let out a deafening cheer.
After that, it was the job of the servants. They divided the cake and shared a small piece with every guest present here. Even though there were more than one hundred guests at the dining table, there was still half of the cake left even after distributing.
The mains and sides of dinner were served together. The mains were in a large tray. It was a hundred grilled chickens with a hundred crabs under them. The fiery red crabs had many skewers affixed to them. Atop the skewers were the golden grilled chickens. The guests exclaimed in satisfaction. Once this food was seen, it could quickly increase the appetite of the people.
There were many sides. Soon, almost one hundred dishes were placed on the long table. They were mostly meat – those that flew in the sky, those that ran on the ground and those that swam in the water. Beneath the meat were the vegetables. These fresh vegetables were bought from the warmer Faran Kingdom. During the process of transporting the vegetables, they were kept fresh in ice. So, when they were served, they still kept a fresh color.
Princess Alanis raised her glass after the dining plates of the guests were completely filled by the servants.
"To my husband!"
The guests followed suit. "To Prince O'Neil!"
Oscar then laughed happily, "Thank you! Thank you to everyone! Cheers! Let us cheer!"
"Will you tell us what you wish for?" A noble suddenly asked this question.
Oscar laughed again. He raised his wine glass towards the ceiling. "God above, I wish for the south to prosper!"
The nobles cheer again. The sound of glasses colliding against each other echoed throughout the room.
"Did Princess Ashfin Kristen not come?" Oscar suddenly pulled at the Palace Chief beside him.
Rowel shook his head helplessly, "Lady Monia said that Princess Ashfin's health is..."
"Alright alright! I know!" Oscar interrupted the Palace Chief impatiently. "Who knows what our Princess is thinking. We don't see her coming out from her room at all these days!"
Rowel nodded. "Yes! Her Highness Ashfin has been locking herself in her room. It's been... A month!"
Oscar shrugged, "Leave her."
Rowel answered, "Yes! Let's not care about her!"
As the host, the Prince finally hit the crystal glass. Then, the dinner began. The nobles craved into their food as if all the dishes on the table were their enemy.
After changing a few plates, the people started to chat about all sorts of things. The men were naturally talking about the matter of the country. The women, with the Princess as their leader, were discussing all types of skin care products and certain men. Sometimes, a Madame would join the conversation of the men, but except for the Princess's words, most women had no fun at all.
The confidential secretary of Alfa III His Majesty, Count Philip Goolean said to his wife, "Look at you! You didn't even bear a child for me. What more can I expect from you?"
The people laughed. However, Madame Monique Goolean did not show her weakness. She glanced at her husband with mockery.
"Hey, you are being unfair! When you are messing with those women in Dulin, don't tell me you are also thinking about your wife not bearing a child for you."
The people laughed even more. They all knew Madame Monique was a weird one amongst the noble family.
Oscar waved his hands, "Madame Goolean, I am leaving this place tomorrow. Philip's vacation is also about to begin. You can completely keep your game up now."
After saying this, the Prince even pretended to think about it. "How about tomorrow night?"
Amongst the laugh of the nobles, Madame Monique was not fazed at all, "Your Highness, you should keep up your game with Her Highness the Princess as well. Since you are departing tomorrow, then let's make it tonight!"
Alanis's face was already extremely red from the effect of alcohol. Without caring about her status, she screamed at the Emperor's confidential secretary, "Philip! Keep your bitch under control!"
Madame Monique quickly stood up from her seat, hearing this. She held her skirt and bowed to the Princess. "Your Highness, thank you for your compliment. Philip likes to call me that in private occasions as well!"
"Hahahahahaha!" The nobles present laughed even more outrageously! Madame Goolean might be frivolous, but she was indeed a real delight in the upper class of the society in the south of Empire.
"Your Highness! Are your direct units ready?" Finally, a serious-looking official started this topic.
Oscar nodded with confidence, "Yes, that is right. Actually, a part of my elite force has already entered the mountain area. I think... No situation that is worth worrying about has shown up yet currently."
General Vangol Abberning Hagrid, the Commander Officer of the Fifteenth Region who sat at the right side of the Prince, spoke up as well. He felt that this young man was a little underestimating the enemy.
"I think we should not be careless with this matter. The criminals in the mountain area have already fought with the Guards for six years. They are all experienced veterans!"
General Vangol then glanced at the soldiers at the dining table. "Haven't all of you been to the war zones? You should know that the criminals' resistance is fiercer than what rumors say it to be. Even the 1-1 Snow Lions cannot win against them. The 8431st Special Combat Brigade before had also withdrawn from the battle due to the heavy loss and damage."
Oscar sighed, "Yes, yes! If we can bring these criminals to the service, how good would that be! They are already the most excellent mountain warriors in this world."
The nobles all nodded. Only General Vangol frowned. He pulled at the Marshal's sleeve and said in a low voice to the Prince, "Kid, what are you playing at? That is impossible!"
Oscar smiled secretively. He bit the ear of the General of the Guards. "Robbing the underground treasury of Vielonna Trading Hall is also impossible! What about now?"
Hagrid shook his head, "Even though there are previous examples of getting criminals into service in the history, still it is different this time! The Southern Army Group has already take it on with the criminals. No one will agree..."
"No! No!" Oscar shook his head. "This is not about the Southern Army group. Arming the criminals is already an existing reality. They have their own ideal, army management, base and the people who support them. I am not that dumb to think that I can eliminate them just by using a Special Combat Brigade!"
"Then what are you planning to do going to the war zone? Fooling around?" General Vangol widened his eyes. He looked at the Prince unbelievably. He was probably the sole Marshal who did not want to win a war?
Oscar shrugged. He cut the beef steak on his plate into a few chunks.
"See this? This is my aim. To divide the units of the criminals and cut off the connections between them. I want to cut off their connections with the businessmen! Until the moment the southern businessmen completely give up the idea to oppose the Empire by using brute force, the armed criminals will naturally break off from within. They may be disbanded, may be recruited by the Guards. In a nutshell, they will be completely eliminated."
Hagrid shook his head again. "Young man, you are underestimating the hatred of the southern nobles against these rebels! Unless they are eliminated completely in a physical and mental sense, the nobles will not let them go easily! After walking out of the mountain area, they have no way to survive. They can only continue the guerrilla war in the mountains."
Oscar held the General's shoulder. "Be more confident with me, alright? My strategy will be a long-term work! Firstly, of course... We must fight a few great elimination wars and eliminate the main criminals that are the most determined and possess the most combat ability amongst them. Secondly, we still need to quicken the recovery work of societal regulations and production line outside of the mountain. We need to work on making the five provinces back to their previous state before the war as soon as possible. Lastly... Have you heard of the Boustead family? You must have heard about it before, right?"
Hagrid lowered his head. He was thinking why the Prince suddenly spoke of this matter.
Oscar played with his glass. He glanced at the Chief Commander of the Fifteenth Region funnily.
"Someone said to me once: in the south of the Empire, there are financial big shots like the Manzonola family, but also rich businessmen that believe in fair trading and honesty like the Boustead family. The Boustead family is the true representative of the businessmen. They have the status of leader in the whole free trade area. Until now, they have been the main force in opposing those big shots in the Vielonna Trading Hall."
"You... What do you want to do to the Boustead family?" General Vangol asked worriedly.
Oscar smiled, "I should be the one asking you a question. Why did you marry your only daughter to the kid in Boustead family?"
Hagrid turned his head away in difficulty. At last, he said, "Just as you describe, the Boustead family is the leader of the free trade area. Moreover, the people in this family all have a sense of justice!"
"You... Are you still a Marquis?"
"Why did you ask?"
Oscar nodded. He suddenly left his seat. The whole dining table immediately quieted down.
"Continue, my friends! General Vangol and I are just going to see how the renovation of the washroom has proceeded!"
Princess Alanis pretended to hold her hands on her chest, "You scared me. I thought you are bringing a lady back." Then the nobles once again let out roaring laughter.
The tall Guards brought the Marshal and General into a huge study room in the palace. Hagrid kept staring at the wide back of the young man. He was not too sure but seemed very sure at the same time. This smart Prince must have found something.
After sitting on the sofa, Oscar sighed in relaxation. It was finally quiet now!
"Uncle Vangol, do you mind pouring me some wine? Airan Grapefruit Sweet Wine is fine!"
General Vangol did as he said. He admitted that he was a little afraid of this young man.
Prince O'Neil had his share of Airan Grapefruit Sweet Wine as he wished for. The fresh aroma of grapefruit and the slight taste of liquor made him fell in love with it. After having one sip, the Prince exclaimed 'Ola'.
"Such delicious wine!"
Hagrid simply nodded. He knew this guy was waiting for him to show his weakness.
However, Oscar did not plan to wait any longer.
"Uncle Vangol, your daughter brought a title to the Boustead family! The House of Lords passed this suggestion at the end of Year 794. The Boustead received a title of Count just like that. Even though this title cannot be inherited, the Boustead family now has the rights to participate in political matters. If... the Boustead family used their wealth to further prepare themselves, they will attain an inheritable title in the near future. If you become their insurer to Alfa III His Majesty, they can even attain a land of their own! Let me guess. After all of this, what will you, or to be more specific, the Hagrid family, achieve?"
General Vangol held his hands tightly. He was waiting for the Prince to say what he wanted.
Oscar threw a scroll from the table. "This is the record of actions of the armed criminals in these six years. It's not hard to realize that the Fifteenth Region of the Empire, that is the area in which the 'Hercules' Hagrid family is in power, has never been invaded before. Uncle Vangol, how am I supposed to look at this matter?"
The General of the Guards shook his head. "The Boustead family are proper businessmen. They..."
"Don't tell me about this!" Oscar interrupted General Vongol's words. "Let's talk about another matter! In the first half of Year 787, when Marshal Alan was inspecting the southern region, who introduced the head of Boustead family to Marshal of the Guards?"
"It's me!" General Hagrid said as he wiped the sweat trickling from his forehead. He must truly be nervous now.
"Alright then!" Oscar hummed coldly. "What about Year 791? My wife and I entered the southern mountain area after we passed through Vielonna. Who delivered messages for Marshal Alan to his businessman friend?"
This time! The Chief Commander of the Fifteenth Region finally shut his mouth tight. He had no intention of bearing the sin the Prince was pointing towards now.
Oscar continued his words without any intention of letting him go. He stared right into the General's face.
"Uncle Vangol! In the Year 791, my wife and I were still children when we were attacked in the mountain. We had no idea who had betrayed the Imperial family! Didn't you ask this just now? What did I come to the south for? I can tell you clearly! I am here for vengeance. You and the Boustead family owe a huge one to O'Neil Andrew Morisette!"
General Vangol Abberning Hagrid stood up swiftly. "Sir Marshal, if you are accusing me of this, then I think we can absolutely discuss this in the military court! Now, if you may, I will be excusing..."
"Sit down!" Oscar suddenly shouted, but he immediately lowered his voice afterward. "Uncle Vangol, before we finish our talk, you can't leave the Serevan Palace!"
"Is this a threat?" General Hagrid glanced at the young man in front of him with mockery.
"No! This is an invitation, please finish this conversation with me." Oscar sat on the sofa steadily. He was still in a relaxed state. "If you leave now, my messenger will send the arrows to the night sky! At that time, the special combat soldiers who have been hiding near Hagrid mansion and the Command Unit of the Fifteenth Region will carry out the planned arrest action."
"Do you even have proof? On what basis are you taking action for these pointless accusations?" General Vangol was still looking at the person who threatened him with disdain.
Oscar shrugged, "In the Year 791! A small border post under the Hagrid family once allowed a mercenary unit comprised of Italian into our border without any official documentation. Have you forgotten about it? According to sayings, they carried out this task under your order! Even though you eliminated the whole unit in that post after this matter, but there always is a survivor! Uncle Vangol, do you want to talk to this survivor? He is right outside of the door. He can come in anytime!"
The General's breathing became quick and unsteady, "Impossible! There can't be any survivor! That post..."
"Ola!" Oscar yelled happily, "General, continue! Why can't it be possible that there is a survivor from that post? It's because you checked the number of dead bodies afterward, right? However, do you still remember that there is a body that was burnt until it was completely deformed in the post?"
Hagrid's hands finally left the door of the study room. He returned to his seat. He knew that he had no chance of talking back.
"The problem is that corpse. That poor guy is the brother of the leader of the unit at the post. He was just there to visit his younger brother while his brother went hunting on the mountains for him! Thank god! He managed to survive that massacre and can still make testimony for me in the military court!"
General Hagrid went limp on the sofa, "Say it! What do you want?"
Oscar snatched the wine glass in which General of the Guards had already held up. General Vangol was surprised! He saw the Prince pressing the bell on the table and the Division Head of Military Intelligence Bureau came in almost immediately.
"Messier!" Oscar said as he handed the glass to his subordinate. "Give this wine to our precious witness. Tell him that his life of hiding everywhere is now over!"
Messier took the order and left, but General Vangol was dripping a cold sweat. That wine was originally meant for him.
Oscar waved his hands, "Don't be scared. There is nothing you should be scared of! Because you are an understanding person, the existence of that witness is indeed, an extra move. His testimony will turn the Hagrid family over. If the Hagrid family is finished, the strongest defense system in southern Titan is also gone! His existence only makes me see the truth behind the huge conspiracy in Year 791. I don't care about the rest!"
"Don't care?" Hagrid looked at this young man unbelievably. He could not keep up with the thoughts of this Prince. This Marshal was still shouting about payback just now! Now, he said he did not care anymore?
Oscar glared at the General impatiently, "Or else, what do you want to do? Wait for the Secret Service Department to hear of this as well? Wait for this matter to reach the ears of Alfa III HIs Majesty? Or do you want to wait until the moment Hagrid crumbles apart? To the point that even my Mam Celia is disdainful towards you?"
Oscar thought about it, "Moreover... My Mam Celia should really give you up! I still remember how happy she was when she saw you, but now you have actually betrayed her. She and her son almost died at the hands of those Italian mercenaries! The head of the members of direct relation to the Andrew is worth ten thousand golden Ti. Can you pay that price?"
"Enough!" General Vangol shouted, "Say it! Tell me what you want to do."
"Are you remorseful? Are you regretting it?" Oscar continued to attack the pale middle-aged man.
Hagrid took the young man by his collar with great force, but his punch stopped in midair. He saw that the son of his lover was sending him a disdainful gaze.
"I felt horrible! When I knew you guys safely returned from the mountain, I was relieved. But I did not regret it! Not even in the least!" General Vangol released the kid. He admitted that he was trying to explain to the kid.
"The Guards of the Empire needed an excuse to start the war. The southern businessmen also needed a chance to expand. Marshal Alan's aim was extremely simple actually. It was to completely change the defensive stance of the Empire's army into offensive!"
"But Alan was fooled by his businessmen friends!" Oscar smiled when he thought of this embarrassing matter of Silverfox. "Was the riot in Year 791 completely out of your expectations?"
Hagrid nodded in difficulty, "Indeed! That riot came too suddenly. We were completely unprepared!"
Oscar held his jaw in question. "Can you tell me? Under these circumstances, why are you still maintaining a relationship with the Boustead family? To the point of marrying your daughter!"
General Vangol sighed, "Didn't you say it? The Boustead family is the true leader of the businessmen. The movement of this family affects the whole situation in the south. I think... If the Boustead wants it, the south will resume its peace and stability..."
"Hahaha!" Oscar laughed. "In the end, you are also fooled by them! The Boustead attained a title and the rights to participate in political affairs. However, they still support a part of the armed criminals because they are very clear of their aim. As long as someone is still resisting, then the status of the Boustead is stable. They can get more benefits out of this."
The General of the Guards nodded, defeated. "The truth is more or less what we talked about. The Boustead family is really cunning. They indeed are clear about this!"
Oscar suddenly mumbled a word coldly, "It's time to stop their fooling around!"
Hagrid frowned, "You want to do something about the Boustead? It's impossible! They are very careful. The important family members are mostly overseas. It's not like I did not try to take actions on them, but my attempts all failed. So, I am thinking about compromising with them. In the end, compromising is what I did!"
Oscar patted the shoulder of the General, "Alright, Uncle Vangol! I understand your situation now! Just let the matter pass. I can understand Marshal Alan's as well as your strategy of rearranging the defense of the Empire because I am also a soldier. Also, I am not any stupider than you or Marshal Alan! However... the Boustead family... Please send a message to them for me!"
"Please say it!"
Oscar thought about it, "Compromising goes both ways! If the Boustead family continues to help with the arms of the criminals or continue their act of resisting against the Empire, then my Military Intelligence Bureau will not hesitate. I will gather every special combat member and hunt all the Boustead down in this whole world. This will go on until either they surrender to the Empire, or are eliminated until no one is left!"
Hagrid looked at the young man in shock. "Just... Just this?"
Oscar shook his head, "I believe the Boustead family will know which to choose, so... Tell them my condition!"
"What conditions?"
Oscar spread a map open and pointed to the location where it was surrounded by mountains.
"This place! Almost all of our units of the Southern Army Group had tumbled in this place. There must be a huge base of the armed criminals, but the topography at this place is too dangerous. My operation members did not find anything even after a few large-scale searches. I even lost quite a handful of people!"
"Your condition is to let the Boustead family pinpoint the location of the armed criminals?"
"Yes!"
General Vangol shook his head, "I am afraid they won't agree to this. If they did this, it's the same as betraying the whole businessman level!"
Oscar once again let out a cold laugh, "No! Tell the head of the Boustead family. If he leads the way for me, I will arrange a role as Minister of Commerce in the future joint government of the five southern provinces for him. If... He still does not agree to it, then let him start running. I don't have anything more to say."
"Alright! I will convey your words completely to them." After saying this, Vangol rubbed his fingers hesitantly.
"What do you want to say?" Oscar stood up,
General Hagrid quickly followed suit, "I want to ask. Are you really not going to... care... Hmm... About the attack you experienced in the mountain in Year 791?"
Oscar laughed, "Uncle Vangol, speaking of this, after I enter the mountain area, are you still going to send me to the enemy? Just like that time in Year 791?"
The General of the Guards immediately made a hand sign to swear. "God of Light above. If I once again have the intention of harming O'Neil Andrew Morisette, the Hagrid people will taste all hell in life and at last fall into hell..."
"Enough!" Oscar quickly pulled at the General's arm and pulled him out of the study room. "I am not worried about this. However, it's time for the Boustead family to take their stance."
"I will try my best to convince them!" General Vangol quickly agreed. "Oh right! You... Will you tell Celia about this?"
Oscar raised his eyebrow. "Uncle, I don't like you calling my mother that friendly. You hurt her. Even though she may never know, but I do. You hurt her cruelly before!"
Hagrid could only sigh helplessly. It was indeed true. He did not have the right to call his lover like before.
"I... I shall excuse myself!"
Oscar nodded. He turned to Baron Messier, who was standing by the side.
"Send Sir General back to his mansion for me. Also, tell our Special Combat Brigade Commander that the action tonight has been called off!"
General Vangol broke into another cold sweat, but Oscar had already taken him by his shoulder. "Uncle, please do not doubt anything. You made a correct choice! If you left my palace in extreme anger just now, do you know how the matter would turn into? The Hagrid family, which has a long history, will accept judgment under absolute proof. Of course, your family warriors possibly cannot accept this. Thus, a war broke out in Vielonna and the whole Burton Province. However, the result is obvious. The Imperial Guards will control the situation with bloodshed. They will hang the soldier of Hagrid on a tree. Maybe even pull their bodies all over the streets to show the people! Still, the lucky thing is you made the correct choice. None of this is going to happen!"
As if replying to the Prince's words, the sound of gunshots rang in the huge palace!
Bang! Bang again!
The humming of the gunfire still echoed in the Palace.
The palace was in a chaos almost at the next moment. Numerous Special Combat Warriors who were fully armed rushed out from corners. They surrounded the Prince who was in the corridor tightly. Having seen all of these, General Hagrid finally showed a bitter smile. The Prince was correct. He definitely could not leave this palace.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette, who changed his expression, looked around him in the protection circle of his knights. He knew that the two clear hummings were definitely from the fire gun. Could it be that... The southern criminals are actually here?"
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" The Palace Chief, Sir Rowel came running in panic. "It's... It's the bedroom of Her Highness Ashfin Kristen!"
In the bedroom of Her Highness Ashfin Kristen, Monia Amerson was carefully inspecting the body of the assassin. She first checked the breath of the assassin. After making sure he was dead, she tore his clothes apart. When O'Neil Andrew Morisette and a large group of guards enter the bedroom, this was what they saw.
Oscar took a glance at Princess Ashfin Kristen who was on the bed and the body lying on the ground. He finally realized things were going out of control!
Ashfin Kristen was still the graceful and beautiful Faran Princess. She was clearly shocked by this event. Her expression was extremely stunned. But... Was it just Oscar? The belly of this Princess had a little bump.
Pulling Monia Amerson who was squatting on the ground out of the bedroom, Oscar ordered the Guards to send Ashfin to Alanis. At last, he fiercely pulled the collar of the Marksman.
"She is pregnant?"
"Two and a half months!"
Oscar cursed in a low voice. "Damn it!" He knew his old friend had never touched his wife. This child must belong to that old dog Alfa III.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"The First Prince told me to keep this matter a secret. Also..."
"Shut up!" Oscar pushed the lady soldier away in a great force. Monia was almost swung to the wall.
Paul came forward. As the King of Assassin, he must be held responsible to any uninvited guest in the palace.
"What should we do now?" Snowstorm scratched his head.
Oscar turned his head away, troubled. "What more can we do? Our plan tomorrow has not changed. We will move out in the morning tomorrow, but we must bring Ashfin with us. His Majesty Alfa III placed her with me is for me to protect her. Now, it seems that person who wants her life has begun her moves!"
"Is it the Queen?"
"Who else could it be?" Oscar rolled his eyes. "Will that jealous woman allow this disgusting thing be known to others?"
Paul shook his head, "The Imperial Family matter is truly disgusting!"
Oscar sighed without a choice.
"Oh yeah!" The King of Assassin said, "Happy Birthday!"
The Prince only gave a bitter smile. "Thanks for reminding me. I almost forgot!"
This was the reason why, on the 9th day of 11th month in Year 798, the 24th birthday of O'Neil Andrew Morisette, a lot of things had transpired. Moreover, these matters would definitely bring about crucial repercussions to the future of the Prince.
