One shall not be misled by the chaotic appearances nor the various sounds that flooded Scott Dulin Cathedral's long stone walkways and corridors decorated with religious murals. They were only the panic-stricken nobles and priests who were complaining incessantly. The Imperial Guards didn't scramble to their feet like frightened bunnies. On the other hand, they remained at their respective posts, not giving any chance to those who intended to pass the danger mark to escape from the cathedral.
Something absurd happened on the afternoon of the 13th; Archbishop Karl Arnold's desk clock which was made of silver set itself on the 13th hour and 13th minute! It was certainly not an auspicious number.
Rudolf Hoss ordered the paladins to break into the back room. The moment the door was opened, the dead body of Titan's religious leader made a loud thump as it dropped to the ground. The Head of the Secret Service Department had his expertise team performed a thorough autopsy on the dead man, and all the experienced doctors from the Ministry of Justice came to a unanimous conclusion – that the man committed suicide to escape legal punishment.
"Inform the people in the cathedral that the religious leader committed suicide to run away from legal punishment!" Rudolf instructed his staff, but the action seemed rather redundant. There was a crowd outside the back room of the bishop. Despite the paladins' effort to restrict the view of the interior, some busybody nobles stood on tiptoe or leaped up and down to obtain a better look.
"Karl Arnold is dead! He certainly deserves it!" most people commented.
"He murdered His Second Highness Prince Lobmus," some pointed finger at archbishop for this crime.
"He did, didn't he? His Second Highness Prince Lobmus was only a newborn at that time! Is it possible that this old man was a monster who feeds on a dead infant?"
The people were no longer interested in continuing the discussion. It didn't seem like the cathedral was going to serve lunch, so these empty-stomach honorable nobles couldn't be bothered to loiter around this disgusting place further.
"Rudolf! Isn't it self-evident now? You should go get that imposter and hang him to death!" This suggestion received almost a unison agreement from the crowd. The nobles of the City of Dulin were such realists. The first thought that came to mind of these well-dressed people when they saw a scapegoat was not empathy, but to strip its skin and throw it into a boiling pot.
"The cathedral's dining hall has prepared some meat broth, all of you should really give it a try!" Rudolf calmed the commotion with one sentence. "Don't forget that we have not examined the place where actual Second Highness Prince Lobmus was allegedly buried. We shouldn't conclude rashly unless we have unearthed the baby boy's dead body."
The suggestion received immediate agreement from the crowd of nobles, but even more among them who shouted loudly, "Where's the dining hall? Where's the dining hall?"
Count Rudolf exchanged glances with the cabinet chancellor who stood next to him. Forget it! They didn't know whether to critic the capital's noble circle as scary or shameful? These men totally weren't bothered to conceal their desires.
"So, what now?" Kachev whispered to the head of Secret Service lthough he didn't keep his gaze off archbishop Karl Arnold's corpse.
"I've got to speak with Her Majesty the Empress!" Rudolf frowned at the thought as he didn't want to imagine how the empire's Empress would react to the news.
"In other words, you want me to bring them to unearth the dead body?" the old man stared in slight annoyance.
The head of Secret Service shrugged with indifference, "Either that or you can come along with me to meet Her Majesty the Empress!"
Kachev pondered for a second. Since he had made up his mind to stand on this boat, then he really didn't have a chance to argue or bargain.
Under the guidance of Colonel Basil Kenny, the palace's Captain of the Guards, Count Rudolf Hoss passed through the cordons laid out by Imperial Guards all around the cathedral without risk. Finally, he came to a halt in front of the room where Her Majesty the Empress took her rest. Perhaps it was out of respect, he straightened his black tailcoat before entering the room.
"Has anyone come before?"
Basil nodded, "Archbishop visited, but he has committed suicide. Another servant girl came too but left after leaving some refreshments for the Empress." Rudolf laughed secretly at his own success. If Rolyn Kate still didn't want to cooperate by now, he wouldn't mind filling his own doll collection with an honorable noble pet. He hadn't been with a queen yet, and just the thought of it made him excited. Rolyn Kate stood by the small window, looking out to the crowd gathered in the backyard of the cathedral. It seemed that she also wanted to see the true face of the dead baby. If the facts were as the accusations established by the Secret Service, then the baby boy was her own flesh and blood.
"Your Majesty the Empress…"
Rudolf Hoss came forward and didn't pause until he was near the Empress' back.
The head of Secret Service looked at the neck of his soon-to-be collection and realized that Rolyn Kate's skin was smooth and silky. She totally didn't look like an old witch or a miserable wretch.
"Unbelievable!" the number one loyal hound let out a sigh of admiration as he rubbed the Empress' body to one side. He would never have the guts to do so if it was before, but now everyone knew that Rolyn Kate was just a miserable old woman who gave birth to a false child.
Rudolf Hoss pointed to the busy backyard as he spoke, "Who would have thought the real father of the child would do something like this?"
The Empress began to shake uncontrollably, but still, she remained silent. She was wearing a thin veil that draped to the ground, obscuring her face from Rudolf's sight.
"Haha, still don't want to admit?" the head of Secret Service laughed suddenly. "The real His Second Highness Prince Lobmus Alfa Morisette wasn't His Majesty's flesh and blood either. He was only a product of an incest committed by a pair of siblings, that's why he was born with various congenital diseases. Your cruel brother had the heart to murder his own child to achieve his wild ambitions, and later replaced your boy with an imposter."
Rudolf tried to glimpse at the Empress' expression but couldn't see it clearly. Rolyn Kate was still shaking, and until now she had never said a word.
"Honestly..." the head of Secret Service sighed, "Karl Arnold is almost going to succeed. Young Princess Phrenby is indeed a good excuse, His Elder Highness has also willingly given up his rights and obligations as the Crown Prince. Hence, His Second Highness is naturally going to be the successor to the throne. Therefore, Karl Arnold House would have successfully completed the mission of changing the dynasty! But you should know very well...that I am Rudolf Hoss, and if there's anything that Rudolf Hoss wants to find out, then he surely will."
Rolyn Kate still hasn't said anything and it finally sent the head of Secret Service into anxiety and impatience!
"Your Majesty, don't let me address you like this for the last time! You know I didn't disclose the scandal for the reputation of the Imperial Family! So, if you don't want to be accused of adultery, you're best off to cooperate with me and my master! You are the mother of Her Highness Princess Alanis, and Her Imperial Highness, who will be the future ruler of Titan and it will not make things difficult for you!"
Rolyn Kate's silence was intolerable, and Rudolf finally showed his true colors. Without warning, a cruel and horrible expression washed over the face of the Secret Service officer.
"The order for the cleansing of Karl Arnold's family is not issued yet, but the patience of Marshal Alan is running thin! Do you want to die in prison? If not, give an order to the Imperial Secretariat immediately! Let the chief of the palace, Laston Cambre hand over the Titan Emperor's seal. Otherwise, this will really be the last time I address you as Your Majesty!"
Rudolf sized Rolyn Kate once more. He still had not noticed anything unusual until now. But hold on a second...smooth, silky, and moisturized skin?
The head of Secret Service raised the long veil of the Empress, "Where's that old witch?" Rudolph seized the servant girl's neck in a frenzy.
"I don't know...I don't know anything."
Rudolf let go of the counterfeit Empress and stormed out of the small room, exasperated and furious. It seemed that they were going to have some alterations to the plan!
Church's calendar year 800, 13th day of the 1st month, one thirty in the afternoon. Titan Empire Cabinet Chancellor, the old Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand, played the role of gravedigger for the first time. He ordered the Imperial Guards to dig up the mausoleum of the wronged ghost in accordance to the witness' guidance. Just as the witness had described, a rotten wooden box appeared in the people's eyes.
The gentlemen covered the ladies' eyes. In fact, they couldn't bear to see those thin and small bones either.
"So, isn't it clear by now?" With much caution, Kachev picked up the rag that wrapped around the baby's skeletons. There was a golden embroidery of the totem of Morisette Imperial Family. The golden lion was covered in dirt over the years, but the winter sun brought it to life after it was unearthed.
The nobles present came together and looked at the tattered piece of cloth carefully.
"Here!" Kachev shouted suddenly as he pointed to a mark on the cloth. "The Empress' own hand-embroidered name of the child!"
"Healthy baby...Lobmus!" The crowd finally quieted down as the minister whispered. The women began to sob silently, and the men were infected with sadness as well. The presence of His Second Highness undoubtedly verified Titan's biggest scam in the court history. Although the culprit had already been put to death, the people were still shocked by the cruelty and disgust of the scam.
Suddenly, a loud bulge was heard from the direction of Dulin Scott Cathedral! Immediately, the Imperial Guards tensed up like the arrows awaiting to be released on the bowstring. The nobles fled away at the moment's notice. The battalion of paladins surrounded the Chief Staff of Imperial Guards and the head of Secret Service from exiting from the back door of the cathedral.
Marshal Robin Sparse waved his hands at the whispering crowd, "Please cooperate with us. Although the principal offender has been put to death, the accessories from court and the government have yet to be hunted down! As the Chief Staff of the empire's armed forces, I issue that from this moment onwards, the empire has entered a state of full martial law. The Imperial Guards, together with the Special Service Department and the Ministry of Justice, will strive to catch all the conspirators involved in the case!"
The nobles finally realized what was about to happen. The Imperial Guards wanted to retaliate against the ones who disobeyed!
"Calm down! Calm down, everyone!" Rudolf Hoss finally stood up, "The investigation of the Secret Service has confirmed that all of you present are not related to Karl Arnold's schemes and conspiracies. We know you have only been swayed and tempted, and now is the chance for you to make atonement. Think carefully. What should we do now?"
"We want a new ruler for the empire!" a voice was heard among the crowd. It seemed that there were still some smart people within the noble circle of the capital.
"Yes!" Rudolf laughed happily. As soon as the people shifted their gaze to His Elder Highness, Lobble carried the little princess of the unknown lot quickly and waved frantically at the crowd.
"I quit, I quit! It's none of my business, it's none of my business!"
If so, according to the order of the successor of the Morisette Imperial Family, who else would it be?
"Kenshin Palace! Princess Alanis!" That was not a difficult guess.
The Imperial Guards only loosened up the cordon until now. The capital's nobles who tried hard to draw a clear line with Archbishop Karl Arnold and Westberg Fort rushed out of the scene. They called out to their carriages outside the cathedral and greeted the familiar lords. There was only one destination for them at this moment – Kenshin Palace! Their future Empress was there!
The Imperial Guards and the Secret Service had given them an opportunity to swear allegiance to the future Empress. If they failed to seize this opportunity and with the release of the martial law, the revenge of the new Crown Prince would certainly come as expected. By then, they wouldn't be as lucky as they were now.
The massive Dulin Scott Cathedral suddenly quieted down, and the crowded corridors and halls became empty. The Chief Staff of Imperial Guard, the head of Secret Service, the cabinet chancellor, and some prominent members of the cabinet walked down the empty aisles. They had just witnessed a scene of the great drama. Although it was still not the end of the drama performance, the exciting interpretation of the actors was definitely worthy of attention and compliments.
Rudolf Hoss was undoubtedly the best actor among the rest. His acting skills could win the college award, but no one dared to make this joke. The head of Secret Service once again proved to the world that those who ignored him would not end with good results!
Although Rudolf won with triumph, his face was not looking any good, because…
"Rolyn Kate escaped!"
"How is that possible?" Kachev widened his eyes in surprise. However, the head of Secret Service felt that the old Duke's reaction seemed to be somewhat gloated.
"How is that not possible?" Rudolf Hoss whispered contemptuously, "This is the Dulin Scott Cathedral. There must be some secret paths that we have no idea of. Karl Arnold will not leave a route of retreat for himself."
"But he committed suicide! This can't be his route of retreat?" His Elder Highness of the Empire stepped forward suddenly and popped the question which no one had an answer to. His doubt was only clarified with several incomprehensible expressions.
Suddenly, Robin stopped walking and turned to the head of Secret Service, "Be rest assured, all the major passageways in the City of Dulin have been blocked. Even a flea cannot get out from here, not to mention an Empress."
"What about that tunnel that leads to the outskirts?"
The Chief Staff of Imperial Guards shrugged, "She can't leave the capital's garrison area anyway!"
Rudolf shook his head in response, "I'm not so optimistic about that. There are nearly a million people in the capital garrison area, it's not easy to locate two people."
"Who is the other person?" Lobble's eyes widened.
"Our palace chief, Laston Cambre! It would be a huge trouble if we couldn't find him! He took the official seal of the late Emperor. Without that, any form of imperial documents is of no effect."
"You didn't have him under control?" the cabinet chancellor of the Empire expressed his disbelief.
Rudolf noticed the smirk on that old fox's face, and this made the unusually annoyed head of Secret Service glared hard at one of his subordinates.
"My people didn't look after him!"
Kachev smiled lightly, "Then you're in big troubles. It seems that your people are able of dereliction!"
Rudolf didn't say anything in response, but the angry man grabbed at the collar of his subordinate, "Either look for him or die! It's your choice!"
The secret agent had no alternative but to promise obediently. Then, he turned away and disappeared from the cathedral door.
As the dense clouds above Dulin city faded away slowly, the winter sun finally shone its light upon the city. The wonderful show of the Dulin Scott Cathedral had spread all over the capital, and the incident took everyone by awe. Who could have thought of Titan's religious leader as a sinner for the murder of a baby? However, the people mentioned that he could have been better off if the baby wasn't a member of the Imperial Family. Since every bishop in the whole world was devils who ate humans, Karl Arnold was the unlucky one because he murdered a noble little prince. That was why the Imperial Family and Holy See would ascertain his responsibilities.
No matter what people said, the current political situation had been made extremely clear. The route to Kenshin Palace was crowded with carriages and people. The Red Tiger Knights used shields to fill the walls of the palace and only allowed one person at a time to meet the Imperial Princess. The nobles who had no other affairs then left their carriages in front of the small square of the palace.
They were engrossed in the discussion about the morning story. The words which came out of their mouths were constant compliments to the princess in the palace. It seemed that a lunch was all it took for them to forget completely about the roles they once played.
These were probably the hedgers mentioned before by Alfa III His Majesty. Their faces were very sharp, and their ignorant minds were sometimes as flexible as the apes. However, the hedgers could never be the dominant force. They could form a general trend, or they could escape from being the attention throughout. They were only a group of parasites that sought to survive under the armpits of the strong, feeding on the flesh and blood of the living and the death. Therefore, in general, they were dispensable, but they were the reality of existence.
As for the evil men mentioned by Alfa III His Majesty, hah! The chief justice of the Highest Inquisition of Religion made it very clear that the god would not accept such sinners. Karl Arnold was the devil's spokesperson and his body couldn't be rested in the temple of the god. Hence, the Ministry of Justice's doctors had to pull a dirty shroud from the mortuary and dragged the former Titan religious leader onto a flatbed tricycle before a team of patrols finally escorted the flatbed truck out of Dulin Scott Cathedral. The superiors of the patrols commanded them to simply find a place to bury the dead body.
The shroud contaminated with various dirt stains basked in the crowd's angry saliva and filled the air with the stench of rotten eggs! This was the fate of the worst person in the history of Morisette dynasty. History would remember the "colorful" life of Archbishop Karl Arnold where his crimes would still be talked about for many years later. Some even brought the incident to the performing art stage. It was said that the Great Andrew Emperor who wasn't present at the scene liked this play the most.
Hedgers, bad guys, what's next?
Oh right! Alfa III His Majesty also mentioned about the conspirators! Who was the largest conspirator in the City of Dulin? Undoubtedly the award had to go to Kachev Drakas Ferdinand. The strange thing was that during the political storm that lasted for several days, surprisingly, the cabinet chancellor didn't make any moves!
It was certainly unbelievable but Kachev didn't intervene in this internal conflict of the Imperial Family. As the brain of government, he didn't make any public statements unlike the other two Marshals of the Imperial Guards.
What were Kachev's real intentions? It seemed peculiar that he was behaving well. Since it had been widely acknowledged that the old fox was the biggest conspiracy, the people should just wait patiently. He was the fox, after all, and they always revealed their tail in the end! It was only a matter of time.
Yes! Alpha III also said that those who truly create history would be the loyal silent heroes. After the murder of the Dulin Scott Cathedral, people remembered the name of Rudolf Hoss, the number one hound of the Morisette dynasty. Nobody could ignore his existence, and nobody could forget what he did. However, he was only a faithful dog. He was the first-hand director of this repertoire, it would only be outrageous if he didn't win this time around.
As for the hero, forget it! Imperial power would not create a hero, only a new emperor and countless victims. After the cathedral murder case came to a close, the religious judge from the City of Roman rushed to the House of Lords. He explained the attitude of the religious organization to the nobles of House of Lord, and the nobles' position was also made clear. Almost a quarter of the members of House of Lords ticked underneath the name of Her Imperial Highness Princess Alanis Alfa Morisette.
Alanis was finally going to become a queen! She was so excited that she felt intense pain in her stomach. She was getting more confident that she would give birth to a boy!
The young princess even thought of her own honor title. In fact, this respectful name was suggested by her husband.
Alanis I Her Majesty the Empress! What an imposing title!
The crowd gathered at the Kenshin Palace didn't disperse until nightfall, and Alanis met every visitor in high spirits. Although she encountered all the same charming smiles and heard nothing new but the usual compliments, she had won it, hadn't she? She somewhat fell in love with the people's attitude toward herself.
Poison Doctor Percy looked shockingly at the imperial princess situated in the center of the room. She seemed to forget that she was a pregnant woman.
"Your Highness, you must call it a day! Your body cannot stand this torment!"
Alanis looked at her doctor arranged by her husband for a while. This reminder came just in time. She was indeed getting a little carried away. However, she wanted to at least meet the last lord.
"Almighty God of Light! Merciful God of Light! Look at what you have brought us!" Almodovar Godzilla, fell like a cannonball at the feet of the princess like a mountain of flesh. Alanis wanted to help him to his feet but gave up immediately after seeing the mass of flesh.
"My master! Your Finance Minister, Almodovar Godzilla, swears here so the God of Light could prove my vows, and ghosts in hell could hear my curse. If myself, Almodovar Godzilla, would ever make any decision that is contrary to your wishes, this fat guy would be a permanent vegetarian!"
"Hahahahahaha!" Alanis laughed so hard that she tilted her body forward and backward, tapping constantly at the fat lord's shoulders, "Okay Godzilla! Get up! I will not dare to make you a vegetarian. This is probably the most vicious oath I heard today!"
Almodovar puffed as he rose to his feet. He seemed to be flattered as he took the princess' hand on which he planted a devout kiss.
"What are you doing recently?" Alanis was interested in this fat lord. She knew that Godzilla was a smart person, and only a truly wise person could take on a title as high as the finance minister and be completely excluded from the largest scandal happening in the capital.
"Aha! I've been occupied with the national treasury on your behalf! I'll be able to brief you tomorrow!"
"It must have been hard for you!" Alanis handed her hand out again. According to the ancient court etiquette, if the first kiss on the lady's hand was an ordinary greeting, then the second time would be unusual. This was the noblest respect a noble lady could allow a man.
Sure enough, Almodovar panted for breath as he knelt to his knee again and planted yet another kiss on the back of the princess' hand. "I prepared six hundred kilograms of gold for your coronation ceremony."
Alanis's eyes widened, "Six hundred kilograms? My God! My Father Emperor used no more than three hundred kilograms! Is it really necessary to spend so much?"
Almodovar made a gesture of praying for the gods. "Almighty Lord! Did you listen to what my master is saying? She is one of the only two Empresses in the history of the Morisette Dynasty, so I have to decorate her coronation ceremony with all the golds beneath the heaven. Although I could not physically achieve that, I shall use no less than six hundred kilograms of gold!"
"All right!" Alanis held the mountain of flesh, "As you wish, six hundred kilograms it is!"
Almodovar stood up happily, "My master, I won't let you down! You must believe me!"
Alanis nodded, "Yes, I believe!"
Almodovar retreated from the room after this because he noticed that the head of Secret Service had already put on an impatient expression. No one would provoke Rudolf who resembled a hound, therefore the Finance Minister left Kenshin Palace quickly before he could upset him. It was obvious that the mountain of flesh had not got a brain made of lard.
Rudolf Hoss dismissed all the attendants after he entered the room, but Poison Doctor Percy didn't appear to have seen him. The head of Secret Service frowned, yet this super criminal from Damorga prison had never moved an inch.
Princess Alanis waved her hand in the air, "He is my doctor, someone worthy of trust!"
"Hah! I think he is, but a spy sent to you by your husband!" Of course, Rudolf could only comment such thing silently in his heart.
"Your Majesty! The Secret Service personnel and Prince O'Neil's First Special Warfare Brigade have surrounded the hiding place of the Palace Chief and Her Majesty Rolyn Kate, but..."
"What's wrong?" Alanis stood up with difficult as she held on to her bulging stomach. Percy who stood on the side immediately came forward to her assistance.
Rudolf Hoss rubbed his forehead, "The condition of Her Majesty the Empress is deteriorating! Laston Cambre also offered cooperation in conditions!"
"Just say it!" Alanis was growing impatient as she understood the importance of the Golden Lion seal.
"The Palace Chief said that he will never cooperate unless he meets Your Highness!"
Alanis picked up her cloak, "Where is he?"
27 Westin South Street was the only residence house located on this small street. The merchants here mainly established cafes and bookstores, the whole atmosphere gave people the feeling of a smaller University Town.
The assault soldiers of the First Special Warfare Brigade crowded the narrow streets. Those merchants who not know a thing closed their doors, but Blasky, the leader of the Special Combat Brigade Commandos kicked the store's doors open. In a moment, each soldier had a cup of steaming hot coffee in their hands, which was certainly a great enjoyment for the special warriors who were used to living rough.
An officer at the Secret Service didn't agree with the behavior of his colleagues. He demanded that Blasky and his soldiers be spirited, but Blasky only gave him a contemptuous look. There were only one unarmed man and one crazy old woman in the small courtyard. How many people did the special warfare team require to take them down?
Rolyn Kate's hair was in disarray, her face pale and colorless. Her black mourning clothes were stained with loads of dirt. The Empress' eyes were swollen from the endless crying, but her spirit was extremely uplifted. She was mumbling to herself nonstop, and in her arms, was a small cloth package, "Baby...baby...my baby..."
"Is this my mother?" Alanis looked at the old woman shivering at the corner in disbelief.
Laston Cambre came out of the shadows, "Yes, this is your mother!"
Blasky motioned at his coordinates instantly, and several special warfare soldiers immediately took control of the former palace chief.
"Tell us! Laston!" Alanis sat down beside her mother. She wanted to comb her mother's messy hair but Rolyn Kate was frightened at the gesture. She took her cloth package and crawled to another corner away from her daughter.
"Don't touch my son...don't touch my son..."
Alanis retreated her hand slowly. This was definitely not the ending she had imagined! Titan's future Empress held her big belly in a grimace as a gushing pain crept up against her when she thought of her previous affectionate memories with her mother. Poison Doctor Percy rushed forward immediately. He knew that pregnant woman should be avoided from violent emotional fluctuations. She was overjoyed and sad in one day, even normal people couldn't afford such changes!
"Thank God!" the poison doctor recovered his stethoscope. "The little guy is just too active, but you still have to keep calm!"
Alanis's face was distorted by the pain, but she nodded obediently at the doctor.
"Laston, hurry up! As you can see, I don't have the time or the energy to beat around the bush with you!" the imperial princess suddenly became impatient. She motioned Rudolf who was standing tall, and the hound immediately got the hint. However, the palace chief didn't wait
until the hound showed its fangs.
"If you hurt Empress Rolyn Kate an inch, you will never know where the Imperial Lion Seal is, and you can never be a real Empress in power!"
Alanis shifted her gaze to the terrified Rolyn Kate. Hadn't her mother been punished enough?
"I swear not to hurt her! How can I possibly? She is my mother! I am not a beast!"
Laston nodded, before walking up to the Empress and held the poor woman in his arms. Rolyn Kate didn't refuse the affection. She was still somewhat attached to this gentleman.
Alanis's gaze became threatening and her fingers trembled slightly. Laston Cambre was her father's most trusted servant! But now? The slave held her mother and stared at Rolyn Kate with those nasty eyes of his. The imperial princess seemed to have changed her mind.
"Tell me...where is the seal?"
Laston glanced at the fireplace in the room and pointed to the flue connecting the ceiling.
Blasky went up and extinguished the charcoal fire in the fireplace, and then threw himself into the masonry chimney.
A moment later, the leader of the special combat brigade who was covered in black soot finally leaped down, and in his hands held a Nanmu square box. Disregarding her weak body, Alanis jumped from her seat and grabbed the wooden box in her arms.
The Princess of Empire opened the cover, and a bright smile washed over her face! The candlelight in the room reflected light and illuminated the statue of the golden lion.
Rudolf Hoss called in the appraiser from the Imperial Secretariat immediately. The old clerk put on a specialized single-crystal glass and took over the imperial seal cautiously. After some meticulous inspections, the old staff returned the seal to the expectant imperial princess in the most humble posture. Then, the clerk fell on one knee, and his gesture was followed by all the soldiers and ministers. Without any verbal affirmation, it had been acknowledged that Alanis Alfa Morisette has obtained the symbolic imperial totem.
The princess scanned across the sea of men. She liked that they were crouching in front of her because at this moment she realized she was high and lofty. Those men's eyes couldn't even pass above her belly.
But damn it! Her belly was beginning to hurt again! When would this finally end?
Poison Doctor Percy once again helped the new ruler of the empire back to the chair. The people around him have already stood up, and they were waiting for the permission of the ruler.
"Bring her over!"
At Big Worm Blasky's signal, the special warfare soldiers quickly pulled the palace chief from the ground. Rolyn Kate wailed frantically and she held tight to the cloth package in her arms.
"What are you going to do to your mother? She's already gone mad! You swear you won't hurt her!" Laston Cambre yelled and struggled, but the special warfare soldiers' arms were as firm as pliers.
Alanis couldn't be bothered and turned her head away in annoyance. She examined her mother who was held down by several soldiers. The former Empress cried hysterically without dignity. An obvious stream of dampness could be seen flowing down from her black dress.
"Oh..." Alanis snorted angrily, she no longer regarded the madwoman as her mother. "She is a sinner! You too!" the princess stared angrily at the palace chief.
"One committed incest behind the back of her husband, and the other committed adultery against her master with his master's wife! You should all go to hell!" Laston was still struggling to break free. The words of the princess were responded with his ridicule and irony! "What's wrong with that? I only fell in love with the woman whom I should never love! I can only say that old dog Alfa III was lucky as Rolyn Kate's poison didn't end his life! Do you think you are any better? No one in your Morisette family will end well! One by one, I'll be waiting for you in hell!"
Alanis delivered a cold, hard stare to the head of Secret Service who was already extremely irritated! He snatched a rapier of the soldier who was nearest to him. The special warfare soldiers continued to pin down the constantly cursing palace chief to the ground. Laston was still holding his head high as he showered the future Empress of Titan with curses and hatred.
Rudolf's rapier pierced into his old friend's neck and came out from his chest. Instantly, the palace chief of eminent position in the court, Marquis Laston Cambre, finally shut his mouth forever. His fresh blood dripped on the floor along the edge of the rapier and slowly gathered into a puddle. Just like he said earlier, he only fell in love with a woman whom he should not love. But he had lost his bet, although leaving behind a blood-curse to the Imperial Morisette before he died.
The stream of blood made Alanis dizzy, so she removed her gaze from the body quickly.
The soldiers who were restraining Empress Rolyn Kate released their hands finally. The Empress looked at the men around her and landed her eyes on the one she knew best. She didn't seem to be aware that Laston had lost his life. She just lifted the man's arm and leaned into his cold embrace.
Alanis looked at everything in disbelief and decided she needed to test her mother for the last time.
"Have you sent out the order to Marshal Alan?"
Rudolf Hoss stepped up immediately, "How dare I do without your orders? The Duke of Karl Arnold is your uncle, after all!"
Alanis stared at her mother as she blurted out her following command, "Command Marshal Alan to send out his troops to remove Karl Arnold House completely from this world!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Rudolf bowed respectfully to the princess.
Alanis suddenly returned her gaze, "Let's go! She's really crazy!"
Poison Doctor Percy took the pregnant woman away and Rudolf Hoss raised the blood-stained sword once again. He wanted to personally stab at the top of Rolyn Kate's head. The action made him excited he began to tremble.
"Hold on!" Alanis turned back suddenly as she reached the door, "I swear that I won't hurt her..."
The head of Secret Service immediately returned the rapier to the special warfare soldier and bowed slightly to his master.
"Yes, you see...just send her to the monastery that she was in before?"
Alanis looked at her mother again and then nodded slowly.
On the night of Church Calendar year 800, 13th day of 1st month, the whistle of Imperial Guards was heard in Dulin City. There was no loosening of the martial law hence all the urban areas and main streets were still under tight control.
The troop of Her Imperial Highness Princess Alanis Alfa Morisette stretched out to two kilometers, spreading a long line consisting of torches on the roads of the city. The Imperial Secretariat had equipped the powerful Crown Princess with Alpha III's wagon. The cavalry patrols paid tribute as they passed by the carriage drawn in golden color. After months of turmoil in defeating the cruel enemy, they wholeheartedly welcomed this beautiful ruler of the empire.
When Alanis arrived at Kenshin Palace, she collected the Nanmu box before she alighted the carriage. The attendants of the palace were kneeling down on the sides of the carpet. They didn't dare to look up even after the hem of the princess' dress passed in front them.
Colonel Vick welcomed the new ruler of the Empire with the way one would do as they present in front of the monarch, but he had no alternative to inform the princess, "I know it is time for you to rest, but when you left, your sleeping chamber was taken over by His Elder Highness Prince Lobble, and we couldn't get him to leave no matter how hard we tried!"
Alanis held her forehead with one palm, "I thought this guy has grown up!"
In the bedroom of the Prince and Princess, Lobble Alfa Morisette lifted his sister off the ground and twirled her around a couple of times. Alanis laughed out loudly and she kissed affectionately on her brother's face.
"Well! Little one! Let me see the future Her Majesty the Empress!" Lobble sized her young sister, "Well, looking good!"
Alanis turned her head away in slight embarrassment. She and her father had both used her harmless brother.
"Why are you waiting for me? Is there anything urgent?"
"Of course!" Lobble tousled his sister's hair like he always did when they were younger, and then he laughed out in delight. "I have to seek verification. Is it true that no one can have control over me after this?"
"Of course, of course!" Alanis kept nodding, "No one can have control over the Empress' brother! He can do whatever he wants!"
"Oh, yeah!" Lobble did a front flip in the air before falling to the ground and performed a couple of forward rolls over the thick rug! Suddenly, he stopped motionless, "Is mother... okay?"
Alanis became serious as she didn't know how to answer this question.
"Mother... her state of mind is not very well, but we can visit her often!"
Lobble nodded gently and jumped from the carpet. Then, he picked up a book from Oscar's deck chair.
"One last thing! Is this book yours? It's a wonderful journal that writes about plants and animals! I got hooked on it at first glance!"
Alanis skimmed the book in his brother's hand. It was a printed copy with a red cover which she had no impression of. "Could probably be Oscar's? I haven't seen this book!"
Lobble scratched his head, "It can't be? It's right beside your pillow! But...since it's Oscar's... then I'll not be polite with him!"
Alanis laughed as her brother hid the book under his arms quickly as if it was a priceless treasure. Maybe Lobble still wanted to say something but he suddenly coughed violently. Alanis's smile disappeared from her face! Her brother spouted a bloody stream of blood onto her face. She was incredibly horrified and began screaming in terror!
Poison Doctor Percy was the first who came in, followed by Rudolf Hoss and the group of Red Tiger Guards.
Lobble Alfa Morisette lost his ability of speech. He coughed out an abundance of blood. His sister was crying, and everyone was calling out his name. Not only he couldn't hear it, his sight was beginning to blur as well!
Percy kept pressing on the chest of His Elder Highness, but his eyes were immediately drawn to the book which fell on the floor. The book was opened, and the content was enough to make people attracted to it. The Poison Doctor picked up the book. He found that the book was of a very old age and its pages were sticking together. If one wanted to read it carefully, they had to wet their fingers with saliva before they could open the corner of the page which had been smeared with poisonous venom.
"Who gave this to him?" Percy turned to the princess.
Alanis shook her head in fear, but she didn't want to imagine the passage of things. She had never seen this book, but Lobble said that the book was right on her pillow! Well, that was to say... the person who should have died of vomiting blood should be the new imperial crown princess!
Poor Lobble clutched tight to his sister's hand. He didn't want to die! He loved his life!
One shall not be misled by the chaotic appearances nor the various sounds that flooded Scott Dulin Cathedral's long stone walkways and corridors decorated with religious murals. They were only the panic-stricken nobles and priests who were complaining incessantly. The Imperial Guards didn't scramble to their feet like frightened bunnies. On the other hand, they remained at their respective posts, not giving any chance to those who intended to pass the danger mark to escape from the cathedral.
Something absurd happened on the afternoon of the 13th; Archbishop Karl Arnold's desk clock which was made of silver set itself on the 13th hour and 13th minute! It was certainly not an auspicious number.
Rudolf Hoss ordered the paladins to break into the back room. The moment the door was opened, the dead body of Titan's religious leader made a loud thump as it dropped to the ground. The Head of the Secret Service Department had his expertise team performed a thorough autopsy on the dead man, and all the experienced doctors from the Ministry of Justice came to a unanimous conclusion – that the man committed suicide to escape legal punishment.
"Inform the people in the cathedral that the religious leader committed suicide to run away from legal punishment!" Rudolf instructed his staff, but the action seemed rather redundant. There was a crowd outside the back room of the bishop. Despite the paladins' effort to restrict the view of the interior, some busybody nobles stood on tiptoe or leaped up and down to obtain a better look.
"Karl Arnold is dead! He certainly deserves it!" most people commented.
"He murdered His Second Highness Prince Lobmus," some pointed finger at archbishop for this crime.
"He did, didn't he? His Second Highness Prince Lobmus was only a newborn at that time! Is it possible that this old man was a monster who feeds on a dead infant?"
The people were no longer interested in continuing the discussion. It didn't seem like the cathedral was going to serve lunch, so these empty-stomach honorable nobles couldn't be bothered to loiter around this disgusting place further.
"Rudolf! Isn't it self-evident now? You should go get that imposter and hang him to death!" This suggestion received almost a unison agreement from the crowd. The nobles of the City of Dulin were such realists. The first thought that came to mind of these well-dressed people when they saw a scapegoat was not empathy, but to strip its skin and throw it into a boiling pot.
"The cathedral's dining hall has prepared some meat broth, all of you should really give it a try!" Rudolf calmed the commotion with one sentence. "Don't forget that we have not examined the place where actual Second Highness Prince Lobmus was allegedly buried. We shouldn't conclude rashly unless we have unearthed the baby boy's dead body."
The suggestion received immediate agreement from the crowd of nobles, but even more among them who shouted loudly, "Where's the dining hall? Where's the dining hall?"
Count Rudolf exchanged glances with the cabinet chancellor who stood next to him. Forget it! They didn't know whether to critic the capital's noble circle as scary or shameful? These men totally weren't bothered to conceal their desires.
"So, what now?" Kachev whispered to the head of Secret Service lthough he didn't keep his gaze off archbishop Karl Arnold's corpse.
"I've got to speak with Her Majesty the Empress!" Rudolf frowned at the thought as he didn't want to imagine how the empire's Empress would react to the news.
"In other words, you want me to bring them to unearth the dead body?" the old man stared in slight annoyance.
The head of Secret Service shrugged with indifference, "Either that or you can come along with me to meet Her Majesty the Empress!"
Kachev pondered for a second. Since he had made up his mind to stand on this boat, then he really didn't have a chance to argue or bargain.
Under the guidance of Colonel Basil Kenny, the palace's Captain of the Guards, Count Rudolf Hoss passed through the cordons laid out by Imperial Guards all around the cathedral without risk. Finally, he came to a halt in front of the room where Her Majesty the Empress took her rest. Perhaps it was out of respect, he straightened his black tailcoat before entering the room.
"Has anyone come before?"
Basil nodded, "Archbishop visited, but he has committed suicide. Another servant girl came too but left after leaving some refreshments for the Empress." Rudolf laughed secretly at his own success. If Rolyn Kate still didn't want to cooperate by now, he wouldn't mind filling his own doll collection with an honorable noble pet. He hadn't been with a queen yet, and just the thought of it made him excited. Rolyn Kate stood by the small window, looking out to the crowd gathered in the backyard of the cathedral. It seemed that she also wanted to see the true face of the dead baby. If the facts were as the accusations established by the Secret Service, then the baby boy was her own flesh and blood.
"Your Majesty the Empress…"
Rudolf Hoss came forward and didn't pause until he was near the Empress' back.
The head of Secret Service looked at the neck of his soon-to-be collection and realized that Rolyn Kate's skin was smooth and silky. She totally didn't look like an old witch or a miserable wretch.
"Unbelievable!" the number one loyal hound let out a sigh of admiration as he rubbed the Empress' body to one side. He would never have the guts to do so if it was before, but now everyone knew that Rolyn Kate was just a miserable old woman who gave birth to a false child.
Rudolf Hoss pointed to the busy backyard as he spoke, "Who would have thought the real father of the child would do something like this?"
The Empress began to shake uncontrollably, but still, she remained silent. She was wearing a thin veil that draped to the ground, obscuring her face from Rudolf's sight.
"Haha, still don't want to admit?" the head of Secret Service laughed suddenly. "The real His Second Highness Prince Lobmus Alfa Morisette wasn't His Majesty's flesh and blood either. He was only a product of an incest committed by a pair of siblings, that's why he was born with various congenital diseases. Your cruel brother had the heart to murder his own child to achieve his wild ambitions, and later replaced your boy with an imposter."
Rudolf tried to glimpse at the Empress' expression but couldn't see it clearly. Rolyn Kate was still shaking, and until now she had never said a word.
"Honestly..." the head of Secret Service sighed, "Karl Arnold is almost going to succeed. Young Princess Phrenby is indeed a good excuse, His Elder Highness has also willingly given up his rights and obligations as the Crown Prince. Hence, His Second Highness is naturally going to be the successor to the throne. Therefore, Karl Arnold House would have successfully completed the mission of changing the dynasty! But you should know very well...that I am Rudolf Hoss, and if there's anything that Rudolf Hoss wants to find out, then he surely will."
Rolyn Kate still hasn't said anything and it finally sent the head of Secret Service into anxiety and impatience!
"Your Majesty, don't let me address you like this for the last time! You know I didn't disclose the scandal for the reputation of the Imperial Family! So, if you don't want to be accused of adultery, you're best off to cooperate with me and my master! You are the mother of Her Highness Princess Alanis, and Her Imperial Highness, who will be the future ruler of Titan and it will not make things difficult for you!"
Rolyn Kate's silence was intolerable, and Rudolf finally showed his true colors. Without warning, a cruel and horrible expression washed over the face of the Secret Service officer.
"The order for the cleansing of Karl Arnold's family is not issued yet, but the patience of Marshal Alan is running thin! Do you want to die in prison? If not, give an order to the Imperial Secretariat immediately! Let the chief of the palace, Laston Cambre hand over the Titan Emperor's seal. Otherwise, this will really be the last time I address you as Your Majesty!"
Rudolf sized Rolyn Kate once more. He still had not noticed anything unusual until now. But hold on a second...smooth, silky, and moisturized skin?
The head of Secret Service raised the long veil of the Empress, "Where's that old witch?" Rudolph seized the servant girl's neck in a frenzy.
"I don't know...I don't know anything."
Rudolf let go of the counterfeit Empress and stormed out of the small room, exasperated and furious. It seemed that they were going to have some alterations to the plan!
Church's calendar year 800, 13th day of the 1st month, one thirty in the afternoon. Titan Empire Cabinet Chancellor, the old Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand, played the role of gravedigger for the first time. He ordered the Imperial Guards to dig up the mausoleum of the wronged ghost in accordance to the witness' guidance. Just as the witness had described, a rotten wooden box appeared in the people's eyes.
The gentlemen covered the ladies' eyes. In fact, they couldn't bear to see those thin and small bones either.
"So, isn't it clear by now?" With much caution, Kachev picked up the rag that wrapped around the baby's skeletons. There was a golden embroidery of the totem of Morisette Imperial Family. The golden lion was covered in dirt over the years, but the winter sun brought it to life after it was unearthed.
The nobles present came together and looked at the tattered piece of cloth carefully.
"Here!" Kachev shouted suddenly as he pointed to a mark on the cloth. "The Empress' own hand-embroidered name of the child!"
"Healthy baby...Lobmus!" The crowd finally quieted down as the minister whispered. The women began to sob silently, and the men were infected with sadness as well. The presence of His Second Highness undoubtedly verified Titan's biggest scam in the court history. Although the culprit had already been put to death, the people were still shocked by the cruelty and disgust of the scam.
Suddenly, a loud bulge was heard from the direction of Dulin Scott Cathedral! Immediately, the Imperial Guards tensed up like the arrows awaiting to be released on the bowstring. The nobles fled away at the moment's notice. The battalion of paladins surrounded the Chief Staff of Imperial Guards and the head of Secret Service from exiting from the back door of the cathedral.
Marshal Robin Sparse waved his hands at the whispering crowd, "Please cooperate with us. Although the principal offender has been put to death, the accessories from court and the government have yet to be hunted down! As the Chief Staff of the empire's armed forces, I issue that from this moment onwards, the empire has entered a state of full martial law. The Imperial Guards, together with the Special Service Department and the Ministry of Justice, will strive to catch all the conspirators involved in the case!"
The nobles finally realized what was about to happen. The Imperial Guards wanted to retaliate against the ones who disobeyed!
"Calm down! Calm down, everyone!" Rudolf Hoss finally stood up, "The investigation of the Secret Service has confirmed that all of you present are not related to Karl Arnold's schemes and conspiracies. We know you have only been swayed and tempted, and now is the chance for you to make atonement. Think carefully. What should we do now?"
"We want a new ruler for the empire!" a voice was heard among the crowd. It seemed that there were still some smart people within the noble circle of the capital.
"Yes!" Rudolf laughed happily. As soon as the people shifted their gaze to His Elder Highness, Lobble carried the little princess of the unknown lot quickly and waved frantically at the crowd.
"I quit, I quit! It's none of my business, it's none of my business!"
If so, according to the order of the successor of the Morisette Imperial Family, who else would it be?
"Kenshin Palace! Princess Alanis!" That was not a difficult guess.
The Imperial Guards only loosened up the cordon until now. The capital's nobles who tried hard to draw a clear line with Archbishop Karl Arnold and Westberg Fort rushed out of the scene. They called out to their carriages outside the cathedral and greeted the familiar lords. There was only one destination for them at this moment – Kenshin Palace! Their future Empress was there!
The Imperial Guards and the Secret Service had given them an opportunity to swear allegiance to the future Empress. If they failed to seize this opportunity and with the release of the martial law, the revenge of the new Crown Prince would certainly come as expected. By then, they wouldn't be as lucky as they were now.
The massive Dulin Scott Cathedral suddenly quieted down, and the crowded corridors and halls became empty. The Chief Staff of Imperial Guard, the head of Secret Service, the cabinet chancellor, and some prominent members of the cabinet walked down the empty aisles. They had just witnessed a scene of the great drama. Although it was still not the end of the drama performance, the exciting interpretation of the actors was definitely worthy of attention and compliments.
Rudolf Hoss was undoubtedly the best actor among the rest. His acting skills could win the college award, but no one dared to make this joke. The head of Secret Service once again proved to the world that those who ignored him would not end with good results!
Although Rudolf won with triumph, his face was not looking any good, because…
"Rolyn Kate escaped!"
"How is that possible?" Kachev widened his eyes in surprise. However, the head of Secret Service felt that the old Duke's reaction seemed to be somewhat gloated.
"How is that not possible?" Rudolf Hoss whispered contemptuously, "This is the Dulin Scott Cathedral. There must be some secret paths that we have no idea of. Karl Arnold will not leave a route of retreat for himself."
"But he committed suicide! This can't be his route of retreat?" His Elder Highness of the Empire stepped forward suddenly and popped the question which no one had an answer to. His doubt was only clarified with several incomprehensible expressions.
Suddenly, Robin stopped walking and turned to the head of Secret Service, "Be rest assured, all the major passageways in the City of Dulin have been blocked. Even a flea cannot get out from here, not to mention an Empress."
"What about that tunnel that leads to the outskirts?"
The Chief Staff of Imperial Guards shrugged, "She can't leave the capital's garrison area anyway!"
Rudolf shook his head in response, "I'm not so optimistic about that. There are nearly a million people in the capital garrison area, it's not easy to locate two people."
"Who is the other person?" Lobble's eyes widened.
"Our palace chief, Laston Cambre! It would be a huge trouble if we couldn't find him! He took the official seal of the late Emperor. Without that, any form of imperial documents is of no effect."
"You didn't have him under control?" the cabinet chancellor of the Empire expressed his disbelief.
Rudolf noticed the smirk on that old fox's face, and this made the unusually annoyed head of Secret Service glared hard at one of his subordinates.
"My people didn't look after him!"
Kachev smiled lightly, "Then you're in big troubles. It seems that your people are able of dereliction!"
Rudolf didn't say anything in response, but the angry man grabbed at the collar of his subordinate, "Either look for him or die! It's your choice!"
The secret agent had no alternative but to promise obediently. Then, he turned away and disappeared from the cathedral door.
As the dense clouds above Dulin city faded away slowly, the winter sun finally shone its light upon the city. The wonderful show of the Dulin Scott Cathedral had spread all over the capital, and the incident took everyone by awe. Who could have thought of Titan's religious leader as a sinner for the murder of a baby? However, the people mentioned that he could have been better off if the baby wasn't a member of the Imperial Family. Since every bishop in the whole world was devils who ate humans, Karl Arnold was the unlucky one because he murdered a noble little prince. That was why the Imperial Family and Holy See would ascertain his responsibilities.
No matter what people said, the current political situation had been made extremely clear. The route to Kenshin Palace was crowded with carriages and people. The Red Tiger Knights used shields to fill the walls of the palace and only allowed one person at a time to meet the Imperial Princess. The nobles who had no other affairs then left their carriages in front of the small square of the palace.
They were engrossed in the discussion about the morning story. The words which came out of their mouths were constant compliments to the princess in the palace. It seemed that a lunch was all it took for them to forget completely about the roles they once played.
These were probably the hedgers mentioned before by Alfa III His Majesty. Their faces were very sharp, and their ignorant minds were sometimes as flexible as the apes. However, the hedgers could never be the dominant force. They could form a general trend, or they could escape from being the attention throughout. They were only a group of parasites that sought to survive under the armpits of the strong, feeding on the flesh and blood of the living and the death. Therefore, in general, they were dispensable, but they were the reality of existence.
As for the evil men mentioned by Alfa III His Majesty, hah! The chief justice of the Highest Inquisition of Religion made it very clear that the god would not accept such sinners. Karl Arnold was the devil's spokesperson and his body couldn't be rested in the temple of the god. Hence, the Ministry of Justice's doctors had to pull a dirty shroud from the mortuary and dragged the former Titan religious leader onto a flatbed tricycle before a team of patrols finally escorted the flatbed truck out of Dulin Scott Cathedral. The superiors of the patrols commanded them to simply find a place to bury the dead body.
The shroud contaminated with various dirt stains basked in the crowd's angry saliva and filled the air with the stench of rotten eggs! This was the fate of the worst person in the history of Morisette dynasty. History would remember the "colorful" life of Archbishop Karl Arnold where his crimes would still be talked about for many years later. Some even brought the incident to the performing art stage. It was said that the Great Andrew Emperor who wasn't present at the scene liked this play the most.
Hedgers, bad guys, what's next?
Oh right! Alfa III His Majesty also mentioned about the conspirators! Who was the largest conspirator in the City of Dulin? Undoubtedly the award had to go to Kachev Drakas Ferdinand. The strange thing was that during the political storm that lasted for several days, surprisingly, the cabinet chancellor didn't make any moves!
It was certainly unbelievable but Kachev didn't intervene in this internal conflict of the Imperial Family. As the brain of government, he didn't make any public statements unlike the other two Marshals of the Imperial Guards.
What were Kachev's real intentions? It seemed peculiar that he was behaving well. Since it had been widely acknowledged that the old fox was the biggest conspiracy, the people should just wait patiently. He was the fox, after all, and they always revealed their tail in the end! It was only a matter of time.
Yes! Alpha III also said that those who truly create history would be the loyal silent heroes. After the murder of the Dulin Scott Cathedral, people remembered the name of Rudolf Hoss, the number one hound of the Morisette dynasty. Nobody could ignore his existence, and nobody could forget what he did. However, he was only a faithful dog. He was the first-hand director of this repertoire, it would only be outrageous if he didn't win this time around.
As for the hero, forget it! Imperial power would not create a hero, only a new emperor and countless victims. After the cathedral murder case came to a close, the religious judge from the City of Roman rushed to the House of Lords. He explained the attitude of the religious organization to the nobles of House of Lord, and the nobles' position was also made clear. Almost a quarter of the members of House of Lords ticked underneath the name of Her Imperial Highness Princess Alanis Alfa Morisette.
Alanis was finally going to become a queen! She was so excited that she felt intense pain in her stomach. She was getting more confident that she would give birth to a boy!
The young princess even thought of her own honor title. In fact, this respectful name was suggested by her husband.
Alanis I Her Majesty the Empress! What an imposing title!
The crowd gathered at the Kenshin Palace didn't disperse until nightfall, and Alanis met every visitor in high spirits. Although she encountered all the same charming smiles and heard nothing new but the usual compliments, she had won it, hadn't she? She somewhat fell in love with the people's attitude toward herself.
Poison Doctor Percy looked shockingly at the imperial princess situated in the center of the room. She seemed to forget that she was a pregnant woman.
"Your Highness, you must call it a day! Your body cannot stand this torment!"
Alanis looked at her doctor arranged by her husband for a while. This reminder came just in time. She was indeed getting a little carried away. However, she wanted to at least meet the last lord.
"Almighty God of Light! Merciful God of Light! Look at what you have brought us!" Almodovar Godzilla, fell like a cannonball at the feet of the princess like a mountain of flesh. Alanis wanted to help him to his feet but gave up immediately after seeing the mass of flesh.
"My master! Your Finance Minister, Almodovar Godzilla, swears here so the God of Light could prove my vows, and ghosts in hell could hear my curse. If myself, Almodovar Godzilla, would ever make any decision that is contrary to your wishes, this fat guy would be a permanent vegetarian!"
"Hahahahahaha!" Alanis laughed so hard that she tilted her body forward and backward, tapping constantly at the fat lord's shoulders, "Okay Godzilla! Get up! I will not dare to make you a vegetarian. This is probably the most vicious oath I heard today!"
Almodovar puffed as he rose to his feet. He seemed to be flattered as he took the princess' hand on which he planted a devout kiss.
"What are you doing recently?" Alanis was interested in this fat lord. She knew that Godzilla was a smart person, and only a truly wise person could take on a title as high as the finance minister and be completely excluded from the largest scandal happening in the capital.
"Aha! I've been occupied with the national treasury on your behalf! I'll be able to brief you tomorrow!"
"It must have been hard for you!" Alanis handed her hand out again. According to the ancient court etiquette, if the first kiss on the lady's hand was an ordinary greeting, then the second time would be unusual. This was the noblest respect a noble lady could allow a man.
Sure enough, Almodovar panted for breath as he knelt to his knee again and planted yet another kiss on the back of the princess' hand. "I prepared six hundred kilograms of gold for your coronation ceremony."
Alanis's eyes widened, "Six hundred kilograms? My God! My Father Emperor used no more than three hundred kilograms! Is it really necessary to spend so much?"
Almodovar made a gesture of praying for the gods. "Almighty Lord! Did you listen to what my master is saying? She is one of the only two Empresses in the history of the Morisette Dynasty, so I have to decorate her coronation ceremony with all the golds beneath the heaven. Although I could not physically achieve that, I shall use no less than six hundred kilograms of gold!"
"All right!" Alanis held the mountain of flesh, "As you wish, six hundred kilograms it is!"
Almodovar stood up happily, "My master, I won't let you down! You must believe me!"
Alanis nodded, "Yes, I believe!"
Almodovar retreated from the room after this because he noticed that the head of Secret Service had already put on an impatient expression. No one would provoke Rudolf who resembled a hound, therefore the Finance Minister left Kenshin Palace quickly before he could upset him. It was obvious that the mountain of flesh had not got a brain made of lard.
Rudolf Hoss dismissed all the attendants after he entered the room, but Poison Doctor Percy didn't appear to have seen him. The head of Secret Service frowned, yet this super criminal from Damorga prison had never moved an inch.
Princess Alanis waved her hand in the air, "He is my doctor, someone worthy of trust!"
"Hah! I think he is, but a spy sent to you by your husband!" Of course, Rudolf could only comment such thing silently in his heart.
"Your Majesty! The Secret Service personnel and Prince O'Neil's First Special Warfare Brigade have surrounded the hiding place of the Palace Chief and Her Majesty Rolyn Kate, but..."
"What's wrong?" Alanis stood up with difficult as she held on to her bulging stomach. Percy who stood on the side immediately came forward to her assistance.
Rudolf Hoss rubbed his forehead, "The condition of Her Majesty the Empress is deteriorating! Laston Cambre also offered cooperation in conditions!"
"Just say it!" Alanis was growing impatient as she understood the importance of the Golden Lion seal.
"The Palace Chief said that he will never cooperate unless he meets Your Highness!"
Alanis picked up her cloak, "Where is he?"
27 Westin South Street was the only residence house located on this small street. The merchants here mainly established cafes and bookstores, the whole atmosphere gave people the feeling of a smaller University Town.
The assault soldiers of the First Special Warfare Brigade crowded the narrow streets. Those merchants who not know a thing closed their doors, but Blasky, the leader of the Special Combat Brigade Commandos kicked the store's doors open. In a moment, each soldier had a cup of steaming hot coffee in their hands, which was certainly a great enjoyment for the special warriors who were used to living rough.
An officer at the Secret Service didn't agree with the behavior of his colleagues. He demanded that Blasky and his soldiers be spirited, but Blasky only gave him a contemptuous look. There were only one unarmed man and one crazy old woman in the small courtyard. How many people did the special warfare team require to take them down?
Rolyn Kate's hair was in disarray, her face pale and colorless. Her black mourning clothes were stained with loads of dirt. The Empress' eyes were swollen from the endless crying, but her spirit was extremely uplifted. She was mumbling to herself nonstop, and in her arms, was a small cloth package, "Baby...baby...my baby..."
"Is this my mother?" Alanis looked at the old woman shivering at the corner in disbelief.
Laston Cambre came out of the shadows, "Yes, this is your mother!"
Blasky motioned at his coordinates instantly, and several special warfare soldiers immediately took control of the former palace chief.
"Tell us! Laston!" Alanis sat down beside her mother. She wanted to comb her mother's messy hair but Rolyn Kate was frightened at the gesture. She took her cloth package and crawled to another corner away from her daughter.
"Don't touch my son...don't touch my son..."
Alanis retreated her hand slowly. This was definitely not the ending she had imagined! Titan's future Empress held her big belly in a grimace as a gushing pain crept up against her when she thought of her previous affectionate memories with her mother. Poison Doctor Percy rushed forward immediately. He knew that pregnant woman should be avoided from violent emotional fluctuations. She was overjoyed and sad in one day, even normal people couldn't afford such changes!
"Thank God!" the poison doctor recovered his stethoscope. "The little guy is just too active, but you still have to keep calm!"
Alanis's face was distorted by the pain, but she nodded obediently at the doctor.
"Laston, hurry up! As you can see, I don't have the time or the energy to beat around the bush with you!" the imperial princess suddenly became impatient. She motioned Rudolf who was standing tall, and the hound immediately got the hint. However, the palace chief didn't wait
until the hound showed its fangs.
"If you hurt Empress Rolyn Kate an inch, you will never know where the Imperial Lion Seal is, and you can never be a real Empress in power!"
Alanis shifted her gaze to the terrified Rolyn Kate. Hadn't her mother been punished enough?
"I swear not to hurt her! How can I possibly? She is my mother! I am not a beast!"
Laston nodded, before walking up to the Empress and held the poor woman in his arms. Rolyn Kate didn't refuse the affection. She was still somewhat attached to this gentleman.
Alanis's gaze became threatening and her fingers trembled slightly. Laston Cambre was her father's most trusted servant! But now? The slave held her mother and stared at Rolyn Kate with those nasty eyes of his. The imperial princess seemed to have changed her mind.
"Tell me...where is the seal?"
Laston glanced at the fireplace in the room and pointed to the flue connecting the ceiling.
Blasky went up and extinguished the charcoal fire in the fireplace, and then threw himself into the masonry chimney.
A moment later, the leader of the special combat brigade who was covered in black soot finally leaped down, and in his hands held a Nanmu square box. Disregarding her weak body, Alanis jumped from her seat and grabbed the wooden box in her arms.
The Princess of Empire opened the cover, and a bright smile washed over her face! The candlelight in the room reflected light and illuminated the statue of the golden lion.
Rudolf Hoss called in the appraiser from the Imperial Secretariat immediately. The old clerk put on a specialized single-crystal glass and took over the imperial seal cautiously. After some meticulous inspections, the old staff returned the seal to the expectant imperial princess in the most humble posture. Then, the clerk fell on one knee, and his gesture was followed by all the soldiers and ministers. Without any verbal affirmation, it had been acknowledged that Alanis Alfa Morisette has obtained the symbolic imperial totem.
The princess scanned across the sea of men. She liked that they were crouching in front of her because at this moment she realized she was high and lofty. Those men's eyes couldn't even pass above her belly.
But damn it! Her belly was beginning to hurt again! When would this finally end?
Poison Doctor Percy once again helped the new ruler of the empire back to the chair. The people around him have already stood up, and they were waiting for the permission of the ruler.
"Bring her over!"
At Big Worm Blasky's signal, the special warfare soldiers quickly pulled the palace chief from the ground. Rolyn Kate wailed frantically and she held tight to the cloth package in her arms.
"What are you going to do to your mother? She's already gone mad! You swear you won't hurt her!" Laston Cambre yelled and struggled, but the special warfare soldiers' arms were as firm as pliers.
Alanis couldn't be bothered and turned her head away in annoyance. She examined her mother who was held down by several soldiers. The former Empress cried hysterically without dignity. An obvious stream of dampness could be seen flowing down from her black dress.
"Oh..." Alanis snorted angrily, she no longer regarded the madwoman as her mother. "She is a sinner! You too!" the princess stared angrily at the palace chief.
"One committed incest behind the back of her husband, and the other committed adultery against her master with his master's wife! You should all go to hell!" Laston was still struggling to break free. The words of the princess were responded with his ridicule and irony! "What's wrong with that? I only fell in love with the woman whom I should never love! I can only say that old dog Alfa III was lucky as Rolyn Kate's poison didn't end his life! Do you think you are any better? No one in your Morisette family will end well! One by one, I'll be waiting for you in hell!"
Alanis delivered a cold, hard stare to the head of Secret Service who was already extremely irritated! He snatched a rapier of the soldier who was nearest to him. The special warfare soldiers continued to pin down the constantly cursing palace chief to the ground. Laston was still holding his head high as he showered the future Empress of Titan with curses and hatred.
Rudolf's rapier pierced into his old friend's neck and came out from his chest. Instantly, the palace chief of eminent position in the court, Marquis Laston Cambre, finally shut his mouth forever. His fresh blood dripped on the floor along the edge of the rapier and slowly gathered into a puddle. Just like he said earlier, he only fell in love with a woman whom he should not love. But he had lost his bet, although leaving behind a blood-curse to the Imperial Morisette before he died.
The stream of blood made Alanis dizzy, so she removed her gaze from the body quickly.
The soldiers who were restraining Empress Rolyn Kate released their hands finally. The Empress looked at the men around her and landed her eyes on the one she knew best. She didn't seem to be aware that Laston had lost his life. She just lifted the man's arm and leaned into his cold embrace.
Alanis looked at everything in disbelief and decided she needed to test her mother for the last time.
"Have you sent out the order to Marshal Alan?"
Rudolf Hoss stepped up immediately, "How dare I do without your orders? The Duke of Karl Arnold is your uncle, after all!"
Alanis stared at her mother as she blurted out her following command, "Command Marshal Alan to send out his troops to remove Karl Arnold House completely from this world!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Rudolf bowed respectfully to the princess.
Alanis suddenly returned her gaze, "Let's go! She's really crazy!"
Poison Doctor Percy took the pregnant woman away and Rudolf Hoss raised the blood-stained sword once again. He wanted to personally stab at the top of Rolyn Kate's head. The action made him excited he began to tremble.
"Hold on!" Alanis turned back suddenly as she reached the door, "I swear that I won't hurt her..."
The head of Secret Service immediately returned the rapier to the special warfare soldier and bowed slightly to his master.
"Yes, you see...just send her to the monastery that she was in before?"
Alanis looked at her mother again and then nodded slowly.
On the night of Church Calendar year 800, 13th day of 1st month, the whistle of Imperial Guards was heard in Dulin City. There was no loosening of the martial law hence all the urban areas and main streets were still under tight control.
The troop of Her Imperial Highness Princess Alanis Alfa Morisette stretched out to two kilometers, spreading a long line consisting of torches on the roads of the city. The Imperial Secretariat had equipped the powerful Crown Princess with Alpha III's wagon. The cavalry patrols paid tribute as they passed by the carriage drawn in golden color. After months of turmoil in defeating the cruel enemy, they wholeheartedly welcomed this beautiful ruler of the empire.
When Alanis arrived at Kenshin Palace, she collected the Nanmu box before she alighted the carriage. The attendants of the palace were kneeling down on the sides of the carpet. They didn't dare to look up even after the hem of the princess' dress passed in front them.
Colonel Vick welcomed the new ruler of the Empire with the way one would do as they present in front of the monarch, but he had no alternative to inform the princess, "I know it is time for you to rest, but when you left, your sleeping chamber was taken over by His Elder Highness Prince Lobble, and we couldn't get him to leave no matter how hard we tried!"
Alanis held her forehead with one palm, "I thought this guy has grown up!"
In the bedroom of the Prince and Princess, Lobble Alfa Morisette lifted his sister off the ground and twirled her around a couple of times. Alanis laughed out loudly and she kissed affectionately on her brother's face.
"Well! Little one! Let me see the future Her Majesty the Empress!" Lobble sized her young sister, "Well, looking good!"
Alanis turned her head away in slight embarrassment. She and her father had both used her harmless brother.
"Why are you waiting for me? Is there anything urgent?"
"Of course!" Lobble tousled his sister's hair like he always did when they were younger, and then he laughed out in delight. "I have to seek verification. Is it true that no one can have control over me after this?"
"Of course, of course!" Alanis kept nodding, "No one can have control over the Empress' brother! He can do whatever he wants!"
"Oh, yeah!" Lobble did a front flip in the air before falling to the ground and performed a couple of forward rolls over the thick rug! Suddenly, he stopped motionless, "Is mother... okay?"
Alanis became serious as she didn't know how to answer this question.
"Mother... her state of mind is not very well, but we can visit her often!"
Lobble nodded gently and jumped from the carpet. Then, he picked up a book from Oscar's deck chair.
"One last thing! Is this book yours? It's a wonderful journal that writes about plants and animals! I got hooked on it at first glance!"
Alanis skimmed the book in his brother's hand. It was a printed copy with a red cover which she had no impression of. "Could probably be Oscar's? I haven't seen this book!"
Lobble scratched his head, "It can't be? It's right beside your pillow! But...since it's Oscar's... then I'll not be polite with him!"
Alanis laughed as her brother hid the book under his arms quickly as if it was a priceless treasure. Maybe Lobble still wanted to say something but he suddenly coughed violently. Alanis's smile disappeared from her face! Her brother spouted a bloody stream of blood onto her face. She was incredibly horrified and began screaming in terror!
Poison Doctor Percy was the first who came in, followed by Rudolf Hoss and the group of Red Tiger Guards.
Lobble Alfa Morisette lost his ability of speech. He coughed out an abundance of blood. His sister was crying, and everyone was calling out his name. Not only he couldn't hear it, his sight was beginning to blur as well!
Percy kept pressing on the chest of His Elder Highness, but his eyes were immediately drawn to the book which fell on the floor. The book was opened, and the content was enough to make people attracted to it. The Poison Doctor picked up the book. He found that the book was of a very old age and its pages were sticking together. If one wanted to read it carefully, they had to wet their fingers with saliva before they could open the corner of the page which had been smeared with poisonous venom.
"Who gave this to him?" Percy turned to the princess.
Alanis shook her head in fear, but she didn't want to imagine the passage of things. She had never seen this book, but Lobble said that the book was right on her pillow! Well, that was to say... the person who should have died of vomiting blood should be the new imperial crown princess!
Poor Lobble clutched tight to his sister's hand. He didn't want to die! He loved his life!
