The Andrew family did not fancy Dulin for there was nothing that they liked about this city. Although the journey back home was long and arduous, everyone who stayed in Duke Andrew"s official residence was looking forward to embark on that journey.
29 May, at the break of dawn, d.u.c.h.ess Celia of the Andrew Family was already stirring up a commotion at the gates of the official residence. This Madam was full of vigor and in high spirits.
The d.u.c.h.ess from a faraway land was about to return home. But let us put everything else aside and focus on her son. That was the sole purpose of her coming to the capital. She had dreaded that the situation would not turn out as well as it had now. Her son not only broke free from the shadow of a criminal, he also received incomparable status and honor.
Sasha E. Nedgabel Andrew was running back and forth in the stables, helping Baron Erbe, the official residence"s house steward, settle various matters. Everyone smiled upon looking at the young miss who was like a little beast. She was going home, so of course the young miss was overjoyed.
Sasha was naturally the most elated because if it were not for her brother, there would not be a moment for her to leave the land of Narcissus in her entire lifetime. The young miss realized that she was incompatible with Dulin. Enduring the disgusting people with their Botox smiles made her feel sick. Aside from that, most of the time she had nothing to do in Dulin.
This had nothing to do with her brother! Sasha said to herself. She could empathize with her brother for both of them have grown up. If her brother were to idly waste his time to accompany her, then she had reason to worry. Men should have their own aspirations and careers. The house of Andrew never produced one who lived a complacent life all day long.
But where was her brother? The young miss carefully searched through the crowd that was about to set off on their journey. Has anyone seen my brother?
"Your Royal Highness... Your Royal Highness!" The maid knocked on the Prince"s door warily. She knew that His Royal Highness was already awake and rather excited even. "Your Royal Highness... The front courtyard is already leaving!"
Heavy panting and a sharp groan radiated clearly through the cracks of the door. Blus.h.i.+ng, the maid retreated to the side. Although she was separated from the room by a door, she already had a clear understanding of the source of those sounds.
"Ah... Coming... Coming!" Oscar embraced the girl in his arms and thrust frantically.
Little Miss Fenrar Donarte could not comprehend anymore! She did not know how His Royal Highness Prince came to embrace her in his arms, but all that was not important, it was about to come, was it not? Fenrar grasped the little Prince"s shoulder firmly, and let out a last resounding and delightful yelp.
When the prince fiercely wrapped Fenrar in his embrace, everything returned to silence.
"Oscar..." Fenrar relaxed all four limbs. Her snowy white thighs were encircled around his waist in a knot.
Oscar gently patted Fenrar"s back. "Hey! It"s time to get up!"
The young trainee female doctor shot a glare at the little fatty in annoyance. Right, and who was the one who carried her onto the bed without a single explanation before sunrise?
"Brother! It"s me, Sasha! The maid said that you are awake. What are you doing locking the door for? "
"Oh! d.a.m.n it!" Fenrar swiftly separated herself from the prince. Thankfully the prince did not completely tear her clothes into shreds. This little miss hurriedly straightened her clothes and tidied her hair.
Oscar looked up from the bed and smirked at everything that took place. As compared to the anxious young miss, he only needed to pull up his pants and that will be it. "Ola, Sasha! I"m almost done!"
Fenrar was furious! Her skirt hasn"t been let down yet! That wretched chap had stuffed her skirt into his belt for convenience.
Fenrar, anxious and ashamed, finally managed to let down her skirt and step into her shoes. Fortunately the "morning exercise" ended in the nick of time, else the young miss would have seen her widely spread legs and that would have been unthinkable!
With a few stray hairs that failed to be attended to, Fenrar took wide and hurried strides towards the door. At that moment, she did not forget to fling a pillow on the chair towards the prince. This guy was just simply too repulsive! She so hoped that the pillow could smash a huge b.u.mp into his head!
The youngster caught the pillow and seized the opportunity to throw himself onto the bed. Oscar did not expect the situation to become so meaningful. That Fenrar, the one who did not get anxious, worked up or surprised in any situation was now the spitting image of an old cat whose tail was about to be burnt by wildfire.
Fenrar spat at the little prince who had collapsed onto the bed in a bundle, laughing, then shot him a look that said "You little brat, just you wait!"
"Little young miss! Good morning!"
Sasha did not hurry to enter as soon as the room door opened, for she knew that the things that happened inside was something she would rather not witness.
"Hehe, Miss Fenrar, good morning, you seem driven today!"
Fenrar Donarte smiled awkwardly and stepped to the side.
"Ola! Sasha! Come quick! Let me look at you!" His Royal Highness the Prince beckoned to his younger sister.
Sasha entered the room. This young miss shot a sideway glance at Fenrar when she pa.s.sed her. "Do you mind closing door from the outside?"
"Of course not!" Fenrar stood outside and closed the door to the prince"s bedroom. She let out a deep sigh. The look that the young miss last shot her left her in fear and trepidation.
The prince wanted to embrace his sister, but Sasha retreated backwards. "Hurry and wash yourself. I don"t like the odour on your body now."
The prince acted all rogue and tried to pester his sister with a kiss on the cheek.
Sasha exhausted a huge amount of strength before she managed to shut her brother into the bathroom. She suddenly felt that she could not bear the touch of her brother.
"Sasha, I know that you are mad! But you should understand that that is Fenrar and Fenrar means nothing to me!" The prince"s voice travelled out from the bathroom.
"Mhm! Right!" Sasha helped tidy up her brother"s clothes and took a brand new towel from the built-in wardrobe.
"Oh Sasha, why are you so short-tempered? I just told you, Fenrar is my medical intern, you could also think of her as my friend or my female companion but to think that we are lovers, that is a little too much!"
The little young miss opened the bathroom door and gave a fright to her brother inside.
"Hey! You! Where are your manners?"
Sasha refused to comment and tossed the bath towel in her hands. "It sure beats me locking you outside. Should I find a maid for you?"
Oscar hid himself in the depths of the bathtub. He took the bath towel from his sister"s hands in humiliation and anger.
"You little brat! Fine! Get out quick! Don"t forget that we were still young when we last bathed together. And believe or not, but Mam Celia would so beat you up if she knew that you barged in."
"I believe so!" Sasha did not plan on leaving. She mixed the Chinese honey locust soap used for baths with the rose-scented essential oil, and rubbed it on her tiny hands to produce lots of bubbles.
Oscar watched on and shook his head. "No! No! No! What are you trying to do? Don"t tell me you did not hear what I just said?"
Just when the youngster was still feeling suspicious about his sister"s abnormal behavior, a pair of smooth white hands was placed on his back. Oscar immediately fell silent. Although it was a pleasant feeling, Sasha was churning up conflicting emotions within him.
"Brother, who says that after we grow up, we can"t bathe together?"
Oscar turned around. "That"s right! No one set that rule. That means that I could help you rub your back, am I right?"
"Of course!" Sasha replied with extreme confidence.
Oscar felt that he was getting a headache. "Are you insane? Could you not tell that I was joking? And about the issue of bathing together, why don"t you go and ask mam for yourself? It"d be a wonder if she doesn"t beat your face swollen!"
The little young miss patted her brother"s back. "Okay, Okay! Almost done! You can come out now! We should hurry, mam and the others have been waiting for you for quite some time already!"
Oscar shrank into the water and did not dare make a move. Normally, when he was in front of the maids, he was not like this.
"Ola! I was wrong my little young miss! Tell me, just how do you want to punish me before you are satisfied?"
Sasha took the bath towel and wiped her brother"s face. "You were wrong? Where have you wronged? How could it be that I have not notice?"
Oscar knew that if he did not portray a good att.i.tude, there was no way he was leaving the bathroom this morning.
"It"s like this, I should not have gotten involved with Fenrar early in the morning, I should not have shut you outside the door, I should not have used my hand that bears the scent of other women to touch you. I should not have refused your good intentions to serve me, I should not have... Aren"t those enough? My good sister! Please leave! There"s a good girl!"
Sasha c.o.c.ked her head to the side as if she was carefully counting. "Oh! That"s not right! There"s still one matter that you absolutely shouldn"t have done!"
Oscar was indeed lost. He felt like submerging his head into the bathtub and drowning himself.
"Please! What else is there? Just let it be! Forgive me!" Oscar was really somewhat anxious. He has never humbled himself to speak to anyone like this before.
Sasha pretended not to notice her brother"s grimace. She fell silent abruptly. In the end, the little young miss sighed heavily and used the wide bath towel to cover her brother"s head. "Everyone at home is prepared to leave, but the only one missing is Aunty Annie."
The bathroom door shut. The prince pulled down the bath towel covering his head, momentarily at a loss of what to do.
No. 31 Penelope Avenue, the people were already busy since dawn. In every corner, servants and maids were bustling around. Celia was busy entertaining the n.o.bles who rushed there to pay a visit; Ferry and Erbe were organizing manpower to deal with all sorts of gifts for the journey, sent by the n.o.bles early in the morning.
The little prince had nothing to do, so in the end he inspected the items that he brought on him once through. Aside from a weapons holder, it seemed that there was nothing else he brought. After that, he settled himself down on the polar bear sofa with his left hand grasping his machete, while his right hand absentmindedly plucked at the fur on the surface of the sofa"s cover.
Snowstorm rapped on the widely open door of the prince"s study. He was aware that the little fellow did not like to be interrupted when he was in thought. However, from how he saw the current situation, the little prince did not seem to be using his mind. That was how dull he appeared.
"Hey! I say, could we leave now? The d.u.c.h.ess is rus.h.i.+ng us."
"Sit, Paul."
Paul walked to stand directly in front of the prince. "Hey, what"s wrong with you? Now is not the time..."
"Sit!"
Paul sat down.
"How is Annie?"
Paul shrugged his shoulders. "I don"t know. She locked herself in her room since yesterday and this morning she told the d.u.c.h.ess that she did not wish to join the vacation."
Until then, Oscar did not utter a single word. A handful of white polar bear fur was already acc.u.mulating by his feet.
Paul was a little impatient. "Little lad, can"t you just discuss your views with an outsider such as myself?"
The prince was indifferent. Since the King of a.s.sa.s.sins stepped through the door, the prince did not even spare him a glance.
"Since both of you still love each other, then for what reason should you make the situation so stiff? Since you are unable to come to a resolve to end the relations.h.i.+p, then why did you cruelly shove Annie into another"s embrace?"
The prince finally lifted his eyelids, but his tone insinuated a dangerous air. "How do you know this so clearly?"
The King of a.s.sa.s.sins eyed the machete in the prince"s hand. He did not believe that the little lad would stab him because of this matter. "Do not forget, I am Snowstorm, your bodyguard, Snowstorm. I am always by your side at all times, even if you do not perceive my presence, but you should know that you have never left my sight from the moment I agreed to become your bodyguard."
Oscar fixed his gaze on Snowstorm. He was skeptical, but he had no choice but to believe him. If the King of a.s.sa.s.sins were to conceal himself, he reckoned that no one could easily notice his presence.
"Let us talk about Annie. I understand the purpose of your actions and I believe that from your perspective, that would be quite an ideal outcome. However, I think that you have neglected one of the most important point, that is, Annie"s friends.h.i.+p with you."
"I do not know how you and Annie spent all those years in Damorga, but to Annie, according to my observation, she does not regard you as a mere lover, nor does she regard herself as a nanny, as simple as that. She regards you as the heavens and earth, the heavens and earth that is used to hold her up."
"So she would definitely do as you say, marry a good man, give birth to children, because that is what you wish for her to do!"
"So I don"t know whether Annie would truly be happy this way and I also do not know which part of your sanity has been seriously wired wrong. I think that you are just trying to impose your beliefs onto Annie and believe me, this is indeed a tragedy."
At nine in the morning, the Andrew family"s procession finally set off. The five carriages protected by 50 Narcissus knights were slowly merging into the crowd at Victory Square. It seemed that all the people knew that today was the day of return of the heroes. They sprinkled fresh flowers and multicolored confetti towards the procession. And just like before, a merry play was once again staged. The items were the same as it was over the past few hundred years. The people of t.i.tan never lost their cordial respect towards the Andrew family.
In the end, Oscar did not pay a call to Annie but he somehow knew that when he stepped into the carriage in the official residence, Annie will be behind one of the windows wis.h.i.+ng him well.
The prince pulled up the carriage window and the sound of cheering was filtered out. However, the silence in the carriage stirred up turmoil within the youngster.
As soon as Celia mounted the carriage, she immediately started st.i.tching. She had four children and only her youngest son did not have a sweater that was hand-knitted by her. There was still some time before fall. The d.u.c.h.ess did not know when she would next have time to settle down so leisurely, so she must take opportunity of the journey to complete this task.
The restless youngster more or less aggravated the d.u.c.h.ess. The d.u.c.h.ess initially did not plan to interfere too much in her son"s relations.h.i.+p matters, especially the relations.h.i.+ps that have no result, but Annie was indeed a little pitiful, and her son was indeed a little too much.
"Son!" Celia held up the half-completed sweater. "Come and let me compare!"
Oscar clumsily s.h.i.+fted towards his mother. He felt that the thing in his mother"s hands was ridiculous!
"Almost right! Just a little too wide at the collar. How could it be? Did you lose weight?" The d.u.c.h.ess set aside the sweater. She was in a difficult spot, for the collars were not a place that was easily modified.
"There is still time before we set off tomorrow, I think you really should reconsider your decision."
"Reconsider what decision?"
"For goodness sake! You left Annie all alone in Dulin. If your mother was still alive, she would definitely not forgive you!" The d.u.c.h.ess resorted to using Her Royal Highness the Princess" name and she felt that the youngster should be able to get what she meant.
"I do not wish to speak of these things," The youngster paused a moment. "Don"t tell me that you arranged to have Sasha ride in the rear carriage just to speak to me about this matter?"
"Do you not think that we should talk about this?"
"What is there to talk about, Annie has already made up her mind, did she not? Moreover, there is absolutely no outcome for both of us and you know that very well."
"You could at least treat her as... as a lover. You know, as the prince of t.i.tan, no one would dare question the number of lovers you have," Celia said these in exasperation. At first, she was only dissatisfied with the men who were unfaithful to their wives, but when it came to her own youngest son, she could not help but enlighten him on it.
"Mam, how it could it be that even you are saying that. I do not wish to give Annie a status of mistress and that is the main reason I decided to break ties with her."
"But what is wrong with that? Annie is willing and is happy. Why is there a need for you to carry out this arduous and unrewarding task?"
"Mam! Oh G.o.d! You are also a lady. Do you think that a lady would be happy being a mistress? What"s more is that her lover would one day enter a marriage of the church, and even... even have his own children, and once she has children, that would be all the more frightening. That is... Oh for heaven"s sake! Mam! How could you possibly think that Annie would be happy?"
"No, Oscar, Annie is happy. I know her well, and she is a lady who is very easy to please, even if it"s just a little care from you."
"No, no this is not fair! It is not fair to treat a lady this way. Perhaps Annie can tolerate it, but I cannot accept it. I will give my wholehearted love to my woman. If I am unable to achieve that, then what right do I have to continue to have this woman?"
"So in other words, you do not love Annie?"
"I..." Oscar was at a loss for words. He felt that he has indeed got himself into a dead end.
"You are selfish, Oscar! Aside from running away, is there nothing else that you know how to do? I seriously doubt whether you really know how to love after all! Even if you do, Oscar, I admit that the love you portray is incomplete, and is irresponsible." Celia scowled.
"Love is giving, but not entirely. You being unable to give to Annie do not mean that you cannot love her. Because of this, you have completely obliterated your love for her and this is quite extreme. I do not know what you have encountered in Damorga, my pitiful child, just what has caused your affections to become so deformed?"
Oscar felt ice-cold from head to foot. He diverted his line of sight to outside the carriage. Damorga? Yes! Damorga! It has been so long since the youngster last recalled about the things that happened in Damorga. He originally thought that those dust-covered memories had been locked away securely in his memoirs.
Annie! Am I deformed? Am I running away? Annie! The youngster leaned his head on the carriage window. His finger rubbed continuously against the flower basket gla.s.s of the carriage window.
His Majesty Alfa III has not held a large-scale wine reception for a long time. Some of the busybody n.o.bles kept discussing about this. It was true that the Emperor was busy handling matters, but when the His Majesty, who relished fine wine and food, music and dancing did not carry out any huge events, it left these n.o.bles feeling somewhat amazed.
Today the opportunity has finally arrived. The fireworks in the sky above Westberg fort were sufficient to indicate that a large-scale, imperial household"s wine reception was commencing. When t.i.tan"s Imperial household held a wine reception, they would usually use expensive fireworks for the opening ceremony. Speaking of which, the people could not help but mention the atrocious Persians. It was not that these Pagans have never done anything good, for the fireworks, a luxury item that excites people, was brought by them from the far Eastern lands to the Western world.
Alfa III invited all the blue bloods in Dulin. The long-awaited joyous singing and laughter made His Majesty feel oddly over the moon. In fact, the Emperor was just made furious by the secret service"s investigation that afternoon. After all, there was nothing that could infuriate one more than knowing one of your nephews ingeniously robbed you of your a.s.sets. However, the Emperor made up his mind not to bother about these first. For now, he will enjoy the fun. This was the prime principle that Osli Alfa Morisette set for himself all this while.
The purpose of organizing the wine reception was to send off the Andrew family, but it seemed that d.u.c.h.ess Celia was the only one from the Andrew family who showed up at the wine reception"s opening ceremony. However, the n.o.bles did not care about these. Wasn"t the youngster from the Andrew family about to return? Then let them return. Now what mattered most was to gain His Majesty the Emperor"s favor by giving it everything they had. As long as the Emperor was pleased, then things such as having the Ministry of Justice visit in the middle of the night would not happen.
There was a s.h.i.+ft in the atmosphere of the wine reception. Although there were quite a few important people from various families pursuing Madam Celia, practically all the n.o.bles were gathered around the Emperor. Of course, those around the Emperor were those Madams who were dressed in mesmerizing outfits and the important people from various departments who were outrageously intelligent.
Alanis" teasing gaze fell on her father without even trying to stop herself in the very least, and she felt truly sorry for her mother. Her mother had given birth to two sons and three daughters for the Emperor, but aside from a body of ailments, there was nothing else that the Queen gained.
Her Royal Highness the princess hid in room on the second floor of the ballroom. The design of this ballroom was a little like a theater. On the close to twenty over meters tall ceiling were frescos adorned by gold at the outlines. The second floor was cleverly matched with the upper parts of the pillars around the first floor. Exquisite small rooms opened out onto the balconies from the dance floor and right below these small rooms were lounges equipped with sofas. The Emperor was not found there, instead, His Majesty was at a highly conspicuous position where his daughter could see him.
"What are you thinking about?" Alanis withdrew her gaze. She could not stand her hypocritical father.
"Nothing." His Royal Highness Prince O"Neil Andrew Morisette blankly sized up everything in the ballroom.
"Since you are unwilling to divulge, so be it. I have ample time to unearth just what have happened," The princess went closer to the sofa and motioned for Countess Emory to pa.s.s her a cup of coffee.
"No, it really is nothing. I"m just thinking... It seems as if your Emperor father is waving towards us."
Alanis poked her head out. "d.a.m.n it! Turns out we really cannot hide. I"ve already suggested that we leave this place as soon as possible, but the fool that you are was unconcerned!"
Oscar did not hear the princess" complaint. His mind was like glue.
The Emperor saw his little young daughter, his pride! His Majesty raised his wine gla.s.s to his daughter who was at a distance from him and all the n.o.bles discovered t.i.tan Empire"s most dazzling jewel. Alfa III used his other hand to cue the orchestra and the conductor of the orchestra nodded his head knowingly. As soon as His Majesty"s gesture dropped, lively dance music emanated. The n.o.bles broke into a thunderous applause and t.i.tan"s Emperor made a carefree, "inviting" gesture towards his little princess.
Alanis knew that she could no longer hide anymore. Although she loathed her father"s pompous actions, but if her dance companion was the little fatty beside her, she could still consider it as a romantic thing.
Oscar followed the princess and descended the stairs. The Emperor greeted the prince and princess. Only when the ruler of t.i.tan placed his daughter"s hand before Oscar, did the little fatty once again regain some reasoning.
The prince and princess held each other and danced. The youngster gazed into the princess" eyes, not letting a single movement of those double stars escape him. The princess could not bear it anymore and turned her head sideways bashfully, but then again this was not the time for her eyes to be diverted elsewhere. The palm of Alanis" hand was drenched in sweat and she did not know just what was the matter with her.
Oscar did not know that his gaze was fl.u.s.tering the beautiful princess for he was diligently searching through his memories. This dance song... this dance song"s melody has apparently flowed through his heart before.
The Emperor and three cabinet ministers sat in the little box that the princess just used. He has just gotten rid of the nephew who had deceived him. That little boy was displeased at all that was happening at the dance floor and it looked as if he intended to start a fascinating duel.
"Is this okay?" The High official of the Ministry of Justice looked at the young couple and glanced at His Majesty the Emperor whose smile he was unable to make head or tail of.
Alfa III turned his head and looked at the few cabinet ministers seated there. Roment"s face was full of worry, G.o.dzilla was stuffing himself with desserts, and Rudolf was taking in his surroundings with a blank face.
"Heehee! Borghese that little chap definitely can"t resist a challenge; he thinks he is the princess" best suitor, so let him bring his sweet dream down to h.e.l.l! But speaking of consequences, it would depend on the accuracy of Rudolf"s intelligence. If the little prince is not as brilliant as you say he is, Oh! The consequences would be rather severe!" Alfa III"s tone became icy cold.
"It"s "First Kiss" by the previous generation"s G.o.dfather of music, Gru Goolean!" Oscar halted in his dance steps abruptly.
The music ceased, the laughter stopped, and the n.o.ble"s squabbles died down as well. "What did you say?" The princess felt the change.
"This dance song is "First Kiss" by the previous generation"s G.o.dfather of music, Gru Goolean!" Oscar repeated himself quietly. However, the youngster kept a certain detail -- this was Annie"s most favorite song. The young lad thought that he had forgotten it but the scene of Annie and him dancing together kept invading his thoughts. He released his arms that were around the princess.
"My apologies Your Royal Highness Princess, but there is an urgent matter that I need to attend to immediately," Oscar tried to keep himself composed, but his voice was trembling.
"More important than I? More important than this dance?" Alanis" voice was also trembling.
"I apologize!"
Under the gaze of the crowd, Oscar spoke those words. The surrounding n.o.bles took in a breath; they knew that an interesting spectacle was about to unfold.
Oscar walked towards the outside of the hall. The n.o.bles who were adept at arranging a screenplay felt that that scene was like a soldier bidding farewell to his wife and stepping onto the battlefield with resolve.
"Hold it! Apologize to the princess this instant! Or what awaits you would be a duel."
A tall young man stepped out from among the audience of n.o.bles. He was wearing a general"s martial uniform. Oscar squinted his eyes and evaluated the fellow who was blocking his way. The chap was much taller than him, moreover, he was armed and the rapier did not look like just any common rapier.
"I have apologized! Now please excuse me, I need to settle an urgent matter!"
The officer unsheathed his sword and it was followed by alarmed cries all around.
"Then let us duel!"
"Borghese! Step back! Let him leave! He is the prince, you do not have this right!" The princess caught up with the prince, her shame of rejection instantly replaced by worry.
Borghese Kirchhoff aimed his rapier at the prince"s throat. The princess" att.i.tude was unbearable to him. "He is a prince, but you are my G.o.ddess! He should pay the price for his stupidity."
"What do you say Your Royal Highness? Accept the challenge like a child of Andrew! Could it be that your parents had never taught you how to apologize? Oh, I forgot, you were born in Damorga and have never even attended school. Do you mind if I teach you a lesson in their place?" Borghese Kirchhoff recklessly taunted the prince. There was indeed nothing for him to care about; even the Emperor has expressed his hatred for this wild little lad just a moment ago.
Oscar evaluated his surroundings. He still remembered the fighting principles his second brother taught him; to always survey his surroundings and find the most convenient weapon.
The prince"s fury erupted. He did not know where this b.a.s.t.a.r.d came from. He saw Mam Celia hurrying to the scene from the aisle. He suddenly called to mind that he had the world"s most beautiful mother, and a father who loved his son the most in the world. His parents were innocent, so the one who was wrong was naturally this b.a.s.t.a.r.d.
Oscar took a step backward and gently pushed the princess who was supporting him away.
"If that is your wish, then go for it! But I hope you could take a clear look at this first!" The youngster fished out a sheet of doc.u.ment. He initially thought that he would not be able to put it to use in Dulin.
"This is a duel"s declaration of harm signed by His Grand Eminence the Pope and every n.o.ble here bears witness to it! If the results prove that I am not stupid, then you will only be able to gnaw on your remorse in h.e.l.l!"
Looking at the suddenly magnified little prince before him, Borghese Kirchhoff felt as if there was a mistake somewhere. He understood the meaning of a duel"s declaration of harm, but he only wanted to humiliate the little prince. Being a Paladin-in-training, having a duel to the death with a chubby kid was going to get him ridiculed by the people.
Oscar did not allow his opponent the leeway to ponder further. He has already conditioned his breathing and physical body to the a.s.sault mode, and he even thought about countless methods to rip his opponent into shreds. However, Oscar knew that he should end it quickly. He had no weapons; if his opponent"s rapier was as he predicted, then...
"Then let us begin!" Oscar raised his hand and the sheet of doc.u.ment flew into the air.
Borghese"s eyes subconsciously roamed around briefly, and when he looked back, the little lad already disappeared! The n.o.bles" surprised gasps alerted him and he took a step back with lightning speed, instinctively brandis.h.i.+ng his rapier towards the direction of the sound of the oncoming wind.
Oscar had no time to praise his opponent"s adaptive ability. He stooped abruptly to dodge the rapier, his two legs sprang from the ground and hit Borghese like a bullet.
Borghese continued to fall back, fl.u.s.tered. Suddenly, he locked eyes with his opponent"s, which were filled with a merciless killing intent. The penetrating chill did not hinder Borghese"s attack, he was aware that this was indeed a life and death crisis.
The rapier made an unbelievable swerve and struck. The Paladin-in-training"s marvelous fencing earned him applause from everyone. Glinting under the winter light, the point of the rapier was going straight for the chest of His Royal Highness Prince, who was charging at him.
Alanis felt on the verge of tears, she wanted to scream but her throat could not produce a single sound.
Oscar"s charging momentum had yet to wear off and Broghese already sensed that his rapier would sink into his opponent"s exposed chest. However, his opponent"s killing intent was still freezing cold. The paladin-in-training suddenly noticed the little prince"s gaze, and at that moment, he knew that something was not right, it was as if...
Everything took place in a flash. At that moment, Oscar already had his back against the lateral sharp edge of the rapier and was flipping his body. The rapier penetrated through the prince"s coat at the front of his chest, but the prince"s attack had yet to cease. Oscar had completely flipped over his body. His back was to Borghese. When Borghese became aware that he had to strike again, he realized that a powerful force that he could barely resist was radiating through the sword.
Oscar thrust his elbow forcefully backwards and a m.u.f.fled yelp sounded from his opponent"s chest. With his momentum, added with his strength and also his weight, Oscar was sure that the chap at least had six broken ribs!
The stinging pain radiating from his hand enabled Oscar to clearly know he had his opponent"s rapier firmly in his grasp. He violently bent the rapier backwards. He was unable to see, but he could feel the agonized Borghese"s breath on his neck.
"Plop!" A miserable, helpless echo sounded from the rapier. The n.o.bles covered their mouths; they looked on at the Paladin-in-training"s weapon embedded in his own neck in disbelief.
Everything froze. Borghese"s consciousness was already drowned in excruciating pain before his sternum shattered into pieces. He looked at the rapier, indeed, he had carved a b.l.o.o.d.y hole in his neck that could fit a tiny finger. And as for his opponent? What a joke! The b.a.s.t.a.r.d was in his embrace.
Borghese grabbed on tightly to the prince"s lapel. The bent rapier was trying its best to return to its original form and it caused the wound on Borghese"s neck to enlarge little by little. Oscar violently freed the rapier that was already bent into a U shape and a rain of brightly colored blood shot out before his eyes.
The youngster took a few steps forwards and saw the doc.u.ments of life and death slowly floating down and settling by his feet.
Oscar picked it up and used the paper to wipe his palm that was cut opened by the rapier. Borghese"s body fell to the ground. Oscar turned around to look and flung the doc.u.ment full of bloodstains onto the unfortunate chap"s body.
"Guards! Guards!"
"Reporting, Your Royal Highness! Please give us your command." The leader of the knights pushed an opening through the crowd. He stood rigidly before the prince.
"Help me prepare the carriage."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness!" The leader of the knights left the scene swiftly. He already knew the consequences of angering His Royal Highness; he barely dared to look at the corpse on the ground.
Oscar looked at the princess who was trembling and decidedly turned around to leave.