"Mr Lieutenant General, you have not told us the most interesting part. As compared to the fake army, the expedition team you brought is the key, is it not?" Oscar still had a somewhat childish voice to show his unprecedented prestige. Van Earl was somewhat distracted; he clearly recalled that the Titan throne’s most respected person would use the same tone right before his wrath.
"Ah… Yes… Very well! The expedition team’s men, I was just about to mention them! Haha! They are indeed interesting. If it were not for Thomas Aulet, the Baron’s reminder, I would not have known why we should bring along those who are practically like walking corpses. Were they all brainwashed by opium? In fact, I am somewhat surprised, actually more of frightened. If this whole situation was orchestrated by a single person, then please allow me to vow my loyalty to him. Even though I am the Titan Empire’s Attorney General, but before this brilliant, prudent, powerful criminal, I am like a three-year-old child. I do not wish to meet him in court. That is impossible, absolutely impossible. His great rescue mission is about to succeed. Within the prison, having the support of so many big brothers, the whole West land would be free for him to rampage; Titan Empire’s little Ministry of Justice would not even be any of his concern. Who in the world is he? Why would Thomas the Baron and O’Neil be so secretive? Come on, tell me! Do you not see me as a friend?" Marquis Van Earl was only somewhat curious about the almost fifteen-year-old son of Duke Andrew who was also His Majesty the Emperor’s nephew. The wealthy and powerful mysterious person was the one he really wanted to befriend. It seemed that the mysterious gentleman must've been a person of good virtue and prestige, most probably a foreigner. Otherwise, to rely on his understanding about the Titan Underworld’s power, he would not be this ignorant about that man.
Oscar’s anger towards Marquis Van Earl subsided. Although he had yet to show him the proper respect, but this couldn’t be forced. He did not belong to his underworld. What’s more was that he already made a firm resolution to murder. Thinking about this made Oscar’s mood great. He could not help it and this was not abnormal for him. Every time when he decided to kill a person, he would feel amazingly elated. That feeling was one that only true murderers would have; just like a merchant obtaining a profit, like a farmer getting the harvest.
"My dear Attorney General, sir!" Oscar relaxed the worried expression that he had made. "Your opinion is very dangerous. Despite you being the Empire’s Attorney General, but you will never truly understand the underworld. Not one of the criminals would treat you like a brother. They would rather let you denounce them. Trust me when I say that completely forgetting about that mysterious gentleman would be your best option."
The clever Marquis Van Earl immediately understood Oscar’s meaning. Yes! Although he was forced into participating in this plot, to really let one become associated with criminals would simply be unwise. After all of this is over, he would still be the Empire’s Attorney General, while his companions are the criminals that he should bring to justice. Van Earl already knew that he was a little carried away.
"Ah! Thank you for your reminder, my dear Sir O’Neil Andrew Morisette. Yes, the path taken by that gentleman and I are absolutely different, it’s just that there are some conflicts on this matter that's all. Oh, I will be wary of my words and actions around that man! That gentleman has never existed before, Damorga’s string of events have never happened before, at least I have completely forgotten about them."
Oscar admired this Marquis’ sensitivity and lack of shame. If it wasn’t for his unsalvageable ignorance that had offended him, he might have really considered his vow of loyalty.
"It’s great that you could think that way!" Oscar rose slightly from his seat. He was not stingy in showing friendliness towards a person who was about to die.
"Ola!" Oscar easily spat out his catchphrase. "Since our Marquis has suddenly lost his memory, then let us give him the final explanation! Actually, the situation is really as what the Sir Attorney General said, the plan is as simple as it can be. Lieutenant General, please do not doubt it!"
Damorga prison’s inner fort was filled with unknown eeriness. The already tight surveillance was doubled after the arrival of the Imperial army capital guard’s fourth division. Although Lieutenant General Moranzo Hanning’s subordinates did not agree with the Empire’s cautiousness, these were not things that they had a say in. There was an outright gag order forbidding them from discussing anything about the inner fort’s matter. However this gag order only applied to senior military officials who were somewhat clear about the situation. Normal officers only knew that a few bigshots had arrived in Damorga, which led to a lot of complaints amongst the junior officers. They complained that these bigshots were interfering with their lives. Not only were all their holidays cancelled, but they had even been ordered to only stay in their quarters.
At this moment, the prison cell in Damorga prison’s inner fort that was dusky all year round was brightly lit. The Poison Doctor Percy was with a new companion, nervously working away. All kinds of test tubes and laboratory flasks were filled with poisonous liquids. Under the light of the candle flame, they exhibited mesmerizing colors. Those who knew Percy would at this moment hide far away from him. For even the Poison Doctor’s spit might well be a fatal poison. What more is there to say about the chemicals used in his experiments.
"Under a famous reputation, there is no falsehood." Poison Doctor Percy used a strange language to voice these syllables. "This proverb was taught to me by one of my prison friends from the eastern lands. It means that those with excellent capabilities will definitely be in keeping with all the praise and respect the outside world gives. My dear Sir Sika, you are the most miraculous chemist I have ever met."
That’s right, the one collaborating with the Poison Doctor in doing experiments was Sika from the Prison Plague Prevention and Cure Bureau of the Ministry of Justice. Sika was not here to do jobs like exterminate rats or prevent the spread of communicable diseases. He was the same as the soldiers outside the door, a fake from the head to toe. His true identity was the Crelini clan’s Opium manufacture research head, and in the underworld, he had a nickname as frightening as the Poison Doctor – Sika the "Scorpion".
Sika the "Scorpion" really enjoyed being praised by the "Poison Doctor". Being able to receive praise from this top-notch poison master was something worthy of being proud of. The nicknames of both of these poison experts were accepted as the west lands Underworld’s most lifelike nicknames. Although the "Poison Doctor" used poison to become well known worldwide, but his medical expertise was also as exquisite. Furthermore, he had done a lot of work that was in line with the duties of a true medical doctor. As for the Sika the "Scorpion" who was born in a poppy field, he had hardly anything to do with the medical expertise. Since young, he had always been dealing with opium. His dream was to produce a type of opium that could make the whole West land’s drug addicts bow down and worship him. He was like a scorpion, continuously secreting poison.
"Thank you! Really thank you very much! Also thank you for your crucial formulation. Your famous reputation makes me feel so inferior. After meeting you, only did I understand that all my previous hard work was for nothing!" Sika the Scorpion gazed at Percy admiringly.
"I did not know that the opium I produced, to my surprise, could be explained through pathology. It seems like I should properly study medical arts. But I just don’t know which medical institute would be willing to accept a student such as myself." Sika somewhat mocked himself.
"No! My dear Scorpion! You cannot belittle yourself like this. Good gracious! If any institute accepts a student like you, who has no knowledge of the medical arts, under this circumstance; and produces a genius student who can manufacture first-rate mind control medicine, then this medical institute will definitely go down in history!" Percy said with an immensely sincere expression.
Sika stared at the Poison Doctor’s dark and skinny face for a long time. In the end, he shook his head. "That’s enough! Beloved Mr. Percy! You are joking!"
"No! Sika! If you would allow me, I will introduce you to my medical institute’s Dean for you to get to know more."
"Really?"
"Of course it’s true! Uh… I’m only afraid that they may show up with a group of inspectors from the Ministry of Justice as well!"
"Hahahahahahaha…" Both of them laughed simultaneously.
Both the evil chemists’ pleasant conversation was interrupted by an urgent knock. The one that entered was that fake Lieutenant Colonel!
"Dear gentlemen! I am so glad to see you both so close! I initially did not want to interrupt both you prestigious men, but we have some trouble! Seriously big trouble!"
The Imperial envoy who was truly in control of Marquis Van Earl was actually Sika the Scorpion. When the Crelini clan’s supreme strategist was still debating whether Brother Balance’s plan would work or not, Sika the "Scorpion" was already attracted to the part of the plan involving himself. He really admired Brother Balance’s extraordinary insight! This brother understood the elaborate details of opium exceptionally well. Opium was able to cause one to become addicted and also develop hallucinations during the process of taking it in. In actuality, it did not have the medical nature to control a person’s mind. But according to Sika’s experience, when one is in the process of taking in opium, they are subjected to accept external psychological hints, and thus giving rise to corresponding hallucinations! So Sika delved a step further to refine opium. After numerous experiments, he finally found the opium that could cause one to accept external psychological provocation and transform them into self-thoughts. Up to this moment, the Crelini clan’s godfather made up his mind to devote all his energy in supporting Brother Balance’s plan.
Thus, Sika the "Scorpion" and his subordinates were secretly sent to Cecil Island mafia’s leader, Lord Armani Boaz’s base camp. It was here that Sika and his subordinates met with the future "Imperial envoy expedition team’s" other members. Sika and his men’s job were to use the opium on their hands to brainwash these "Imperial envoys". The plan was carried out swiftly, as soon as they received Poison Doctor Percy’s formulation, the opium’s nature had a fast and obvious effect. Not up to half a month’s time, the "imperial envoys" under Sika and his helper’s continuous hints and instilments, became completely different people. These "Imperial envoys" became gloomy, cunning, cruel, sinister, and their nature changed.
After the incident of an "Imperial envoy" running away, Scorpion had no choice but to reduce the amount of drugs used on them. But this failed to make the "Imperial envoys" behave themselves. They would create trouble from time to time. Even Lord Boaz, who was accustomed to the market, had a headache dealing with them. However, according to the person who knew Brother Balance’s plan inside and out – Lord Boaz, the imperial envoys’ changes undoubtedly brought him great joy, especially that "Imperial envoy" that resembled his father. The old fellow, before taking any of the opium, was considered to be the weakest one among the imperial envoys. But one day, that old fellow burst into his official residence and even molested his mother. Furthermore, he caused a clamor demanding to use domestic discipline to punish the thugs who came to stop him! But all of this made Boaz leap with joy! His real father, that fatherly old man, the mafia clan’s true godfather that had been imprisoned for twenty-three years long, was about to be released!
Lord Armani Boaz’s loyalty towards O’Neil Andrew Morisette probably started since then. Many years ago, inside the secret letter his imprisoned father sent, the elder had mentioned this juvenile and his initial views on the whole situation. The juvenile said, if there were no five hundred thousand men that was the force of 16 divisions, there was no possibility of any equipment that could rescue Damorga prison’s criminals. The only way was to outsmart them.
Since young, the juvenile had already started thinking about the possibility of breaking out of prison. Of course, he did not know he would obtain amnesty one day. If his father had told him earlier that he would be freed, then the juvenile’s childhood might have been very different. However, it did not happen after all. In the eyes of O Neil Andrew Morisette, his imprisonment seemed like it was going to last till eternity. He could only depend on his strength to escape his fate.
Thus, when the juvenile received support from most of the underworld power, the first thing he did was to start carrying out his plan of escape. Despite not thinking thoroughly about the specific details, his planning far ahead allowed him to, for the first time, receive respect from some of the Titan Underworld’s giants. He ordered them to look in the entire mainland for whoever who fit his requirements. Specifically, he was looking for people whose height, physique, appearance incomparably fit the comrades he was going to rescue. They who were used to walking in the Underworld immediately realized the amount of hope the order held. They used countless connections, and mobilized all their resources. After several years, they finally gathered the "bigshots" that the juvenile mentioned!
The initial part of the success of the great escape plan, which was also the final part, was thus made perfect. Sika the "Scorpion" and Percy the "Poison Doctor’s" collaboration in developing opium had successfully caused the supposed bigshot "Imperial envoys" to acknowledge their new status in their hearts. His Majesty the Emperor’s amnesty was the best reason to launch their plans. Only Damorga prison was given amnesty. So then only can the Attorney General reasonably become an Imperial envoy. Likewise, the expedition team could justifiably receive the Empire’s Ministry of Justice’s permit. And only those who came from the Empire’s various divisions could legally enter Damorga.
Despite that when Brother Balance was planning the unprecedented rescue mission and a great degree of it stemmed from his own consideration (If he succeeded, he would definitely become the West land’s only true godfather beneath the Heavens), but this should not suppress his intelligence and wisdom and immense contributions to the whole underworld.
Many many years later, a descendent of a person who knew about the situation revealed the unknown rescue mission. This included the swindling, bribing, kidnapping, poison production; murder and other criminal charges in them in the criminal plan and how it gave rise to a profound impact after being revealed in the West land. Although O’Neil Andrew Morisette, at that era, in the hearts of the people had won a place as respectable as the God of Light Sapriuses, but the whole West land had issued a crusade against him and his descendants. Even though no one could do anything against Andrew, who died an early death, but under the strong backlash from the people, the nobles, and international non-amicable figures, the holy Titan Empire’s Andrew dynasty that was once rich and powerful, went downhill.
The historians who came later did not make it difficult for the brilliant His Majesty Andrew’s era. His plan was named "The Shadow of the God of Light". Although historians criticized the huge and meticulous criminal plan, they all acknowledged that His Majesty Andrew was a great Monarch of the dynasty. This juvenile who was born to the Underworld’s godfather, during his youthful years, ended the rule of the four hundred Titan years long Morisette dynasty. He used his entire life to conquer countless countries and made the holy Titan Empire’s territory, for the first time, border the far Eastern dynasty. The legend written by the Monarch and the criminals during the early years simply could not be compared and discussed to the unfolding of the political, military struggle!
Let us forget about how the later generations judged O’Neil Andrew Morisette. Let us return to the Light Calendar’s 8 April 791 in Damorga. In the Imperial Guard Lieutenant General Moranzo Hanning’s small living room, our story’s little protagonist, little Oscar was doing what others’ his age shouldn’t be doing.
The chubby little Oscar completely let himself sink into the Polar bear sofa. One hand was holding a glass of rum, while another hand wedged a huge Kuba cigar. This was the only thing that little Oscar admired about Moranzo’s place, the former warden’s eye for comfort was still not bad.
Smoking his cigar and tasting the fine wine, the child looked somewhat comical. But Oscar did not think so. He thought it befit his current status as the underworld’s godfather. The king-sized Kuba cigar and genuine ancient rum had been with Moranzo Hanning for almost half his life. Until his later years under the fourth empress strong warning, he completely gave up. Of course, this would be discussed later.
"This time… This time is it completely over?" Moranzo Hanning already had complete faith. He once again sized up the juvenile he had known for ten years. He had no idea that this chubby little body held that kind of frightening wisdom and intelligence.
"Not yet," Oscar said while puffing out circular smoke rings.
"Not.. not yet? Heavens! What are you trying to do?" Moranzo sighed.
"Do not hope for the heavens anymore Moranzo!" Oscar was a little fed up. "Having to explain these things to you is just so draining! Don’t tell me you don’t have even a little imagination? After the imperial envoy’s expedition team that came from Dulin entered Damorga prison, they became convicts! Do you believe it? Oh! Sorry! I forgot to tell you, I admit this was my mistake. Actually, this expedition team really does exist. It’s just that on the way here they met robbers, and these pampered men were massacred! As to who did it, I do not know. I’m only interested in using their corpses to put on a show. Pay attention to the papers from Dulin. You will see the news that these men, on their way from Damorga, came across a landslide and were all killed."
"Devil! You are the Devil! God of light please forgive me! I actually made a deal with the Devil!" Count Moranzo Hanning’s state of mind was somewhat fuzzy.
"Ola! Beloved Count! The God of Light would not let you comfortably live the next half of your life! But the Devil could! Look at yourself! Do not complain anymore! We should go and mingle with those respectable and beautiful ladies and miss’s now! The Devil is not only interested in sinning! What do you say Mr inspection officer? " Little Oscar turned towards the Imperial Envoy’s chancellor and laughed.
"Yes! Sir O Neil Andrew Morisette, I completely agree!"
"That’s settled then! Let us go out. Vick! Vick!"
The confidential secretary outside the door answered in return. "Boss! What are your commands?"
"Ola! You need to look after your house’s Lieutenant General. He is now a multi-millionaire. Moreover, he just drank a few glasses. Careful, he may be seduced by those crazy ladies with an ulterior motive to get into bed with them. Even though he does not have my attractiveness!"
Being ridiculed by Oscar, the close-to-passing-out Lieutenant General could only force a smile.
It’s really troublesome! When Sika saw the Eastern man lying on the ground with foam rising from his mouth and his body twitching incessantly, he charged at his helpers in anger!
"You fools! Idiots! Who gave him the drug? Don’t you know how important he is!"
"Mr Sika! Please believe us! We completely followed the determined drug dosage to medicate him! The Light of God is our witness! This absolute truth! We also do not know why he’s like that!" Sika’s helpers were frightened and knelt on the floor begging for forgiveness.
"Argh! Heavens!" Percy forcefully compressed on the Eastern man’s heart. He was also panicking! This fellow’s pulse was getting weaker! "Sika! You unlucky smelly scorpion! Don’t mind your wretched helpers! Quickly, come help! How did you handle this situation previously? Hurry!"
"Oh! No! Respectable Mr Percy, some things you do not understand! When I am medicating these ‘VIP’s’, I am very cautious. Their drug dosages are controlled to the minimal amount, just because I was afraid that they may have a drug overdose reaction. So they are actually quite adapted to the drugs!"
"Then what about when you were doing your early experiments? Oh! Hurry! Don’t tell me you’ve never used a life person to test the drug’s nature!" Percy cried while carrying the unlucky Eastern man.
"Ah! This… You know, those guys are all slaves. And I don’t know much about the medical arts, so... so..."
"So you didn’t care whether they live or died, is that right? Ah! God of Light! You must please punish this smelly scorpion that disregards human life!" Poison Doctor Percy was so angry that he was speaking somewhat incoherently. He forgot that the God of Light also classified him as one of the demons. "Fine! Everyone make way! Go to my prison cell! Sika, you go too! I am going to resuscitate him. But Sika, you better start praying! I trust that you are extremely clear whose identity this Eastern man is supposed to replace. If this replacement dies, where would you expect Brother Balance to find another Eastern man in such a short time? Oh good gracious! Even if you died a thousand times you still won’t be able to calm Brother’s fury! Heavens! Pray that it is still in time!"
Sika was stunned. It was not his first time hearing about Brother Balance’s glorious name! Furthermore, Armani Boaz had stressed to him before about just how important these replacements were! He suddenly felt that the God of Light really sent him a judgment decree.
Oscar, at Moranzo Hanning’s ball, had everything going his way. That elegant demeanor of his plus the humorous way of talking had the numerous Misses and Madams present deeply attracted. In the eyes of these Misses and Madams, this child who had a fat appearance, was adorable. They had earlier heard that this Damorga’s respected prisoner was about to obtain amnesty right away. His Majesty the Emperor was, for his ten years of imprisonment, going to hand out a generous compensation. For goodness sake! This was as if a gold bar fell from the sky. If they could become this Childe’s lover or even his wife, that would be absolutely wonderful! The God of Light praises love, thank you!
Oscar was clear about the intentions of these shiny-eyed little Madams. Annie intentionally avoided him. It seemed that she did not mind him capturing one or even two beautiful ladies. Oscar was very grateful to Annie. At this moment, he really needed a passionate distraction. Even though Antonia was widely accepted as the most beautiful lady in Damorga, but at the ball, he still discovered a lively, plump and beautiful miss.
Moranzo Hanning’s garden was overgrown with a lot of tall and lush vegetation. Little Oscar brought this beautiful girl and disappeared into the depth of the forest. He took half an hour before he held the girl’s small hand; and another half an hour to let the young miss believe that them meeting was a gift bestowed by the God of Light. Lastly, Oscar, put a precious gemstone ring that gave off gentle rays of light under the moonlight on the young miss’s long slender finger. Seeing the beautiful girl’s eyes that watering with emotion, Oscar let off a deep sigh. It was this simple! One of his hands was on the girl’s slim waist while his other hand covered one of the girl’s breasts that exhibited an air of maturity about them. The girl only slightly resisted, and then happily closed her beautiful eyes.
Oscar was breathing heavily. He had the girl pressed up against a large tree. His hands were as if filled with electricity. The girl’s fair skin under the moonlight was trembling. Oscar pulled open the girl’s evening gown at the breast. His two hands deftly untying her girdle from the back. Her long gown was hung high up at her waist. Oscar was quickly lost in the thrill that was similar to a secret love affair. He forcefully sucked those proud mountains. His fingers were wandering around a warm and wet ocean.
Oscar’s vigilance was as well known as his fairness, habits acquired over many years caused Oscar to wake instantly from the momentary fervor as soon as he heard a faint noise. He only needed to carefully sense it once and he could already be sure that it was the sound of the imperial guards’ military boots stomping on the ground, and that boot’s owner was approaching abnormally cautiously.
The girl dazedly opened her eyes. Her arm was still closely tracing Oscar’s neck.
"My darling! You are my goddess! My precious love for you could be compared to that of the God of Light’s towards the earth. But today has to end here. Someone is coming! Hurry and tidy up! You’re here... here... and here are mine only. I wouldn’t want any other man to share in on these secrets!"
The girl in Oscar’s arms shivered slightly. She gently nibbled on Oscar’s ear. As soon as she left the boy’s arms, she turned and ran into the forest.
Oscar walked while tidying up his already ruffled attire. He saw Vick, and Vick saw him.
"For goodness sake Vick! I just met a fairy. Just when I was trying to communicate with her, you appeared. You don’t seem like the one who enjoys ruining someone else's happy moment. Compensate me a fairy, will you? That one just flew away."
Captain Vick complexion appeared grim. He did not react to Oscar’s teasing. "Boss, don’t you mind the fairy anymore. The one in charge of defending the inner fort, Mr. Colonel wishes that you go over at once."