Chapter 109: Mutiny
That afternoon, every TV station in the Lacey Empire was broadcasting the funeral live at Capital Star, Cepheus all at once.
The soldiers of the Glory Legion while under the command of Lieutenant General Victor, escorted a carrier holding "Black Dragon’s" mech fragments, slowly proceeding along the streets of the Capital Star’s central residential districts, moving in unison toward the Imperial Cemetery of Revolutionary Martyrs. Moving forward, a black-and-white photo frame encircled by a floral wreath was placed between the two neat rows of military suspension vehicles, within was a portrait of Marshal Rosen.
The man in the portrait was handsome, his eyes were still, the photo of the Marshal looked so realistic, it looked like he could step right out of it at any moment.
Many people in the Capital Star remember the graceful bearing of the Marshal in his return as he led the Glory Legion through the central starfield victorious, time and time again. However, now, even with the same Glory Legion and the same view, there was no longer the joy of returning triumphant. In its place was the dreadful sight of what remained of a mech and a black-and-white photograph set into a frame. The soldiers carried solemn expressions on their faces, the left arms of their crisp and smooth black military uniforms were all wrapped with an ill-favored black armband.
The funeral music played by the military resonated across the sky, the funeral’s atmosphere was so heavy that for many people, they were unable to keep the tears welling in their eyes from pouring out.
Right at this moment, Ling Yu and Rosen were also among the many tuning into the live TV stream from within Naomi Star’s underground base.
Ling Yu’s gaze fell to the black-and-white portrait on the screen, then rose to meet with the seemingly calm and unperturbed man beside him. He gave a small smile and said: "Marshal, in the eyes of the people of the Empire, you are truly dead and gone."
Rosen paid no mind to his own funeral portrait being plastered on live TV, looking at that black and white photograph, he was even in the mood to make some light jokes: "If my corpse suddenly started moving around during the funeral, Auguste and the rest of their expressions would definitely be quite the sight to see."
Ling Yu spoke pensively: "Auguste Orlando, Head of the Thunder Legion— do you believe that he could be the military’s traitor?"
Rosen fell silent for a moment, then said: "He may not be alone."
Not long after the two had returned, Lin Yuan took the badge he had picked up in a forest on the Po Military Starfield and gave it over to his two fathers for inspection.
Rosen spoke with a steely determination: "If these three badges were indeed left behind nineteen years ago, then the metal material used in the badges won’t be the same as the ones in recent years."
Although they’ll look indistinguishable on a surface level, the badges from more than ten years ago would incorporate a special and rare metal during production.
Ling Yu asked his subordinates to take the badges for in-depth testing of the composition, and sure enough, the badges were dated back to nineteen years ago.
Tying in the scene where Suzaku was being pursued, those three badges were definitely left behind in the Po Military Star’s forest by the Thunder Legion soldiers who were in charge of hunting down Suzaku. The specific cause is still unknown as of now.
Thus leading Ling Yu and Rosen to feel that General Auguste of the Thunder Legion was the traitor who sought to eliminate Ling Yu.
As the commander of the Thunder Legion, Auguste is also the heir of the Orlando Family, the most powerful and influential family in the Empire. His authority is self-evident. Ling Yu wasn’t expecting the military’s traitor to be the highest-ranking figure at the general rank.
But Rosen still said: He’s not alone?
Ling Yu frowned and asked: "Do you mean to say that Auguste has some co-conspirators?"
Rosen nodded: "The Hydra Legion has been transferred to Naomi Star. There are now three legions in the vicinity of the Capital Star. With Auguste’s power alone, he wouldn’t have so much confidence… so from there I can ascertain that he must have a pair of extra helping hands.”
If Auguste, one of the five Imperial generalissimos, has an accomplice, it is highly probable that the other person would also be a big-name ranked at the head of a legion.
Taking Drew and Udir out of the equation,what remained in the realm of possibility was the Star Legion and Phantom Legion.
If two of the major legions joined forces to blockade the space fortress of Cepheus, then, even with the power of him, Rosen, and Drew, it would be extremely difficult to regain a solid hold on Cepheus — Cepheus is the most important political and economic hub in the Empire. It has an amazingly iron-tight defense from the military and the terrain is easy to defend and challenging to mount an attack. The pentagonal space fortress surrounding Cepheus is even more dangerous than a cosmic wormhole, it is impossible to enter without passing through multiple layers of inspection and verification.
The Capital Star in particular is like a tightly wrapped network of security and armed military forces all bundled up into a solid base of defense.
Ling Yu and Rosen shared a look with one another, and at the same time saw a deep concern weighing in each other's eyes.
***
Capital Star, Cemetery of Revolutionary Martyrs.
Lieutenant General Victor of the Glory Legion finally carried the Marshal's funeral portrait to the front of the tombstone. Because the Marshal's skeletal remains could not be found, only the uniforms and badges that represented the Marshal's status were buried in the tomb, as well as some mech fragments of the Black Dragon.
Placing the portrait before the tombstone, the funeral music played once more, the atmosphere of the scene grew all the more melancholy.
General Auguste, who despite his 180 years of age still carried a strength with him donned a dark, nearly black purple military uniform of the highest command. He turned to face the crowd. It was evident that he was to give a eulogy on behalf of the military—
"Today, we have a grand gathering here, and with a very heavy and sorrowful heart, mourn the seventh Marshal of the Empire, the head of the Glory Legion— Rosen Bessemer."
"Rosen on December 1, Cosmic Year 742 was born into an ordinary family on the Capital Star of Cepheus. In Cosmic Year 770, Rosen was admitted to St. Romia Military Academy with full marks in all three main subjects and an exceptional performance record, he then began his career as an imperial officer."
On July 1, Cosmic Year 773, Rosen sailed through graduation on top of his class. Because of his outstanding performance displayed in school, the military awarded him the rank of lieutenant commander, and was assigned to the 10th Division of the Glory Legion. Within short three years, Rosen demonstrated excellent innate skills and talents in commanding. After building up multiple instances of meritorious service on the battlefield with the former legion head, he was promoted to a senior colonel and transferred to the Vanguard Battalion of the Glory Legion as the vice-commander of said Vanguard Battalion…
Deafening silence blanketed the funeral. Only General Auguste’s low voice was carried through a wireless microphone and repeatedly reverberated over the skies above the silent cemetery…
This speech recounted every minuscule tidbit in the life of Rosen. In a mild-mannered and solemn tone, every single one of Rosen's experiences over the years was spoken of, one by one.
What’s strange was that he conveniently forwent noting records of battles that he had shared with Ling Yu and his Dark Night Legion after Rosen served as the commander to the Glory Legion in his speech. He even completely blotted the existence of the Dark Night Legion out of existence and gave all of the credit to Rosen—
Even in the famous battle where even with the numbers going against him, Ling Yu wiped the floor with the 7th Division of the Federation’s Greedy Wolves Legion in the Hylte’s No Man's Land, there wasn’t the slightest mention of the Dark Night Legion. Everything ended up being accredited to Rosen’s name.
Rosen couldn't help a small frown settling on his features—
It was only natural to speak highly while recounting the life of the deceased at a funeral, but even so, Auguste's speech was blown way out of proportion. It was like he was raising him to a status in line with that of a God. Hearing what he said, he was sounding like Rosen was a once in a lifetime genius at commanding. Nothing could make him stray off the path to victory, every move of his led to triumph, even to the point of becoming the moral pillar holding up the Empire?
The masses weren’t completely clear on many details from such events long past, and on top of that, Auguste held a grave expression on his face from start to finish, his tone carried weight with it. The people couldn’t help but take his words as gospel, their emotions were only kicked into high-gear from such a heartfelt speech. The Imperial Marshal's sacrifice brought deep grief and sorrow, some even shed tears on the TV.
Listening to this excessively exaggerated speech, Ling Yu couldn't help but say: "Why is Auguste praising you so much at your funeral?"
Rosen was also at a complete loss. He still remembered that he had been constantly opposed to him leading his legion on the campaign to Naomi Star. Then, out of nowhere Auguste voted in favor and said with a calm, still face: "I believe the Marshal can keep his undefeated record on the battlefield."
As a result, Rosen encountered an ambush from two of the Federation’s legions in the Isville Galaxy.
…the man's scheming truly runs terribly deep.
Rosen looked at the TV screen with a steady face. Auguste still carried the same calm expression from before. He had just finished talking about the battle of Naomi Star and praised the Marshal's glorious feat of winning Naomi Star at the cost of his life up to the heavens. It was obvious that this speech would soon be reaching its end.
Right then, Auguste suddenly paused for a few seconds, his sharp gaze shot directly towards the direction of the camera, he spoke with a mellow tone: "What Rosen valued the most in his entire life was that of the Empire’s people, and what he wanted nothing more than to see was for the Empire to be able to obtain true democracy and freedom! In today's technologically advanced day and age in this great universe, this Empire still adopts an outdated constitutional monarchy, which does nothing to further the development of the Empire."
Ling Yu turned to look back at Rosen, Rosen’s frown fell even heavier on his face, "They want what now?!"
Ling Yu frostily spoke: "I finally understand the whole reason behind the military holding a public funeral!"
Sure enough, Auguste raised his voice and spoke firmly: "The royal family has been nothing but sitting ducks, all the while the Marshal put life and limb on the line to fight on the military front, His Majesty and the Queen have been living their carefree days tucked safely away in the Imperial Palace. In just one day, the money spent in the lavish Imperial Palace exceeds what every single commoner earns in one year combined! Such a royal family is not fit to represent the aspirations and desires of the Empire’s people! At this moment, I hope that every soldier in this Empire can carry on the will of the Marshal, abolish the royal family, and fight for the realization of true democracy!"
Auguste swept his cold gaze across the audience and spoke with a clear voice: "—Salute!"
As the command fell, tens of thousands of the imperial servicemen put their white-gloved hands to the brim of their hats in one single motion.
In tune with the echos of funeral music playing, rounds of artillery were fired off in the midst of the formation!
Bang! Bang! Bang—
Hundreds of miniature artillery shells simultaneously rose to the sky, exploding into dazzling fireworks high up in the skies of the Capital Star!
***
On July 9, Cosmic Year 799, the fourth month following the Lacey Empire’s 600th-anniversary celebration, at the funeral of Marshal Rosen, General Auguste publicly announced the abolition of the royal family, the military and royal family came to arms in a complete civil war.
A new central government was established, the Empire had been renamed as the Republic, and Auguste assumed office as an interim president.
The Thunder Legion immediately surrounded the Lacey Imperial Palace. The Royal Guards suffered heavy casualties. His Majesty Trent and Queen Anna were locked away and unable to leave from inside the closed doors. Under the bombardment of artillery fire, what was once a gorgeous and exquisite palace turned to ruins in an instant.
***
Caesar had been watching the real-time broadcast right there with Lin Yuan and the others. As soon as General Auguste announced the abolition of the royal family, Lin Yuan and Brian’s eyes nearly popped out of their head, they couldn’t dare believe such a sudden change of events would be true!
—So this was what they were after all along!
The military held a public funeral to take advantage of Marshal Rosen's influence over the masses and use Marshal Rosen's dying wish as an excuse to declare war with the royal family!
The so-called will of the Marshal, the so-called for true democracy— it’s all pretty much just an excuse they made up!
However, who will be left to care about such things?
They just need an excuse, an excuse to justify their actions, that’s all!
After Auguste’s speech, the civil war officially started and the TV station stopped live broadcasting. As for the situation in the Imperial Palace, no one knew anything. Caesar repeatedly dialed the communicator in the interior of the palace, but there was no way to connect.
It wasn’t until this moment that he understood why his father asked him not to return to the Capital Star during vacation—
It was all because his father had long since anticipated the possibility of mutiny taking place in the military. As for His Majesty Trent, he had no valid reasons to leave the palace. So while he could sense the impending doom, he could only send away his son ahead of time, lest Caesar also found himself caught up in the whole mess…
Although the Royal Guard was comprised of elite troops devoted to the royal family, it could not be compared to the sheer military strength of the entire Thunder Legion. The two of them were just on such vastly different levels. The king and queen's current state of affairs must be at extreme odds and ends, they may even have been apprehended by the military…
Caesar's nails were tightly shoved into the hollow of his palm, the rims of his eyes burned with the threat of tears!
As His Majesty's dearest little prince, there wasn’t a single thing he could do about anything! He could only look on helplessly as his royal father and mother fell into a deathtrap!
Caesar turned and walked out of the room with a twisted face. Brian wanted to run out after him to give him some comforting words, but Snow gently pulled Brian back, pointed to Lin Yuan, and shook his head.
Brian’s brain short-circuited, when he turned his head, he saw Lin Yuan bolting after him too.
Brian kept silent for a moment before saying in a near whisper: "I never thought it would have come to this. Caesar must be in so much pain right now. Even with my dad, Dad is a prince too, His Majesty's younger brother, he mustn't be taking it well either…"
Snow spoke in a measured tone: “Don’t be so quick to worry, they have the Marshal on their side, he always thinks of a way. Let's go find your dad."
Brian nodded his head: "Alright."
***
By the time Lin Yuan made it out the door, Caesar was already long gone. Lin Yuan scoured the area in relentless worry for what felt like ages and finally found him tucked away in the corner of the observatory.
This observatory was used to detect movements on Naomi Star’s surface, so it was equipped with only the most advanced telescopes, reconnaissance equipment, and as well as a porthole through which a wide expanse of scenery could be surveyed through.
As it came time for the night to fall, Naomi Star would be bathed in natural light from its two moons. Through the porthole, the entirety of the planet's surface has turned into a golden hue under the fantastical glow, even the clouds in the sky were coated in shimmering gold.
Caesar stood there with his back to the door, his straightened back looked particularly rigid, his fingers were held in a tight grip, the veins on the back of his hand were raised, very clearly stifling his extreme sorrow and ire.
He must be worried to death about his mother and father…
The youngest prince, who has always been mild-mannered and calm, now from the view he saw standing behind him looked terribly lonely and helpless. His slightly trembling fingertips revealed the intense worry stirring in their owner’s heart. Seeing Caesar driven to this point, Lin Yuan’s heart felt as it was being crushed, the pain in his heart weighed his tongue down and kept the words stuck in his throat.
After a long while of silence, Lin Yuan took a deep breath, stepped forward, gently pried Caesar's clenched fist open, placed his hand in his palm, and threaded his fingers into his hold.
Caesar tensed and firmly squeezed Lin Yuan's hand.
Lin Yuan spoke softly: "Caesar, don't let this tear you down…"
Seeing that Caesar was still holding his silence, Lin Yuan took a step forward and pulled him into a tender hug, wrapping his fingers tightly around his hand and reassuringly stroking his Alpha’s stiff back with the other.
He never quite knew how to comfort people, he also had never comforted a guy that was both taller and had a steadier head on his shoulders than him. Lin Yuan fumbled a bit in his motions, but for Caesar, such a clumsy attempt at comforting was nevertheless exactly what he needed in this time of need, just that little bit of warmth.
Caesar took in a deep breath, hugged Lin Yuan back with a firm hold, set his chin on his shoulder, and said in a hoarse voice: "I’m so worried about Father and Mother. The Royal Guard just can’t hold their own against the Thunder Legion. Father and the rest may have already…"
Lin Yuan touched his hair in a fit of distress and said softly, "Don't think about everything that could go wrong, perhaps His Majesty has already thought of a way out? Besides… the two of us, no matter what others think, I will always stand by your side."
Caesar was startled, he looked down at Lin Yuan unable to believe his ears, and was nevertheless met with the steely and resilient gaze belonging to the little monster.
Within those clear black eyes was filled so densely with trust and firmness, Lin Yuan said with such an earnest look in his eyes, each word was spoken with careful enunciation: "No matter what others think, I will always stand by your side."
Every word spoken in that line carried thousands of pounds of weight, making him unable to formulate a response in the face of something so moving.
Right at this critical junction of time where life and death are drawn apart only by a hairsbreadth, anyone would be choosing their stance based on their own self-interest. Auguste mobilized a mutiny and the Empire’s royal family had no true power to their name and was simply unable to contend against the military. It was a real possibility that from here on out, the Empire’s royal family would die out completely.
As the heir to the Empire’s throne, Caesar, at the tender age of 18, had nothing to his name apart from his identity as a prince, he had nothing to fall back on.
In such straitened circumstances, Lin Yuan said without a second thought: I will stand by your side!
Although his little monster was a bit slow on the uptake, his words filled Caesar’s heart with strength when it really came down to it.
That's right, he’s not just a helpless prince against the world, he still has Lin Yuan.
Together from this day forward, through the good and the bad, for better, for worse—
His Omega, Lin Yuan.
After continuing to stare at each other face to face, Caesar finally settled his emotions. He lightly touched Lin Yuan’s hair and said in a low voice: "Thank you."
Thank you for being willing to stand beside me without hesitation and bestowing such great warmth and strength upon me when I needed it the most.
Lin Yuan smiled and met Caesar's gaze with the same earnesty, "Don't worry, Dad still owes a debt of life and death to His Majesty. My dad will definitely stand by His Majesty… That old fart Auguste really dares to self-proclaim himself as president, we’ll beat him right back down to the hellhole where he came from!"
Lin Yuan's words were simple and straightforward, but Caesar's mood couldn't help but lighten up.
Seeing how serious his little monster looked, the sorrow and despair that had originally occupied his heart gradually subsided, Caesar finally recovered his calm, he gently tugged Lin Yuan's hand and said: "Go back, your dad might be looking for you."
** *
At the moment, Ling Yu was indeed looking for Xiao Yuan, because he had something important to tell his son.
—The "Nine-Tailed Fox" SS-Class mech had finally reached the final stage of completion, it was only waiting on the first compatibility match between it and it’s master.