The Legend of Carmine

In the Norand, it had almost been 9 months after the confrontation in war with Lapen. However, the last report from Rulean to Emperor Cyanx again stated that Lapen had only concentrated on the defensive formation of the soldiers. There was no sign of attacking.

This had made Cyanx question himself," Why aren't Lapen attacking." This question was lingering in his head. At that time his head butler Leng, who was in his sixties had entered his study room. But, Cyanx was so deep in his thoughts he did not realize that the Head butler Leng's entry. As he came near to the Emperor and stated that his dinner was ready as his order. Head butler Leng noticed that there was no response for Cyanx for a long time. Then, he just artificially coughed to make Cyanx inform him of his presence. This made Cyanx realize that he was lost in his thought.

Of course, Head butler Leng wondered why His Imperial Highness was so lost in his thought. He wondered if something was bothering him. As he knew that Cyanx usually have sharp senses and this was not his nature. Furthermore, he was aware of all his habits. Then, Leng asked, "Your Imperial Majesty, May I ask you if something is bothering you?"

Cyanx, " Nothing major, I was just wondering why Lapen is only focusing on defending its border and not attacking. From recent reports, it has been evident that they have strengthened their military but there is no indication of an attack. I was just thinking could it be a silence before the storm or are they really not intending to attack or are they just pretending so when we lose our guard: Are they planning for a sneak attack?"

"His Imperial Majesty, these are all very interesting assumptions. But if I may say, I think they are not planning to attack."

"Head butler Leng, Why do you think so?"

"His Imperial Majesty. I have served your father as well and I remember that once when we had gone hunting. We ended up near the Lapen's border. That night Lapen had big fireworks and a festival. This was before Late King had begun his conquest. Therefore, the border was not strictly guarded for entry. So, Late King wanted to know the occasion of the celebration. When we inquired it was found out that the Lapen king had announced a festive celebration for the birth of a royal heir a princess. And the people were celebrating with so much joy because they stated that the king had promised his Queen that he will not taken any other concubines. And the princess was finally born to the queen after much-awaited anticipation. I believe since the Lapen's King is getting old and maybe his other sons are still young to handle the throne as the eldest heir is the princess. Hence, I think he is just focusing on defending rather than active attacks as he does not want to make enemies."

Cyan who was listening to each of these words in full concentration suddenly stood up from his dinner and went to his study table.

Head Butler Leng, was shocked and just stammered, " Your Imperial Highness. Your dinner..."

"Head Butler Leng, I am no longer hungry you just gave me an idea. Thank you so much. You will be rewarded for your contribution. Since Lapen has a princess I have got a plan. Butler Leng, you can leave for tonight I have other things to attend to."

Then, Leng left the room, not understanding what Cyanx was thinking.

The next day in the court of Emperor Cyanx.

When all officials and ministers arrived. He said," I have got the latest update from General Rulean and it states that Lapen has strengthened it's military in defence and has no sign of attacking. And I have deduced its cause...."

There was pin-drop silence in the court as they were anticipating the answer.

Then Cyanx continued, "It seems that Lapen's King is not interested in conquering or attacking because he wants to stay safe by not interfering with neighboring nations as his eldest heir is a princess and he does not have a capable crown prince yet to help him in it."

Then, Emperor Cyanx rose from his throne and said, "My loyal subjects; Therefore, I have decided a proposal for a political marriage between Norand and Lapen. So, we can continue our conquest forward in invading Ouran. Lapen is standing like a big obstacle in our conquest. As long as Lapen agrees to be our vassal state through political marriage we will not attack them and also help them to protect them from Ouran invasions."

After this announcement Finance Minister then expressed his concern, " Your Imperial Majesty, Why do we need to purpose for a political marriage for such a small nation. We can just attack it. Besides you cannot take a foreign princess as your Empress."

Cyanx replied, " I understand your concern. And I too believe why should we sacrifice our soldier to obtain the small nation when it can be solved without it. And I am aware of our royal tradition that I cannot take a foreign princess as my Empress. Hence, I am issuing a royal decree of marriage between 2nd prince Rulean and princess of Lapen."

After hearing this answer all officials and ministers in the court agreed to it. Then, a royal decree and a proposal letter were sent to General Rulean.

When the decree reached General Rulean he was furious. He just took his sword out in rage and aimed at the servant who was announcing the decree. And said, "What nonsense are you spouting?" Arol who was in the room tried to reason with Rulean by saying, " Emperor must have thought of something, General. Please do not get angry."

When he heard what Arol said. General Rulean put his sword down but he was still holding it. Arol signaled the messenger to leave the room immediately. Then, Rulean while holding his sword just paced to and for in his tent. And gave a smirk as if got a plan and replied, "Fine, send the proposal to Lapen."