64Second part of Interlude focuses on Pina and her knights and the three "refugees" with a new friend.
'Yeah.' - Thoughts
"Yeah." - Normal
"Yeah." - Latin or whatever the local language is
Deym - Stressed word #1
Shit - Stressed word #2
Crap - Stressed word #3
This border above symbolizes my general lack of knowledge on writing lemons. Anyways, it basically cuts or changes the scene that is happening in the same exact location.
*Badadumtss* - Sound/Noise
*Example - The word's meaning is on the glossary at the end. I will compile them all after this fic is finished.
XXXX
"We are now masters of our own fate! No longer subordinated to the grasps of corrupt bureaucrats! No longer to be used as pawns! And no longer, to be sent into senseless wars!"
Elite General Davis after the signing of Berlin Accords.
"Politics is like a poison; it slowly infects every part of the society and ruins everything. From work to culture down to fucking education. Bruh."
- Assistant Elite General Juan Matteo
XXXX
March 11, 10:27 PM, Inn somewhere in Borsano Valley
Slowly closing the door behind her, Pina laid herself on a bed in deep thought. It has been two weeks since they left Italica, they haven't heard anything from the town nor from the scouts she left behind, nor did she hear anything from the capital, yet. She did heard of rumors about one or two legions coming to defend the Fort Borsano, but other than that, there is nothing new.
After witnessing the destructive power of the 'Men in Green' back in Italica, she had become very worried about the Empire's future as well as their own future fate.
As the imperial princess is about to go to sleep, someone knocked on the door.
"Can we talk, your highness?" It's Grey. Why does he want to talk? And about what? And at this time?
Opening the door slightly, Pina replied.
"Yes Grey." Pausing to take a breath before continuing. "What do you wanna talk about?"
"You seem to be in deep thought and stressed these past days, your majesty. Some of us noticed it and are worried about you. Can we talk about it?" The veteran knight answered. Pina sighs.
"I guess I need to tell you, as long as you don't tell anyone else." Grey nodded. Taking a deep breath, Pina spoke.
"It's about the 'Men in Green' of 'U-e-em-f' and their power back in Italica. They seem to be... Unstoppable... What will happen to the Empire if our forces aren't able to stand up to them?" Grey knows where this is going, but let the princess continue.
"What will happen to us if we were captured? What about my father? What about me an–" As Pina slowly raised her voice in distress, Grey raised his hand.
"Calm down your majesty, calm down. I understand what you are saying and feeling." Grey glances around if someone is listening to their conversation. "And to be honest, it is hard to disagree. It is sad but indeed true that we can't stand up to the might of these 'Men in Green', and that the Empire is in peril and its days are counted possibly after your father allowed the expedition beyond the Gate."
"If that is so, what should I do to save the Empire?"
Grey narrowed his eyes. "You are entering dangerous waters, your highness. You might get into conflict with the nobles in the senate and even with your father."
"I know Grey I know, but I will try. Either the Empire falls and most of us in shackles or we make peace with these 'Men in Green' and return their people." Pina replied firmly.
"I see, if that is what path you will trek, I respect that, but you must be very cautious or you might get into a situation where the Order cannot help you." The princess nodded.
"I understand. Will you help me Grey?"
The knight deliberated agreeing to the idea due to their past, but he'll stay slightly neutral, for now.
"While Hamilton would definitely will after some convincing as well as a few other knights, I would need time to think about helping you actively." Pina seemed to understand why. Grey glanced around again before speaking.
"One of the people who could possibly help you is Senator Marquis Casel El Tiberius and his cadre of reformists. Have you heard of him?"
"Yes, born from a family of wealthy nobles with connections to merchant guilds. A sort of pacifist, he opposed to many wars my father and my brother have started, no wonder why he is disliked by many in the senate but quite popular among the commoners. Pragmatic and a good diplomat as well, he is the reason why the Northern Rebellion have stopped."
"Correct. His policies advocating for the reform of the economy, the military, the government structure and reconciliation with our vassals are too radical for the majority of the senate to stomach."
"Huh, I wonder why." Pina replied sarcastically. Silence returned before she spoke again. "I hope I manage to convince father somehow, as much as unlikely that is..."
Grey nodded. "And I would like to point out, despite Sir Matteo's strange behavior towards you, he seems to be a kind and honorable man."
Pina widened her eyes when she recalled the AEG's actions.
"Yes I observed that as well, and we talked for a while back in Italica as respectful warriors. Can you explain to me this strange behavior?"
Grey stayed silent figuring out. Pina looked at him quizzically as the old knight thought for some time, which is not a typical behavior of Grey. Soon after, Grey shook his head.
"I apologize, I can't make an opinion about it, your highness. It's up to you what to think of it." After pondering what the veteran have said, Pina sighed.
"I guess I'll have to talk to him if he decides to spare me..." She groaned. After taking deep breath, she asked a different question. "What else do you want to talk about?"
"Nothing, princess. But I do have information that you might want to hear."
"Carry on."
"Several legions from other lands are being sent away to the south. There are also rumors that the emperor ordered more legions to be raised... And that they will be led by the crown prince." Pina cursed under her breath in frustration. That arrogant brother will make everything even worse by his amazing amd superb leadership skills.
"The last one is certainly good news for us..." She said before yawning, making the old knight chuckle.
"I believe it's time for you to rest, princess."
"Good thing you noticed Grey. Good night, and tell the others to have a good night rest."
"I will, your majesty."
XXXX
March 4, 10:15 AM, New Coda Village
(Yes I know this one is earlier)
"Trust me, they won't hurt you." The apostle reassured. Despite the knowledge of who Rory Mercury is and her assurance, Myuute is still nervous every time she saw those 'Men in Black' around ever since her interrogation by them and experiments conducted testing her magic capabilities. After that, she was let go and told to start a new life with the help of the demigoddess of Emroy and a mage.
"H-how could you say so?" Myuute asked as they passed by a patrol of USMP troopers, forcing the siren to hide behind Lelei and Rory with the latter giggling at her.
"Because they protect this town." Lelei answered while Rory waved at the troopers who waved back while observing the apostle carefully as they walk away.
"The people of this village used to be from I used to live, Coda Village, but when these 'U-e-em-f' soldiers alerted us about the Fire Dragon burning a nearby elf village, we decided to evacuate. Thankfully, these soldiers helped us during the evacuation. However, during the journey to their fortress, the dragon appeared but the 'Men in Green' and one of their generals fought and killed the Fire Dragon alongside Rory herself." The mage continued.
"What really? They have slain the Fire Dragon?!" Myuute exclaimed, and Lelei nodded.
"Indeed it is true, even if it sounds impossible. Not even a small group of experienced mages can deal with a creature like the Fire Dragon."
After walking for a few more minutes, the trio arrived at the entrance to the residential part of the town.
"Welcome again Myuute to New Coda Village. Come along, you have one more friend to meet. After that, we'll eat at a tavern of these 'Men in Green'." Rory addressed, smiling at the siren.
"And you won't worry about the money, we will help you with that since we managed to sell a lot of dragon scales recently." Lelei added, with her neutral expression as usual.
Despite her doubts and reservations about these 'Men in Green' and especially those 'Men in Black', she might like living here and start anew. Anxious yet confident, she smiled back and the trio guided her to her new home.
XXXX
Somewhere deep inside the Capital
"We have made contact with few of your people who remained loyal to you. We started giving them assistance for a future independent state after the war."
"Thank you, that is wonderful to hear."
"So, about the plan, have you found a way to put th–"
"Oh yes indeed. Sorry for the interrupting."
"No no it's fine, continue your majesty."
"Drop the honorific, I doubt I'm suitable to be the queen of my own people again. Anyway, I managed to get help from, surprisingly, several servants of the palace. It seems that the crown prince is, let's just say a bit eccentric and irrational at times, which is opposite of his personality of a braggart and a thug, much to the chagrin of the servants who always have to deal with it, including some of his personal royal guards."
"Huh, well that makes our plan a bit easier, I hope, especially those guards. I'm skeptical of their loyalty despite their boss' behavior."
"We can bribe them if that is needed."
"Hmm... Well since your escape is part of it, I guess my men can deal with them. Just make sure to get the servants away to safety. So no need for bribes."
"I understand. But... About those people, are you sure that they will accept me?"
"We will make sure of it. Trust me."
"Thank you, I wish this plan would go smoothly. I shall now take my leave before the crown prince returns."
"Of course, stay safe. Remain strong and don't give up."
"Mhm, of course."
XXXX
Will rework the earlier chapters now.
Stay safe.
Stay strong.
Never give up.