754Chaos engulfed the city for days following the airstrike on the senate building. While there was hardly any 'rough and tumble' sort of violence in the 'better' parts of the city, the vast slums became an impromptu warzone. Panicking people, gangs, guards, proper legionaries, and everyone in between.
The slums became a battlefield unto themselves as rioters clashed with gangs who were both brutalized by the soldiers who came into restore order. Fires raged, stores looted, it was pure chaos.
It might not have been the sole reason for the riots, but it was as good a spark as any.
'Rivers of blood' some called the aftermath once order was finally reestablished. 'The dead outnumbered the living' and other fantastical claims echoed across the city and would no doubt spread beyond the walls in short order.
Exaggerations at best and outright lies at worst.
Only about eight-hundred or so people died, across a city with a population of over a million. A few thousand people were injured to one degree or another, that much is true. Property damage was also extensive with entire city neighborhoods either crispy embers or looted for all their worth.
Small miracle that my establishments were relatively untouched. Perhaps even a mob whipped into a frenzy realized to not bite the hand that fed and provided it. A true example of enlightened self preservation.
Or maybe the guards already there had something to do with it?
And as for the Japanese in the city? They were still here, mostly for two reasons.
First, it is never a good idea to cut all communication with a foreign power, especially when you are at war with them.
Second, and probably the more likely of the two, who wanted to be the first man to march into gunfire? Since the Emperor was in no hurry to boot them out of the city, that meant there would have to be a non-praetorian force going in. Meaning no magic shields to repel bullets.
Either way, the situation was now under control and the senate was about to convene to discuss the 'revelation' of how perilous the situation really was and what to do about the Japanese now more of their capabilities have been shown.
"I'm confident this will end in a satisfactory manner," was the Emperor's response when I questioned him about it over breakfast. "They will extend their hands to us once more soon enough. And with new terms if my instincts are right. Terms more reasonable and palatable than what they gave before."
"What makes you sure?" I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach at those words, my attention fully taken away from the meal before me. "Do you really think we can achieve a victory? Even after everything that has happened?"
"Victory? No," at least had his head on straight by outright dismissing that fantasy. "But the Japanese are far less confident than they present themselves as, and that is to our advantage."
"What makes you say that?"
"Take that for example," he gestured out the window to the ruins of the senate building. "They made an overwhelming display of force after a very public spectacle of their own limitations." The emperor handed another document to a courier letting out a miffed chuckle as he began writing the next document. "It hardly screams confidence."
"You're saying they tipped their hand?" That was… not the worst lesson to reach. Though he was still off on what probably sparked the airstrike. The Japanese citizen that was brutalized under Zorzal. "That this was a knee jerk reaction to meeting some resistance they didn't immediately overcome?"
"It doesn't make us any stronger, or them any less powerful," he quickly added, again showing his frame of mind was more centered then most now. "But it does show concern. Concern that they no longer hold complete domination of our forces in battle."
"Just an overwhelming one," I grimly commented.
"Unfortunately," he agreed, looking down at his food. "When this war began, no one could have anticipated so many unexpected developments. Their weapons, their magic, these are things no one, not even the gods themselves, could have foreseen. Our legions were just wheat to their scythes."
"And you believe shields alone will make them rethink their demands?"
"Alone? No," he sighed. "But it's the threat of what it represents."
"That being?"
"Effort," he motioned for a servant to clear his plate. "We are no longer simply wheat to be harvested at their leisure, now they must work for it. Or so I hope they'll assume."
"A bluff they can call at any time," the Emperor was playing a very dangerous game. "Dragging this conflict out will only lead to more death and destruction on our part."
"Without a doubt," the emperor nodded, "which is why we must end it. Soon. Before the Empire frays from the edges and the last of our strength is sapped away. But we must not appear too eager, after all there is our dignity to consider."
It took a lot of effort to hold back in a snort.
Dignity?
Such an intangible thing.
A comforting concept for the masses and the elite both to cling to.
Granted, the reason the previous terms are so harsh is not just to be punitive, but to encourage the emperor to negotiate better terms. I have no doubt that if degrees of the empire's autotomy were put on the table that these excessive payments and list of demands would magically get revised.
As far as I am concerned, so long as people are not throwing away their rights and freedoms, or giving up too much land and resources, I feel there is no point in rejecting terms that infringe on nebulous concepts. Injured pride as a surprising way of vanishing in a post war economic miracle.
Yet a counterpoint can be that no nation should ever push such severe terms in the first place out of fear it would only encourage further resistance. Who would ever surrender willingly, before their complete annihilation, if they were going to be annihilated by the peace anyway?
I'd like to think that no rational nation state would push such outlandish terms, but I've been proven wrong again and again.
With Francois.
With Russy.
With Germania.
And now Japan…
Again and again, people push for the outrageous and are surprised when reality ensues.
"So that's what today's session will be about?" I didn't even attempt to hide my interest, "to get their support for your peace proposal?"
"It's more support for the peace process," he answered. "An emperor may do as he pleases, but if he disregards the will of the senate he will not be an emperor for long. Their support is not required for peace, but it will make the process…smoother."
"You think someone will actually try to keep the conflict going? After all of this?" That was just…insane.
"I think many have deluded themselves into thinking that fault for our failures lies in the flagging conviction of our soldiers or the inadequacy of their leaders. If only our legions were filled with more fervor, led by great men worthy of their titles. Then victory would be ours."
"And who do you think is the 'great man' they are rallying around?"
"Who do you think you will rally around?" he parroted my own question back to me.
It took less than a moment to realize who he was talking about "...that's ridiculous. Zorzal has no experience in politics," and is a failure of a military leader to boot!
"Most would see that as a boon rather than a fault," the Emperor commented. "After all, if he has any questions or concerns, who better to ask than his loyal backers?"
"Shouldn't they be concerned with associating themselves with him after that incident?"
"Strange you should say that," he frowned. "There have been rumors abound about what 'actually' happened that night. They say that I'm lying about everything. Zorzal, in fact, heroically fought against the Japanese warrior woman to protect me and you, fighting her to a standstill before she could even lay a hand on us. But rather than cutting her down, his honor demanded he allow her to live. The Japanese, primitive as they are, refused to accept this outcome, stealing one of his concubines for themselves and destroying the Senate building in a fit of childish rage."
"..you're joking." There was propaganda, and then…that.
"It would be a poor joke if I was," his face scrunched up in frustration, "and no matter how many drunks and fools repeating this trite are dragged off the street the story keeps spreading. I can only assume someone is actively spreading it."
"But not Zorzal himself."
"No, not him," the Emperor agreed. "He has spent the last few days in his palace indulging his baser urges. No, someone has been spreading them in his name. But who? That is the question."
"But people don't believe that nonsense, right? There were witnesses, people who would have told everyone what they saw."
"Most aren't paying this any mind, but enough are." That was a sobering prospect. But I've seen people believe in far crazier things.
Like a war being over by christmas...
The Emperor said a few more words to me before excusing himself.
Left alone once more, I decided that I probably needed to take measure of the 'pulse' of the current political climate to make sure everything was going in a direction I could work with. Too much was changing too fast for me to just wing it..
And luckily there was a place within walking distance for me to do just that.
I waited a few hours before leaving the palace for the senate building myself.
Long enough for the session to have ended and the senators to be conversing with one another. I swore I could see Pina and Zorzal's inner circles rushing off in different directions by the time I arrived. No doubt to figure out their next moves.
As for my next move, I was joined by Gaius, and a small escort of my personal retinue as I approached the bombed out building. That it even had walls still standing was either testament to the engineering of the structure, or was evidence of how low a yield the explosive used was.
"This all feels like some poignant political commentary," Gaius decided now was the time to chime in with some 'witty' comments as the senators left the chamber; or at least what had been the chamber. "Holding sessions in the literal ruins of their forum."
"Senators are sticklers for tradition," I quipped back, senators parting before our party as we proceeded 'inside'.
"You would think they'd hold their session anywhere other than the one place that was destroyed by the Japanese."
"Like I said, sticklers for tradition," before I could banter further, I noticed one of my escorts had stopped at the entrance. A Warrior Bunny, her eyes at the ground just looking at the imagined threshold between outside and 'inside'. "Is something wrong?"
"N-no, your highness," she straightened her back, ears giving off a nervous twitch, "I will remain outside and-"
"I didn't give such an order."
"Oh… I mean, I had assumed that…given where we are that is that I would…." As she stumbled over her words, it was easy enough for me to gather what she was going on about.
"I believe the Senators inside have more pressing matters to deal with than forcing one of my retinue to wait outside like some pet."
"Your Highness I…I don't mean disrespect, but I think you need to be aware how-"
"And if anyone wishes to make a big deal out of this, I will remind them that there are more important things to be dealing with then enforcing ridiculous race laws in the literal ruins of the senate."
I was keenly aware of all the eyes on me from that little outburst, and their terrible attempts to appear as if they were not paying attention, but I had too much to deal with right now to even entertain such stupid laws. Once again, I reveled in the nepotism of my familial ties.
"So, does that answer your question?"
"...Yes, your highness," with a nod, the woman quickly returned to the adhoc formation
Senators were everywhere, huddled together into large and small groups. All the hushed whispers and soft words melded into almost a single background sound.
"Ah the bleeding heart of the young princess," I heard Gaius whisper just loud enough for me to catch. "Sheltered to the harsh ways of the real world. Her innocence is truly the greatest treasure of our Empire."
I felt my eye twitch.
Examining the senators themselves, they all looked very much worse for wear. Their clothes may be pristine, but their expressions spoke of sleep deprivation and anxiety. I suppose an airstrike and days of endless rioting would keep one on alert.
"She is simply too pure for this sinful world. A maiden in body, mind, and soul."
I wouldn't even be surprised if they all redoubled their personal guards. Making an already tense situation worse than dozens of wealthy, politically connected, people are walking around with their own private security forces. Add some heated partisanship to the mix and a bloodbath is inevitable.
The only question is who will strike first, and how do I make sure no one goes after me or what I own?
"Her innocence must be protected at all costs."
"I can have you executed at any time," I whispered in turn, giving no indication of my mood, waving to the senators we passed. "I've heard crucifixion is a slow death."
"Eh, ruin all my fun why don't you," he snickered. "I was just guessing how others will recount the scene at the doorway."
"They ought to be more concerned with the powerful demi human warrior now walking the halls, or about how she is here at my request. Not some bleeding heart nonsense."
"Bleeding heart nonsense that you've actively cultivated over the years?" I held in a groan, I hated it when he was right. "But more important than that, your version of events are not fun to gossip about at all."
"That's-"
"Your highness!" a senator rushed from the crowd towards me, only a gesture from myself kept him from being dogpiled by my guards. "Pardon. Pardon. Excuse me my lords. Y-your Highness!"
"Senator Godasen," I recognized, he looked worse for wear. "It's good to see you again."
"The pleasure is mine, your Highness," he bowed, "but I must ask, what brings you here?"
"Curiosity," a quick glance around showed that our conversation had already gained an audience. Wonderful."I actually came to get a read on the current feelings of the Senate. With the war and everything going on."
"Oh this damnable war," Godasen wiped the sweat from his face. "Four hours in the sweltering heat doing nothing but talking in circles about it."
"And those circles being what exactly?"
"Many call for further war with your brother, many demand peace with your sister, yet many, many, more are still too shocked by everything to go one way or the other. "
That's about what I expected.
"What about you, senator?" I decided to question the man.
"Me?" He seemed caught off guard, but quickly recovered. "W-well I don't want the war to continue but…"
"But?" I pressed.
"But…I just wish there was some middle ground to work with," he answered, though from his tone you'd think he was admitting to some horrid crime. "Both groups forming are too polarizing for my tastes. I don't want a war that will destroy the Empire, but neither do I want a peace that will result in the same thing."
"So that's the feeling then," I mused aloud. It looks like the 'shock and awe' the Japanese were doing was having an effect. What was concerning is that some were still digging their heels in the ground and not budging.
"But I am not alone in my concerns," Godasen quickly added. "Many feel just as I do. Take that Victrix boy and the Populists for example. They feel either path provided right now will negatively impact the citizenry. And the Monetarists are clutching their coin purses in a death grip worried the Japanese will end the slave trade."
"The Japanese have said they wanted to end the slave trade?" As much as I was all for emancipation, done incorrectly it could be a poison pill to any peace talks.
"Not exactly," the mage rang his hands. "Rumor has it that they don't have slaves beyond the Gate, of any kind, and that the very practice disgusts them. While they haven't said anything official about it, they have issued some decrees from Alnus that point to it being a very real possibility."
"Decrees?" Did I miss something? "When did that happen."
"Apologies, but 'decree' may be too strong a word. It's more like notices for merchants wishing to do business in Alnus," Godasen explained. "Any slave that reaches their encampment shall be considered free, regardless of the nature of their bondage. Additionally, anyone in possession of slaves entering Alnus will have their slaves unilaterally emancipated and the owner incarcerated."
"That's…" not as bad as it could have been.
"It's the uncertainty that's the worst of it. There are even those that say that since the Japanese seek to destroy our Empire economically we must keep fighting. If only out of spite."
"And that's the root of it all?"
"No, it's merely the topic that started up the arguments once again," he rubbed the back of his neck. "The root, as you say, is that we don't know what they really want."
"Don't we still have the previous terms they offered, or is there concern the Japanese might have changed them since the ai-…attack," I caught myself before I called it an 'airstrike'.
"Those weren't terms," the senator shook his head, "that was a list of impossible and fantastical demands. They asked for more gold than has ever been mined in all of Falmart's history! I know that in peace talks it is common to begin with demands that are more than what you wish, so reducing them to what you actually want can be seen as a concession, but this crossed the line into fantasy."
"I think I'm starting to understand, senator," I put together what he said in my head and put it into the perspective of a pre-modern society. "People are worried the Japanese aren't negotiating in good faith."
"That it is, your highness," he agreed. "Your sister has been adamant that the Japanese are treating us in good faith, that they wish for an end to the war, but their actions alone speak louder than anything she has told us. Perhaps if the disparity in strength was not so overwhelming it would be different, but alas…"
"Why would they hold to any terms that are made?"
"Percisily," again he agreed, "if we make peace today, who's to say that we won't be destroyed tomorrow?"
And that was the crux of the issue. The Japanese were so overwhelmingly powerful that there were no drawbacks to them breaking any terms they laid out. After all, what penalties would there be in breaking the treaty the moment they build up their logistics network to expand their operations deeper into Falmart?
Not that the Japanese would ever 'destroy' the Empire as these people are probably thinking. No barbarian despoilment or mass enslavement of the population.
In all likelihood, the Japanese would just prop up a collaborationist state with a veneer of legitimacy.
Credit where it's due that Pina, of all people, beat everyone to that punch. Knowingly or otherwise, she's positioned herself as a 'pro-Japan moderate' in the eyes of the Japanese.
And I don't actually have a problem with that.
Why would I want to be the puppet ruler whose strings get pulled? To say nothing of the hate that will be directed at her.
Now, the best case scenario of all this for me would be keeping my royal title and privileged position in society while supporting the new government. Not being lynched by the mob for 'selling out to the barbarians' would also be good I supposed. Still, if all goes well I will fully envelop myself in all manner of modernity from beyond the Gate; television, internet, coffee, all the pleasures of the modern world.
Of course I would be willing to accept exile, preferably to Earth, if required.
Assuming the European nobility is still a thing in this strange Earth, I could probably integrate myself into those social circles as a curiosity if nothing else. All the while financing a comfortable lifestyle with some exclusive interviews and selling first hand account books of Falmart life. That has to be worth something to someone on Earth.
All that stands in the way of that peaceful transition is, well, peace.
Honestly, the biggest issue here is that both parties are speaking completely different cultural languages. One a modern nation state, the other a medieval society. How can I prove I am not in any way like 'those' Saderans so I don't get swept up in some manner of government purge or whatever it is the Japanese state will demand once it archives victory?
…actually that gives me an idea.
"Senator Godasen, perhaps there is something I can do about that," I looked at Gaius, who was already grinning in anticipation.
"Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice, Mr. Sugawara."
As it turns out, Pina was more then willing to arrange a meeting with Mr. Sugawara. Perhaps a little too willing now that I think of it.
No, no, don't overthink it. She's probably just excited that someone else in the imperial family wants to talk with the Japanese.
Two checkpoints later, one headed by Pina's knights, the other by local JSDF soldiers, and a short twenty minute wait in a lobby and I was seated before the negotiator himself. My retinue remained outside while I met the man alone.
"Think nothing of it, " the diplomat commented, gesturing to a seat across from him. "Despite recent events, Japan is still committed to ending the current conflict with the Empire and facilitating greater understanding between our peoples."
I settled into the seat, feeling the blow of air conditioning for the first time in so many years on my face. Energy hummed around the room from various machines and the very lights themselves.
"I never did get the chance to properly thank you for saving my life," the man began.
"There's nothing to thank me about," I dismissed the praise, "I would have been smashed too if I did nothing."
"There's no need to be humble, your highness," he let out a light hearted chuckle. "To be honest, what you did was amazing. I've never seen magic before, or real magic that is.
"No, no, nothing like that," I took a deep breath, ready to lay my cards on the table to get this ball rolling. "To get straight to the point, I believe I can help you in finding your missing citizens."
"..pardon?" He looked surprised.
"Your citizens, the ones taken in the Empire's initial attack," I clarified, "I can help you find them."
"That's…quite the offer," he collected himself, "though I am a little confused. You want to help us?"
"I'm not sure if you are aware, but I am something of an abolitionist myself," careful, don't come across as too proud. "I have never approved of the institution of slavery. The fact that it is that very institution that is prolonging this conflict only makes my views on it all the more correct."
"I would argue that our citizens' capture is hardly the only thing prolonging this conflict," Sugawara countered. "But yes, their safe return is the highest priority right now since Ms. Mochizuki's recovery. The… condition she was in has caused a great deal of concern among my superiors back in Japan."
"It was horrific," I quickly agreed. "Something that should have never been allowed to happen."
"Your own brother was the one who caused it," he watched for any reaction on my part. Was he trying to trip me up and admit to some guilt by association nonsense? "I understand that slavery is a fact of life here in the Empire, but back in Japan it is illegal and considered a crime against humanity."
It took everything I had to hold in a snarky comment about 'black companies' in Japan.
"And as I said," come on, keep a straight face, "I agree, hence why I am an abolitionist. My sister must have told you at least a little about me before we met, or even Sherry for that matter. I've never made my views on slavery a secret."
"She did mention something about that," his eyes flicked to the side, as if checking something. "Commendable as it is, and all the other things you do are, I have to ask if you don't see some hypocrisy in your actions?".
"Hypocrisy?"
"Your funding slavers to free slaves," he explained. "Don't you think it's hypocritical to fund the very trade you aim to oppose?"
"I'm not funding anything, I am pursuing the path of least resistance that satisfies all parties. The slave trader gets money and the slave their freedom."
"But what do you get?"
"Hmm?"
"If your sister and friend are right," with how casually it was said, I wonder if he even noticed he just admitted to pumping my friend (associated?) for information about me. "You've been doing this for years."
"And?" Crap, I hoped he would have just taken what I said at face value.
"And that would mean you were even less than ten when you started all of this humanitarianism. That is… not common in Japan."
"I want to help, so let me show how I can help you," I decided to approach this in another direction. "Give me a few days, and I can see what my people can find out. Since I already have contacts in the slave markets it won't be much trouble getting information. Given how unique Japanese look compared to most here in Falmart, I'm sure they will stand out. And if I can't find exactly where they are, I'll know where to look for them."
"Why not just provide us with that information and let us recover our people?"
….Crap that's actually a really good point.
"That would be a very bad idea," I smoothly transitioned, I can hardly ingratiate myself if they do all the work.
"Oh? Why's that?" he pressed.
"I can't guarantee their safety otherwise," I picked the first possible 'reason' that came to mind. A very weak one, I admit, but I don't have much to work with here that wouldn't reveal I had many Japanese people in my care already.
"You can't guarantee their safety?" that got a brow raised.
Shit, that came out wrong.
"What I mean is, you can't just go around guns blazing and hope to shoot your way out of every problem," I explain. "People can get hurt, both directly and indirectly."
"Indirectly…" he mused over the word, his expression shifted. "No, I suppose no one would want that."
There we go, the gears are finally moving!
"So please let me do what I've been doing for years," I put my best 'innocent' face on display. It always felt so fake to put on that mask, but it always does the trick. "Let me help you."
Sugawara said nothing, just staring at me, then nodded.
We talked a bit more about the particulars, how to be in contact, best times to send messages to one another, and even gave me a 'guest pass' to get into the Jade Palace whenever I felt like it.
A firm handshake sealed our deal and I departed to 'find' their missing people.
Now I just had to make sure that all the people were still where I put them days ago and were ready to be moved on short notice. But not before some memories were altered slightly to keep up a correct timeline of events.
"Okay, you're going to have to run that one by me again."
"There is something up with that girl," Sugawara drummed his fingers on the table as he spoke with his supervisor. "I don't know if it's sociopathy or magic, or something else but she is way too smart."
From the first time he met Princess Pina's sister at the palace, something just felt off about the girl. The way she conducted herself, the way she spoke, hell the fact her Japanese was nearly perfect. And then there were all the questions about the United States.
And she pressed him about it, digging into details that were uncomfortable to talk about given the Foreign Ministry's stance on the matter..
It felt disturbing to be caught so off guard.
But with the whole mess with Miss Mochizuki, that debacle in the palace, and the airstrike, he had almost put the girl completely out of his mind. He had to run ragged across half the city trying to fix what the military nearly shattered.
Those military types are so self conscious about being upstaged one time, that they had to go and almost set his efforts back to square one!
So Sugawara was surprised when Pina came to him saying her sister wants to speak with him. The woman was hoping that he could make her sister lean on their father to push for a quick peace with Japan. It was surprising to hear someone admit who the family favorite was, or how matter of fact it was, but he was hardly going to turn away any help he could get.
Pina told him everything she knew about the young princess, the intelligence, magical ability, her altruistic hobbies, all of it got noted in the girl's dossier. He even questioned Sherry about her after learning off handily from the girl that she was friends with her.
He felt more than confident that this meeting he would be the one to come out on top, to get the girl to feel guilt by emphasizing her brother's role in their citizen's treatment, and get her off balance.
And yet she clearly out maneuvered him.
She knew where their people were already. He could feel it in his very bones. Her whole song and dance about finding them was just a ploy to make them think she was actively looking for them. And when she 'finds' them she'll ask for something.
What that might be, he had no idea.
People back in Tokyo were worried about Emperor Molt's political scheming dragging the conflict out now that he thinks he might have an answer to Japanese small arms. Some write up reports of Prince Zorzal's cruelty and clear sociopathy and the threat it may pose to Japan if he ever took the throne. There were even some 'doomsday scenarios' like Princess Pina being assassinated to deprive Japan of a possible ally in the region.
But it was clear to him they were looking in the wrong places for possible threats or upsets.
Princess Tanya Augustus was the one they needed to worry about. The schemer in the guise of a sweet little girl who had wrapped so many people around her finger. She was planning something, and he feared she viewed the JSDF as new pieces on a board to play with.
"I really think you're overthinking this, Koji."
He just needed to make everyone else see it.
"This girl knows way more than she is supposed to! What kid just casually admits to holding our citizens for ransom if we don't do as she says?"
"We're still talking about the girl that frees slaves and funds clinics for the poor in her spare time right?"
"I'm certain that's all just a front, sir."
"Ugh… Koji.."
"What's better than hiding in plain sight? The fact we are even having this discussion is proof that it's working."
"I have far too much on my plate to be dealing with this."
"Sir-"
"There's been a sea of reporters trying to get in ever since some serviceman in Alnus posted about that Noriko girl's rescue on social media. So beyond having thousands of angry people demanding we rescue their loved ones, we also have to deal with the fact that apparently there is a place near the Gate on your side that can still get a cell signal. Do you even understand how crazy it is over here?"
"I understand sir-"
"No you clearly don't. Otherwise you won't be trying to save face after you got embarrassed by some girl on that side clearly knowing enough about us to make things awkward for us. Heads are already rolling in Public Security for letting that much through. There are active crisis meetings trying to figure out if we were just complacent or if foreign agents helped them smuggle more than they should have back."
"But sir, I think-"
"Look, you want my personal opinion on this?" the man let out an exasperated sigh over the line. "I think this is an attempt by a sheltered girl to smooth over relations as best she can after that incident at the palace, not some vast machiavellian scheme to blackmail us with our people. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one."
"Sir that can be a dangerous-"
"Enough damn it!" Sugawara winced from his voice. "If nothing comes of this, then we wash our hands and give her a pat on the back for the effort. But if she does manage to find even a single person, it's your job to get them home. Am I clear?"
"...yes sir."
"And if she was doing just that? So what? You're a trained diplomat, she's a thirteen year old girl, I'm confident you can outsmart her if she tries anything."
"I… understand sir."
"Good. If we're lucky maybe she can even help Princess Pina put some pressure on her father, get him to back down before he drags his whole nation with him off the side of a cliff."
The call ended before he could even respond.
Exhausted, he put the phone down and sat down at his desk.
Perhaps his fellow citizens would be freed from whatever bondage they were under right now. They'd show up in a few days and get transferred to Alnus base, get a full check up and be driven back through the Gate to their families.
The people would celebrate their return, the government gets to have a victory lap, everyone in the Jade Palace would probably get an award for arranging their return, and the world would move on.
Yet Sugawara couldn't help but feel that to get all of this, he just made a deal with some sort of devil.
AN: Finally. To many revisions later, and here we are! We're doing this live!
So yeah, new arc, probably shorter than the others (so far). More of a transitory phase if you catch my drift.
I actually almost wrote more to this chapter, but that is on the backburning for next time.
Now excuse me, I must return to the MidasBunker to toil once more on a ton of other stuff~