Prologue

A man weaved through the mounds of rubble that lay on the ground as far as his eyes could see. He was dressed in stained clothes that could easily pass off as rags for rags. Streaks of dirt and soil covered his face. Even se, he didn't seem to mind the least as he had a smile on his lips. Every step he took had a light spring in it. A cheerful whistling tune filled the air.

He couldn't be any more happier. The owner of the factory he worked in suddenly had a change of heart — an early Christmas miracle, judging from the fact that the man was just like Ebenezer Scrooge 24/7 — and gave them a bonus. Sure, it wasn't that much of money to begin with, but it had a tremendous effect on his family's finances. I wonder what I should buy, the man thought. His mind was filled with vivid images of the things he could now afford.

Maybe he could buy a straw doll for Yuki. After all, his only daughter's birthday was coming up. It seemed only fair sine the one she currently had was picked up from the ruins of a demolished shack. Or maybe, a new pair of second-hand boots for Haru. Even though the boy never complained, the man knew that his son was actually embarrassed about the fact that his toes could be seen through his boots. The man was grateful that his son never complained.

Or maybe, he thought with a wide smile on his face. I could finally bring Ritsuka's chain to the silversmith. He had given her a lovely silver necklace when they were married and the clasp had broke several years ago, much to her dismay. Another smile made it's way onto his face as he pictured his loving wife's reaction when she finds out that he got it fixed and polished, the metal gleaming. Just like when she received it. Of course, she would probably chastise him for spending money on that but to him, it was worth every single pound.

"Oi, Soji!"

Soji broke out from his happy thoughts and turned to looks at the person who called him. It was his long-time neighbour, Morinozuka. "Good morning, Mori-san!" He greeted cheerily. He was anything but surprised when his high spirits weren't reciprocated.

Morinozuka lost his entire family when a squad of Britannian soldiers burst into his , house, accusing them of being in cahoots with the terrorists who have been resisting the rule of the mighty empire. That very day, he had just gotten a promotion at work. He had straight away spent it along with his many years of savings and bought a small delicate gold pendant for his wife.

The poor man was utterly crushed when he came back to find his wife and twin sons lifeless in a still-growing pool of bright crimson blood. The usually stoic and calm man immediately lost his composure. He fell to his knees and started crying hysterically, the others trying their best to comfort him but to no avail. He had just lost everything. For a while, everyone feared that he might have lost his sanity as well. He recovered, but was never the same. Ever since then, Morinozuka cut himself off from society, only interacting with others when he deemed it necessary.

"Some people asked for you earlier," Morinozuka said gruffly like always.

Soji's face paled. "What? But it isn't even the end of the month yet!"

Morinozuka shook his head. There was a flash of what looked to be sympathy in his tired eyes. "They looked very serious and important. I don't think they're here for the rent."

That was all the man needed to hear.

He immediately took off running towards the tall run-down building. There was this tiny seed of dread inside him that what happened to Morinozuka was going to happen to him next. Everything around him was a massive blur as he sprinted up the multiple flights of stairs. He burst into the tiny apartment that his family of four called home, panting heavily.

"What do you want from us?" Soji said a little more louder than he intended to.

Two people he had never seen before in his whole life turned to look at him. From the looks of it, they were definitely Britannians. One was a tall and burly man in a neat suit. He seemed to be busy taking in Soji's appearance, a small scowl appearing as he notice the condition of the the panting man's clothes. Soji presumed that the newcomer was a bodyguard. Mainly due to the fact that he had a handgun strapped in a holster around his waist.

The other person was a woman dressed in strangely average clothes for a person who had a bodyguard. He was shocked when she turned to him. She looked to be only around fifteen. Even so, she carried herself with such poise and grace that he immediately deduced that she was of aristocratic upbringing. The man noticed that she was kneeling on the ground next to the low table that was common in Japanese homes, her hands around a chipped tea cup. Just like a Japanese, he mused to himself.

"Soji!"

A woman dressed in a faded kimono hurried out. She was carrying a worn-out tray where the tea set that was the pride of the family was carefully placed on. Soji felt his heart stop. Even after so many years of marriage and hardships, in his eyes, she was still the most beautiful woman in the world.

"Ritsuka!" He said happily, his heart surging with relief.

Ritsuka gently placed the tray on the table before moving ti hug her husband. Both husband and wife were thankful that each other were safe. The strangers observed the exchange with interest, especially the girl. Something incomprehensible flashed in her eyes. Whatever it was, it disappeared almost instantly.

Ritsuka and Soji parted. "Are the children safe?" He questioned. The woman nodded. Just, then, someone cleared their throat. It was the girl.

"That was really touching," she said in Britannian. "But I need to reconfirm something." She turned to Soji. "I trust you must be head of this household, Hiranuma Sojiko?" Soji was taken aback. So far, he had yet to encounter a Britannian who could speak such fluent Japanese. Oh wait, he just had. And that person was right in front of him.

He cleared his throat nervously. "Um, yes, I am. Who are you?"

"A pleasure to be your acquaintance, Hiranuma-san. I am the current Area 11 manager of Excalibur Technologies. You may call me —"

"I've heard about you, Fernandez-san." Soji nearly regretted cutting the girl off when the bodyguard glared at him, but it was true. Everyone in Japa — Area 11 had at some point. Excalibur Technologies was famous for being generous benefactors, supplying funds and supplies for warfare research to the Britannian empire. They had a part to play in the development of Knightmare Frames that brought upon the downfall of old Japan.

Fernandez didn't seem the least offended. "Ah, that makes things easier. I have no need to introduce myself then."

Soji gulped. Due to the sponsoring, the Fernandezs were also close with the Imperial family. He had to mind what he said. "Why have you come here for? Did we do anything wrong?

"On the contrary. You have done nothing wrong at all Quite a clean slate, I have to admit."

Soji furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "What?"

"Hiranuma Sojiko. Born, 7th October 1983. Age, 34. Parents, deceased. Cause of death, car accident in 1988. You were only five then, yes?"

"How —"

"Possesses a masters degree in law. Won quite a number of high-end trials. No criminal record, not even a speeding ticket. Married Aguria Ritsuka, daughter of a businessman on 5th April, 2008. Has two children. Haru, age seven; and Yuki, age five. Current occupation, laborer. Living with family in a low-cost apartment in the Shinjuku Ghetto."

Soji felt his throat turn dry. Ritsuka gasped. How did this teenage girl know so much about his life? He struggled to find his tongue and when he did, his voice sounded unlike his own. "What do you want from us?"

Whatever Fernandez wanted from the Hiranumas, she didn't immediately reply. She slowly took her time, setting the cup down on the table and placed her hands neatly on her lap. The girl turned her eyes to face Soji.

"I would like to offer you a deal."