What Do I Stand For?
Chapter Two: Der Teufel
Warnings: My knowledge of the German language; or lack thereof
Disclaimer: Mr.B and I do not own Hetalia or the Middle Ages, or the German language
The guild took care of the large plot of land they owned themselves, farming a few chickens and cows, and maintaining a small garden. They ran a small guild of cobblers on the outskirts of the Germanic town they got most of their business from. They acted like an ordinary guild, gaining apprentices and training them as usual. The apprentices tended to be orphans that wanted to make a living.
Though, they weren't just cobblers. They were much, much more. Secret spies and assassins, revolting against the feudal lord who ruled over them. It wasn't too bad, but the taxes were high enough to force anyone to sell their homes or anything else they owned. Poverty was rampant and the lord didn't even seem to notice. He stood on a high pedestal, not caring for the people who grovelled at his feet, begging for lower taxes and a place to stay. He went around, flirting with any women he thought beautiful enough to bear him children. He tried to keep it secret, especially after the incident with his first child. His first child is was only an urban legend, quickly hidden by the lord himself and seen as an old wives tale. The story didn't give much insight and, many people didn't believe it was true, but for those who did believe there is only one way they can describe the first child. A demon.
There was no other way to describe it. No one knew if it was a boy or girl, or if it even existed. Only fables and tales to allow their imaginations to wander. Some parents used it as a way to scare their children into being good and well mannered. Saying that the demon will come and steal them away at night if they aren't good, or things of that sort. It was horrible, but stories like that were everywhere. The lord didn't mention anything about the first child, but that didn't stop people from questioning him about it. If you were wise you would not say anything at all.
The term 'Der Teufel' came to be a common name for the first child. It was adopted since the lord was Germanic and spoke German fluently. It was a way to mock him without being persecuted. A simple name in German meaning, 'The Demon.' It was a simpler term than 'Ein Kind', or 'One Child.'
But that was just a story. And this was the real world, where Lovino had no time for such bullshit. He had no time to worry about stories to scare children. They were everywhere, and everybody had heard them. Even Romulus had told Feliciano and Lovino a few stories when they were little. Der Teufel was a relatively new story though, beginning not even thirty years ago. Lovino continued to walk through the market, buying clothes and materials along with fruits and vegetables. Everywhere he went he heard mothers threatening their children with Der Teufel.
Suddenly, ringing bells sounded, along with trumpets. The could mean one of two things; the lord, Aldrich, was paying a visit or there was important news. When Lovino saw high banners with the ever so familiar insignia he concluded that it was the lord. People parted quickly as he rode by on a a prized stallion. Lovino rolled his eyes and continued his shopping, pushing through the crowd. People gave him weird looks for not acknowledging the lords presence.
Lovino didn't care. The lord wasn't anyone important in Lovino's eyes. All he did was flaunt around, doing whatever he wanted. Eventually Lovino got tired of the accusing stares and decided to head back home. The walk was tedious boring, especially with the extra weight. The walk wasn't long, but it seemed that way.
Eventually Lovino made it back to the multiple story guild house. He walked calmly through the door, setting the groceries on the nearest surface. Lovino kicked his boots off and walked further into the house, leaving the groceries near the door. He yawned, stretching slightly. Feliciano's singing had woken him up very early, something he hated to do. He hadn't gotten up this early since he was an apprentice, training to become a member.
Slowly Lovino made his way to the kitchen, grabbing a tomato to snack on. It wasn't the most delectable food in the morning but he was too hungry to wait. He bit into the juicy fruit; after breaking through the tough outer skin, it felt like the tomato exploded in his mouth. Juice escaped from its confinement and squirted every which way; running down the side of his mouth. The Italian pulled away, slurping the juices still in the red fruit. He wipe his mouth with the back of his hand before continuing to eat the juicy red tomato. It wasn't enough to quell is hunger, but at least it would hold him off till someone else became hungry enough to cook.
Feliciano, giddy as ever, practically skipped into the kitchen. He noticed his brother eating a tomato and decided to take one as well, as he was rather hungry. As he bit into the red fruit he hurried out of the room and out back, where a few of the apprentices were doing their chores. Feliciano helped them; showing them a quicker, more efficient way of getting eggs. He helped them with a few more things before sending them off the play. He threw the stem of the eaten tomato into the bushes and headed back inside where his grandpa awaited.
Romulus called his two grandsons and the cheerful Spaniard into his study, which was used mainly for non-shoe related business. He began discussing a new mission, dealing with the feudal lord. The small amount of townsfolk who knew about this particular cobbler's guild had begun to complain about the lord. They wished to secretly revolt and they knew if it was in high demand it would mysteriously happen at no cost.
Of course only a select few knew exactly what the cobbler guild did, but they were few and far between. Usually a member of the guild would wander the streets, seeing exactly what the populace wanted; what they needed. Then they would make a final decision of the best action to take, and recently the problems had been the lord.
"We need to do something about Lord Aldrich, now." Was the first thing Romulus said, showing the matter was serious.
"Maybe we could deal with this 'Der Teufel' matter, first," Lovino said jokingly. "It seems to be getting out of hand."
"Lovino, be serious. The lord is an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately," Romulus scolded, a serious air about him. The room's other inhabitants sobered.
"Well, there had been a lot of complaints recently. But they rely on him," Feliciano brought up.
"Only because they have nowhere to go," Antonio countered. "What would we even do?" This time he directed his attention to Romulus.
"Maybe we can overthrow him?" Feliciano suggested.
"Sabotage, maybe?" Lovino wondered.
"Now, now," Romulus said, gaining attention before anyone else could add their two cents, "I say we go bigger."
"Bigger?" Antonio questioned, furrowing his eyebrows.
"Si. I say we assassinate him."
The two young Italians, as well as the Spaniard, were surprised.
"But, Grandpa... wouldn't that cause suspicion?" Feliciano asked.
"Oh, we've dealt with that before," Romulus threw a look towards the sheepish Spaniard. "We can just move. It would be best if we did it soon anyway."
"And the apprentices?" Lovino said.
"They're orphans. They come with us."
"Are we just going to kill Lord Aldrich?" Feliciano questioned curiously.
"No, no, no, my silly grandson. We must plan. And thats where you two come in," he said pointing to his grandsons.
Both Lovino and Feliciano were confused, so Romulus quickly explained.
"You two will need to gather information."
"On what. He's the lord, there is nothing else we need to know," Lovino argued.
"Inside the manor, Lovino. That's where we will look."
A/N: First and foremost I apologize profusely. There is no one to blame, save me and my laziness. I honestly tried to get this out sooner and I talked about it everday. I just wish to give you qualitly work. Also there has been serious matters that take up my time, but no excuses. Thank you very much for bareing with me and for reading the latest installment of 'What do I Stand For?'
Also an added note, a new story will be coming out soon titled 'Those Three Words'. There was something mentioned in this story that may confuse you, it will be cleared up in 'Those Three Words'
I, Mister B, would like to mention that 'Those Three Words' is Spamano and takes place four years before this one. It is not reqruired to read one to understand the other, however. I apologize for any grammer/spelling errors; I cannot catch all, nor am I licensed in the art of beta-ing. I hope you enjoy, and have a happy Saint Valentine's day.