It was loud. That was the first thing Ludwig noticed, surprised to see just how chaotic the meetings really were. The tension was so incredibly thick it could be cut with a knife. That was the childs next observation, as he peeked out from behind Gilbert, taking another breath, trying to settle his thoughts. After all, this was his first time meeting these men, and so much was riding on this. He didn't want to appear weak, but Gilbert had told him to stick close, and Ludwig was, admittedly, all too happy to obey.

Gilbert was on edge. It been clear the entire trip here. They'd left with the warrior in full battle attire, long cape flowing in the wind as they rode, sword strapped on Gilbert's hip. The Prussian's face had held that same fearful expression he had when he'd first found Ludwig, and the blonde boy was glad it wasn't directed at him this time. Surely, the other big brothers couldn't be that bad, right? But it was clear that Gilbert thought otherwise, and was prepared for any and everything that could happen.

Marius, the personification of Saxony, was the first to notice Ludwig, raising a brow and snorting. "Well, well. It seems little Gilbert has been keeping a secret from us all! Surely this scrawny thing isn't the one meant to replace that brat, Dieter! He doesn't even look like he can lift the sword you carry!"

At the mans words, all the other states stopped, turning their attention to the Gilbert and the child behind him. Ulrich, the representative for Bavaria, let out a snort. "Did you really expect any less? After all, this is Gilbert we're talking about! We're lucky the child isn't dead like Dieter!" There was no mistaking the mockery in his voice either.

Something in Ludwig snapped then. Before Gilbert had time to reply, the child had grabbed the Prussians sword and lunged. He kicked the man's knees out from beneath him, dropping the brunette to his own level, his eyes on fire as he pressed him to the wall, sword at his throat. "I may be small, but do not think Gilbert has taught me any less than enough to tear you to pieces if you speak one more ill word of him." He warned.

The room fell absolutely silent, each of the adults staring in stunned shock at the child. That had not been expected at all. "Ludwig." Gilbert's voice cut through the air, snapping Ludwig from his anger. "Come here, Hasi. It's alright." He coaxed, the child giving one last snarl at the brunette under his small hands, before turning and returning the sword to the elder. "These are still family, little Hasi. As much as I'd like to let you kill them…." His voice was absolutely calm as he spoke, making it perfectly clear to the others how little he cared for them. "If I were allowed to do it, it would already have been done. Save it for the battlefield, that time will come."

The child gave a nod, a huff from falling from his lips as he took his seat next to Gilbert. "Anyhow, if you're all ready to shut your filthy mouths and listen; I'll happily explain. This is Ludwig Frederick Beilschmidt, my little brother." There was no mistaking the possessiveness in his voice, even as he wound his fingers with Ludwigs under the table, giving him a reassuring squeeze, though he'd admit it may have been to reassure himself more than his brother. Ludwig's outburst had surprised him. Never had he seen the blonde boy truly anger, and never had he snapped like that and almost caused violence. Yet, he had seemed more protective of Gilbert himself since he had sworn his oath, Gilbert noted. "He appeared about three years ago, and before you ask, I've kept him away long enough to train him to kick any of your asses should you try to touch one hair on his head, that is, if I don't get you first." He paused, hearing the grumbles around the room, before locking eyes on Roderich, a smirk tugging at the Prussian's lips as he once more spoke.

"He is to represent a unified German State. We all know that. Even if you whiny little assholes can't agree on anything, I think none of you are quite stupid enough to not know that. And already, I can see some of you thinking how you can take him over for yourself, but it won't happen. I will strike down anyone who actually who comes within five feet of him, I assure you. Family or not. None of you will take him from me." That was pointedly at Roderich and Elizaveta particularly, even as Elizaveta gave Ludwig a small smile and a wave, the child returning it. She was the only one other than Gilbert in this room that he didn't already hate. How could these men say such cruel things to his brother?

"And what if we don't wish this unity?" Marius once more questioned, an amused look on his face at all of this.

"Then there will be more war." Gilbert said seriously. "If you all won't conceed, Ludwig will, with my help, force your agreement. He has full Prussian backing on this, on the order of King Frederick Wilhelm the third himself. We understand it will take time to reach a deal. I am not expecting change overnight. But this is happening. It needs to happen for our people. Do you not feel it? How they suffer from poverty and the constant wars? Look at how many of us have been stepped on and shoved into the mud by that bastard Napoleon these last decades. Do you really want a repeat of that?" He questioned. Standing, he lifted Ludwig onto his hip, the blonde nation scowling at all those present. "We're leaving now. I see no point wasting any more of our precious time here." Gilbert stated firmly. "We'll look forward to hearing your decisions about what we've discussed." With that, the two left a room full of a stunned nations.

"Did I do good, Gilbert?" Ludwig questioned once they were back on the horse, glancing up at his brother with eager eyes. He was met with a chuckle, and a playful hand ruffling his hair.

"You did perfect, Hasi. Hell, you surprised even me with that outburst. Where did that come from, my little one?" The Prussian questioned, honestly curious for the answer. "I thought Ulrich was going to piss his pants when you put that sword to his neck. But I've never seen you act like that before."

Ludwig gave a little shrug, looking back ahead, his small face unreadable. "He pissed me off." He answered simply. "They had no right to talk about you that way. About Dieter that way. You are my big brother. The one I am promised to. You are mine to protect just as much as you protect me. I know I can not often do as much as you, but be damned if I can't try."

"Language." Gilbert scolded, although there was no real firmness in his tone as he pondered the child's words. Huh. That was unexpected.

When they reached home and informed Frederick of the events of the meeting, the King was absolutely delighted, lifting Ludwig up and spinning him around as he praised him for putting the fear of God into the adults right from the get go. "That really was in your favor, little one. By doing that, you've shown you are no small thing to be taken and tossed around. You are a foe and an ally. You are their equal, not their lesser." He praised, bringing a grin to Ludwig's lips.

Once more, Gilbert felt that jealousy bubbling in his chest. He ached to slap Fredericks hands away from the boy, to tell him not to touch. That he and Adalene were the only ones allowed to touch him. Still, he contained it. It wasn't as though, he could go off on his King.

But there was no mistaking the possessiveness as Gilbert lay a hand on his brother's shoulder. Even Ludwig caught it, and Frederick merely raised a brow at his nation. It amused him sometimes, seeing just how attached Gilbert had gotten to the little one. No one had expected that. How could any of them have seen it coming with how he had acted towards Dieter? With how he had acted with Ludwig himself. But now those days seemed a distant memory.

And as Frederick lay alone in his all too empty bed that night, he couldn't help but think that, really, Gilbert was the lucky one. That perhaps he had needed Ludwig as much as Ludwig needed him.