Stern Ritters came to the throne room, where they were called by the Emperor and lined up before the throne, preparing to listen to what His Majesty had to say.
"A couple of days ago I checked the reports concerning your power status. And after examining that data I found out that level of your abilities and battle power is gradually going down."-Juha Bach said, frowning slightly.-"It's not a very pleasant finding, since I was going to send you on an important mission in the near future."
Stern Ritters quickly exchanged slightly worried glances with each other.
"So, from now on you have to start training really hard to be ready for it."-the Emperor resumed his speech.-"I don't want to lose the most part of my best soldiers during that mission. You'd better put all your effort in your training. Because after a few days I will check your statistics again. If you don't want to have problems, you should start training as fast as possible."
After the meeting His Majesty called Haschwald with him.
"I think you should train a bit too."-Juha Bach said.-"I would like to help you with your training. I hope you won't be against my company."
Soon two Quincies came to the training room. His Majesty summoned his sword and Haschwald did the same. Though, the blond Quincy looked somewhat sad for some reason.
"Eh... Actually, I don't want to fight against Your Majesty. Because..."-Haschwald said, lowering his eyes.
"It's all right, Haschwald. I wasn't going to tell you to attack me."-the Emperor said, patting the soldier on the head.-"On the contrary, I would like to check your defense and reaction to sudden attacks. You should just block or parry them without counterattacking. Understood?"
Haschwald nodded and took up a fighting stance. After that the Emperor quickly summoned the Shadow and disappeared out of sight.
The blond Quincy concentrated, waiting for an attack. Suddenly he felt something and quickly blocked the Emperor's sword, which appeared on the right a moment ago. However, the attack wasn't aimed directly at Haschwald. His Majesty stepped back in the Shadow and disappeared again.
After some time the Emperor decided to make the training a bit harder. He made the Shadow to completely cover the whole room, so it became very dark in an instant. Now Haschwald had to be even more attentive and prepared for the unexpected attack. He closed his eyes and tried to rely on his senses and perception. It helped him to cope with this part of the training well enough.
Then it's suddenly became really quiet in the room. Haschwald was waiting for a next attack, but it didn't come, for some reason. The blond Quincy was going to call the Emperor, but in the next second His Majesty unnoticeably appeared behind Haschwald. A moment later the knight got into the Emperor's embrace. It made Haschwald blush a little.
"Well done."-Juha Bach smiled, embracing his soldier tighter.
A couple of days later Stern Ritters were assembled in the throne room again. They did really well during their trainings, so His Majesty was pleased.
"I think now you are strong enough to complete the mission without problems."-Juha Bach said.-"Here is what you will have to do. You will be divided into groups and then sneak in Soul Society. A couple of groups will head to the required places to find a special explosive machines sealed by Shinigamis long ago. Once they belonged to the 12th Division but were sealed due to their unstable and destructive power. Those machines are situated underground all over the Seireitei. However, it will be enough to put the bombs just on the couple of them to cause a chain reaction, which will lead to an explosion of all other machines. It will cause a great destruction of the most part of Seireitei and, also, will greatly reduce the power of our enemies. You will have to act fast to get there and then escape unnoticeably after putting the bombs on the machines."
His Majesty made a short pause and then resumed his speech.
"As for the other groups, they will have to sneak in the couple of Noble Houses of Soul Society. There they should murder a few Noble Family members and leave the evidences, indicating the other Family's implication in that murder. It will cause an interfamily war, which won't be easy to stop. Shinigamis value those nobles a lot and have to protect them no matter what, as well as they protect the Seireitei. If such a war suddenly breaks out, then Shinigamis will have a lot of problems with Central 46 and nobles."-the Emperor explained.-"The explosion of those machines will serve as a diversion. It will help you to get rid of a few nobles without many problems, while Shinigamis will be busy with destruction caused by explosions. All in all, both tasks are very important. If we succeed, our enemy will be weakened to a large degree. So, I expect you to precisely follow the instructions and complete that mission in the best way possible."
On the next day Stern Ritters headed out to the Soul Society. Each of them had a transmitter, so they could keep in touch with operator and the others. Everyone felt tension as well as the Emperor, who was in the operator room to monitor the mission.
At first everything went good enough. Stern Ritters managed to unnoticeably get to the required places and put the bombs on the ancient machines. But then something suddenly happened to the soldiers' transmitters. Some unclear noises were heard, and the communication began to break more and more often. Finally, signal of most part of transmitters was completely lost.
A couple of minutes later the operator received a message from the group, which had to kill the nobles. It appeared that big explosions happened earlier than they expected and after that this group lost the connection with other Stern Ritters.
"Continue your mission. Kill the nobles and then return immediately."-the Emperor ordered, trying to remain calm, despite the not very pleasant news.
After that he was going to send the reinforcements for the other groups to find out what happened to them. However, before new squad could head out, everyone, who was sent on a mission, returned to Vandenreich.
Most part of the Stern Ritters looked not very well due to the damage caused by the unexpected explosion but, fortunately, their wounds were not very serious. The Emperor's worst apprehensions came true, when he saw Haschwald among the hurt soldiers. His Majesty immediately regretted that he sent him on this mission as well.
Soon enough all hurt soldiers were taken to the infirmary. After that the Emperor listened to the report concerning the mission. It appeared that some Stern Ritters acted really carelessly, when they got to the machines location. Maybe this was the reason of that sudden explosion. Fortunately, due to those machines long period sealing, their destructive power lowered a lot, so the explosions were not that strong as was expected. Otherwise, Vandenreich army could lose many good soldiers that day.
His Majesty also questioned the soldiers about Haschwald's group. It appeared that Bambietta, being the explosions pro, managed to feel the danger coming from the ancient machine and warned the other members of her group just in time. So, soldiers managed to escape just before the explosion occurred. However, shock wave was still strong enough to hurt the part of the soldiers. After the first machine exploded, a couple of other ones did the same. Luckily for Stern Ritters, who didn't expect that, Askin managed to take them to a safe place by using his power of dimensions manipulating.
As for the remaining part of machines, they didn't react to the previous explosions at all. It seems they were too old and completely lost their destructive power after so many years of inactivity. So, as a result, damage dealt to Seireitei appeared to be not that great as Quincies expected. Though, it was enough to distract the Shinigamis, so the other Quincy groups managed to kill the nobles rather easily.
"I presume we are partially reached our goal."-Juha Bach said.-"However, it's not only our enemies, who were weakened, but our army as well. I really would like to know who is to blame of that incident with sudden explosion."
His Majesty threw an angry glance at Bazz-B, who noticeably felt very uneasy.
"It was you, wasn't it?"-the Emperor said, stepping closer to the punk.
Everyone nearby felt an evil aura, coming from their leader, and thought that it was the last time when they saw Bazz-B alive. Though, in the next moment Askin appeared nearby and stopped near Bazz-B.
"It's true that he was the one causing the disorder near that dangerous machine. But we managed to determine that in fact the machine reacted to our big amount of reiatsu, even though we were hiding it."-Askin explained.-"Who could know that those things are so sensitive to a high spiritual pressure..."
"Is that really so?"-Juha Bach asked with slight suspicion.
"Yes, Your Majesty. BG9 managed to calculate that. He mistakes very rarely, as you know."-Askin replied.
"Fine then. But if someone will ever again cause a mess during such important missions, then he will definitely pay with his life."-the Emperor glanced coldly at Bazz-B and left.
His Majesty headed to the infirmary to check how Haschwald was doing and then took him from there. Soon enough the blond Quincy was lying in the Emperor's bed. He still felt dizzy after an explosion and needed a good rest.
"How is everyone?"-Haschwald asked, slightly opening his eyes.
"Don't worry. None of them has serious wounds."-Juha Bach replied. He caringly adjusted Haschwald's hair and left a soft kiss on his lips.-"You should have some sleep. It will help you to recover faster."
Haschwald nodded and closed his eyes. A couple of minutes later he was already sleeping soundly. His Majesty was feasting his eyes on the soldier's face, thinking over something.
Haschwald always looked rather serious, even in his sleep. But His Majesty knew that Haschwald's face could be more expressive than that. For example, when soldier sulked or made cute faces, his appearance could become a bit childish or naive. At such moments it was hard to admit that he really had such high and important position as a Grandmaster. Also, only His Majesty knew that, in fact, always calm and serious Haschwald could be rather playful sometimes. Suddenly the Emperor understood that despite being surrounded by his clan all the time, he still felt very lonely among them. There was no soldier, who could understand him and his feelings as well as Haschwald did. Maybe it was one of the reasons of why the blond Quincy became the dearest person to him in such a short time.
Soon His Majesty felt sleepy and lay down next to Haschwald, embracing him tightly and nuzzling his chest. It made the soldier to smile slightly in his sleep.
A couple of days later all wounded soldiers completely recovered and got back to their usual work and trainings.
One evening Haschwald was heading to the common room and was met by Bambietta in the corridor. She looked somewhat sly, so Haschwald quickly understood that she was up to something.
"Ne, Haschwald. I would like to ask you a favor."-the girl said.
"What problems do you want to cause this time?"-Haschwald asked.
"Aw, don't be mean. I just wanted to ask you to help me in one interesting business."-Bambietta said.-"Since you owe me your saving from the explosion that day, I think it will be fair, if you help me now in return. Ok?"
Since Haschwald was an honest knight, who didn't want to be in debt to the person, who helped him before, he decided to agree.
"Fine. But I won't let you create a mess in the castle, if you are planning to do it."-he warned.
"I told I wasn't going to."-the girl said.-"I just wanted to ask you to take part in a small performance along with me and a couple of other Stern Ritters. We already thought about the scenario, so don't worry, we will tell you what to do."
"Eh, and what kind of performance will it be?"-Haschwald asked in confusion.
"A rather simple one. You will have to say some lines and so on. It won't take much time."-Bambietta promised.-"Come on."
"But why you all of a sudden decided to take part in a performance?"-Haschwald asked, following the girl.
"Actually, not so long ago I got a camera from the World of Living and decided to create a collection of different interesting photos and videos with its help."-Bambietta replied.-"For example, I already have a couple of funny ones with Kirge."
Two Quincies came to the castle storage and Bambietta showed Haschwald an outfit for upcoming performance. It was a Vandenreich uniform with black-and-white trench boots and ordinary soldier cap. Haschwald noticed that this outfit looked much more strictly than their usual uniform.
"We thought that it will suit you very well."-Bambietta said.-"You will have to act as a really strict commander and give different orders to your subordinates."
"Hmm. I don't know. I am not that strict..."-Haschwald said with hesitation.
"I am sure that you are a good actor."-the girl said.-"You will cope with everything well."
Soon Haschwald put on a strict uniform and followed Bambietta to the room, where Stern Ritters planned to make a performance.
"You should sit here."-Bambietta pointed at the armchair in the center of the room.-"Sit like a strict commander and give us a domineering glance."
Haschwald gave it a try, and Stern Ritters in the room were really pleased.
"All right. Now let's wait for another actor to prepare."-Bambietta said.
Bazz-B stepped forward. He was wearing a ragged trench coat.
"Hm?"-Haschwald looked with slight suspicion at his subordinate.-"What are you planning? I think I should warn you that I will use force, if your questionable performance go too far."
"Relax, commander. I am not that bad as you think of me."-Bazz-B replied.
"It's just a necessary detail for our short scene."-Bambietta explained and then put a thick metal chain on Bazz-B's neck.-"Let's say he will play a captive, who was delivered to the strict commander. Bazz-B will have to obey different orders. That's all."
"What a dull scenario."-Haschwald thought with anime sweat drop near his head.
"Now let's start the first scene."-Bambietta said.-"Order him something. But don't forget that the character you play have to be very domineering and arrogant."
Haschwald tried to act as was told.
"Fall on your knees."-he said strictly, feeling that he was acting a bit silly.
Bazz-B did as was ordered. Bambietta showed a thumb to the two Quincies.
"All right. Next scene."-Bambietta announced.-"Take that chain, then put a boot on his shoulder and roughly pull the chain after that."
"What?"-Haschwald surprised.
"Calm down. He doesn't mind, right? After all he really wanted to get exactly this role."-Bambietta smirked slyly.
The blond Quincy felt annoyed and was going to tell that he doesn't want to do such things. However, in the next second a familiar voice was suddenly heard.
"What are you doing?"
Everyone winced from surprise and quickly turned to the door. They saw His Majesty, who entered the room a moment ago. The Emperor looked rather angry because of what he saw. Stern Ritters tried to explain something, but Quincy leader didn't want to listen to them. He quickly burnt Bambietta's camera with blue flame and gave a whack to a couple of soldiers. Finally, the Emperor told some threatenings to the soldiers in the room and then left along with Haschwald.
Soon enough His Majesty and Haschwald were in the Emperor's room. Quincy leader asked his knight what was happening in that room. Haschwald lowered his eyes and told His Majesty what they were doing there. He didn't know what the Emperor will think about him after listening to that story. His Majesty was still displeased, but when he noticed that Haschwald looked extremely upset, he felt pity for him and calmed down.
"Actually, I don't know what to say."-Juha Bach sighed.-"I guess I will just advise you once again not to take part in their stupid entertainments. It always ends the same way."
Haschwald started to apologize.
"I don't blame you, Haschwald. Just try to be more attentive to not fall for their tricks anymore."-the Emperor said and then beckoned the soldier to himself.-"Come here."
Haschwald moved closer to the Emperor and got on his lap. His Majesty took off the soldier's cap and stroked him on the head with care.
"Don't worry. I don't think that you are as indecent as those idiots."-Juha Bach said soothingly, guessing the soldier's thoughts.
"Really?"-Haschwald asked a bit unsurely.
"Yes. I know that my cute Haschwald is not a bad person."-Juha Bach replied, embracing the blond Quincy.
It made Haschwald to cheer up a little.
After that the Emperor looked closely at Haschwald's outfit and smiled contentedly.
"You look so strict and ungovernable. Should I tame you?"-Juha Bach smirked. He pressed Haschwald closer to himself and left a couple of hot kisses on his neck.
The blond Quincy gasped quietly, feeling that his cheeks are quickly suffusing with blush. The Emperor noticed that and smiled again.
"That was too easy to do."-Juha Bach remarked and left a warm kiss on Haschwald's lips.
The knight smiled slightly after that and cuddled to the Emperor.
"You know, that day, when we lost connection with your group during the mission, I was afraid that I will never see you again. I don't know what I would do in such case."-the Emperor confessed.-"That's because I can't imagine a life without you anymore. I don't want to stay all alone."
"Juha Bach-sama is very important person to me too..."-Haschwald put his arms around the Emperor's neck, embracing him tightly.-"To tell the truth, after our recent trip to Quincy village I got some unique feeling. At first I couldn't understand what it means... But not so long ago I realized that after that special ritual our bond became much stronger than it was before. I hope it doesn't sound strange..."
"No, you may be right. After all, even I sometimes don't know fully what side effects those special rituals of our clan can cause."-Juha Bach said.
"In any case, Your Majesty shouldn't worry about the loneliness anymore."-Haschwald said, leaving a soft kiss on the Emperor's lips.-"Because I love you very much and will always remain at your side."