Chapter 16

Fratricide

Boom!

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

"That's how they operate their weapons, Legate Diomdes."

"Incredible, armor piercing at 100 pace for the small one, breaking formation at long range for the big one. No wonder they manage to survive those Giants."

"About their gear, it consist of hook launcher, hook with sturdy metal string, some kind iron pot to reel the operator with incredible speed. It seem they use it to help maneuver around the Giants to fight it. And it seem all these Giants have the same weakness, it's on the nap of the neck. One good strike and the Giant is no more."

"Good thing our blacksmith can make iron collar to help shield their weakness. With these kind of weapons, the Empire can finally unite the whole continent."

A soldier rush to Legate Diomedes and Master Hepheston, the expression on his face telling them he is not bearing good news.

"What is it soldier?"

"I have bad news, My lord. The Giants and their escort were ambush last night. 11 of the 12 mages are kill, including Master Hepheston apprentice Melphisto."

"How did it happen?"

"According to the surviving mage, somehow the enemy make it through the escort and patrol, silently kill 11 of the mages. Fearing the Giants will wake up in the morning and rampaging, the mage and the escorts run all night, just reaching us a while ago."

"What about the Giants?"

"Sentry on the wall doesn't report any sighting, seem like they have vanished."

"Very well, be on alert."

Seeing Master Hepheston sorrow expression and the shaking of his body, Legate Diomedes offer him a drink to calm himself down.

"I'm very sorry for your loss, I shall make sure his murderer pay for his demise."

"Thank you, I thought I would die before him, yet here I am still breathing while he is dead. He is my best student, with a bright future and many dreams within his heart. Now he is gone, I feel empty."

"I have a task for you, maybe you can vent your anger on the enemy at the Northern Gate,"

"I shall gladly accept your order."

"I am sending a Legion to march on the wall to the Northern Gate, you will go with them to provide support, Lord Cotyss will be in command. After capturing the Gate, let Lord Raglan and his Heavy Cavalry to attack the city from the North while I press from the East. The Expedition end in our victory in two days."

Master Hepheston bow and left the tent, eager to extract some revenge for the dead apprentice.

Commander Erwin watches with worried expression, the enemy mages are such terrifying asset. But he can't do anything now except sending the MPs back to Mistra. He stays behind to wait for a chance to reverse the situation. The only good news is the Titans that were due to pass through this section today had somehow vanished, his scouts had spot 11 bodies of the Imperial mages. He has no idea who but is grateful for the assistance. He had sent Captain Levi to join with Lieutenant Nathan and his squad, then proceed to the Rose Wall and gather all the MPs there to head back to Wall Sina. Maybe a surprise attack in the rear when the Imperial Force attack Mistra will compel them to retreat.

Prince Diabo relishes in the thought of being hailed as heroes when he reach Italica and crush the bandits and deserters right in front of the people. By then, nobody will dispute his engagement to the youngest daughter of the Count. But his thought is disrupted when a scout report that a force of around 10.000 is blocking the way. Prince Diabo rides to the front with Prefect Hadrian of the Praetorian Guard.

"What do you think Prefect Hadrian? Can we break through?"

"Yes, Your Highness, although we will suffer casualty."

"Well, casualty is expected in any battle, Prefect. Order the Praetorian Guard to Form up and advance."

"Yes, Your Highness"

10.000 Praetorian Guards form up in similar formation and advance to close in with the enemy as Prince Diabo and Prefect Hadrian look on.

"These rabbles are so bold, still standing in defiant of the Praetorian Guards. A pity they choose to defy the Empire."

"I am worry about possible trap, Your Highness."

"The Praetorian Guards will overcome any petty trap they have, after all. The elite guard that protect the Imperial Capital is not to be trifled with."

As they look on, the Praetorian Guards soon close the gap between them and their opponents, Javelins are thrown and causing minimum casualties on both side. Unexpectedly, the bandits and deserters turn around and run.

"Do you see now Prefect Hadrian, these rabbles are running. Go after them."

"Yes, Your Highness, I shall lead the pursuit."

Prefect Hadrian rushes to the front of the Praetorian Guard and urges them to go after their fleeing enemy. The pursuit soon turn into a race which cause Prince Diabo and his Immortal to be left alone on the battlefield.

"LOOSE."

Prince Diabo jump at the shout and look around, nobody is in sights but the distinctive sound of arrows flying toward him is clearly heard. Several hundred arrows fall upon him and his Immortal, some hit his horse making him falls on the ground. His leg is trapped while some Immortal are trying to rescue him and the rest form a protective circle around. Finally free, Prince Diabo looks around and feel relief as the arrows didn't cause any casualty among his Immortal, though the arrows hit them, the armors of the Immortal are able to stop them from penetrating further into the flesh. As suddenly as it started, the arrows stop. A group of dark skin elf are spotted. Prince Diabo decides to ignore them. He has been caught in a trap and will not separate his force any further.

"Ignore those dark elf, we head to Italica."

He marches for another 2 hours before spotting a frantic man running toward him. It is Prefect Hadrian.

"My lord, the Praetorian guard is destroyed."

"What? How?

"We were chasing after them when suddenly the mages appear and unleash their ice magic to freeze the legs of the Praetorian Guards. The enemy turn around and casually kill the Guard one by one. I manage to ditch the horse and come back here. What do we do now, Your Highness?"

Pausing for a moment, Prince Diabo thinks deeply, combining everything that had happen so far, he jump to a conclusion.

"We have to reach Italica. I know what is going on now. We had been had, even my father The Emperor."

"Your Highness?"

"No time to explain. We have to break through to Italica before the mage can recover. Onward"

Prefect Hadrian has no idea what the Prince has come up with, but follow his order to march. They soon come upon the ghastly sights of dead bodies of the Praetorian. Beyond the field of bodies, 10.000 men are waiting to intercept the Immortal.

"We are breaking through the formation and head straight to Italica. The town is in sight."

On the Eastern wall, the Count and the Princess look on with horror. The slaughter of the Praetorian Guards had shocked them to their core, crushing their hope of being relief. And now, seeing the second Prince being attack by 10.00 men, they are at a loss of what to do.

"Count Colt, we have to do something or Prince Diabo will be dead. I shall sortie with my Knights and rescue him."

"Then you will die out there. We don't have the number or the power to do that. Otherwise we wouldn't be needing reinforcement in the first place."

"But I can't watch my brother die and do nothing."

"They are lying in wait for that, as soon as you are far enough, they shall cut you off too."

"Damn it. God damn it. Why did it had come to be like this?

"I'm sorry princess, there isn't anything we can do. But do prepare for a sortie. If the chance come, we shall seize it."

As the Immortal prepare to charge, they start to drop on their knees and vomit blood. Seeing his force droping one by one, Prince Diabo realized that the arrows are poisoned. His 2000 now drop down to a 182, while a majority of the Immortal is dead, some still struggling to get up. Prince Diabo order the charge. The small group rush toward their enemy and is soon surrounded.

Princess Pina watches everything with horror and anger building up inside. She turns and rushed to the stair but is block by the Count.

"Princess, it is a trap to bait you out. Please calm down."

"CALM DOWN? MY BROTHER IS ABOUT TO BE KILL RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES AND YOU TELL ME TO CALM DOWN?"

"Your survival is the only defiant act we have against this enemy."

"And I am supposed to relish this victory? You are asking me to leave my brother to die."

"I am sorry, I truly am. But if you head out, you will be killed and the enemy will achieve his goal. And with your death, the fall of Italica will soon follow."

Princess Pina looks around her, seeing scared eyes, worried look on each of the defender faces. Finally calm down, she turn to watch the battle. Wiping her tears away.

"I shall survive to bring this enemy to justice, and I shall burn the image of my brother last stand and tell my father about it. I hope he will be proud that his son die in battle without shame."

Being surround by 10.000, Prince Diabo and the remaining Immortal had abandon every thought of escape and now just trying to kill as much as they can. They had cut down hundreds of enemies but there are thousands more to replace the loss. But as Prince Diabo and Prefect Hadrian resign to their fates, help arrive unexpectedly. Rory Mercury dashes in from nowhere and start to slaughter all in her path. Upon seeing this, The Count Order a sortie to be made to rescue the Prince. Princess Pina leads her knights and charge toward her brother. The foot men are led by Sir Grey and set up their formation to block any attempt from the enemy to isolate the Princess. Prince Diabo and his remaining Immortal rush to attack anyone blocking the path to the city. Finally breaking free, he turn around to see that Prefect Hadrian and the 31 remaining Immortals are fighting as his rear guard. HE turn and run toward his sister, moment later, he is riding double with her. The Knights turn back to the city and soon bloody figure join them. Sir Grey is having difficulty to hold the enemy even with the support from the mages and ballistaes on the wall. But the Knights has return and he also fall back to the city.

"I'm glad you are all safe Princess Pina and Prince Diabo."

"Thank you Count, your wise counsel helped immensely in achieving this outcome."

"Thank you sister, and you too Count. We have to talk. Urgently."

Taken aback by the Prince's demand, the Count and Princess take in to the mansion with Master Cato already waiting. After healing the prince, Master Cato excuse himself to go back to the infirmary.

"The mess we are having here is orchestrated by the Crown Prince Zorzal. He planned to kill me."

"What?"

"How can you say it brother? It make no sense?"

"You are too nice and easy on family sister. Think about it. 40.000 men is enough to overwhelm this city, yet it still standing."

"But how can it attribute to our brother?"

"As soon as he knows you are in the city, he laid siege to it to bait me out. He knows father will not allow you to be harmed, and father will not allow anyone to go to your rescue to prevent a possible political marriage. And I shall either volunteer, which I did or be ordered by father to come."

"It … …. It can't be. Why?"

"Because I am his replacement if he displease father."

"So you mean this attack is started because I came here?"

"Precisely, you are the start, I am the end. And now we are stuck here without hope. Unless father send all his force here, we are alone in this fight."

Suddenly another voice intercede.

"You are not alone little Prince."

They all turn to see a bloodied Rory Mercury at the window.

"Sorry your Holiness. I thank you for your help. Without you, I would had been killed."

"I didn't save you intentionally, just happen to be near and decide to join in."

"In any case, I was saved because of that. And you are saying you will fight with us?"

"Yes, fighting them is more entertaining than fighting you."

The answer send a chill through their spines. Once again they are reminded that Apostles of God are fickle. Thinking hard, the Count once again consider another option

"We are doomed regardless, can we send messengers to call for help?"

"To whom? My father would have learn about this later on. But there isn't any more help he can send. Why do you think he sent the Praetorian Guards and the Immortal."

"The Empire can't send help, Orb Union prefer to sit and watch. Haiz. We are really in a pinch."

The door open and Myui walks in, bowing and start to speak.

"Perhaps someone else should go to ask Orb Union for help. They refused to meet with Her Holiness, not declined to help so I think we still have hope."

"That's treason, conspiring with the enemy of the Empire? You will doom all, your family and your subject."

"But we are all doomed anyway, so how about asking for help once again?"

"What make you think they will meet with the messenger this time?"

"A secret infiltration. Allow me and a mage to go. With Levitation and Invisibility, we shall get in the fortress and find their commander to ask for help."

"A smart move, but why would they help? The Empire in disarray is advantageous to them."

The question of Princess Pina kicks Myui's enthusiasm down. Her words are true, Orb Union will benefit with the Empire in disarray and have no reason to help. The Count had made his decision

"I shall offer total and unconditional surrender."

"That's treason!"

"We will all be killed at this rate, with a surrender, I can at least guarantee your safeties."

The Count caring for their safeties is unexpected to Prince Diabo and Princess Pina, they are now at a loss of word to response. As he is sacrificing himself to show loyalty to the Empire by preserving the royalties.

"Since we are all agree, Myui, you are to go with Master Levi. Offer them my sword as the symbol of my surrender. If they refuse to help, ask for asylum. Be safe my child."

"Yes, father. I shall return with good news."

"Your Holiness, I know you probably wish to go with my daughter, but your presence here will help the city to survive longer."

"You are too smart for your own good, no wonder Molt doesn't want you to have an heir that might out smart his children. Very well, I shall stay and see thing through the end. Whatever end it will be."

"Thank you, please use the mansion as you see fit."

In the CIC, Meryn is listening to the conversation with some interest, then left to report to Cagalli whom is havinga meeting with General Hazama. She soon reach the General Office.

"Pardon me, there is something related to the city if Italica that you should be informed."

"Ok, our meeting is mandatory so nothing important here."

"Seem like they are in a pinch and sending a new messenger to us this time."

"Who and what is the message?"

"The youngest daughter of the Count is coming to offer the total surrender."

"So things are that bad?"

"Apparently the siege is a plan from the crown prince to get rid of possible competitor for the throne."

"So he has appeared?"

"Not in person, seem like he is still staying with his mages on Rondel. His henchmen are working under his order though."

"Any chance we can get him to show himself?"

"Unless the prize is big, he won't bother."

"Then you know what to do."

"I know, but how long?"

"Just a week."

"Then I shall make preparation."

Meryn leaves and make some preparation, with the assistance of her Red Squadron.

At the base the South wall of Italica, Master Cato, Leilei, Master Levi and Myui are preparing for their departure. Leilei had come up with a new way of transportation that will help Myui and Master Levi to reach Alnus hill in less than a day. Master Levi and Myui is now on the horse cart waiting excitedly. With master Levi casting Invisible spell while Master Cato use Levitation spell, the horse cart start to become transparent while floating higher and higher until it is over the wall. Leilei unleash her wind magic, propel the invisible floating horse cart forth with incredible speed.

"This is a novel way of transportation. The down side is we need mages to use it."

"Aye, that lass is very smart, she cares for normal folk rather than her own advancement. Influenced by her master no doubt."

"If people with power care for other more, maybe the world will be a better place."

"An idealist, but I don't hate those type. And she is growing stronger in power as she helps with the defense. One day she can become an arch mage candidate."

"She will have my support and yours when that day come."

"If we get help and survive, she will."

Half way to Alnus Hill, the fortress starting to come to view. Even though they had known about it, they still shocked by it. To have a complete and massive fortress built in a month is a feat unheard of before. Soon the horse cart slowly come to a stop and on the ground, Master Levi take the reign and the cart move again, heading to the fortress. And in 2 hours, they are at the foot of it. And true to the word of Rory, there isn't any entrance. So master Levi chant the Levitation spell and get them over the wall. Looking at the fortress from high, they see many things that they have no idea what they are, what the purpose …. But deciding to focus on their mission, he lands the cart near the biggest building and dispel. The soldiers are surprised, soon the horse cart is surrounded by soldiers who are aiming their weapons and guard dogs and surprisingly to them, fairies.

"I am master Levi, mage in service of Count Colt, ruler of Italica. This is miss Myui, youngest daughter of the Count. I request an audience with your general."

One of the soldier lower his weapon and signal the rest to do the same.

"I am lieutenant Dantes, you are to surrender your weapon, subject to be searched before we escort you to the general. And remember, if you show any kind of aggression, we shall response with lethal force."

"I can't let you lowly soldiers touch miss Myui."

"A female soldier will search her. And if you are objecting about us being low, we can make sure you are lower than us. So?"

Master Levi is unused to be disrespected like this and prepare to retort, miss Myui put her hand on him and remind him of his mission. Thus the conflict is averted. After being search and assure that the sword she is carrying is the symbol of surrender offer to the General, they are escorted to the General office. They are startled when they see two young girls in it with an old man. And Master Levi face turn into that of suppressed disgust for the old man while Myui is starting to get scared. General Hazama, Cagalli and Meryn notice their look and have to suppressed their smiles while the general looks annoyed,

"Greeting, I am general Hazama. Commanding officer of the Punitive force. This is Representative Cagalli, ruler of Orb Union and the other one is Meryn, her personal aid. I know what you are thinking before the introduction and I personally disgusted by it. So please do not use your way of thinking or doing things to judge me or anyone in this base lest you will suffer dire consequence. Is that understood?"

Now Master Levi and Myui are panic, they haven't start the conversation yet had insulted important member of Orb Union. They immediately bow and offer apologies.

"Now, what is your business here? My soldier inform me about symbol of surrender. Please elaborate."

"My father offer total surrender to Orb Union. And this sword is his symbol of authority."

"We don't need his surrender so you can take it back to him."

"Please, there is more.

"Well, I am listening."

"You should already know that Italica is under siege. We can't get any help from anywhere so in desperation, my father offer his surrender to Orb Union and put the city under her protection."

"It mean he wants protection from us. Want us to take care of the mess he and the Empire started."

Unable to reply, Myui starts to let out her tears.

"Why don't you seek help from the Empire? Surely the besieger is not strong enough to take on the strongest power on this continent."

"The Empire sent whatever help it can spared, but none get through."

"I see, this is why he reach out to us."

"But this is not the first time, he sent a letter carry by her Holiness Rory Mercury and you refused to meet with her."

"Because it is a foolish thing to do, sending an Apostle of the god of war as a peace emissary. I think he means to appear strong to dictate term with us. And believe me when I say this. We had given you another chance by not receiving her. If she had started trouble in the base, we would be force to kill her."

Unable to believe what they have just heard, Master Levi and Myui look at the general with a doubtful stare.

"As I said before, don't use your own world logics to judge us. Your father did that and suffered for it."

Recalling the Count story, they start to think it's quite possible that Orb Union has the strength to subdue Apostle of god. But realizing this is getting nowhere, Myui turn to look at the Representative.

"If the general is unable to decide, how about the Representative of Orb Union? Do you accept our surrender?"

"What do Orb Union get out of this?"

"Then what do you want?"

"I want to have a meeting with the Count, speak to him in person so he can't claim that his daughter acted independently and goes back to his words once the crisis is over."

Surprise by this, Myui is unable to response quickly or comprehend what the Representative mean.

"In other word, I shall accompany you to Italica. So let's depart for Italica right now."

Rejoice at the news, Myui nob earnestly. In her mind, this mean reinforcement for her people.

Standing in front of the shuttle transport, Myui and Master Levi is at loss of words. Full of questions yet decide to leave it for later. They are shocked again when only Meryn and 4 faires show up.

"Uhmm, Pardon me asking, how about escort?"

"No need for escort. Master Levi here can cast an invisible spell and we can get to Italica in a jiffy."

Panic at her answer, Myui is about to cry again. She realized that there will be no reinforcement to save her people if negotiation break down. But still hopeful that she can get something to show for her effort.

"Don't you require body guard?"

"I am perfectly safe, so you don't have to worry. Get on, we are ready to leave. Master Levi, If you please."

The transport disappear and fly off to the North. Master Levi and Myui both surprise and amazed at the comfort and speed. Soon enough they're inside Italica. Landing on an empty part of the garden, Master Levi, Myui, Cagalli, Meryn and the fairies disembark to the surprise of the guards and maids. The transport left immediately to the surprise of Master Levi and Myui, he wants to ask why but Cagalli cut him off.

"Let's see the Count first, shall we?"

Nodding in agreement and thinking to herself "So this is what father meant by she is too much for me to handle".

The Count, Sir Grey, Princess Pina and Prince Diabo are discussing about the defense of the town when a maid comes in to announce the return of Master Levi and Myui, along with the presence of two young girls. The Count's eyes shine up with hope while the rest are incredulous. But the entrance of Myui, Master Levi, Cagalli, Meryn and the fairies clear their doubt.

According to the information from the Count, the blond hair girl is the ruler of Orb and the red hair girl is the aid. Why had they come in persons and how many soldier are with them? Refrains from asking these question directly, Princess Pina silently walk up to join the Count.

"I wasn't expect you to come in person. This is prince Diabo, The lady is her highness Princess Pina that I told you about, and the other person is Sir Grey of the Rose Knight Order. May I offer some refreshment?"

"Thanks, tea will do fine. And I am here with only Meryn and her Fairies, no soldiers are with me."

Cagalli simply nob in acknowledgement at the introduction of the Imperial Royalties.

The Count is shocked at the revelation that no reinforcement is with them, the Count starts to panic.

"So about the reinforcement …."

"There is no reinforcement until we finish the discussion about your attempt to surrender to me."

A slam on the door is heard and Rory enter the room. Walking toward Cagalli.

"So you are the one denied to meet me when I trouble myself to get to your fortress huh? Depend on your answer, I can have your head."

All in the room are panic at the threat by Rory except Cagalli and Meryn.

"Yes, I am. And I am here to talk to the Count so could you please wait your turn later on? I am sure we have plenty of time when this meeting is over."

"What if I don't feel like to wait?"

"Then I can have to lock up."

"I would like to see it."

With eye fill with bloodlust and halberd at the ready, Rory licks her lips in anticipation,

Cagalli casually walks to Sir Grey.

"She wants to see how I look someone up, so would you mind helping me to demonstrate it?"

"Uh… huh? ,,,, Alright."

"Thank you good sir, I shall treat you something nice later."

Cagalli turn toward Rory and press on one of the buttons on her belt. A blue light net appear over Sir Grey.

"That's how I shall lock you up, satisfied?"

Surprise at the response, Rory burst in to laughter and retreat to the other side of the room. Cagalli unlock Sir Grey and tell Meryn to offer him, Rory and the fairies some sweet. The other look on with surprise and relief. Now Princess Pina and Prince Diabo knows they are dealing with someone formidable.

"Now, what is it about the surrender?"

"I offer my total and unconditional surrender of my town and myself to you and Orb Union."

"In other word, you are dumbing your trouble on me when your Empire can't help you solve it."

"I know I offended you when I join the attack on your nation after agree to withdraw. But things get complicated when the Crown Prince Zorzal took over the command."

"So you are saying that the slaughter and the current situation is the crown prince fault?"

"I have my share of fault too. But it was his order and his plan that led to this."

"What does he has to do with the force besieging your city?"

"He planned to kill his brother Prince Diabo to be the sole successor to the Imperial Throne."

"I see, very well. I accept your surrender. Announce the new to your people. The Crown Prince mess up my plan so I shall mess up his."

"Then when will reinforcement arrive?"

"Let's go to the wall and see how things are first."

As the Count guide Cagalli on the wall, Princess Pina, Prince Diabo and Sir Grey break the news to the Rose Knight.

"This is ridiculous, surrender to the enemy? I shall die before accepting it."

"Norma, this is the decision of the Count, and he didn't consider this option lightly. He had guarantee out safety."

"Then where is the rumoured Metal Giants? Where are those fame Murasame? I have yet to see any soldier. Only 2 little girls and 4 fairies."

"I don't know, but she is not something we can handle. The Count said it so, and I saw how she dealt with Rory Mercury. We are too naïve, The Count, Myui and us. We thought she would bring her force in to occupy the town, yet she come in person with a personal aid and 4 fairies. Not a single personal guard. She had make it clear that she and her companions are perfectly safe even if everything burn down around her."

"What kind of person we are dealing with here?"

"I don't know, but we will have a talk with the Count later tonight."

After dinner, Cagalli, Meryn and the fairies retire to their room. The Count, Princess Pina, Prince DIabo, Sir Grey, Sir Norma, Lady Bozes, Myui and Rory stay behinds to discuss their new guests.

"This lady is not easy to deal with. Apostle doesn't scare her, she comes alone knowing full well no harm will come to her."

"She is the ruler of a country that can defeat the Empire any time she wants to. But she prefer to play the long game so she leave things as they are now."

"What is her goal in this? If she is so powerful that she can do pretty much anything she wants to, then why toying with us?"

"I don't know, can't comprehend her thought any more than her true power."

"But did she accepts your surrender?"

"She said she accepted it."

"Then is she going to summon her force to defend the city?"

"She didn't say anything about that."

"It is because you are too naïve. She casually accepted your surrender and she can also abandon this place just as casually. So I think your best bet is to ask her for reinforcement directly instead of beating the bushes."

Rory remarks sting them, especially the Knights, Princess and Prince.

In the mountain near Rondel, Crown Prince Zorzal received the news from his spies and officer leading the siege that the ruler of Orb had arrived previous afternoon. Smiling, he decided to leave his slave and rouse up his companions.

"Alright, off those slaves men, we shall ride to Italica. A bigger prey is waiting.

They have no idea but a command from the Crown Prince, they have to obey. Soon they join him in the dragon dens where 2 adult dragons and 7 young dragons are ready.

They departure are picked up by radar and Colonel Kisara immediately gather his squad and prepare to launch.

As the breakfast is served, Cagalli break the silence.

"I notice that you have a large collection of books in your library, can I have access to those books?"

"Everything and every one of my subordinate are at your disposal, Representative."

"Thank you. And I think the Imperial Capital will have an even bigger library isn't Princess Pina?"

"Huh? Oh… uh yeah. It is very big, with thousands of book and scroll collected for years by my ancestors."

"I hope one day I can visit it."

"Doesn't Orb Union has library?"

"Yes, but books in another world is more interesting I think."

"Then after this, maybe we can discuss peace between the Empire and Orb Union?"

"I don't see why not. After all. Peace is more benefit to your Empire, the only obstacle is your government, especially your father may not see it that way."

"You are speaking as if you have won, Representative Cagalli."

"You just don't know it because you haven see it, Sir ..?"

"Norma Co Igloo, Knight of Rose. I shall accept it when I see it, not before."

"Of course, seeing is believing."

"I heard from the Count that you have giant ships make of metal, flying machine called Murasame also make of metal, horseless carriages all make of metal, and from the rumor of the remnant of the Western Expeditionary Forces you also have Flying Metal Giants. Are those true?"

"Yes, they are currently at the Fortress on Alnus Hill."

"Can you dispatch some of them to help defend the city and to show us as proof of your military power?"

"When they are needed, they will be here. With things as they are now, I am sure you can feast your eyes on those things."

Their conversation and breakfast are interrupt by a frantic Hamilton who slam open the doors and yell

"Dra….Drarons … Dragons! Dragons are flying toward the city!"