Chapter 17

Independence of Italica

The Count, his daughter, Princess Pina, Prince Diabo and the knights rush on to the wall. In their horror, they can make out the undisputable shapes of dragons, 2 big and 7 smaller one. The citizen, knights, mages and solders in Italica now had lost all hope. Their lord had surrender to Orb Union, but that doesn't bring them any reinforcement. And now the arrivals of 9 dragons serves as the final drop that spill the cup. Woman and children cry while the men enrage, they felt betrayed. The only thing held them back is their love for their lord. Thus they turn their rage on the newest guest, the Representative from Orb Union. By now, the Count and Princess Pina have noticed that Cagalli and Meryn aren't with them. Looking back to the mansion, they see Cagalli and Meryn carrying something in their hands why the fairies carry a tray of food. Cagalli, Meryn and the fairies join Master Levi, Master Cato and Leilei half way to the wall. Those on the wall are astonished at Cagalli and Meryn casual reaction toward the dragons. Before they can express their concern, Rory also reach them. Meryn points her camera at the Dragons and Cagalli turn on her tab, display the dragons clearly.

"There are people on the dragons back. Seem like the Crown Prince is coming in person with all his hench men."

"Hah, he sure knows how to make an entrance."

"Yet that doesn't change the fact he is an imbecile."

Fed up with the attitude of Cagalli and Meryn, Norma snaps.

"Are you insane? Those are DRAGONS! DRAGONS! Why the hell are you and your aid so god damn calm like you are watching bird?"

"Well, we don't have dragons in our world so we are quite fascinated by them. Is there something wrong Sir Norma?"

"Why you little …. "

Seeing things are about to escalate, Count Colt intervene.

"Sir Norma, The Representative is not from this world so please refrain from applying the logic of this world on her. I'm sure she means no disrespect or feign ignorance."

Seeing the irritated Knight getting more irritated at that remark, Cagalli decide to defuse the rage burning inside him.

"I know why you are angry, for the people of this world those Dragons are powerful monster that nobody can challenge. But I can assure you that I can deal with them."

"How are you going to deal with them? Put that barrier of your and capture them?"

"That idea actually cross my mind, but I don't think I can keep a pet like that in here or in Orb so regrettably, I have to exterminate them."

Sir Norma looks at Cagalli with incredulous eyes, his sarcasms retort has been rebuked. He looks around and see the same incredulous look in the eyes or the surround people. From his Princess to the soldiers on the wall.

Crown Prince Zorzal smirks as he consider that to do with his prizes in Italica. The Count will be branded as deserter for running when the battle was over, the brother will have a heroic death trying to defend Italica from bandits and crazed Legionnaires, the sister will be persuaded to marry one of his supporters, her Roses Knights, well there fates will depend on their families. As for the ruler of Orb Union, that little bitch will become the companion of his bunny queen slave while her red hair aid will be the toy to reward his men. Grinning widely about the things and his bright future, Crown Prince Zorzal feel excited to the point of bursting into laughter. His subordinates seeing him laugh maliciously also share the same thought and the air soon filled with their laughter.

Colonel Kisara and his squadron are above the cloud and fully prepared to shoot down those dragons. But a message from Cagalli order him to follow her command and under no circumstance is he to engage without her order.

Crown Prince Zorzal and his dragons fly pass the assembled army in front of the Norther wall of Italica and morale soar. He proceed to fly around the city and look down on its trembling defenders. Please with their reaction, he land his dragon right in front of the Northern Gate while the rest continue to circle around above.

"What do we have here? A collection of rabbles, nobles, royalties and foreign barbarians. I smell a conspiracy here."

Flinched at the accusation, Princess Pina, Prince Diabo and Count Colt prepare to retort, but are beaten to it.

"My my my. Little shit Zorzal, all grown up yet still just a child. Thinking yourself high and mighty with those dragons of yours?"

Annoyed but grin from ear to ear as he looks to Rory Mercury, the feared Apostle of Emroy. He fears her but he knows that even Apostle can't stand up to 9 dragons.

"Still have a sharp tongue, your Holiness, I know your patron god is the god of war and insanity, but surely you must have realized that you are hopeless against my dragons. I can spare you if you bow and leave this city."

"Of course, unlike you, you imbecile, as the Representative of Orb called you I know how to access my enemy. And be careful about what you say to me as I can kill you before being killed by your dragon."

Zorzal is taken aback at her threat, realizing that she is serious. Considering his own position, he decide not to provoke her any further and turn to face Cagalli.

"Now you little barbarian wench, you don't have your forces here to protect you. How about surrender and become my personal slave? I shall allow you to retain your throne, and if you are good enough, I shall make you the mother of my heir."

"Failed to intimidate the Apostle and now you turn to bully little me, how gallantry, befitting a coward and imbecile. Your offer is declined. And this is my counter offer. Surrender yourself to our custody, confess your crime and resign from being the Crown Prince."

"Hah, trying to be brave or you actually have balls down there. Anyway I shall find out later."

"No chance in hell, but you should take care not to lose yours.

Ignoring her provocation, Zorzal flies up and hover above the town.

"Loyal subject of the Empire, I know you have no role in the conspiracy between the foreign barbarian and your Lord, Count Colt Formal, as Crown Prince of the Empire, I …. "

Cagalli cut him off and pick up his speech.

"The imbecile Crown Prince sent 200.000 men to death, and siege your town to further his political agenda. Surrender and the women will be violated, man will be sold to slavery, children and elderly will be fed to the dragons. If you think you are undefended, behold."

All look up to the sky and see 9 small dots falling down toward Italica. Soon, their shapes become clear and the Count mutter:

"Murasame?"

The princess, prince, knights and mages turn to look at him.

"Yep, Murasames.

The 9 Murasames launch all their wings mounted missiles at the bandits inform of the city. 36 explosion rock the city and kill large number of enemies. The surviving bandits are stunned and start to panic. But quick action by Herme prevent them from running away.

"Stand fast. The enemies had used up all its weapons. Dragon Knights, engage the enemies."

As the bandits reform and the dragons fly up to engage the Murasame, Zorzal smirks, turning around to go back to his army, he declared loudly.

"Impressive but you should have target the dragons instead of those soldiers. Now I shall show you your folly."

He soon reach his shaken men and give them another rousing speech.

"Do not despair, our victory is assure. The Dragons Knights will melt those flying contraption into scrape metal, our fallen men will once again rise to fight alongside you all. We have master Setna at our service."

A black robe figure soon emerge and start chanting. Green flames form several magic circle and soon the bodies of the dead start to rise from the earth, shattered body's parts start to clump together into messy giant piles of flesh.

Only Rory Mercury seems to be calm while watching the undead being conjured up, she utters a single word.

"Necromancy."

All eyes turn to her for questions, Master Cato and Levi are the first ones to open their mouth,

"The last necromancer is dead for almost 400 years. And the practice of Necromancy is banned everywhere. How can there be such a powerful Necromancer here?"

Cagalli shows them her date pad which have the image of the Necromancer.

"I'm afraid your dead Necromancer come back as a Lich."

"And a lich can only be banish by holy weapon granted to Apostle by the god."

"Which make it very fortunate for us that Rory is here."

Relieve to hear that the Lich can be defeated, they turn their attention to the undead army. The bandits now under Zorzal command thanks the god for their fortune, they do not need to risk their live any further as skeletons with rotten flesh dangling, crackling sound when they move, assemble in front of the North Gate at press on, 64 Giant fleshy monstrosities creeping toward the wall create an evil aura that intimidate the defenders. Ballistae bolts are shot ineffectively as the shattered skeletons simply reassemble themselves and march on, why the Monstrosities simply ignore the bolts altogether. Master Levi and Master Cato launch a series of fire balls at them with no effect. Cagalli stops them and devises a new tactic.

"Can you manage a water and lightning spell?"

"Yes, but …"

"Good, Master Levi, make them wet. After that, Master Cato will cast you strongest lightning spell on them."

The effect is devastating, the lightning effectively disrupts the magic cores of the undead army, making the skeletons shatter and fall to the ground, frying the fleshy Monstrosities to dark charred meat piles. This make Zorzal and his Bandits panic, but the power of a 400 years old Lich can't be underestimated. Setna cast another spell and soon the skeletons rise again and march toward the wall, only this time with green fire all over their bony bodies. Rory smile as she finally has her moment.

"They now have immunity to magic, I guess it's time for me to do my part."

"No, not now, I want you to stay here. Our true target isn't these skeletons."

"I see, very well, I shall defer to your tactic. It's been pleasing so far."

Satisfied with the distance from Italica, Colonel Kisara orders his squadron to increases speed and arc up. The Dragon Knights surprises at the sudden increased speed of the Murasame tried to follow, but it's obvious that it's futile. Herm and his fellow Dragon Knights give up.

"No need to chase those cowards anymore, we shall go back to Italica, if they are true men, they will turn back to fight us."

The pilots of the Murasame chuckle at what they are seeing. An enemy that turn their back.

"These guy either very brave or very stupid, showing their back to us is an invitation to bit hit in the ass."

"Then let's get those asses."

"Alright, the big one is mine."

"No man, it's mine."

"Shut it, the big one belong to Lieutenant Yuki, the rest of you gents can pick which even you like."

Lieutenant Yuki is happy with Kisara decision and maneuver her Murasame into position behind the big dragon.

"Commence volley fire, 12 second interval. Fire."

The dragons barely reach Zorzal when the missiles start to hit. They crash just behind the bandits battle formation, the second wave of missiles hit just as the dragons start to get up, forcing them down again. The third and fourth waves hit and kick up dust cloud that cover them. When the dust settles, the dragons are either dead or dying, but their tenacity remain as they growl weakly and try to lift up their battered bodies.

Colonel Kisara flying high cover for his squad gives his order to make sure the dragons stay dead. The 8 Murasames transform into their MS mode, land near the pile of dead dragons, ignite their beam saber and proceed to cut of the dragons's heads.

The defenders on the wall can't believe that the dragons, mightiest of the monster are killed in such a short time in simple manner are silent. Though soon cheers erupt, with it hope and morale boost for them.

In contrast to the cheering on the Wall, Crown Prince Zorzal bloot shot eyes filled with angers and fears. His plans and tactics are rebuked and now being ridiculed. Even his men are trembling. Then he notices a few try to run away, he orders his dragon to unleash its flame and burn them to crisp and the rest are deterred from running.

"FUCKING USELESS CUNTS, SETNA RISE THE DRAGONS. I SHALL SHOW ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BE THE VICTOR IN THE END."

Pointing to the wall of Italica, he declares.

"I SHALL MAKE YOU ALL PAY FOR THIS TRANGRESSION, PREPARE TO MEET YOUR DOOM."

"Your highness, I shall need to replenish my magic power."

"I DON'T CARE, JUST FUCKING DO IT AND GET IT DONE."

Setna chants and black smoke starting to rise around the bandits. Soon each of the bandits is covered in a whirling smoke that leave only a barren body devoid of life. Setna had feasted on the bandits to replenish his magic power and begin another chant.

Colonel Kisara notice the light radiating from the lich, transform into MS mode and takes aim.

Before his chanting is finished a green beam hit him, disintegrate the lower half of his body and the following explosion blown him away from Zorzal, whom by now is in full panic.

"Now Rory, get the Lich."

Rory jumps down from the wall and rush toward where Zorzal and the lich are. Thinking the Apostle is coming for him, Zorzal orders the dragon to target her with its flame breath. Before anything come out of the month, a green beam pierce through the dragon skull, killing it instantly. Zorzal, still on the back of the dead dragon is dumbstruck as he realizes that his dragons were being toyed with for the whole time, his entire strategy and tactic revolve around his dragon knights are nothing but ridiculous street performance. His anger flares up and in his act of defiance, draws his sword and prepare to fight Rory as he can't accept defeat from two little wenches from Orb Union. To his surprise, Rory speed pass him and stops at the Lich whom is regenerating his body. He isn't fast enough as Rory slams her halberd down, splitting his torso and head in two halves. The souls of the bandits he absorbed earlier flow out of him in brilliant display for blue light orbs. Rory thrusts her halberd to the ground, down on one knee and pray. The souls congregate and flow through her to reach the underworld where they will be judge. Zorzal by now has finally calmed down. He starting to tremble as realization kick in. Defeated, exposed and powerless, he has nothing left except his pride and stupidity.

The defenders on the wall still stunned by the dramatic ending. The skeletons have collapsed and never rise again, the dragons are death, the bandits are all dead. Cheers once again erupt and break the serene calmness that had taken place during the transmigration of souls conduct by Rory.

"Count Colt, sends out your soldiers to take the imbecile bandit prince into custody if you please. Also check out the dragons bodies to see if any of their riders survive. Also, clean the battlefield, we don't want disease to spread with all those dead bodies lying out there."

"Yes, Representative Cagalli. I shall go in personally."

Cagalli nob in acknowledgement and give order for the Murasame.

"Colonel Kisara, have your squad stand guard until the Count finish taking in prisoners. Then carry the dragon bodies here, see what we can do with them."

Watching the Count and his men depart to collect their brother, Princess Pina and Prince Diabo have a mixed feeling. They are glad that their ordeal is over, on the other hand, they have realized the fate of their Empire. The Roses Knights are rejoicing at the victory as much as their own survival. Myui watches the battle from the start till the end, she realized that the future of Italica depends solely on the Representative from Orb Union, though the Representative is not easy to deal with, she believes as long as there isn't malicious intention, dealing with the Representative will not be that hard either.

A group of elves approach Rory and kneel

"I am Yao Haa Dushi."

"I am Tuka Luna Marceau."

"What do you want?"

"Both our clans were offer to choose between golden coin or golden flame."

"So you want to surrender?"

"Yes, we beseech you to spare our clans, in return, punish us as you see fit."

"Well, I am only the spectator here. You will have to surrender to someone else in Italica."

"But aren't these Metal Giants yours?"

"No, but I shall introduce you to the owner of these Murasame."

Rory and the elves walk pass Zorzal and the Count. Enrage at the Count betrayal, he lashes out only to be beat up by the soldiers. Now shouting insult on the top of his lungs at this outrageous treatment. Roy calmly walks pass while the elves sneers at the pathetic Crown Prince.

"Never seen a better dress slave in my life."

"He has good voice too, probably made a good crier for shop."

"Not so high and mighty now that his pet dragons are all dead."

"I hope they give him several more beating before they kill him."

Zorzal shout insult back at the elves whom simply laugh to his face before walking off. The Count soldiers soon return with the dead bodies of the dragon knights and 2 survivors. Herme and Antigonius, soon join Zorzal in his cage. The Murasames carry the dragon body to the north gate of Italica following the Count and his prisoners. Though puzzle by Rory elven entourage, they don't show any sight of hostility so it's ok.

By now, large crowd of people has been waiting expectantly for the dragon. The jubilant and festive mood aren't shared by the Prince, Princess and her entourage. They understand this victory doesn't belong to any one from the Empire, even the Apostle is simply a sideshow for the demonstration of the Military might of Orb Union.

The jeering and sneering of the people direct against Zorzal and his dragon knights drive him on edge and he slam against the cage, Herme and Antigonius tries to stop him but he shrug them off. He threaten the city with all the horrible things they will suffer when he comes back with the full might of the Imperial Army. The Count retort by telling him it's going to be a hard work to clean up the dead bodies if the Imperial Army is led by imbecile. Zorzal gretting his teeth but soon led to the dungeon and lock away. The Princess and her Rose Knights wanted to defend him against the humiliating treatment, but the shadow of the Murasame over the city deter them from defending the Crow Prince. Not to mentions the Female Knights also doesn't have the desire to do so in the first place.

Outside the city, the bodies of the dragons are lay besides one another while curious citizen gather and discuss about what to do. In the end, they know the right to these belong to the Representative.

Rory introduce Tuka and Yao to Cagalli. The two express their wish to surrender in exchange for their clan safety.

"You have yet to attack me or my troop, so I will let you all return home safely. But you have indirectly endanger the citizen of the city so inexchange, you are to help with dismantling the bodies of these dragons."

"That's fair, we shall start immediately."

Cagalli contact General Hazama and ask for Greta and Frey to come to Italica. He doesn't know why she is asking for them but arrange for their transport nonetheless. Soon a transport land in front of Italica, The pilots and their guest astonished at the bodies of dragons lying there.

"Welcome to Italica, Greta and Frey. Sorry to get you here out of the blue, but I need your knowledge about dragons."

"Please to be of service, my family owe your people a lot so please don't hesitate to ask whenever you need."

As the help explain the usage of each part of the dragon, Cagalli takes notes about what she will take back to the base and what to be given to the citizens.

"The most important part of the ancient dragon such as these two are the dragon Jewel. It contain the essence of the dragon and can be used as an infinite source of power. Young dragon like the others only have a small amount of magic, thus their dragon jewel haven't been formed yet."

"Thanks you, so I guess I can make a decision now."

Turning on the speaker, she announces her intention.

"The two adult dragons and one young dragon will be taken back to Alnus base. The other six young dragon will be dismantled, organs, bones, claws, skins and scales are to be given to the city except their skulls. Also look like dragon meat is on the menu for the victory banquet tonight."

The people erupt in cheer as this mean they have the mean to start their lives again, and dragon meat is impossible to acquire, even kings and gods aren't able to have it. Many can't believe their fortune, from about to be slaughtered to feasting on dragon meat. This motivated the men to work harder to clean the battle field and help with the dismantling while the women gather ingredient for the cooking.

Turning to Greta and Frey

"Sorry to ask this of you, but please supervise the dismantling and transport of the dragon material, then go back to the base and give the troop a dragon feast tonight for me.

"Don't worry, it's a dream to be able to eat dragon meat, if only my husband is here to share with us."

"Don't worry, we can store the meat for all of them until they return. Not fresh but with some knowledge about processing, curing and culturing, maybe the meat can have even better taste. Also, take some of the skin, bone, and tendon for yourself. I am sure you will want to make new equipment for your family."

"Thank you so much."

In the conference room inside the mansion, the silent gloomy air stand contrast to the festive activities outside as the Count, Prince Diabo, Princess Pina, Hamilton, Sir Grey, Sir Norma and lady Bozes wait for Cagalli to arrive.

"So Princess Pina, Prince Diabo, you understand the reason why I chose to surrender and said the Representative is hard to deal with?"

"Yes, with what I have seen, I realized the Empire is already doomed."

"But why didn't she simply attack and be done with the war? What keep her from capture or destroy the Imperial Capital and force the Empire to surrender?"

"I don't know how to answer those question. Perhaps the difference in strength between Orb Union and the Empire is so big that she can simply grab the victory any time she wants to."

"Or perhaps Orb Union is not as strong as we think?"

"I took that path, along with your brother, Navarch Septimus, Legate Titus along with Commander Astador and 200.000 men died as a result. Just like today, I have never seen the Murasame transform into Giant Metal Golem. I realized now that she actually could slaughter us any time she wanted, yet she still show mercy. And I sent an Apostle as a messenger to deliver my surrender in hope to have some leverage over her. I didn't think she ignored the Apostle."

"So how are we going to save the Empire?"

"I don't think the Empire can be saved or need to be saved."

"What? How can you even say that?"

"Calm down Lady Bozes, The Empire fate is in the hand of the Representative, not us. So anything we do is irrelevant."

"We can somehow outwit her? Maybe bribe her? Maybe offer treasure?"

"The Empire build on the philosophy of 'Might make right', and now the Empire is the weaker one so if Orb Union insists on war, nothing save a miracle can save the Empire. Bit as I said, the Representative isn't seem to wish for the Empire destruction. So I can only advise you all to make sure the Empire knows its place if there is a negotiation."

"It will be hard to convince those senators and our father."

"Ask for the representative help to show them the futility of fighting against Orb Union, appeal to their survival instincts, their families ….."

"Do you know what will Orb Union ask in return for peace?"

"I think land, mines, resources trade concession."

"That mean peace on the surface but surrender in actuality, the Emperor and the Senates will not accept that."

"Irrelevant, Orb Union can simply conquer and take what they want."

"The people will rise up."

"Wrong, the people will accept and even welcome Orb Union in open arms. The rich will fear and do nothing less incur their wrath, the commoners will have better life so they won't oppose, the slaves will be liberated and have the same life as the commoners, the demi-human will accept Orb Union's dominion for better treatment compare to the Empire. And any foolhardy opposition will be put down either by demonstration of overwhelming might or be wiped out. In any case, the Empire had make a grave mistake in attacking Orb Union. It would have been quite different if a diplomatic envoy was sent to establish cordial relation. But the Emperor thirst for conquest had forgone that and now the Emperor and the Empire will suffer the consequence."

The discussion end with the Royalties and Knights accept the fact that they can't do anything except plead for Cagalli mercy to save the Empire. A bitterness that they can't accept easily because their dream of being admired and glorified throughout history had been dashed by the harsh reality of their defeat. As Cagalli, Meryn, Rory and the fairies enter the room, the Count, Royalties and Knights rise up to greet them.

"Sorry for keeping you wait, we had a discussion with Master Levi and Master Cato regarding the Lich."

"Not at all, we are glad that the whole ordeal is over. So what have they found?"

"According to Master Levi and Master Cato, the Lich is not an ordinary Lich, it's an Elder Lich that can create legions of undead soldier. His power is so immense that even Rory here admits she might not have a chance in a straight up fight. We also conclude that the Elder Lich agree to work with that imbecile for some kind of deal that will surely bite him back later on."

This piece of information deal another hard blow for the already demoralized Imperial party.

"I… I see, then Orb Union had done the Empire a great favor in assisting with its destruction."

"Not quite, if that green beam of light had disintegrate the Elder Lich altogether, I wouldn't have to dispatch it myself."

"Orb Union is full of surprise, I don't believe I can be surprise anymore after all I have witnessed today."

"Don't say thing that make you regret your words later on Princess Pina, Orb Union has a lot more surprise to offer you and everyone here."

All except Rory, all in the room feel a chill running through their bodies. So far, the only surprises they had experienced are the Military aspect, thus their fear of the unknown make them sweat profusely.

"You don't have to be so uneasy, Orb Union is superior to the Empire in many ways except for magic which we don't have."

"I … I see, that's … good to know?"

"Count Colt Formal, I have order a small ceremony to cement the surrender of Italica, the Empire flag will be take down and replace with the flag of Orb Union. The transport are bringing in the band and flag."

"I understand, I shall have my household guard and city guard to form an honor guards."

"Princess Pina, Prince Diabo and the Rose Knights, you all will represent the Empire and take the Imperial Flag back to your Imperial Capital. I trust it will not be an easy task but it's better than having your flag take down and throw away."

"I understand, we shall see this through."

"What about me?"

"You are the star of the show Rory Mercury, as the Apostle of the god of war Emroy, may I trouble you to take down the Imperial Flag and hoist the Orb Union Flag in the mansion yard?"

"A symbol of victory?"

"Something like that."

"Oh, I almost forgot, the Imbecile and his henchmen will participate too. In a prison cage."

Rory begins to grin from ear to ear. The utter defeat and humiliation of the Empire is being play out right at this very moment and she is going to savor it, every moment of it.

Leilei is observing the processing of the dragon bodies, but find herself distracted by the presence of the Murasame. Cautious at first, she starts to get closer and closer to one of them. Observing some more, even touch all their legs to see the difference. Again she is distracted by noise from the South and look up. 12 light transport slowly passing the city while on the ground people look up with awe and fear. However, they are informed that those are the transport of Orb Union, here for the surrender ceremony and transport of the dragon material. The 12 transport land one by one beside one another, open the door and from each, a tank and 10 soldiers disembark. The people watching the tanks and soldiers in silent, then cheer when they see the tanks and soldiers form up and parade through the street, heading toward the mansion. Crown Prince Zorzal, Herme and Antigonius watch with fear and anger as the ground tremble when the tanks roll pass. The Knights and soldiers of Italica feel overwhelmed and glad that they aren't fighting with these monsters. Then the formation splits up, 4 tank and 40 soldiers go into the court yard when the main ceremony will be held, others tanks form into pair with 20 soldiers each heading to one of the gates. Rory is excited to see the new metal beasts that the soldiers bring with them, and the soldier themselves also dress in interesting way, simple design cloth with helmet and torso armor, carrying a miniaturize weapon similar to the Murasame.

The Count signal the start of the ceremony. Rory walk to the Imperial Flag pole and pull down the Imperial Flag, handing it over to Prince Diabo. Taking the Orb Union Flag, she hoists it slowly up as music start to play. As the Flag reach the top, the 4 tanks in the court yard each launch a flare and the 8 tanks at the 4 gates open fire. Their firing startle the people, some even think that thunder are striking somewhere. Upon realize it was the sound made by the metal beasts of Orb Union, they begin to cheer. A total of 21 rounds were fired. After the firing ceased, Cagalli signal the Count to come forward.

"Hoist your own flag to the top of the pole Count Colt, the city of Italica is equal to Orb Union as a partner, not a vassal or territory."

The Count couldn't believe it, nor could he recall what or how thing happened. He only remembers hearing the cheers from his citizens and another 21 rounds were fired by the soldiers. His daughter Myui has to wake him up from his day dreaming several time after the ceremony.

The elves assemble before Cagalli and Meryn as instructed. To their surprise, they are offered enough dragon meat to bring back to their clans, a small amount of dragon scales worth around 1000 gold coin for each clan. They all bow to thank for the generosity, and are surprised once again when she tells them to board the transports to get home. Now with the Wood Elves transport head to the North while the Dark elves Transport head to the South, Cagalli have successfully pacified the territory of Count Colt.

The banquet is in full swing when the dragon meat is served. Round after round of toast are made to celebrate the Independence of Italica and to the benevolence of Representative of Orb Union. Many toast to the Murasame that have come to their aid, to Rory Mercury and her patron god for the blessing for the battle of Italica. A few even toast to the Crown Prince to thank him for the dragon meat. To prevent the awkward feeling for the Imperial party, Cagalli suggests to join the citizen in celebration rather than holding one in the mansion. This endear her more to the people of Italica.

Inside the mansion, the entire order of Rose Knights all feels their commander and prince defeated mood. No one dare to make any sound and eat in silence, the taste of dragon meat can't erase the bitterness of a throughout realization of being defeated. Prince Diabo and Princess Pina begin to have their own thought about how to save their Empire.