Chapter 23

Fall of the Empire

The sheer chaos unleash by the Drake Riders come as a rude shock, and soon the differences are clearly shown. The Drake Riders attack the interior of the fortress, and though their fire hit their intended target, only burn marks and no damage. Realizes that they can't do anything against the fortress, they choose the Imperial Army and Imperial Camp.

For the Imperial, their mages, archers and crossbowmen retaliate, but arrows and bolts bounce off the hard scales and belly armor of the Drakes while magic attacks rarely hit and aren't that much effective except for being annoyance. Legionnaires and foot soldiers run around and get burn or clump together to make a shield wall but still get burn. Young officers are paralyzed while experienced ones try to organize what defense they can. The worst has yet to come, the Drake Riders swoop down on the cavalry and the screeches of the drakes drive the horses crazy, result in a stampede with or without the riders.

The Imperial Camp is ablazed, the fire spread out so fast that many men are burn alive, the cattle are frightened by the raging fire and break through the fence, herding toward the Imperial Army by screeching drakes. And the draft animals also suffer the same treatment and start to run, pulling whatever carriages toward the chaotic crowd. Numerous deaths are caused by the Drake fire and an equal amount of death from stampeding animals.

The Scouts, MPs and riflemen use their guns to repel attacking Drake Riders, knowing their bullets can't penetrate the scales, they shred the wing membrane and cause some of the Drake to fall to the ground. The downed drakes are still a threat as they struggle to get up, but the cannons finish them off with concentrated fire. Still, a few manage to unleash their fire breath and pandemonium break loose as gunpowder explode, men and women burn and explode due to the gas in the OMG.

Amid the chaos, Commander Erwin sees his chance and takes it.

"Abandon the cannons and rush to the fortress."

He doesn't have to repeat it as the Scouts, MPs and gun crews accelerate toward the wall. Leaving behind many of their own and a screen of hellish destruction.

Cagalli, Princess Pina, Prince Diabo and a number of Rose Knights and Praetorians Guards are stunned, but soon snap out of it and proceed to reform their formation. Akatsuky kneel down and take Cagalli back to the cockpit. Princess Pina Order the Knights to dismounts and take the Emperor to safety. But they don't know where they can be safe.

In the command center, General Hazama order all defensive weapons to be brought to bear on those Drake Riders. The base goes on full battle mode with automated weapons target and kill any Drake Riders dare to fly close. Commander Andrew orders the mobilization of the M1 Astray while Colonel Kisara orders the engineers to take the wing mounted ordnance off the Murasames.

Cagalli see the Drake Riders chasing the fleeing so called "Giants Slayers" and order General Hazama to provide covering fire and Commander Andrew to establish a safe zone with the fortress wall as anchor. The M1 fly out of the fortress, form a phalanx outside and begin to shoot at the Drake Riders.

The Imperial army is in chaos, they have the hope up and offer resistance when they have the chance, their hope rise when their vaulted Giant Slayers down some of the Drakes Riders. Their hope is dashed when they see them rush toward the wall. They start to follow suit. Their commanders shout orders but no one comply. And the phalanx of Metal Giants that are killing Drake Riders is the safest spot they can see. Legate Diomedes is struggling to get through the crowd when he see his Titans fight back, even devour some of their attacker. Those who see it think it is a good idea to rally around those mighty Titans. They have no idea how terrible an idea it is as the Titans don't care who are at their feet, and proceed to step on them in their fight against their attackers.

Marshal Garrithos organize a rally point with the support of archers, crossbowmen and mages using Praetorian Guards and Immortals. As the Drake Riders simply attack at random, he manage to rally a large portion until his position become a tempting target. Master Hepheston and his mages decides to let go of the Titans and concentrate their power to set up a barrier. And this is a big mistake, the Titans now grab and gobble up anyone within their reach. Seeing that they suddenly have unexpected allies, the Drake Riders attack the rally point.

The Allied Armies under command of more experienced leaders begin to retreat South as soon as the Drake Riders start their attack so their initial casualty is low. With order to shoot at the wing instead of the rider or the body, their ballistae, archers and crossbowmen shoot down a few drake. But as the number of Drake Riders attacking them keep increasing, they have no choice but to run.

Cagalli is watching the chaotic scene before her and decide to join the fray.

"Meryn, I'm going in, once we are up, you are to detach and join the Colonel Kisara squadron."

"Very well, I have the Shiranui Pack on standby."

"General Hazama, Operation Downfall is on hold. Colonel Kisara, stand by to launch on my order. Commander Andrew, prepare to sortie, seem like the Allies Armies want to run.

"I'll have the troop disembark and prepare for medical assistance."

"I'll have 23 Murasames prepared for launch in 2 minutes."

"Gaia is ready to go."

"Only engage the Drake Riders, leave the Imperials and Allies Armies alone. Let them take cover behind the M1 if they want to."

Akatsuki soar up to the sky and proceed to separate, the Oowashi Pack piloted by Meryn engage a group of Drake Riders while the Shiranui Pack is attaching with Akatsuki.

"Awesome, there is so much I can do with this, I feel like wielding god power."

The soldiers on the ground is getting desperate when shadows of their attacker envelop them. As they pray for salvation, multiples green light shred their attacker to pieces. Looking up, they see a Golden Giant hovering in the air with 7 Flying Daggers. They watch as those & flying Daggers fly straight to their next victims with incredible speed and in a blink, shoot down another 5 Drake Riders before returning to the Golden Giant.

Colonel Kisara and his Murasame take off and rush to engage the Drake Riders pursuing Meryn above Akastuki when he sees the Titans slaughtering the Imperials, he transform into MS mode and take them out with precision shot in the nape. By now, the Drake Riders have been shot down and Meryn starts to provide Cagalli with continuous update of the situation.

The Emitters on East wall of the Fortress create a bridge on which LATs, and mobile AA gun role out and deploy. The soldiers aim their SAMs and shoot at the Drake Riders pursuing the Allied Armies. Though puzzled about why these soldiers are helping them, they trust in the instinct that they will be safe behind them and their horseless carriages.

By now, all the small pocket of resistances are dead or dying while the rest are running amok. The Drake Riders redirect their attack on three locations, the fortress, the rally point of the Imperial Army and the Murasame. Realizing they are inferior to the Murasame in every term and how the Fortress formidable defensive weapons are inflicting crippling loss on their number, they attack the hapless Imperial to bring down the barrier and slaughter the remaining troop.

Princess Pina, Prince Diabo and the rest of the Imperial that take shelter behind the M1 watch with horror, they feel helpless as their army is being massacre and they can't do anything about it. The Emperor by now has somewhat calm down, but unresponsive to anything.

The panic stricken Imperials praying profusely to the gods for salvation from their imminent doom while the Allied Armies snicker at the sight of the Imperial about to be roasted alive. Cagalli is too focus on taking out any roaming Drake Riders to notice their plight, Meryn is relaying situation to help coordinate the Murasame to support Cagalli. It was General Hazama that inquire about the Imperial situation.

"Representative, according to Leilei observation, the Imperial Magic barrier may not hold out for much longer, do we ignore them or support them?"

"Mobilize the tanks and mobile shield emitters at the East side, Commander Andrew is in command. Form up and advance 500 meters to draw them in."

"Master Cato is arriving with a contingent of mages from Rondel, they can help shore up the Imperial Barrier. ETA 30 minutes."

"How many Drake Riders remain?"

"Only 1624 remain."

"They seem to be well coordinated, don't you agree?"

"Could be that they are well-trained and well-versed in battlefield tactics."

"Possibly, but I take no chance. Find that someone from the survivors."

"I shall send out medical team to assist."

Gaia jumps over the wall and startles the Allied Armies. An orange color winged metal beast just land in front of them and before they can react, it speak.

"Get over here to make way for the Tanks and Mobile Shield Emitters."

Though they don't know what Tanks and Mobile Shield Emitters are, they comply with the order.

"Seem like this Orb Union is never cease to surprise other people. I think it's a good thing that things turn out like this, The Imperial Army is decimated, the Emperor is disgraced, the Imperial Government is shaken to the core and the Empire itself has realized they are at the mercy of someone for the first time in history. If we handle this situation well, we might even prosper."

"You mean you want to follow the footstep of Count Colt?"

"Yes, with the Empire in such a sorry state, Orb Union is the only stabilizing force in the region."

"So that's why you advised us to obey the Empire to keep the frontier away from our borders?"

"Precisely. The fact that we are weaker than the Empire is indisputable, but we can put up strong resistance that a war of conquest will be too costly. Now for Orb Union, we are nothing but pebble."

"Will Orb Union accept us? So far they have no trouble with anything throw against them."

"That's the tricky part. We need to present ourselves as separate entities from the Empire, to show that we follow the Empire due to them threatening us."

"I hope the Representative will buy our victim act or she will not tolerate us."

"Let's hope for the best then."

The Beam Emitters produce the bridge that Tanks and MSE rumble down and join with the infantries, LATs and MAAGs. The mixed force form a checkboard formation in front of the M1, with LATs and infantries at the front, Tanks in the second, MAAGs in the third and MSE in the rear. Gaia transforms into MS mode and Commander Andrew orders the advance.

"They should have let those damned Imperial die. If they think their action will be appreciated, they are wrong."

"I don't think so, this is a demonstration of their might. To show that they can do as they please."

"On my part, I am glad that we are not on the receiving end of this juggernaut."

"That's something we all can agree."

"And don't forget, this humiliation will be the greatest in the history of the Empire. To be saved by the enemy they ridicule and look down upon."

"That's a refreshing thought, never have I imagined the day the Empire got brought down so low."

The Emperor is furious at the sight of his army about to be saved by those who had humiliated him. Princess Pina and Prince Diabo have to hold him back to prevent him from slashing his sword at the fortress. All the while, they are watched by the Rose Knights and the Giants Slayers.

"What a pitiful feeble old man, I bet he has never taken any insult in his live."

"Watch your tongue you degenerate or I shall have your head."

Lady Bozes jumps to the defense of the Empire only to be cut short by a loud BANG from commander Erwin's gun.

"Careful about your little mouth pretty lady, the Empire attacked my world and planned to enslave all of us. It was due to the need of new weapons and soldiers that you demand our presence here. But we knew that we can never go back home as your emperor plan to have us all kill to steal our equipment whether we won this battle or not. Though it seem to me that the Empire fate now depend on the mercy of its enemy. The irony."

The Rose Knights unsheathe their weapons and the scouts do the same, a confrontation is imminent. But continues stream of loud explosion turn their attention back to the Orb Union force. The Tanks are unleashing its power as round after rounds of Explosive Shell are shot at the Drake Riders bringing them down in pieces. Some Drake Riders attempt to attack but are shot down by the guns on the LATs and MAAGs. The Drake Riders change tactics, split into 6 groups, two groups fly out to envelop the flanks while the rest attack frontally. This is what Cagalli and Colonel Kisara wanted, With Cagalli and her Murasames on the left and Colonel Kisara and his Murasames on the right, they unleash their missiles and completely annihilated the flanking Drake Riders. The frontal assault fare better as they don't suffer much damage and soon in range for their fire blast.

The Emperor is excited as he is about to see the safe fate his army is suffering is about to land on his enemy. His malicious grin and the happy tone of his remark disgusted and horrified many of the Rose Knight whom used to think he is an honorable man.

"HA HA HA HA HA, YES YES! BURN THEM ALL, BURN THEM TO CRISP! THIS IS WHAT I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED, MAKE THEM SUFFER, MAKE THE BEG FOR THE MERCY THAT SHALL NEVER BE GRANTED. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"

His mood soon turn sour as the MSEs activate their shield and prevent any fire blast from hitting the ground forces while the M1 jump back and shot at the Drake Riders. The Murasames now close in from their flanks and rip them apart. The Drake Riders are in disarray with some try to fall back and attack the Imperials again, other try to continue the frontal attack while those at the flanks dart to engage the Murasame. But unlike before, the Murasame keep on coming head on and launch their missles again at close range. The explosions disorientated many and before they recover, the Murasames transform in to MS and slash at them with beam sabers with CIWS blazing away. The one sided slaughter last only a minutes or two, but the damage is enormous. Though quite a few Drake are killed, many more are fatally injured. The unengaged Drake Riders form into group and charge at the Murasame, but their effort is futile as the Murasames fall back, transform into MA mode and blast off, leaving the Drake Riders stunned temporarily. As soon as the Murasames begin to fall back, the shield is dropped and the ground force open fire. With their numer continue to drop lower and lower, the Drake Riders fly as height and possible and turn to the North East.

The survivor of the ordeal at first relieve when the Drake Riders are driven off, then upon seeing the remaining Drake Riders flight directions, The Imperial have horror expression while the others simply grin and snicker. Many of the Imperials look up and expect the Murasames to pursue only to feel despair, the Murasames are heading back to the Fortress. As are the M1 and ground force.

The citizens in the Imperial Capital and other cities, villages in the direction of the Drake Riders are in full panic. They want to flee to safety and anarchy slowly reign. The crime lords in Akusho at first panic, but when Bessara tells them this is a chance of a lifetime, they calm down and listen.

"No need to worry my friends, those Drake Riders have at least 5 days before reaching us. Let's talk busi…. No, let's talk profit."

"Are you insane Bessara? We should start to pack up and leave ASAP and you are babbling about business and profit?"

"Well, the Capital is around 2 million people and when those things arrive, they will start to chase those headless chicken around. We only need to stay in our secret tunnel and basement."

"I see, then about the profit?"

"We will form up our best fighters and start to attack the rich and the noble mansion. I'm sure their guard might even willing to join us."

"Brilliant idea Bessara. Now, a toast to our bright future."

"Let's not celebrate yet, I have another cunning proposal to make sure things will run smoothly too."

"Let's hear it then."

"We shall split the profit 60-40. Each of us will take 15% profit while the 40% will be reward to our minion, even the newly joined one too. This incentive will make them work harder for us."

"Such a cunning business man ever eh, Bessara."

"Now a toast and get to work."

The street in the Capital is chaotic with brawling, robbing, shouting ….. people, horse and carriage speeding with disregard to anything in their path. The Drake Riders are still far away yet dead toll begin to mount. And other cities also in the same state. Only in Telta is different as the city is consist of slave traders and few citizen, with most of them assembled at the same spot with Arthrun is also a blessing as he assured them they will be safe. With prediction that the Drake Riders will take time to destroy other settlements before coming here, this give them the time they need to evacuate in and orderly manner. When ask where should they go, Arthrun point to the East and said

"The Gate to the East, let's take shelter beyond the Gate."

Though many still have their doubts, the prominent houses decide it is a good idea and begin to organize for the trip. As they had hoped to sell most of their slaves to Arthrun in the morning, they don't need to worry about the slaves being lost. Thus they only need to gather supply and their personal things for the journey.

General Hazama watch the chaos unfold in the screens of the command center with unconcern eyes. But when he see Telta is organizing an evacuation, he suddenly has an idea of what Arthrun actually up to. He begine to order preparation of all available transports and all previously assigned soldiers to the three task forces to embark again. And not a moment too soon as Arthrun finally send a message to ask for an interception of the slave convoy. Then one of the officer tells him that Princess Pina is heading to meet with their Representative.

The Princess is on horseback riding hard to intercept Akatsuki and try to get Cagalli attentions.

"WAIT…..! PLEASE WAIT!"

Cagalli lands Akatsuki and get down to talk with her. To Cagalli surprise, Princess Pina immediately gets down from the horse and protrate before her. Pleading her to save the people.

"I know you don't have any obligation to do anything to save the subjects of an enemy nation, but I implore you to do so. I know I am shameless to ask such a thing. Please save my people, they don't deserve such fate."

"Your people had live up until now a life of luxury at the expense of other conquered races and nation. I'm sure many will think this is a fair retribution."

"I know, but please, be merciful, I am pleading for them. I shall pay any price and agree to anything you want, just save my people."

"I understand your passion, but our position is different. I rule with the consent of my people, the soldiers and the weapons belong to my nation, not me. I have the responsibility to use them for the benefit of my nation and my people. Saving the Empire doesn't achieve anything for them."

"But …"

"And remember, the Empire is an enemy nation that had launch unprovoked attack on us. It's illogical to save it so it can be a nuisance again. In fact, I planned to have the Empire destroyed today. The Drake Riders simply give the Empire the same fate that I planned to give."

"What if the Empire surrender? Will you help save my people?"

"You have no authority to do that."

"I shall convince my father, the Senate and the Nobles."

"Then do it, we have around 5 days to settle this."

"We shall settle it today, please wait a bit while I rally the official, noble and Senator."

As the Princess rides away toward the Imperials position, a group of cavalry with leaders of the Allied Armies come up. The dismount and the escorts stay back while their leaders walk up to Cagalli and bow.

"We thank you for saving us and our armies even though we march under the banner of the Empire to fight against you. Our nations and people own you and Orb Union a great debt. We know whatever we can offer might not be sufficient but it's the best we can do right now. We wish to stand with you and Orb Union against the Empire."

Cagalli simply smirks at the thought of these greedy and opportunistic leaders.

"I can accept your gratitude, but your assistance in the war with the empire? What a joke"

The vassal leaders are taken aback at the blunt mockery, but the sweats starting to flow clearly shown they will be in big trouble if the next thing come out from their mouths is considered an insult or provocation.

"Orb Union can destroy all of you including the Empire in less than a week. You want to get your revenge against the Empire and want my approval to do so. Am I correct?"

"…. Yes, we had been dominated and bullied by the Empire, thus we want revenge. When we learn about your victories over the Empire, we secretly agreed to defect to your side."

"I understand your feeling and position, but I do not condone vengeance as I know what will happen to the common people of the Empire. However, there is a negotiation with the Empire later on, so I shall make demand for reparation for your nations. And you all will take part in the negotiation as a separate entity."

The offer is quite unexpected considering their circumstances. Though they want to inflict physical damages to the Empire, there isn't much left of the Empire to do so. And the loots will not worth the effort. Thus they all accept to present themselves at the negotiation table.

Commander Erwin reaches Cagalli and express his wish to inquire about the fate of his people.

"Representative, we are grateful for your help. I know we stand no chance against your military in battle so I offer my surrender. I only ask you show mercy to us."

"Commander Erwin, I understand your situation well, so you don't have to worry about your wellbeing, or of your soldiers. Though I would like to meet with you alone later on after the negotiation."

"Can I represent my people on this negotiation?"

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that as you don't have the authority to speak for your government. But I assure you the Empire can never threaten your people again."

Commander Erwin is surprise when Cagalli deny his participation, but he has no say on the matter. Still, it seem the fate of his people will be decided at the private meeting with her later so he goes back to his soldiers.

The chaotic exodus from Imperial Capital, cities and settlements had somewhat died down when they hear the negotiation will continue and might result in assistance from Orb Union. All except Telta because general Hazama turn off all the hollow screens there. Thus the whole cities form up in a gigantic convoy heading East.

By the time Princess Pina reach the Imperials remnants, Master Cato transport also arrive. It land and the mages under Master Cato order begin to search and heal the wounded.

"All survival Officers, Senators, Grant Noble and Government officials gather around me, I have an announcement to make. We are going to negotiate our surrender to Orb Union."

Many heard her summon, but they have lost all hope and will, they don't care about anything anymore but when she declared surrender, they are furious.

"That is treason, even if you are a Princess."

"I rather die than surrender, I say we charge in and die in glorious battle."

"I shall never bow to those barbarian."

"Whoever say anything about surrender will take my blade."

The Princess is alone but she will not back down, not when the fates of so many ride on her shoulder.

"If anyone of you have any feasible idea to save whatever remain of the Empire, let's hear it. I don't want to hear anything about glorious death, I want to hear about salvation."

Murmur floats around but no one dare to speak up.

"Nobody has any idea at all? Good! Now you all listen to me. We had made a terrible when we attack Orb Union, and our arrogance and ignorance prevent us from seeing reality, we only see illusion that we want to see. But it end here and now. We are all alive because of the mercy we had never had for anybody is granted to us. If Orb Union military didn't intervene, can you sit hear cursing, arguing, lamenting, brooding and doing nothing to save the people that you had always sworn to protect?"

No one is disputing her yet no one is supporting her either. But the Princess is no going to give up.

"Defeat is unthinkable considering the string of victory in the history of the Empire. And I understand nobody want to be remembered as a defeatist. But the reality is there will be no history for the Empire if we don't make sacrifice today. The sacrifice we make today will ensure the people of the Empire live on and we will be remember for it. There is no shame in admitting we are defeated by someone better. Think about our ancestor, did they fight an enemy like Orb Union? How many perished for their arrogance and ignorance? The Empire has fallen, but one day our descendant might rise up and be stronger than ever before. But without sacrifice today, there is no tomorrow for anyone."

Silence reign as those present simply don't want to accept it. But soon, Marquis Casel speak up.

"The war is brought upon us due to the ambition of the current Emperor wish to be remembered as the greatest Emperor in the history of the Empire. It result in a complete defeat by Orb Union and a hollow victory on the Paradis Island. We, the Senate share the blame partialy. But what will guarantee the next ruler will not embark on foolish endeavor like this again?"

"I ….. I shall persuade my father to accept responsibility for this, and maybe create some officials department to restrict the ruler from making this kind of mistake ever again."

"Will he agree to do that?"

"Will the Senate, Commanders and Government Officials support me in this? If you do, I swear I shall be the head of that department."

"Then you propose to restore the status quo between the Emperor and the Senate in all affair of the Empire?"

"Yes, if my father doesn't agree, we shall …

"We shall?"

After taking a deep breath, the Princess is filled with resolve to save her people,

"We shall declare the current Emperor unfit to rule and have my brother, Prince Diabo ascends the Imperial Throne."

The Princess has changed. No longer a little girl playing knight but a capable administrator who care about those under her care. All of them, long time Senators, seasoned Commanders and Governmental Officials all roar in unison. They have resolved to save the Empire.

The Imperial party set out and lady Bozes also escorts the Emperor and Prince Diabo to the meeting site where Cagalli and the leaders of the vassal states are waiting.

"Princess Pina had proposed the surrender of the Empire to Orb Union, what are your opinions in this matter?"

The Emperor still not willing to give up, decide to rally support for the continuation of the war. But he sees in their eyes the disdain and resolve to depose him if he doesn't agree. So he decide to bit his time.

"What is going to happen to the Empire after we surrender?"

"Simple. The Empire will be no more, a new country will replace it. Both in name and in governmental form. And the citizen way of life will change too. Slavery will be outlawed, nobles will not be privilege to tax exemption, land seizure and power over the commoner. Commoner will have to right to choose where they live, what they do as long as the laws allow…. Ect basically, a country govern by law of equality for all will rise from the Empire, and no discrimination."

"Preposterous, are you playing god here?

"Unthinkable, how will the commoner know what to do without the noble guidance?"

"And who will work in the mines? Plough the farms?

"How could a country run when the commoner can run around from place to place?

Protests after protest hurls at Cagalli. Still, she is unfazed and simply tell them fact.

"Orb Union is a Constitutional Monarchy, its citizen is free to do thing guided by law. The people run the country and its ruler and officials serve them with good governing. Unlike the Empire where the ruling class look down on other class yet expect obedience. Orb Union pride itself on its tolerant and acceptance of others. Your citizen pride on being Imperial citizen and look at other with contemp. Your Empire enslave other people and races, and loot whatever you like and claim it as your own. My people develop things themselves, or learn from other via cooperation or mutual exchange. The face that the Empire is nothing but a nuisance we can remove any time we wants is the proof to show which system is superior."

"So your condition is total surrender, total reform in our government and way of life?

"And the instigators of the attack on my nation are to be hand over to us for punishment."

"That mean everyone here, how can you consider that as a term?"

"If you fear for your life, don't be. And none of you are qualified to do anything even if we punish you by making you a force laborer."

Angry and relieved that they will not be killed nor be subject to any physical hardship, they relent as in the end, nothing they do can change the fact the Empire is lost.

"Then what is it that you want as a punishment for us?"

"Your resignation from all position and be relieved of your duty in governmental affair. Half your monetary property and all your assets like land, mines, trade ships, shops and merchant caravan. The money will go into the treasury of the new country and the other assets will be used for national purpose."

"You expect us to lost almost everything and be quiet about it?"

"No, I expected resistance and had prepared to enforce the punishment by force."

Begrudgedly, they accept as they think they have a loop hole to exploit.

"And to prevent you from sabotage by transfer ownership of those assets, you will stay in Italica under house arrest. If attempts are made, you will be stripped of your tittle and your entire family will be banish to the Western Desert."

Defeated and dehjected, they have to agree.

"All former treaties with the vassal states will be nulled and new treaties will be signed. Any territory taken will be returned, as is the tribute sent by the vassal states within the last 5 years."

The imperials haven't expected such harsh blow on their economy as they only expected the loss of tributes and certain trade privilege.

"Doesn't this mean a death sentence to us? Why don't you just finished us off instead of tormenting us like this?"

"The territory of the Empire have potential to grow, if manage properly, everything will be over in 10 years."

"If you say so, but does that mean during those 10 years, we have to do things your way?"

"Yes, and you will see the benefit to it."

"Then why don't you just annex us already?"

"My people will not accept you at this state. Your arrogance, ignorance and pride will make you unfit to blend in our society. Not to mention my people consider slavery barbaric and unacceptable."

"Very well, any more punishment to hammer down on us? O great Representative of Orb Union?"

"Yes, Concerning the Eastern Gate, Orb Union shall occupy it. A reparation will be made for the people of Paradis Island and formal apology offer to its government."

"Then I guess Orb Union will want the same things?"

"Yes, a formal submission and apology to Orb Union. A formal recognition of an independent Italica, and a concession of territory. Every territory east of the Dumas Mountain with extension to the port town of Coruna will remain with the Empire. Anything west of the Dumas Mountain to the border with other vassal will belong to Italica."

"That's a sixth of our Empire territory."

"I know. So do you have any objection?"

The grumble, but still have to accept it. And this is the only time the Empire is on the losing side and have term and condition dictated to them. They swear vengeance but nothing can could do. As the people had seen the might of Orb Union.

"So I guess we shall sign the official treaty in the Imperial Capital then."

All those present at the historic moment nod as Murasames under command of Colonel Kisara begin to fly overhead.

The Emperor is livid and quiet during the discussion. He wants to turn the table around but he doesn't have the mean to. His army is gone, his secret unit exposed and killed. The only thing he has in the ever loyal Immortal. And he plan to use them to take back his power. Little does he know, he is about to be humiliated again with the death nail of the Empire.