Chapter 25

Rise of Sadera Kingdom

Count Colt and Bartholomew board the transport with Nora and her fellow Dars. While in flight, he inquire Nora about the current status of their home. Nora is a bit apprehensive to share news about the camps with a traitor. But in the end, she understands it is for the best to share since they want to save their clans and kins. The 5 hours flight is quite pleasant compare to horse riding or any aero creature in their service. The food and drink, as always are good. Nora and her people had been living in hardship save for occasionally celebration or reward from the Empire. But now, she is hoping her people will enjoy living rather than existing. Still, she knows the Count and his butler have to be very persuasive for her hope to come true.

The hot air in the desert sometime bring mirage, but this time, the image of a strange flying thing is as real as the sand beneath the feet. The sentries soon send out alarms. Within moment, children are back to their home, able bodies are armed and ready. While they fear the unknown, this unknown threat is flying and they don't have anything to reach it. All their Drake Riders are sent to fight for the Empire.

The transport land outside the palisade and open the back door. Count Colt, Bartholomew, Nora and the rest of the Dars walk out. At first fearful of what kind of enemies will emerge, the fear turn to joy when they see Nora and her companion. Nora walks to the captain of the guard and give him the password. The guards open the gate and they enter the camp. Many can't decide what they want to do, to watch the strange flying contraption or follow Nora and her company to the Central Tent. In the end, the guards stay back. They soon reach their destination and the group disperse. Nora, Count Colt and Bartholomew enter.

"I have returned Matriarch Katria. I bear unfortunate news. Our Drake Riders were annihilated, Bouro and his groups were killed, our tie with the Empire was severed."

"And why have you brought those two traitors here? Surely they are not responsible for your survival."

"They are here as messenger for Orb Union. The Representative passed on a message for us. It concern the future of our tribe."

"Ohh! If we don't submit, they will kill us all? That kind of message?"

Her sarcasm makes Nora uncomfortable while Count Colt and Bartholomew clearly upset.

"Did I just hit the nail on the head? Or in some way disrespect your new master?"

"Do you want to hear the message or keep on spitting mockery?"

"Such righteous anger. Very well, I shall hear it out and decide whether to kill or spare you later. Ohh Roka and Teg, the infamous traitors of the Haryo Tribe.

Those gather around the Tent grip their weapons tightly, ready to butcher the traitors. To their surprise, the two traitors calmly announce their intention.

"I am here as a messenger of Orb Union, The Representative wishes to offer the Haryo tribe a choice between living as an equal to other races or be wipe out. And these are proofs that the threat is real."

Teg throws the aerial recon photos at the people outside the Tent while Roka toss it on the table, knocking out the drink which spill on the Matriarch. Appalled at the disrespect shew the Matriarch, the Guards advance only to be stopped.

"What are these?"

"You know what they are. So tell me your choice."

"How do I know the offer is sincere?"

"They can kill you as soon as they spotted you. But they didn't. When they confirm the camps belong to the Haryo tribe, they also didn't do anything. When the Representative exposed me and my brother, we told them about us, about our blight and the reason for our actions. She understand and sympathy with us. So instead of destroying the Haryo Tribe, she offers to help us."

"What is the difference between this Orb Union and the Empire? I bet they want to make use of our ability."

"That's not something I can answer. But I know that Orb Union will help us improve our life and our standing among other races."

"You truly believe so?"

"I have seen it. They don't subjugate. They prefer to cooperate and prosper together."

"It doesn't sound like something a strong nation would do."

"They are strong enough to destroy this world if they wish to. They are strong enough to destroy the Empire in one day. They are strong enough to treat the gods as equal. And they wish to live in peace with all."

The mention of the gods generate a round of shock and stun. But the expression of Roka and Teg doesn't show any deceit. Matriarch Katria had lived a long and rough life, but she has never heard anything so absurd, yet they don't seem to be lying. Her choice will determined the fate all her Tribe.

"I wish to converse with this Representative to determine whether she is sincere or not."

"Very well, I shall go and relay the message."

Teg bows and turn to leave. The crowd make way for him as he heads toward the transport.

"You are not going with him?"

"Teg only need to relay your request. Orb Union have device to communicate from far away."

Matriarch Katria thinks about the possibility of such device, she understands the important of the flow of information and the speed to get the information to the right person.

"They can relay image in real time too. As such, the defeat of the Empire is shown all over the settlements in Falmart."

This gather the attention of all within earshot. They are curious about it. But leave the questioning to their Matriarch.

"That mean they can command armies from far away and know every movement of their enemy."

"From generals to squad leaders, they can be command as easily as moving a chess piece. The commander can assess the situation while the soldiers in the field can fight confidently that their back are covered."

Teg come back, and surprisingly with Cagalli in tow.

"What? How can you are here?"

"She is one of the pilots."

The Matriarch hasn't prepared for a meeting so suddenly, yet she manages not the show her surprise and stand up to greet Cagalli.

"Welcome to our humble enclave, you must be the Representative of Orb Union."

"Thank you for the hospitality, I am Cagalli Yula Athha, Representative of Orb Union. I am here to answer any question you have regarding my offer."

"You offer us a choice to live and prosper equally to other races or perish. I want to hear more about the former choice."

"It's simple. The Haryo Tribe will be counted as an independent tribe that stand equal to others. From Empire to Elven village, the Haryo Tribe will be treated the same as them."

"What if they don't want to treat us as equal?"

"I can't change their perception of your tribe overnight, but I know a way to help. It take time to ease their mind."

"Tell us then, if such an outcome is possible, we shall do everything in our power to achieve it."

"Trade and promise your tribe will not use your shapeshifting ability to interfere with other race affairs."

"I can promise the later, but for trade, we have nothing they want."

"I can help with that. After all, I want the Haryo tribe to remain secluded in the desert."

"I had hope you could relocate us to a fertile land,"

"Impossible, at least for now. It will take a lot of time to convince others to accept your tribe to settle in the other region."

The Matriarch and those hear the conversation are disappointed, but they also understand it is due to their reputation and shapeshifting ability.

"Then about trade?"

"Desert region have plenty of material and resources that will be needed soon. So I propose a trade treaty between the Haryo Tribe and Orb Union."

"Very well, but beside the people here, what kind of good do you want to trade?"

"Sand is a material for making glass."

"Glass?"

Cagalli smiles as she has won them over. Her intuition is right, they all want to live a good life.

"And gas, and oil, and maybe many tupe of mineral. So in 6 days, a negotiation will take place in the Imperial Capital. You shall attend and claim the desert as your domain. Orb Union will help you with the beginning, but you will have to manage the trade deal with other races yourself."

"You have given us hope. We shall agree. But I want to know what will you or Orb Union get out of this. Surely you have your own agenda."

"Resources. But rather forcing people to give them to us or take over the mines for ourselves, we prefer trade. We have things they want, they have things we want."

"So in exchange for your help, we have to make payment in resources."

"Yes, but we have standard and condition. We don't want resources acquired by looting, thieving, slave labor and smuggling."

"I don't understand it. Why not?"

"Because looting mean war, and war is not bringing prosperity, only hatred. Slavery is a great offense in my world anything associated with it will be condemned. Thieving and Smuggling are illegal so it is forbidden by laws to deal in resources acquire using illegal mean."

"The philosophy of your world is too much for us to understand. If you need resources, why does it matter whether it is legal or illegal?"

"Our society is guided by laws and compassion. Your view is pragmatic, but not for a long term."

"I understand war and illegal activity. But what about slavery?"

"Economic and pragmatic reason. A slave has no personal possession so he is not a customer. An economy loss. A skillful slave is costly and if he dies, you lost your investment. Not to mention if he decides to defy you by not working or escaping or worse, sabotage you. Now the same person whose service can be used by you for a fee. Then the money he made from you will be used to buy from you. Thus a customer and a provider at the same time for economy. You will not have to worry about him dying or sabotaging you as it mean he will doom himself."

"I see, so that's why you propose to use trade to help us integrate into society."

"Precisely."

"Then we humbly accept your proposal."

"Excellent. Then I shall leave with The Count and his Butler now. I need to attend a meeting."

"I would like to invite you to stay for a night and get to know more about your world."

"That's not necessary, many specialists are enrouted. Please prepare lodging and guides for them. We shall have time to get to understand one another after the negotiation."

"I sincerely hope things will turn out as you predicted. Our tribe will forever indebted to you and Orb Union."

Cagalli smiles in response, bows and turns to leave with Roka and Teg do the same. The transport lift off and fly back to Italica.

The return of the Imperial Army, Senators, Royal Family and the Nobles is contrast to their departure a month ago. Their pride shattered, their defeat exposed and the fact that they survive owing to the enemy they swore to vanquish was known throughout the land. They can't lie nor blame anyone except their Emperor for this catastrophe. The only good thing is order is restored.

Arthrun and the Slave Merchant arrival during the return of the Imperial help divert attention toward his party and they soon arrive at Akusho and meet with the crime lord. At first they tried to intimidate him, but their efforts were in vain and their very lives are now in his hand.

"Now, if you are done with these foolish attempts to amuse us, I suggest you call off your henchmen. They are more useful alive than dead."

The crime lords are on their knees, restrained by his guards and their henchmen are on the floor groaning with broken arms or leg. 3 of them are dead with a big hole on their foreheads. They are sweating profusely at their guests intimidating aura. Bessara manages to swallow hard and response.

"Yes, my lord. I shall call them off and prepare a banquet to welcome you and your fellow companions. Please, no more violence."

"I hope you've learn your lesson for I have little patience in these turbulence time. Don't make me promote your second in command to your position."

The place are cleaned up and soon they are all seated.

"Now, we are pressing on time. Gather all available money, slaves and henchmen. We have a big business venture to make."

"We are all ears. But how big is this business venture?"

"Big enough to have a province for us all to operate as we see fit."

This declaration immediately garner their attentions and all their hostilities toward Arthrun are brushed under the rug. For an hour, they listen to Arthrun plan and decide to give it a shoot.

"So let's start moving now before they get smart and come after our assets."

"Right, let's get this done as soon as possible."

They move all their valuables into a secret warehouse to the west of the Imperial capital via the tunnel they use for smuggle.

Giselle has finally reach Alnus base, exhausted and fatigue. She lands in the middle of the base and shout out her name and her intention. One of the female officer order the soldiers to stand down and ask her to identify herself and her intention again.

"I am Giselle, Apostle of the Goddess of the underworld Hardy. I am here to invite your Representative to visit the shrine city of Bellnahgo. Where is she?"

"The Representative isn't here. She is at Italica."

"Call her back at once. I shall be waiting."

"She is busy with her work and unless it is important, she will not be back until the negotiation with the Empire is over."

Enrage at the answer, Giselle swing the Scythe and threaten the female officer.

"A summon by the god is important, SO GO AND GET HER HERE OR I SHALL SLAUGHTER YOU ALL!"

Before a reply come, Giselle is shot with a Taser. The pain is excruciating but last only a few second. She is now madden with being treated like this, but before she can get up on her feet and utter threat, another shock overcome her again. This time last longer than before. Her rage has breaker her limit and she jump up to the sky and swoop down to her attacker.

"Time to meet with my Mistress now foolish mortals."

The man simply toss a cylinder up and duck on the ground,

"Flashbang!"

The noise and sudden flash of light disoriented Giselle and she slams hard on the ground. Her head and ear are ringing while her eye are temporary blinded, her entire body is in pain with several broken bones. But her regeneration kicks in and soon she is on her feet again.

"You will pay for this transgression with a slow and painful death."

As soon as her threat is over, a loud BANG is heard and her right leg blow off. She is now on the ground again, she looks up and another BANG come, her right arm is blown off. She is in intensive pain and spread her wings to fly, but before she is even an inch off the ground, she is shot with a Taser again. On the ground again, she begins to feel fear. Her opponent is not trying to kill her, just toying with her. Then suddenly remember how they can kill her in an instant, she changes her attitude.

"No No No No! Please, PLEASE NO MORE! I SURRENDER!"

"OK, but just because you said please."

Giselle is allowed to regenerate and stand on her feet again, but meekly so.

"So as you have been informed, the Representative is in Italica. And she isn't attend any meeting until the negotiation is over. IS THAT CLEAR?"

"Y ye yesss! But my Mistress …."

"Will wait since she is immortal, time mean nothing to her, isn't that right?"

"But to ignore a. …."

"Nobody is ignoring anything. We received the message and replied. That's all."

Seeing nothing will work, she decides to cut her loss.

"Then I shall wait here until your Representative is ready to meet my Mistress."

"Good choice, we shall have lodging prepare. Enjoy yourself and don't break any rule or your stay is going to be excruciating."

Meekly nod, she is escorted by Frey while Commander Andrew looks on. Chuckle at the thought of how conceit these immortal would be. Then he yell her to Giselle

"There are things worse than death, just so you know."

Giselle shudders when she hears that comment. Her notion of being immortal is dashed as she imagines eternal torturing await her if she pisses of anyone here.

The Ari, Greta, Frey and Leilei have all seen how technology help normal mortal power to defeat an immortal with their own eyes. And the revelation of world destructive scale weapon enhance their belief that Gods and Apostles aren't that powerful, at least to those who possess technology level of Orb Union. Leilei has been gorging herself on many text books, but without a foundation to guide her, her understanding is either broad but shallow or the other way around. But she is excel in healing now thanks to the doctors at the base. From time to time, she tries to as Director Erica to be her tutor, but she can't due to her busy schedule. So a compromise was reached. She will provide Leilei with elementary text books and answer questions for her. In return, Leilei will help in her study about magic and the Dragon Jewel. Leilei has no knowledge about it, but she can study more about it in the Mage city of Rondel. And she is applying for a Sage exam. If she becomes a Sage, she can gain access to numerous tome and old book in the city library which may help. Thus Director Erica decides to teach Leilei full time whenever she can. And Leilei is just as smart as she is quick to master all basics. When her master return, she will display her new spells to ask him for a recommendation letter.

Princess Pina for the most part wants to save the Empire but now the threat is from within. As her father become reclusive and leave the Senate to bickering on their own, rumors about secession emerge. Her brother is hapless in the face of experiences and defiant nobles. Thus her only solace is her Knights, so she has been on patrol every day. And today isn't different. But her patrol is stopped by a dragon newt.

"Stand clear demi-human, this is her Highness Princess Pina. Show your respect."

The dragon newt simply stands there when another voice interject.

"Then the Princess will get down from her horse and come to me to talk."

Shocked at the revelation that they are expected, they nervously grip their weapons tightly and look around. Lady Bozes ride forth to shield Princess Pina from any attack. But none come. Just a dragon newt on the road and a cloaked man.

"Identify yourself and intention. And be respectful or else you will be cut down."

"Arthrun Zala, special agent of Orb Union."

The mention of Orb Union immediately get the attention and the Knights tense up. They fear a confrontation even if it's just 2 opponents. But Princess Pina dismount and have lady Bozes take over the patrol. They reluctantly leave the Princess. As the Knights ride away, Princess Pina turn to Arthrun.

"Well. I am listening."

"The Empire will be imposed a hefty reparation, and at the current situation, the Empire will not be able to pay. So I had been order to help."

"How is Ord Union be able to help?"

"On the day after tomorrow, assemble all your loyal Knights and soldiers under the guise of field training. Then follow the map and the instruction in this letter."

Princess Pina accepts the map and marvel at the detail. She suddenly has a weapon to force the secessionist to stay with the Empire. She looks at Arthrun and bows, tears begin to drop.

"Thank you, thank you so much for helping to save the Empire and my people."

"We have done everything we can to help, it's up to you now."

Arthrun turns away and smile. Cagalli has chosen well, this Princess has the interest of her Empire and people at heart, unlike those nobles and her brothers.

The knights return to find Princess Pina with a happy expression but reddened eyes. Before Lady Bozes can ask, she smiles happily.

"The Empire is saved, our people are saved!"

The confused Knights look at her and simply accept her statement.

The preparation to receive envoys from various demi-human settlements, the leaders of the vassal states and the Representative of Orb Union had been in full swing. And the entire Imperial Capital hold its breath to await the judgement for the Empire. As for today, the soldiers from Orb Union take over the Jade Palace from the Roses Knights to prepare for the arrival of various delegates. Princess Pina lead her Knight Order out as planned.

They come upon an unexpected sight. The sentries are all dead with a slit throat. When they arrive at the entrance, Captan Eric greet them and inform them about the changes.

"Our commander order us to secure the warehouse and hand it over to you as the various traps are quite deadly, not to mention the oil trap that will cause a cave in."

Princess Pina is at a loss for word. She is grateful at the consideration and the extension of helping hand, but she also feels indignant about the powerless of herself. But she has learn humility and keep her cool.

"Thank you, I am forever indebted to Orb Union and the Representative. May I know your name?"

"Captain Eric Wickensen. I'll return to the Jade Palace now. Farewell."

"Farewell captain, and thanks once again for your help."

The knights and soldiers go inside, in front of them are the salvation of their Empire.

"These wealth is enormous, maybe equal to several years of tax revenues. We may be able to pay off the reparation in one day."

"Yes, and the remainder will help us recover our economy. But keep this a secret or else they will demand bigger reparation."

Arthrun, the crime lords and slave merchants are at the house of Bessara when Sir Norma and Sir Grey charge in with the Praetorian Guards. As planned, they submit themselves meekly while the Praetorians go around to search the entire mansion. Various amount of wealth are discovered hidden everywhere, when the search is over, they expect to be release or lead into prison where they can escape later on. But to their horror, they are slain one by one.

"NO! Stopp!"

"THIS IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE HAPPENING!"

"STOP PLEASE, I SHALL CONFESS, JUST SPARE ME!"

But their deaths come swiftly and remorselessly. Arthrun and Agron are set free and they part way. Arthrun returns to the Jade Palace while Agron is going back to his family.

The constant stream of transports land and take off at fixed interval in the Jade Palace court yard announce the time for the judgement of the Empire has come. Various races chiefs and clan leaders disembark from the transport. They marvel at their flight and the beauty of the Jade Palace. But more importantly, they are here to declare their independence from the Empire that had oppressed them for generations and sign a treaty of cooperation with the new power, Orb Union. They, as well as the citizen in the Imperial Capital watch as the logistical and organizational power come in to play. All delegates gather in the court yard and under escort of the Rose Knights board carriages get them to the Imperial Senate except Cagalli and her companion, they use her official car.

The hollow screens light up and display the precession.

The Imperial Senate is full with all nobles and Senators are waiting. They have split into two faction, one want to stay and the other want to leave. They had made a decision to abandon the sinking ship and seek their fortune on their own. Thus when the Emperor, Princess and Prince arrive, only the loyalists stand up to pay their respect while the secessionist ignore the Royalties. Then come the announcement of the arrival of the demi-human, vassal states and Orb Union delegates. They enter the forum with the Senator, nobles and Imperial Royalties staring down on them. While the demi-human delegates feel intimidated, the vassal states leaders are silent. Cagalli speak up.

"Greeting esteem Senator, honorable Noble and venerable Emperor of the Empire. I trust you are ready to decide the fate of the Empire?"

Before the Emperor can reply, an eldery Senator stands up and speak.

"We are ready, but there are issue we need to address before the negotiation can begin. As this is the internal affair of the Empire, I respectfully ask that all non-imperial to abstain from interfering."

The elderly Senator sound a little shaky and sweats start to appear. Cagalli simply smile. While the demi-human begin to worry. The vassal states leaders decide to follow Cagalli and simply nod.

The elderly Senator walks confidently toward the center with a scroll in hand, booster by the agreement not to interfere from other parties.

"I am Senator Casel, I represent the nobles and Senators of the Empire. On their behalf, I declare the secession and independence of the 72 provinces, territories and fiefdoms from the Empire. From now on, we have nothing to do with the Empire. And the Emperor no longer have any authority on us or our subject."

Then he turn toward the delegates

"And we are ready to negotiate independently with all of you honorable delegates regarding trade, security and policies."

The loyalists immediately protest and threaten the secessionist. Shouts and insults are exchange. For a while, they are amused but Cagalli soon put a stop to this bickering.

"The decision to be independence from the Empire will not abstain your responsibility to pay the reparation for the war. Thus each and every one of the newly independent states will have to pay a certain amount which equal to percentage of land, population, wealth contributed to the Empire."

The horror looks on the secessionists contrast with the grins on the loyalist faces. They know they can't pay the amount requested and they have nothing to bargain with. Then Princess Pina steps up.

"We agree to grant independence to all who wish it."

They all turn to look at her with surprise, shock and incredulous eyes. Even her brother and father look stunned. But she ignores all those looks.

"And we can begin to negotiate the conclusion of this war. Please state your term and conditions."

"As I had stated, the ones responsible for the war are to step down from power. A reparation to be made to Orb Union, recognition of and independent Italica, territory concession and the end of the Empire."

King Duran steps forth

"I represent the former vassal states of the Empire. We want reparation for our expenses in the fail expeditions and our independence."

Then a hooded individual step forth and remove the hood.

"I am Katria, Matriarch of the Haryo Tribe. I wish for recognition of my people territorial right, compensation and independent from the Empire."

The mention of Haryo Tribe spark anger and disgust, even the demi-human can barely hold back their wish to kill her on the spot. Cagalli move in front of Matriarch Katria and deliver her speech.

"The Haryo Tribe possess shapeshifting ability, for that they have been hated, exploited, mistreat and persecuted. They now settle in the Western Desert Region. They don't have enough bare necessities to survive so the Empire exploits them. In exchange for their service, the Empire will pay them in supply. But now they want to coexist with every other races as an equal race on this continent. And this is a chance for the Haryo Tribe and for all of us to right what is wrong. I know trust is hard to obtain, but if you are willing to give this arrangement a chance, we can make it work and prosper together. A simple trade agreement. Necessities for their products. And no Dars will venture out of the desert without the consent of other races."

Looks and confusion, murmur exchange and remark, the discussion about the accursed Haryo Tribe has come as a surprise. But they realize the Haryo Tribe has the backing of Orb Union, they agree. Some do feel sympathy for them as they too possess special ability that the Empire exploited. They also curious about the product that the Haryo Tribe want to trade.

The Emperor is quiet during the negotiation. It's his daughter that leading the Empire in the negotiation with the former vassal states regarding the amount of reparation. The negotiation isn't smooth, just as predicted. They want huge amount of reparation that will weaken the Empire while the Princess and the Imperial Senators haggle. In the end, the Princess agree to the amount of 700.000 Dinars which shock everyone in the Senate. The leaders of the former vassal states, senators and other delegate can't believe she will agree or the Empire ability to pay. After they finish signing the treaties, Princess Pina claps her hand and her aid Hamilton enter.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness and My Lords, Lady Bozes has arrived outside with the requested amount."

Another shocking news for all in the Imperial Senate. They all rush out to see the Rose Knights guarding hundred carts of treasures, coins, gold bars, gems, …

The leaders of the former vassal states assign their aid to calculate and retrieve their share while they continue the negotiation. This time, Italica is on the agenda.

"I am Count Colt Formal of Italica. I was one of the commander of the Western Expeditionary Forces that attacked Orb Union. Though I had submitted, I shall not ignore my responsibility and willing to step down as ruler of Italica. In my place, my daughter Myui will be the Countess of Italica."

Myui has known and prepared for this, thus she steps up to receive recognition.

"I am young and inexperienced in matter involve state affair so I hope to receive help from my elders. As my father will surely assist me, I believe I can rule Italica efficiently…."

The Emperor choose this moment to interject

"You are a child, a pitiful child who has no idea how pitiful you are."

Countess Myui looks at the Emperor, other eyes are also share between her and him.

"I pray you will explain why I am a pitiful girl as I am sure you are not referring to my deceased mother."

Smiling maliciously, the Emperor reply.

"I meant your father."

All eyes turn to the former Count. The Emperor continue

"He isn't what you think he is. He is an imposter, your real father was killed by him years ago, That is a Dars in disguise."

The declaration shock all of them. Their fear, suspicion and hatred for the Haryo Tribe have been ignite again.

"I know."

And Countess Myui moves to embrace her father.

They turn to look at the Countess, neither believe their eyes or ears. Matriarch Katria, The former Count, the Emperor and Cagalli are the most shocked. But right before their very eyes, the Countess Myui is embracing the imposter. Countess Myui turn to look at the Emperor, eyes fill with pity

"I pity you Emperor. You have never felt the love of your children. I know from the day you and my father come back from the hunt."

The Emperor only manage to stutter a few workd

"How?... Then … Why ? ?"

"I love my father, and the connection between a father and child is very strong. That's why I notice my father is an imposter. I did planned to revenge. But my father taught me to see things differently, to accept things that is impossible to accept. That's why after a while, I decided not to do anything and pretend to love him as my father. And it seem he had inherit my father will to protect Italica, its subject and more importantly the fair treatment toward demi-human. So he had been opposed to anything you do to obtain Italica. He love and dot me as a father, and I love and respect him as my father. So don't you dare causing friction between us."

Tears begin to flow from Myui eyes down to her cheeks. Her father also have tears dripping on the floor, but manage to wipe the tear off his daughter. Matriarch Katria comes forth with another slash against the Emperor to retaliate for the attempt to alienate her tribe again.

"And he planned to do the same to those he deems not loyal or too strong to control or a potential threat to his reign. But thank to Roka, the imposter, he abandoned the plan to do so."

Now angry and disgusted looks direct on the Emperor for this treachery. Cagalli deals him the final blow.

"And this is not the first time he use identity switch. The famed Immortal you see aren't the same Immortal that help the Empire won the Artic War. The Haryo Tribe breed Hobgoblin to fight for the Emperor, who was the prince at that time. The Hibgoblin won the decisive battle in which the North Artic Tribes leaders are all kill along with their families and retainers. The surviving Hobgoblin were killed to hide this secret."

As soon as Cagalli finishes, the hollow screen display pages of diary and report on the Immortal. The Emperor by now has lost his strength and slumber on the throne. His effort to extract some form of payback has fail miserably. Now he is the most hated person in Falmart.

In the end, the various treaties are signed. The secessionists decide to stay with the Empire. And Princess Pina declare the end of the Empire and the rise of a new nation, Sadera Kingdom which will have a constitutional monarchy government. Its territory is only a third of the former Empire.

Cagalli declares her assistance to better the lives of all on Falmart continent without discrimination.