CH- 11 Consequence and Realization Pt-2
Italica, Formar Mansion Grounds
Saito tensed up as he saw the piercing glares he and his friends were receiving from the soldiers as they stood just outside the Guesthouse which is now being used as UNTF temporary Headquarters.
Just a couple of minutes ago he was having a very good time with his friends after they were able to make him realize he had no part in the attack of his country and the death of his people. But doubt still lingers though it has been buried now deep inside his heart. But every happy moment he had for a small time came crashing down when he was greeted by soldiers those came to take him back for the completion of his briefing with the UN command. His friends protested and tried to intervene in fear of him plunged back into despair again, but he stopped them and readily stood up to go with them. But Louise, as she is, didn't want him to face his fears alone again and decided to join in along with everyone else.
To his surprise though the soldiers didn't mind these new additions. They casually informed him the pink haired girl was about to be asked to join when she spoke up as she was specifically mentioned by their superiors to be brought with him. As they didn't want any incidents to occur that might strain their relationship with the local nobility others after they informed the command were also allowed to come along.
"Saito Higara ?" A JSDF soldier at the HQ's entrance asked.
"Yes," Saito came forward.
"Please this way" He lead them all through the doorway before stopping at a makeshift checkpoint.
"Please hand over your weapons and any instrument of magic here." A Canadian Soldier at guard said in heavy accented Germanian. Gesturing towards a waiting soldier."Don't worry they will be returned back to you when you return."
"We are ready to relinquish our weapons," Kirche replied snidely. "But our wands are the mark of our status we cannot give it up to some unknown footman. "
Others except Saito and Siesta nodded in agreement. This was overall their only mark of status in foreign lands and also the only means of protection when they are unarmed.
But the soldier was not convinced.
"I am sorry, miss but we have our orders no weapons including your wands aren't allowed inside for security reasons."
Kirche was about to argue with the soldier when Saito intervenes.
"Please, guys." He said raising his hand to ease the mounting tension. "Would you 'all cooperate.
"But Saito..."
"Zerbst please, just this once listen to me and do what these men say." He says sternly.
Kirche conceded. "Alright, I am doing this because of you."
She hands her wand to the guard who quickly places it on a box nearby. In quick succession, others followed her and all give up their weapons including their wands to the guard and moved on.
After trekking through the hallway they finally reach the doors of the conference room. The officer who was escorting them asked them to wait outside as he knocked on the door entered in.
Saito and the rest of his group took the seats outside the room. Saito was nervous. He had no idea what questions he is going to be asked next ?, Is his friends are going to be involved in this ? and why Louise has been asked for ?!, he had already informed almost everything he knew about her.
The nervousness and tension he had reached a new height when the conference room door creaked open.
A JSDF officer came out and turned towards Saito.
"Mr Saito Col. Romanov and his staff are waiting for you," he said as he made a welcoming gesture for him to enter.
Taking a deep breath Saito stood up.
"Take care," Louise says.
"I will." What Saito replies as he walks right in.
Formar Mansion, Conference Room
Col. Romanov grazes at the young man in a blue long-sleeved jacket like top entering the room. He was quick to read his facial features. The boy was nervous but not that much when he first met them.
"Welcome Back. Mr Saito." He said."You are feeling well now ?"
The boy nods in response.
"Good. But just to inform you before we start your brother Pvt. Higashi will not be joining us as he is required somewhere else. Are you fine with that ?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Very well then let us be over with it."
Romanov took a sip of water from the glass that was provided to him.
"Mr Saito I see you have brought your friends with you."
"I am sorry sir but they were worried for me and wouldn't let me go alone."
"No worries lad. They are going to be very useful for us in the completion of this briefing." Major Cadden states.
"Mr Saito" Romanov began. "during our last conversation you said you were magically summoned here by a.." he takes a glance at his notes." girl to be her servant or familiar according to you."
"Yes, when I got here she was the one who took me in and provided a place to reside," Saito replied.
"What is her name ?" Cadden asks him.
"Louise."
"Is she waiting for you outside this room ?"
Saito nods in response.
"Would you mind if we have her to join us in this briefing and ask a few questions ?"
"N...No sir." Saito stutters a bit.
"Excellent then," Romanov spoke. He then signals one of his aides to get the girl.
In a matter of minute, the door would be flung open again as a petite girl in long, pink hair would enter the room. She was what appeared to be a school uniform with a black cape dangling behind her. The girl's expression was clearly stated she was nervous and scared and she was trying her level best to mask it. She ceremoniously walked in front of the officers and gave them a respectable bow.
"I am Chevalier Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière." She introduced herself.
'Well, that is quite a name' Romanov said under his breath.
"Can you understand my language miss Louise ?"
"Ye...es of course milord. You are speaking in simple Albionish."
"Great and hello I am Col. Romanov from the Russian Federation Armed Forces and current commander of the Combat group Beta and these gentlemen are my command staff. I personally thank you for taking care of one of ours in the time of his need," he said with a smile.
"Than..Thank you milord." The girl replied. Her nervousness slowly fades by this compliment.
We have also been informed by Mr Saito here that you two both had a great adventure together last year. We just want to hear about those tales. Would be kind enough to narrate them to us ?"
"Of course milord I definitely will," Louise replied as her face lit up like a little girl who had just been handed with a box of candy. But on the other hand, it was clearly visible that her partner Saito was not too happy about it. His calm expression had been changed to distress, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. It was as if his questionable internet browsing history is about to be unfolded in front of his parents.
Noticing this Romanov cracked a smile. He had been expecting this and had discussed with his staff beforehand. The boy was hiding something from them from the beginning of the briefing began. Romanov didn't want to force them out of him as he is a Japanese citizen and will not sit well with the Japanese Government and the JSDF. Also Being fairly knowledgeable about the mindset of these young and naive nobles he had met so far except few exceptions he was confident he could make them speak if they are buttered off enough. He used his words carefully to be able to extract this more sensitive info on Saito's misadventure from his so-called master. And by the looks of it, she has played right into his hands.
"So it was during my summoning ritual in the academy when I summoned Saito..." She began to narrate every event important according to her occurred with Saito since he came to her life. At first, it was similar to the narration presented by Saito. But soon it began to change and clearly shed light to the facts he tried to hide in dark. The first serious matter they came to know was the duel Saito had with a student named Guiche. This is where the power of previously mentioned Saito's familiar runes came into play. Where he is able to defeat Guiche's constructs or golems armed with a sword.
"Intriguing" muttered Romanov. Meanwhile, Itami as ordered kept on scribbling every point he considered important for his report to his superiors later on.
The next was when Saito went alone to rescue a Siesta from the clutches of Count Mott the royal messenger of Tristain who had forcefully taken the girl as his personal maid and mistress.
This new info on the existing method of forcing young girls into personal services caused some of the officers to have a disgusted face. Saito nearly got himself killed by this Triangle mage before being saved by her and Kirche. They were able to convince the Count and accepting their apologies and exchanged Siesta with the famous 'Summoned book'.
This new info on the existing method of forcing young girls into personal services caused Romanov and his staff members to fell disgusted on this Halk's present social system.
Recomposing himself Cadden raised his hand.
"Can you describe this 'Summoned book' you used to make the exchange ?" he asked.
"I don't know" Louise replied, "It was a Zerbst family treasure."
Cadden turns to Saito.
"Do you know about this book Mr Saito ?"
"It was an old Porn Magazine." He answered.
"What !, how that thing got there ?!" Cadden exclaimed shocked to hear this.
"I myself don't know much about it. All I can tell it was summoned to this world like I was."
The other UN officers were also shocked to hear this.
"They summoned a boy then a porn magazine. Then what? a tank or an ICBM." Romanov mutters.
The command staff a short but intense discussion about this matter. After deciding to deal with this later they asked Louise to continue. This storytime from the pinkette was turning fruitful.
She then went over the tale where when Saito fought and won against the Fouquet and her Golem with the use of the mighty Staff of Destruction i.e the M27 LAW Rocket launcher about which the staff was informed beforehand during the last briefing.
She then goes on narrating about their mission to Albion to deliver an indiscreet letter from their Ruling Monarch Henrietta to the Prince of Albion. There Saito would rescue her from getting forcefully married to a treacherous knight Wardes but were unable to save the prince from his wrath. They are rescued by the rest of their friends as they make their escape.
"So now the Albion kingdom was under the control of this usurper Cromwell ?"
"Yes, Lord General. He was the vilest person I ever met." Lousie replies with disgust in her voice.
"Please carry on."
"So then after we..." As Louise had started to enter the part of the Albonish Invasion of a knock at the door is heard.
"Come in"
A soldier in Canadian uniform enters in.
"Sir!" He salutes them."We have a situation developing at the gateway."
(HQ Gateway)
"I demand to your commander and want to know why my son is detained !" General Gramont fuming yells at the outworlder footmen blocking his path.
As soon as he was informed by one his men that his son along with rest of his group was presumably detained, he rushed as fast as he can into the outworlder's camp, completely disregarding his personal safety and the fact he was now in deep enemy encampment and had only a few exhausted Griffon knights as his bodyguards. Napoleon who followed his general loyally continued to attract intense glares from the soldiers they passed by and could clearly see some of them talking into their magical communication boxes.
Gramont, on the other hand, didn't care about all this. His eyes were fixated upon the Outworlder's HQ and his desire to rescue his son and all the Tristanians before any harm could be done.
The Outworlder footman tried his best to Gramont down but to no avail. The fear of an unforeseen incident happening began to rise as Napoleon could see his lord's hand twitching on the hilt of his sword.
But to his and his lord's relief they saw Guiche walking out of the Outworlder's HQ safe and well.
Both Guiche and Marshal Gramont shared an embrace before the boy began to explain why they were here. He also informed them that they were requested by the commander of this army and should make haste to personally meet him in the conference chamber.
But before they could enter Gramont along with his men were asked to hand over their weapons because of security concerns. Gramont, as expected by Napoleon, refused to do so. But before any more escalations could happen a compromise was made. Due to his high-level position in the Tristain army, Gramont was allowed to enter with his sword and wand while his guards were completely disarmed.
As they all began to move suddenly a voice was heard from behind
"Hey guys take me with you, I am getting bored here doing nothing just staring at these weird green people."
The soldiers quickly turned towards the source of this voice only to see there was nothing except a few swords kept on the rack.
"You heard that right." A Canadian asked.
"Da." The Malashenko replied cautiously looking around.
"Hey man, I am over here."
He quickly shifts his graze again at the swords and there what he saw astonished him. He took a stumbled a few steps back by the sight of this talking sword. He along with the rest of the guards quickly cocked their weapons and aimed at it.
"Hey, hey chill out. Haven't you all heard about a magical talking sword ever in your life."
"No."
"Well, hello then nice to meet you all."
Just then Guiche intervened.
"He is Saito's sword. Though he talks a lot, he means us no harm."
"Yes, listen to the blonde boy. I just want to be with my buddy Saito, that's all."
Malashenko informs command about this. In return, they were bewildered to hear this and even inquired him if he had consumed any vodka still on duty. After a minute or two of deliberation, it was decided the sword to be brought in to prove the sword was really a live one.
(Conference Room)
"...and then the Heretic Cromwell was captured and was imprisoned in the gallows of Tristain. But before we can obtain any information from him he somehow was mysteriously died in his own cell."
Louise took a short pause.
"After a week of preparations, Tristain along with Germania counter-invaded Albion..."
Louise continued on while Cadden kept on scribing down the facts he considered will be useful in future on his note pad.
The girl had been ranting her personal tale for last half an hour nonstop now. Though her tale is could have been exaggerated at some points. It did add a lot of facts that were left out by the Japanese boy.
But her mostly fantasy tale of daily life turned dark as she entered the phase of the invasion of Albion by the Tristan and Germanian alliance. First was the sudden rebellion of Tristanian troops during the invasion when they turned on their own commanders for no apparent reason. The soldiers appeared to have lost their minds and were attacking anyone in their sight the leading Tristanian was murdered by his own troops. The remaining loyal troops and the Queen herself narrowly survived. But misfortune and failure were stuck to them as they were now pursued by a large Albion counter-attack. But what sent shockwave around the room was that Saito was the one who held off alone the whole Albion army at bay till the Tristanians were able to escape and according to Louise died in combat against the Albion forces.
"HOW can this be possible ?!" Romanov who till now had held a calm posture exclaimed as he rose from his seat. He had expected to face dragons, stone monsters mages and elves and their mysterious magic when he was given the assignment to lead the Russian forces in the special region. But this was beyond all this. According to the girl, this boy barely out of teen took on an army of 70,000 and died in action but was later resurrected by some weird and powerful magic.
"It is milord. But by the grace of the founder, he was resurrected in time by Tiffania who brought him back to us and his runes of Gandalfr helped him to fight against this powerful army." She ended with a cheerful tone.
There was a moment of silence as Romanov and rest of the command digested this.
"These runes she kept on mentioning are something we have to gather more info on." He whispered to Cadden.
"Not to forget, this girl literally told us about her ability to create large explosions from her magic enough to disintegrate those large flying ships of theirs." Romanov nods in response.
"Along with this Tiffania, who can bring dead back to life." A German officer added in a hushed tone.
The silence was broken when a soldier entered in. He was holding an old sword in his left hand as he presented a salute.
"This is the sword you were telling us about Captain." He inquired.
"Da ser" Malashenko replies as he stood in attention.
"Hello nice to finally make acquaintance." the sword suddenly spoke. "I am Derflinger, my buddy's Saito's
While few officers eyes were widened by hearing this inanimate object speak. Romanov didn't flinch. He had already heard enough to expect this.
"Hello, Mr Derflinger. I am Col. Romanov and this is my staff. Please don't mind my officers they have never seen a talking sword before."
"Don't worry sir. I take that a lot."
After a short conversation between the talking sword who had been handed to Saito and Romanov they now somewhat had a slight knowledge about this runes, the boy had on his hands. These give him offensive capabilities and also mastery in using any weapons. Which he had already demonstrated by the use of the WW2 Zero.
As the conversation came to close he did make a mental note inform Saito's capabilities to the military intelligence and also not to let him near any weapon in UN arsenal as his loyalties about the long tale are questionable at best.
"Lady Louise and Mr Saito thank you for your time please wait outside. We will call you back in a few minutes."
As soon as the couple was out of the room. The officers entered into a vigorous discussion. After a few minutes, it was decided to inform this boy's abilities to the high command and to keep constant surveillance on the activities of the boy till he is in the city. It was also quite apparent that the Kingdom of Tristain had been plunged into this conflict due to their forcefully due to their alliance with Germania and also hadn't taken part in the initial invasion of Ginza and the subsequent battles fought later on. They though a belligerent in the war they hadn't till now entered into combat with UN forces but instead fought with them in the battle of Italica. After much deliberation, it was decided to make a proposition to the Tristanian leadership waiting just outside the door.
Romanov did contact his operational commander O, Brien about this and got approval to continue his plan on Tristain.
After they settled down the Tristanian leadership was invited in the room. The party was now led by a man in mid-50s flanked by his knights and Saito's own party. He was donned in a highly decorative armour with medals pinned on his chest. Romanov personally greeted him.
"I am Col. Romanov from the Russian Federation and commander of Combat group beta and overall command of this operation." He introduced himself." It is an honour to finally acquaintance."
"Marshal Antoine de Gramont, commander of the Tristain Expeditionary Army. The honour is mine to finally met the officer who relieved Italica."
"The respect is misplaced Marshal the honour of defending Italica lies in the hands of my men and her people."
Gramont respectfully nods to this statement.
While Introduction and pleasantries were exchanged between both the groups Itami who had been more or less stayed at the back noticed something that he couldn't take his eyes off. Out of the whole bunch of natives and the single Japanese boy there stood out one girl who dressed in more modest attire unlike the extravagant ones of the noble officers and the Harry potter's reject costumes those kids were wearing. But what caught his attention the most was the black hair and blue eyes the girl got.
'Is it me alone or this girl looks a bit Asian ?' Itami thought.
Then the Halkeginians were lead to the row of chairs arrayed for them. In front of them on the table lay Cadden's hard book.
"Please have your attention towards the screen ." A Canadian aide states as he switches on the hardbook and plays a video.
Saito was quick to remember these videos were related to the footage captured from security cameras during the Germanian invasion of Ginza. He looked the other way as the video began to play.
The Tristanians along with the single Germanian and Gallian were confused at first on the sight of the moving pictures on this magical small box. They inquired and were informed it was a laptop which is used for various services back in their world and the moving pictures on the screen were called a video.
In a minute after the video had started the Halkeginians witnessed the marvelled sight of a city filled with towering buildings, hundreds of horseless carriages moving to and forth on the motorway, thousands of pedestrians walking to their destination on the footpath. Unknown to Saito who was had turned back his attention to the screen. Romanov had decided to play a video for tourists specifically for the Ginza district. The video ended with an iconic shot of the Ginza's Wako store and its watchtower.
"What you saw you saw here is the images on the iconic monuments of Ginza district, part of larger Tokyo capital of Japan." Itami who was tasked to explain the video said.
As soon as Louise heard "Japan" she quickly turned to Saito who had sat beside her.
"Isn't that your country Saito ?" She asked with her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Yes," he replied. "Tokyo is the capital of Japan."
"The city looks so marvellous" commented Tiffaina.
"It would be great if we ever get to visit this city someday."
"Is this the land my Great grandfather was born ?" The Girl with the black hair asked Saito.
"Yes, Siesta." The boy replies. "I don't know from which part of Japan your grandfather is from, but I am certain he must have visited Tokyo once in his life during his service."
They all returned back concentrating on the video unbeknownst to the sudden shock that had spread among the Earth Officers.
Itami glanced over to Romanov who was also staring towards him with a surprised expression. The realization soon hit him. The girl named Siesta was none other than a direct descendant of the lost Zero WW2 fighter Saito had mentioned before. Japanese blood ran through her veins making her part Japanese in his eyes.
Itami stepped forward to meet and ask her directly but was stopped in his tracks when he saw Romanov motioning him to come to him instead.
He walked to his superior officer.
"Wait till the presentation is over," Romanov ordered him.
Itami nodded and stood his ground for now.
"It would be great if we ever get to visit this city someday." The girl commented with a delightful and excited tone.
But all the excitement soon died out as the marvellous sight of a flourishing modern city was turned into a despair one. The first image was the burning building of the Wako store and its broken clock tower. Slowly more images and videos were played showing the images of a brutal massacre. The streets run red with the blood of the innocent as the Germanian Royal cavalry plough through them. Killing anyone who came upon their sight. The images were so brutal that many of the Tristanians shivered and some even felt their stomachs upset. The first to throw up was Louise, anticipating this beforehand Saito had moved his seat a few inches away from her.
The images were now on the fallen embassies those were raided by the Germanian infantry. The Indian officer who was part of the command staff slammed his fists in anger on the table startling others as an armature video was played on the screen showing the Indian Tricolour being ripped out from the flag pole and replaced with a Germanian one, after the embassy had fallen and many of the Indian embassy staff along with the embassy guards were slaughtered.
Finally, it ended with the head cam shot of the heap of the dead gathered some meters away from the gate where a Germanian flag was planted on top of it.
Romanov shutdown the hard book and grazed upon the Halkeginians. The only ones those have not lost their breakfast were only the adults in the group who have seen combat before. The teenagers except Saito were all wasted. Louise had already fainted on Saito's shoulders, while Tiffiana was holding barely.
"Why ?!" Siesta spoke tears running down her cheeks.
She along with other Teens were all lead out by the maids those were waiting outside to another room and the beautiful floor carpet had to be rolled and towed again for cleaning. Romanov nodded and motioned Itami to follow them and then turned towards Gramont who was still in the room.
"This is why we are here" Romanov began. "No diplomatic envoys were sent through the gate, but instead an army bent on pillaging, enslaving, conquering and expanding their so-called empire. They slaughtered thousands before being pushed back through the gate back after two days of a pitched battle. The empire not just attacked the Japanese but also many foreign tourists in Japan at the moment. Foreign embassies were also attacked and many fell and were burned to the ground. They did not only declared war on Japan but multiple nations those lost their citizens during the attack. An international military alliance was formed under the name of UNTF 'United Nations Task Force' under the control of the United nations an intergovernmental organization from our world, to bring the perpetrators of the Ginza attack to Justice.
There was a short pause.
"The Germanian empire had chewed more than it could bite, along with her allies supporting them, "Cadden commented sarcastically.
The word 'Allies' was clearly intended for the Tristanians and Gramont knew it. Though he had not seen personally how the outworlder's weapons operate he had seen heard about them from Napoleon and had seen its aftermath outside Italica's walls. He was in a dilemma now.
Romanov had seen this and decided to capitalise on it.
"From what I have heard Marshal, Tristain had no part to play in this invasion. Your army was also not present during the defence of the Alnus hill. You are here due to your obligation to Germania as her ally and they had also helped you during your invasion of Albion. Correct me if I am wrong."
"What do you propose Col. ?" Gramont asked as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
"You know what I want." was the reply he got.
Gramont was silent. He digested all this and prepared himself to formulate an answer. He looked towards the odds his beloved kingdom was facing. Tristain had just come out of a yearlong war, which had left her coffers dry. Its army is small and truth to be told, Tristain had no stake in this. Another major point was the Germanian Tristanian border was not far away from here. The highway would lead the outworlder's army directly to the capital of the kingdom. Reasonably thinking the sound strategy now would be to withdraw prepare for a possible invasion by gathering all available forces and remaining resources Tristain could muster. Another possible option would be withdrawing from the war and seek peace with this UNTF and stay out of the conflict. But this decision lay in the hands of Her Majesty and her council. After thinking for a few minutes he had the answer he needed for this situation.
"Very well Colonel. I will take your proposition to Her Majesty, but until then the Kingdom of Tristan would like to observe a ceasefire between our forces."
"We also like to send a diplomatic envoy with you to your capital to begin talks with your leadership."
"Agreed," Gramont responded.
Romanov raised from his seat followed by Gramont and extended his hand for a handshake, which after second of confusion and explaining that it is a way of greeting in their world he accepted.
Romanov sighs and then smirks as Gramont exits the room. He along with his staff had been here for three hours and by the grace of God, their time with these people was very fruitful. If Gramont was a man of his word surely now they would be having a nation less to worry about. But it will be taking some time as news here spread very slowly and trusting them is still in question.
He then leaves along with rest of his officers to have some rest before the official treaty ceremony will be held between the UNTF and Italica nobility tonight.
(Another room)
Siesta was shocked.
Just moments ago for the first time in her life, she was fortunate enough to witness the marvellous sight of her Great grandfather's homeland through the outworlder's magical mirror box. The childhood stories she used to hear about her great grandfather's far away homeland came to her mind. She genuinely wanted to run back home with that box and show all of this to her family and siblings.
But all the excitement died away in an instant when the images of the city filled with marvels that could compete no supersede Tristain was replaced by images of death, destruction and despair. The roads were filled with the wreckage of those burning horseless wagons. The roads were painted with red with the blood of those unfortunate enough to be on the path of the invading Germanian army. She cried by the thought of how her Grandfather if he would have alive, would feel watching his homeland desecrated by this Germanians. The moving image of men, women and children alike trampled over by the Germanian cavalry was printed in her head.
She was lost in her own thought not noticing Itami along with another Canadian soldier act as his interpreters entering the room and was moving straight towards her after inquiring something some Saito.
"Miss Siesta" She heard being called out from an unknown voice. She slightly turns her head to see two men in green armour and uniform same to those of the outworlders standing beside her.
Ye..es sir" She said him with a bland tone which was devoid of her natural sweet voice and tried to stand up from her seat.
"You don't have to stand up." The Canadian soldier said gesturing her to remain seated as he dragged two empty chairs near him.
This is Youji Itami from the Japan Self-Defense Force" He said gesturing towards Itami who waved at her with a smile. " He is from the nation your Great Grandfather was from."
Siesta eyes widen to see another Japanese apart of Saito in front of her. He also projected the same kind of black hair and facial features like Saito's.
I am Pvt. Benoit from the Canadian army and you will be talking through me as Mr Itami here cannot talk with you in your tongue."
Siesta first nodded understanding the language barrier she and the people from her great grandpa's land have.
"I am sorry." She blurted out as she looked right into Itami and Benoit eyes. " I feel ashamed for joining hands with those who had violated my great grandpa's homeland." She said with her head lowered towards the floor.
"It's alright," Itami replied through Benoit. "Tristania had not taken part in the invasion thus making it a neutral power." But these words didn't help her a bit.
"Don't blame yourself for what had happened." He spoke again." I can understand how you are feeling right now. You and the rest of your family and people have nothing to do with this." He assured her.
After hearing this Siesta slowly raised her head.
"How can I help you with ?" She asked slowly
"I am here to ask a few questions about your Great Grandfather origins and how was he able to get to this world."
There was a brief silence from Siesta.
"If you feel uncomfortable about this we can..."
"No, wait." Siesta broke her silence. "I will be honouring my great grandpa's memories and his will to finally be able to return back to his own homeland someday by doing this."
Itami quickly drew out his note pad out of his breast pocket and prepared to note everything down.
"My Great Grandpa's name was Sasaki Takeo..."
(15 minutes later)
...the iron dragon was lost during the war with Albion and no further news is known about it."
For last 10 to 15 minutes Siesta answered honestly every question those were asked to her about her ancestral origins, How her Great grandfather ended up in Tristain, the whereabouts of her family's heirloom 'iron dragon' and a few questions about her family living in Tarbes.
"Thank you miss Siesta for all this information," Itami says with a smile. "If you have any question feel free to ask us."
Siesta ponders for a minute or two before speaking up.
"Great Grandpa had died long ago before I was born, can I know what all this knowledge about him is going to be used as ?" She asked curiously.
Itami closes his note pad and puts it back in his breast pocket.
"Miss Siesta, we never leave a man behind."
Siesta tilts her head in confusion hearing this phrase.
"It has been a creed in our world's armed forces to never leave a man behind," he explains. "He or she will be brought back dead or alive back to his homeland from the battlefield any means necessary. Pilot Takeo was doing his duty to his homeland before he was transported here. As a soldier of Japan, we would use any possible means to bring his remains back to Japan and his family."
Itami stands up to leave.
"If possible Miss Siesta, we might be able to connect you to your extended family back home."
"Really!" Siesta says with her eyes widen."My family will be so happy to hear this. We will finally be able to meet our ancestors beyond the gate."
"Yes, you might will. Thank you for your time Miss Siesta. We must take our leave now."
"No Thank you, Mr Itami and Mr Benoit. Today is the happiest day for me." She bows her head down before them.
Both the men look at each other before Itami bows before her. After returning back to their normal posture, they turn and leave the room as Siesta runs off to inform all this to her friends.
Formar Mansion
Countess Myui nervousness grew as the time for the arrival of the UNTF leadership drew nearer.
She paced back and forth in her room deeply thinking about the act of Treachery she is going to commit against the Empire and also about the severe repercussions the Italicans are going to face as a whole. But what choice did the Emperor left for her, first she lost her father during the initial counter-invasion of the UN and then the whole county was subjected to a brutal and unprecedented scorched earth campaign ordered directly by the emperor himself leading to the death of innumerable innocent Italicans.
She hoped for the aid and support promised from the imperial government to relief them. But instead, they sent their attack dogs to kill and pillage. To protect their own hide against the invaders they decided to sacrifice the whole province and burn it to the ground in order to fulfil their failed endeavour to delay the enemy.
'Italica was stabbed on her back by the Empire.' She thought grinding her teeth in anger. 'And she will definitely have her vengeance against those who wronged her and her people."
Suddenly a knock is heard at her door.
She quickly recomposes herself
"Come in" she calls out.
The door slowly creaks open as the head maid Kaine enters the room.
"Milady." She says concurrently bowing before her. "The preparations are complete."
"Very good Kaine." She replies with a smile.
She suddenly hears the unmistakable chopping noises of oncoming outworlder's airship. Slightly peeking through her window she sees the airship hovering over her mansion's ground. The craft was much smaller than the usual airship she saw when the Gallian vessels flew over Italica couple of months ago. But she knew not to underestimate the outworlder's constructs from their size. From what she had heard a small group of these ships took on the Imperial fists dragons and annihilated them.
She took a glancing look through her windows and saw men disembarking from the small airship. From what she was informed beforehand by Col. Romanov the Commanding general of the UNTF a man named Hazama was unavailable due to being summoned back to Japan to present a report on the recent developments in Halkeginia to his superiors. In his absence, his immediate subordinate would be present in his stead.
Her attention was soon broken when her head maid called for her.
"Milady we should make haste. I don't think out outworlder guests would like to wait."
"Very well."
Myui exits her room and along with her trusted head maid and caretaker briskly walking towards the throne room.
(Formar Ground Helipad)
(25 minutes Earlier)
Kurata kicked the dirt with his boot, the boredom was gaining on him.
He along with few others from his platoon were the few unlucky ones those stayed away from the fight that ensured for the city while they guarded the east gate in anticipation of an attack that never came.
But while the rest of the platoon rested or were engaged in important tasks, he was left alone with an Indian soldier who cannot speak even a little Japanese to guard the helipad.
He tried to converse with him with the little English he knew but ended up creating more confusion amongst themselves as it was quite hard for him to understand the heavy accented broken English his counterpart spoke. He decided to stay quiet and focus on his job. Not long after the Indian soldier's shift ended and he was replaced by another member from his squad.
This new soldier appeared much younger than his previous counterpart but still retained a stoic expression on his face. After a respectable nod both the men returned back to their duty. Kurata kept his graze to himself and mouth shut not wanting to embarrass himself and waited patiently for his shift to end so he can go back and have something to eat, he dreamt of the hot meal his stomach was longing being prepared at the field kitchen instead of the MREs he has been living on for last 24 hours or so.
To lighten his own mood, he began to hum Meicom's op oblivious to his surroundings and not noticing the peak of interest his Indian counterpart began to show as he heard this song.
Suddenly Kurata felt a hand on his left shoulder. Looking back he got surprised to see the face of his Indian counterpart this close to him.
"You were singing Meicom's opening song, right ?!" He asked with a smile
"Ye...sss" Kurata replied.
"Loved the whole series. It was quite different from the action anime I usually watch."
Suddenly Kurata's enthusiasm grew to a new extent, he just found another anime lover and that from a completely different part of the world. He had met many Americans and Europeans before those who watch anime, but this man in front of him will the first Indian he meet who watch anime.
"I loved it too. Completed the whole series before I was deployed here." He spoke up as he extended his hand. "By the way I am Sgt. Takeo Kurata, nice to meet you."
"Sgt. Shankar Kumar, the pleasure is mine," he said as he accepted his hand.
The conversation that followed devolved into a hearty discussion of anime between a wannabe Otaku and a real one.
After a few minutes of their anime talks, Kurata's eyes suddenly caught up to what appeared to be a beauty of an angel walking out of the HQ and heading straight out of the UN encampment in the Mansion grounds.
He was unable to see her face properly which was well hidden under a large sun hat, but her other features were quite attractive. Her long blonde hair was mesmerising along with her bodily features that caught all his attention along with a new found friend who stood by his side.
But Kurata noticed something was off about her. She had been kept her head low since she left the building and walked straight without caring for the looks she was receiving from the bystanders. As she passed through them he clearly heard a faint sob coming from her side.
Tiffania was rocked to her deep core. She couldn't comprehend the amount of slaughter she saw in that magical box. She couldn't stop herself thinking about the wave of screams she heard as the innocent people were trampled over by charging cavalry. She needed some fresh air after all this. Not wanting to worry her friends about her, she stealthily slipped out of the guest quarters while everyone was there busy in their own endeavours.
Walking down the small pathway her eyes tears up thinking about the people those were victims of war. She had experienced firsthand what war can do to the people. Her homeland was plunged into a massive civil war and was then fell under the invasion of Tristain and Germania. For all her life she lived a secluded life in Westwood with a group of orphans she took under her care. She was supported by her elder sister Matilda who was able to hide her from the Albion soldiers and also helped the orphans find a new home. Now she felt a longing for her sister's warmth embrace and wash away all the grief she is having inside her.
"Miss are you alright ?"
Her thoughts were suddenly broken when she heard someone calling her out from behind in albionish. Turning back she saw the face of an outworlder soldier staring right at her. Startled she took a few steps back and nearly fell tripping on a few ammo crates placed there. But to her luck her the soldier was able to hold onto her.
Recomposing herself she quickly thanked her saviour. But to her confusion, she was met with widened shocked eyes. He was not the only one, right behind him stood another outworlder who also had the same expression. Then it dawned upon her. Due to her clumsiness, her hat has fallen off and her secret was out again. But this time her friends aren't around to save her.
Kurata's lifelong dream of meeting a real-life elf has been answered. In his thoughts, he kept on praising the lord almighty for fulfilling his wish as his eyes were fixed on the pointed ears the girl had. He was completely speechless, as he tried hard to formulate something and begin a conversation with this beautiful elf girl, "Is that really an elf ?" His Indian counterpart spoke out loud. Causing many heads turning towards them. The soldiers around those were busied themselves in their duties quickly turned their attention towards them with the word 'Elf' reaching their ears.
Within a minute a small crowd gathered around the now shocked girl to get a glimpse of an elf.
Tiffania felt helpless as she was now surrounded by a bunch of outworlder footmen. She shivered by the thought of facing another inquisition or far worse by the hands of these men and women. She prepared mentally prepared herself, but what happened next surprised her.
"Hello, I am Takeo Kurata !, nice to meet you." The man literally bowed before her as he introduced himself, excited to be the first earth human to meet a living elf.
She also noticed the other outworlders hadn't shown any signs of hostility but instead of curiosity and excitement. She decided to reply.
"Thank you for helping me, Mr Kurata. My name is Tiffania." Hearing this caused Kurata to blush.
"Are you really an elf ?" Kumar asked.
She nods in response. Causing an uproar in their ranks.
"So those ears are..." The soldier was cut off mid-sentence when a senior officer and a bunch of MPs intervened.
"Shows over, get back to your posts." He shouted causing the crowd to disperse quickly.
"Ma' am this way please." They escorted her back to the HQ.
Before leaving she did wave at Kurata who went bright red as he responded her by waving back at her.
After a few minutes, the UNTF's delegation chopper arrived. Bringing in the bigwigs from the UN command. Kurata's shift ended after that. Shaking hands with Shankar he beaded farewell and walked back to his platoon. His stomach growled in hunger but he didn't mind much, because his head was lost in the thought of the face of the girl Tiffania and his prayers to the god to let him meet her again in near future.
Unbeknownst to him, the word of sighting an elf spread like wildfire all around the camp even reaching the ears of the senior UN officials and also the local population especially the Germanian Rose knights present there. In fear of an attack on the Tristanian delegation from fanatics in the Germanian ranks due to the age of prejudice among the humans and elves, armed guards were posted to safeguard the life of the single demi-human member in the whole city.
Formar Mansion, Throne Room
(6:25 PM Earth Time)
Gramont stood proudly in the room, dressed in his best ceremonial garments with a large array of medals pinned on his chest which were awarded to him for his services to the crown and the people. His extravagant medals and clothing really stood him out from all the members of Germanian and Tristain nobility present there. He couldn't help but smirk as the attention he was getting from some of the Italican noble ladies present in the room.
But that cannot be said about the Germanians.
The attention he and his knights and officers were getting was only intense and cold stare from them. The revelation of Tiffaina true origins had already made a crack in the already sour Rose Order and Tristain relationship.
He couldn't help but notice the piercing cold graze he was receiving from Captain Pina de Terre for hiding the knowledge of having an elf in their ranks from the beginning of the campaign.
But this was only the beginning, the settlement he had reached with the UN might break the diplomatic relations between the two kingdoms Germania and Tristain completely.
But for his kingdom's survival risks had to be taken.
Gramont had come to understand this war is a lost cause. The difference between the power of Germania and the UN is monumental. The UN is not a single nation but a coalition of nations joined together to punish the Germanians for their transgression against them. They are armed with powerful magical weapons and constructs those would demolish a city in a matter of hours. Each and every UN soldier is a musketeer armed with muskets that have the power to unleash a large amount of lead before any need to reload. Not to forget the powerful Iron dragons and Elephants they have in their arsenal.
He wouldn't have taken the word of Col. Romanov as truth but the testimony of every Tristanian knight along with the word of his most trusted knight Napoleon made him believe all.
After the signing of the treaty, Tristain army would likely begin its preparations for the journey back home and if possible stay out of this brewing conflict.
He sighed.
The fall of the mighty Germanian empire is likely to a possibility if peace is not accepted by the emperor.
The heavy decorative doors of the throne room were slowly opened and eight men garbed in simple looking green uniform entered in.
The audience in the room was dead silent as the UN delegation made their way to the seated countess.
"The UNTF commanders are here," Gramont said to himself while scrutinizing the garments these men were wearing. They were all Most of them from head to toe wore olive green clothing and had medals pinned on their chests, along with peculiar looking hats on their head, one of them literally had covered the top of his head with a cloth binding. There were still few those were in their usual green uniforms but were differentiated with the mixture of patterns they wore.
'The ones in the more formal looking clothes are the officers while the rest must be their general staff' he interpreted. 'The one with the most medals must be their general in command.'
"Father, they all look so simple like peasants in their clothes." Guiche made a hushed remark.
"I know son, but try not too disrespectful. They all may look like commoners or some wealthy merchants but we should be beware of the power they possess in their hands." He said to his son.
'Like the power of Lord Cato.' He thought as he took a glance at him.
The simple attired Ordinary looking old man who stood in the corner with his own group of commoners was far more powerful and knowledgeable mage against all the Nobles in the city combined. He may have renounced his nobility but still held tremendous respect among the Nobility and people of Germania due to his ethics and abilities as a capable lord. It can clearly be seen in the way other nobles act respectfully when they recognise the man before him.
The outworlders halted right in front of the throne. The one leading the group came forward and greeted the countess what appeared to be some kind of salute. In return, the Countess stood up from her throne and slightly bowed before him in return as a mark of respect.
"Welcome," she greets them.
"I am Myui La Formar, Countess of the Formar County and head of the House of Formar." She introduced herself.
"Your Highness, I am Lieutenant General Henry O'Brien from the United States Marine Corps and Acting Commander of the United Nations Task Force Special Region." He returned the gesture.
Further pleasantries were exchanged as O'Brien went on to introduce his core staff members to the Countess before the document was brought forward on the table.
The articles of the treaty were read out loud before the UNTF dignitaries and the Guests by Hamilton. As promised by the Col. Romanov before Italica was allowed to retain its sovereignty along with the costs of rebuilding the damaged city completely burdened by the UNTF.
Italica in accordance to UN requests will take the stance of neutrality in the ongoing conflict. In return, UNTF guarantee Italics's independence and is bound to protect it in time of an attack.
UNTF is allowed to construct its Forward Operating Base 10 km away from the city and is also allowed to station troops in the city to maintain law and order until the depleted Italican Militia is reformed.
UNTF was also allowed to establish a trading post with Tax Exemption.
Finally, The control of all the border forts in the province will be now under the control of UNTF.
Countess leans forward a bit from her throne and dips her quill in the ink pot and places her signature on the two sets of documents one which was in Germanian and other being in the outworlder's language. In quick succession, O'Brien to places his signatures the only difference being he used his fountain pen which was gifted to him by his son for his field promotion.
Myui inwardly sighs with a sense of relief as she places her quill on the table. Italica and its people were finally safe again.
Making an alliance with this outworldly army will be perceived as blasphemy and act of high treachery from both the Emperor of Germania and Pope of Romalia. It is likely the outraged noble houses on Italica's borders might even lead their militias to crush the heretic Countess of Italica.
But she is ready to take the risks for the survival of Italica and her family's name. With the UNTF protecting Italica's independence she would rather like those imperials to try and attack, unlike last time when they just sat and watched Formar burn.
(20 Minutes Later)
Cato felt very much annoyed from the amount of unwanted attention he was receiving. Even though he had renounced his nobility ages ago his fame of being the personal tutor of the emperor and a great teacher hadn't died out like his career. As soon as his identity was revealed to the guests he soon found himself surrounded by young nobles in their attempt to hire him as their tutor knowing very well the reply from this old man would be a disappointing one.
It was only due to Countess Myui and Col. Romanov's insistence he decided to stay and of course how he can forget the availability of the high-quality food and wine those were served in the buffet after the signing of the treaty. He couldn't feel more lively when his mouth tasted his favourite dish which he hadn't consumed for a long time now. This sensation was felt great.
This expression was also shared by the two girls Elvira and Rainn who have never tasted what can be said as high society food.
But animosity still lingered among them. The most hostile was Elvira. She couldn't stop herself from glaring daggers at each and every Germanian knight passed in front of her. He couldn't blame her. She was but the only survivor from her village. The scars of what she had seen hadn't healed yet. Every morning she had to go to one of the outworlder's healers for her mental checkup.
"Mr Cato." He heard someone asking for him.
"Yes," He said as he turned his head.
Cato was a bit furious, Never liked to be disturbed when he is having his food or when he is at his studies.
But as soon as he found who was searching for him his anger melted away.
"General O'Brien !, It is good to finally see a familiar face, my good sir. My deepest apologies for not being able to greet you properly, you know what state I am in right now." Cato said still holding his plate filled up with different Halk delicacies.
O'Brien chuckled.
"I understand."
"What can I do for you ?"
"There is something very important to discuss, but I can wait until you have your fill."
In response, Cato just placed his plate down on a table and wiped his mouth and hand with a handkerchief.
"My food can wait, my good sir, but an important cannot."
"Very well then."
Both the men went towards a secluded corner in the room, where he explained the dire situation General Hazama was in and they need his help in this matter.
"So this is what you need me for," Cato spoke placing his hand on his bearded chin.
"So what is your decision ?"
"You know my answer General, How can I leave this golden opportunity to repay the debt for saving us. Not to forget finally able to see the world where science reigns supreme."
"Thank you !" O'Brien said shaking his hand. "I will be having a chopper waiting for you outside to fly us back to base. You wouldn't mind right flying right ?"
"Absolutely not. This is going to be another new experience for me." He replied gleefully.
But later on, he would regret his decision on bringing the girls with him. They were terrified of flying even though being assured it was safe for them. To make matter worse Cato soon found what dangerous thing motion sickness can be when his perfect wizard dress was ruined none other than by Elvira.
Halkeginia, Fort Endurance, Sept 5, 2019.
(8:50 AM Earth Time)
Itami took a glance at his wristwatch.
"They are late" he muttered under his breath.
"The Diet summon begins at 11, we still have a lot of time in our hands so stop worrying about it," Arran spoke casually as he stood beside him
"You have a smoke ?" Arran asked.
"Oh yes !" Itami replied digging his hand into his breast pocket and pulling out a box of cigarettes and a lighter.
Plucking one from the pack Arran quickly lit it up and began to smoke to kill the nervousness he was feeling inside his bones. It was his first visit to nation's parliament that to a foreign one to be questioned by an investigation committee set up by the nation's opposition party and some human rights monitoring group.
He sighed at his luck as he dropped the cigarette and crushed its remains under his boots.
Out of all the soldiers those participated in the skirmish of Coda, Otaku Itami as his fellow compatriots call him, was selected by the JSDF command to present the report on the actions of Recon 3 and 4 in the confrontation against the Germanian dragon squadron and also to show the world the evidences those were racked up to counter the allegations made on the UNTF and Hazama for misconduct and negligence in their part to protect the civilians under their protection.
But it was changed at the last moment.
After being informed of Itami's easy to go attitude, O'Brien decided against it and to choose him instead. Itami will still be accompanying him in the Diet but as his guide, translator and a witness of this event. The heavy lifting will be mostly done by him and General Hazama.
After a few more minutes of waiting, they see an HMV coming towards them.
"Our guests have arrived," Itami muttered.
The vehicle stopped a few meters away.
The first person to come out was 1st Lt. Yanagida, who as always kept his calm composure but Itami knew how this man can be a sick sneaky bastard when his or Japan's ambitions are concerned. That was the primary reason why he is General Hazama's adjutant.
Closely following him was Sage Cato and to both Itami and Arran's surprise was Elvira.
"Hey Itami !," Yanagida waved at them. "Ready for your vacation."
"Very funny, Akira, very funny." He replied in mild amusement.
Yanagida hands him a briefcase.
"Very sensitive documents are stored in it, make sure you don't lose them."
"Of course. " was Itami's reply.
"We were told only Cato was going to accompany us." Arran inquired.
"Mr Cato doesn't want to go out to our world all alone, so he decided to bring her with him as his helper. Don't worry paperwork is already done." With this, he turns around to leave.
Itami then turns his attention to the special region inhabitants.
"Good morning Mr Cato, ready to go ?"
"I thought you never going to ask. Of course, sir Itami, let us proceed, I cannot contain my excitement anymore."He replies with a big smile.
The group then got into a vehicle waiting for them near the gate. In a matter of minutes, they passed through the dark tunnel connecting two worlds and were soon on the Earth side of the Gate.
The natives were welcomed by the sight of tall building many made of glass reaching up to the heavens.
That was not it. While Elvira stared with an open mouth baffled by such majestic structures, Cato, on the other hand, the compared this outworlderly city with the imperial capital.
After a few minutes waiting inside what appeared to a fort smaller than the one in Halkeginia surrounding the gate for some time, the group then switched to another vehicle a black Limo which was waiting for them.
On the way to their destination, the only expression Cato and Elvira stared awestruck as they passed through Tokyo. But everything passed through their eyes as a breeze. As much as Cato wanted to stop and marvel the wonders of this advanced civilization, visit their libraries, his duties stop him as he is here for a purpose that he cannot neglect.
"We have arrived " Aran informs as the Limo entered into National Diet building premises.
Earth, Tokyo, National Diet Building Sept 5, 2019.
The large conference room was filled up to its full capacity. Journalists, Politicians - Japanese and representatives from the UN Special Region Council and the UN Security Council and also representatives from the well known international NGO the UN Watch.
Everyone waited eagerly for General Hazama and his entourage to arrive. The recent revelation of the news of the arrival of two special region natives for the summoning had already peaked the interests of not only the people present in the room but also of the whole world. Several International news outlets had gained access to the summoning and were streaming the upcoming events live on TV and social media networks.
But the one who was most excited was Mizuki Kouhara. A member of the Japanese national diet and of the opposition party that had before supported the destruction of the gate and now is against the deployment of Foreign troops in Japanese soil. There were also various rumours about some of this party's members secretly funding and instigating the anti-UN and anti-war protests across the nation.
Kouhara was dressed in her best, a woman in mid-30s she rose in fame in her political career by voicing out her in protest against the Japanese government bowing before UN's request gaining much popularity among her peers and supporters. An opportunist, she couldn't deny the chairmanship of the investigation committee on the conduct of JSDF troops in Special region and also received an invitation to act as an observer in the UN's own investigation on the massive loss of life in the special region.
Using her influence in media and also support from various human rights groups spreading her word, she was able to spin a narrative about the incompetency of the UNTF command leading to the death of thousands of innocent civilians leading to a massive outcry in Japan. With mounting pressure, the government was forced to act and after consulting with UN officials it was decided to summon the Commander of the UNTF forces in special region General Hazama for questioning.
UN officials proposed on holding the questioning session at United Nations HQ at New York. But the Japanese Government declined it and instead insisted on holding it in their own Diet building as the nation that got attacked was Japan and also the person who is going to be questioned is Japanese. Relenting to the Japanese demand, UN officials did secure their position in the summons which allowed UN representatives and delegates from the participating member nations of the multinational military operation to be present during the session.
Kouhara cracked a smile, She knows how this was going to end. She is going to stump Hazama to the floor. Hazama might even get removed from his position, taking all the fall for the massacres in the special region. The unexpected arrival special region natives are going to be used for her gains. These people from a primitive medieval background would be much easier to manipulate than a well trained military officer.
Hazama is going to be her stepping stone for further her prosperous political career. She might get an important post in the Government in the near future for the success she is going to attain today. But there is a single obstacle on her path. The 'UN's investigation committee', Unlike her the committee's resolve on punishing Hazama is half-hearted. The committee is also divided and no proper conclusion had been made. They are going to be second to question him.
From the suggestion she had got from one of the members of the committee she had to expose Hazama's and the UNTF's fault and tarnish their reputation on a world stage in order to leave the committee with no much decision but to present the report to the security council and the UN Command to have him sacked. And she was confident with the present developing situation she will be able to do exactly that.
She broke from her thoughts when finally after a long patience wait Hazama along with his officers and the Special region natives enter the room. Flashes went off everywhere as everyone with a camera rushed to take pictures of them.
Among the uniformed men, there were two she deduced them as natives. One is a girl with a beautiful blonde hair, she was dressed what appeared to be modest European medieval attire, the other was an older man who clearly appeared to be as a cosplay of a wizard character from an anime convention.
Hazama and his group were escorted to their designated seats and things began to settle down.
"We will now begin the inquiry concerning the Special Region." The speaker of the house began. "First up is Councilwoman Kouhara Mizuki, Chairman of the Investigation Committee."
Kouhara proudly stood up from her seat and went up to the microphone. She adjusted her voice and prepared her papers. She began by calling Hazama forward.
"General Hazama, We all would like to know how come nearly 5000 civilians were butchered unopposed by rogue elements in the special region, while troops under your command those would have been able to prevent this, just sat behind walls of your base camp and did nothing ?!"
After the Diet member called his name, Hazama stepped forward.
Hazama cleared his throat.
"We had no knowledge of these massacres happening. It was not until our lead recon units discovered ruined settlements on their missions to make friendly contact with the native population." He calmly replied.
"Are you trying to imply General you do not hold yourself and your command responsible for the deaths of thousands. Do you not feel ashamed for letting this many lives lost for your incompetency ?!" Kouhara attacked.
"I feel extremely sorry for the lives lost, but as I have said before we had no knowledge of this happening, So no I do not feel I or any of my man is responsible for this unfortunate event happening. If we had any prior info of these attacks we would have acted to prevent them."
"How can you be this blunt General ?!, You surely would have noticed these attacks by rogue elements by your air recon assets, the bandits and foot soldiers of the special region surely don't have transportations for faster travel?
Kouhara narrowed her eyes glaring into ones of Hazama.
"Or you just let them happen as an act of personal revenge for their attack on Japan."
Hazama didn't respond.
"Gotcha" Kouhara muttered.
After half a minute of silence, Hazama slightly turned his head towards Itami and gave a nod.
Quickly understanding his commander's signal he quickly sprang into action and quickly hands a file folder and stands beside him.
Opening up the folder Hazama pulls out a set of pictures which he had Itami and Arran distributed them amongst the Investigation committee members of both UN and Japan and with the leaders of both ruling and opposition parties.
The picture quality was not that good but it was enough to make out a distinctive image of a village taken from a recon drone before and after it was struck by the belligerents bent on its destruction.
"Let me make something clear up, we didn't possess major air assets to conduct extensive daily recon operations until recently. For the purpose of aerial recon, we were limited to using our UAVs as there were still many unknown variables lingers in the special region, including dangerous flying reptiles i.e dragons, those posses a great threat to our unarmed recon choppers. The capability of our drones is also limited so not much ground was covered before our recon teams were out on their mission. The image you see here is of a settlement that fell under our daily recon route. As it has to be seen our drone passed through the village bustling with life at 0800 Hours in the morning but when the drone flew by the settlement again nearly 6 to 7 hours later we find it to be totally annihilated."
"What are you trying to imply general ?"
"It is that until now Madam chair of the investigation have implied that it was the work of rogue bandit elements in the region which according to you we have failed to pacify were on a spree of loot and plunder. But according to our on-ground reports, it was a very well organised pogrom which can only be conducted by well organised military units."
"Don't be ridiculous General !. As far as we have knowledge about our other world enemy they are a civilization in the period of Renaissance. A civilised society in this period is unlikely to have done this inhumane act except for unruly bandits."
"Damned Sympathizer" Arran cursed under his breath. Though a person who always tried himself to keep himself away from extreme political ideologies, the new trend of calling out for the return of all prisoners and for better treatment of those criminals rotting on the prison island (for what they deserved) by liberal factions made his blood boil. These are the people who always call for peace even if their own house is burnt to ashes by the people they are trying to protect.
"We do have documents which clearly states this massacres to be a state-sanctioned operation," Hazama spoke and signalled Arran to fetch up the document for him.
A bloodied piece of paper was brought out to the eyes of the world. Hazama held it out clearly for the cameras to zoom in. Then he went on to read aloud a translated version of the document. As Kouhara stood with her mouth wide open. It clearly stated the Emperor of this Germanian Empire had sacrificed the people of this region namely Italica for his implementation for scorched Earth policy but on a far brutal scale.
Kouhara stared at Hazama is disbelief. Hazama has caught her completely off guard by this move.
"Th...This document might be fake." Kouhara stuttered as she formulated a response."Including those pictures of yours to save your reputation."
"We have Recon videos taken from the drones if you want to go through Madam Chair and for the document we have a witness who can testify on our claims on this matter."
Kouhara understood about whom Hazama was talking about.
Without wasting more time she called Cato to step forward.
Who with high enthusiasm sprang up from his seat and walked up to the microphone.
"Can you understand me, Mr Cato ?" Kouhara asked in Japanese which Cato swiftly responded by shaking his head.
"Do you understand me now ?" She asked again this time switching to English.
"Yes!" He responds.
"Guess we have to continue with English then." She announces before moving on to question him. She was informed about the common languages in the Special region and was quite relieved to see English or Albionish according to the natives in the list making communication quite easier.
"Mr Cato, you are currently in the refugee camp. Are there any restrictions in your lifestyle ?"
"No, not at all. We provided with clothes, food, a place to live, leisure, all our needs are fulfilled."
But this answer was not enough to convince Kouhara.
"I will be blunt Mr Cato, are you any way forced to say this. Do not have any fear. Feel free to speak up your mind no one is going to penalise you if you speak the truth."
" Lady Kouhara, I got it right ? my answer like my previous reply would be no. I and my fellow villagers are well fed and sheltered. It will be a bit embarrassing to say but I did have gained some weight due to the delicacies provided to me and all back in the camp." He said with a smile and patted his stomach to make his point.
Kouhara was left speechless. This was unexpected, they should feel oppressed not the opposite. But nonetheless, it was not over yet.
She cleared her throat to speak again.
"It is good to hear you all well treated, now to the matter on the authenticity of the document, Are the claims made by General Hazama true ?"
"Yes." He replied without a hitch. "The Imperial decree you see in the hands of General Hazama is no doubt a real one. The Emperor's seal on it proves it."
"Bu...but Mr Cato don't you think you are fooled with a forged document with a fake seal."
There was a brief momentary silence.
"No, the Emperor's seal cannot be forged. It can only be found in the Imperial Palace and is kept under heavy guard. Moreover to prove my point the decree also possess the signature of the Emperor, which I very well recognise and by no means can be imitated by your people who are having a hard time speaking Germanian, forget about writing it down in someone else's handwriting."
Receiving approval nods from the seated ruling party Diet and international members in the room. The opposition stayed motionless.
Kouhara has also left without a word again. Everything has been turned into Hazama's favour. But she steeled herself and prepared the last trick she had in her sleeves.
"But aren't you a normal citizen Mr Cato ?, How can a commoner according to your world's social status enter your Emperor's palace and have the personal insight of your Emperor's signatures. Even if you have worked as a soldier in your younger days that doesn't mean you do have access to your leader's personal chambers."
Cato slowly lowered his head in response.
"Finally" Kouhara muttered and smirked, she has caught upon Hazama's trick.
But her smirk was wiped out of her face when Cato raised his head back let out a small but audible chuckle.
"Lady Kouhara, never judge a person by the way he dresses. I might be in what according to you consider as rags, I am all but a man with aristocratic heritage."
"What ?!" Kouhara half yelled.
"Ohh Yes, Before I went on a self-imposed exile to live a life of a hermit, I was one of the advisors in the Imperial court and a personal tutor for the present Emperor of Germania. I educated him in the arts of magic, warfare and politics. If you have any doubt you are free to ask any Germanian prisoners you have in your dungeons, I am sure they will only sing my praise."
Kouhara stood stunned with her eyes widened. As well the room burst in whispers as discussions began to spring out among the Diet members and UN delegates.
"If it is tr...true they show us a magic trick of yours." She stuttered.
"Why not !" He turns towards Arran. "Can I ?"
He receives a positive nod.
Moving a few steps back he Uttered a spell and created a small barrier of water around him, the wave of water that moved around him. This sudden act caught everyone completely off guard. The conference room erupted as members of the Diet and UN panicked by this . But Cato as ended his spell and the shield around him receded leaving a wet floor and a dumbfounded crowd.
After a few minutes, the speaker of the house came switched on his mic.
"Diet member Kouhara do you have any questions ?"
"That...that is all." She said lowering her head in defeat.
"This Questioning will continue after a two hours break." He declared.
"Thank you," Hazama said to Cato.
"No need to thank me, General, you have already done a lot for us, I am just returning the favour."
The question session began again after the break, but this time the centre stage was of the UN investigation committee members, who asked various questions to Arran and Itami relating to the 3rd Recon encounter with the imperial fists and the loss of life during the attack.
Both the men replied every question professionally. The true capabilities of the Imperial Fists are also mentioned which led to 147 causalities including 2 UN soldiers one American and other one Japanese lost their lives during the unfortunate event. It was baffling for the committee members to hear medieval armour used by the fists was able to shrug off 9mm bullets fired at point blank rage.
Questions were also asked, Elvira. Cato acted as her translator as she testified about the horror she endured when the Imperial soldiers attack her village. It was hard for everyone to see the young girl breaking down in tears as she narrated her tale and was the only survivor from her village. She was led out of the room by one of the female committee members followed by Itami.
After much deliberation, it was finally proven Hazama and in extension, UNTF held no responsibility in the death of thousands as it was deliberately conducted by the Imperial government.
After the session ended Cato and Elvira were led back to Halkeginia, Itami was ordered to escort them. Cato was disappointed for not being able to stay some more time on Earth. But the assurance on getting more books on this world's history and science and a promise for the second visit, he kept his silence.
Hazama and Arran stayed behind for the Press conference held by UN Special Region Command on the present developments in Halkeginia which was scheduled in the evening.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am William Ashford, welcome to BBC World News.
Just hours ago the United Nations Special Region Command have held a joint press conference where the global media was briefed upon the latest developments in the Special region campaign.
For further information, we will take to our correspondent Laura Colton
Thank you, William.
The UNSRC has released a report on their first major diplomatic success in the Special Region. According to it, the UNTF has signed a treaty of neutrality with the Italica County of the Special Region. According to it Italica an important province to the Germania Empire will hold its stance as a neutral power in the conflict in return will receive military and humanitarian aid. It was also mentioned about the recovery of a Japanese citizen abducted during the Ginza attack. The identity of the person is still being withheld, but according to UN spokesman, he or she will be crossing back to Earth in a few days after some medical examinations. UN has also declared about sending of Human rights observers and allowing limited Media coverage on the military campaign in the Special Region.
Thank you, Laura we will now...
O, Brien closed the YouTube tab on his Laptop and leaned back on his chair. He had been following the events from the beginning.
He smiled thinking about the stinking face the Diet Woman used to make whenever Cato replied her questions.
Suddenly he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in."
A US Marine enters in and presents a salute.
"Sir, we have received an update from our FOB near Italica. According to it, the base is now 100% per cent operational."
"Very good, you may leave."
The Marine turns and leaves.
Removing his Laptop from his table he unrolls the well-detailed map of Halkeginia on it. After brooding over it for a minute he marks an X with his pencil on Tristain and then on the Duman Mountains which acts as a natural Barrier to the inner provinces of Germania.
"The Preparations for the second phase is nearly complete." He says to himself with a self-satisfied face.
Thank you all for reading the latest chapter. After months of non-stop working on this chapter, it is finally over. I am literally burned out and will be taking a break from Gate and will be concentrating on my AOT fic ( New season came and I am pumped) So Don't worry about it if I don't update for two to three months.
As always don't forget to review. Have any grievances or ideas feel free to PM me.