Chapter 13 Additional Training

40 years after the Great War

Londinium

It was at this desperate time in the war, losses had become so bad for the entrenched troops on both sides that they were forced to adopt accelerated training. This meant that losses of the newest recruits were even more horrific. Records show that attempts were made to give them additional training while on the front lines. – Andrew WTN special correspondent

April 1st Unified Year 1925

General de Lugo's office, François Republic Grand Quartier General, Parisii

Major General Pierre-Michel de Lugo sat impassively his desk as the Allied Kingdom ambassador continued to complain to his subordinate Colonel Vianto. The Allied kingdom had found out the Republic had withheld some of their information about the so-called 'Devil of the Rhine', specifically a recording from a damaged computation orb, that showed her and her capabilities clearly.

At the time, they had tried to bury the information, at least from the general populace. It was an embarrassment that they were being routinely outclassed by a small girl. The shame had led to the intelligence branch to even censor the information they'd been sending to their allies. It had seemed foolish and prideful to De Lugo, but he was overruled, and now left to take the blame as Francois's Vice Minister of Defence.

The Republic had assumed the Allied kingdom already had intelligence on the Devil, due to their involvement in the North, and were being polite enough not to shame their continental neighbour. It seemed however that they had lost a lot of information when one of their observation posts was attacked. Beyond that the Kingdom's analysts had categorically refused to believe the reports that the Devil of the Rhine was a young girl, they'd blamed propaganda or decoy formulae used to confuse and demoralize them. Even when one of their own submarines was attacked the analysts blamed combat fatigue.

That was until 'The Saint' appeared a few months ago, the boy wasn't even trying to hide his identity if anything they'd spent more time confirming it for that very reason. The 10-year-old prince of Letzenbourg and an eleven-year-old Major were running roughshod over them, and there seemed little they could do to counter them.

"We are not obliged to share any information with you, you haven't even joined the fight! Surely your vaunted intelligence network should have known about it anyway." Vianto stated defensively to the fuming ambassador. It was unfortunate for Colonel Vianto, that he had been here at the time of the Ambassador's visit. He was a truly loyal soldier and would defend his commander from the foreign diplomat's accusations, regardless of whether De Lugo wanted or needed him to.

It was a pointless argument the General knew, although embarrassed that they had overlooked something so important, the Allied kingdom's representative was only here to make a token gesture of censure. The true reason for him being here was to mask the shadowy presence of the agent standing casually in the corner.

The Generals gaze moved to study the man, he had met the Agent once before, he was simply known as Mr. John. He was tall and well-dressed but seemed to have the ability to fade into the background when he needed to. Currently, he was stood holding a bundle of files under one arm, watching the exchange with the same detachment as De Lugo. It seemed both of them were ready to end this farce. Just as the Ambassador seemed ready to launch into a new tirade, the general turned to him and cleared his throat loudly.

"Ambassador, we apologize for our oversight in this matter and we will endeavor to cooperate more closely in the future." De Lugo said with quiet authority.

"Indeed, Mr. Ambassador, we have the information now and one of my colleagues will see it safely back to Londinium." Mr. John said holding up a file with eleven X's on the front. The diplomat now seemed mollified and soon quieted down.

"Severin, please see the Ambassador safely out. Come see me again afterward for our meeting." De Lugo called to the colonel and soon the agent and the general were left alone.

The agent approached and the two studied each other for a moment. De Lugo did not trust the man, nor did he particularly trust the intentions of the Allied Kingdom and their Commonwealth. Their two countries had been ancestral enemies for longer than the Empire existed, and it was expected that the Kingdom would resume undermining the Republic once the fighting was over. Additionally, they had yet to fully commit to the war, Republican troops were fighting and dying to keep their mutual enemy at bay. All the while the Commonwealth forces cowered behind their Navy and sat at home drinking tea, it was insulting.

"We think you might find this of some interest General." the agent said placing a black file on the table in front of him. Carefully De Lugo opened it and began reading. He felt his eyes widen in surprise, not at the content of the file, there had been suspicions about it for years. No, he was surprised they had obtained the plan at all.

"It's been verified as genuine," the agent said responding to the general's next question before he could ask it. "We have a Mole in the Abwehr, it seems they are going to act within 2 months, so we are going to give the Regent a choice." He explained.

"Letzenbourg's forces are tiny, and you cannot expect them all to defect, furthermore, the Empire will move quickly to reinforce." De Lugo concluded after a few moments contemplation, knowing full well what the agent was suggesting.

"Indeed General, we believe it will make a hole in the lines that you can exploit, however." The agent countered. It was as he expected, the Kingdom expected them to mount another offensive into Letzenbourg City itself.

On paper this might seem like an ideal way to punch through imperial lines, however, the area was not protected solely by the Letzenbourg forces. Their army was far too small to stand by themselves, so there were many Imperial troops in that area, who would fight tooth and nail even if the Letzenbourgers opened the door for them. On top of that, they'd have to march into a city where the populace would be split against them 50/50. Still, it was an opportunity, if it could be managed correctly, it could work.

"We would need time to prepare, but it seems we don't have long" Said De Lugo thoughtfully.

"The Regent will want time to arrange things at his end, we believe it best to coordinate it with the operation in Arene." The agent said carefully. De Lugo shot him a warning glare.

"We will not compromise our operations in Arene, they are François citizens, they are our priority." De Lugo warned. The two nations had been quietly funding and supplying partisan movements in the city, in the hope the previously Republican populace would rise against their occupiers. They had had a great deal of success and soon they would be ready to send mages to support their revolution, he wouldn't prioritize Letzenbourg over even one loyal Republican.

"We wouldn't ask that of you sir, we were simply pointing out that the Imperial response would be split, it will increase the chances of success of both operations." Mr. John replied calmly.

He had a point and they could use a breach at Letzenbourg to push through to relieve Arene. The longer Arene could hold out the more it would choke imperial supply lines, he could not risk redirecting any resources away from that. Still, the Regent had yet to agree to anything, and they already had offensives better planned and waiting to punch through, a month was not a lot of time to find extra troops and equipment for a new offensive.

"You think he'll accept?" De Lugo asked quietly.

"What other choice does he have?"

Xxxxx

April 5th Unified Year 1925

203rd Temporary Command Centre, Rhine Front

Second Lieutenant Vooran Grantz waited in front of the makeshift podium with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. He and his comrades had been sent to reinforce the depleted units that had been fighting here on the Rhine. They had been eager to take the fight to the enemy, how dare they invade the Vaterland? They had all sworn to fight off the Republican invaders and were pumped up to see their first glimpse of real combat. It was because of that they had been understandably disappointed that they were going to receive more training before they were allowed to be properly deployed. What was the point of it all if they weren't ready yet?

Their disappointment had been short-lived, however, as they were informed that they were to be trained by none other than Major Tanya von Degurechaff and her unit, The Argent Silver. She was infamous at the officer cadet school, it was said that she had once threatened to carve open a man's head open for not listening to her orders. Since then she had forged a heroic reputation, gaining the silver wings, fighting in Dacia, Nordan and the Rhine. Rumour had it she had recently rescued someone important, but he couldn't quite remember who it was.

To be trained by her was a terrible honor, she would surely turn them into an elite force like the 203rd, but at the same time, everyone who had been at the cadet was quietly terrified, he felt sorry for the conscripted flights, they had no idea what awaited them.

He took a moment to look around at his comrades, as expected they were all smartly at attention, nobody wanted to be the first to disappoint the Argent. There was one thing out of place however, a young boy dressed in a miniature version of an imperial private's uniform had appeared at the end of the line. He was carrying full combat gear, including a miniature greatcoat and pointed helmet. He was carrying a rifle that dwarfed him, along with a sword on his belt, but to his credit had managed to look fairly smart. Sensing he was being stared at the boy turned and saluted with a friendly smile, before returning to his state of readiness in the line.

To say that it was strange was an understatement, it wasn't necessarily unusual for there to be mages so young in the Empire's mage corps, especially since the Argent had joined, but Grantz knew his group had had no one like that in it. Additionally, all mages would expect to be at least the rank of corporal, he was only a private. Some of his comrades seemed to have noticed too and were giving each other confused furtive glances. The members of the 203rd seemed unconcerned however and before anyone could question the boy's presence they were called to attention.

They quickly obeyed and saw three officers climb the makeshift podium, on one flank was a tall, stern-looking man and the other was a smiling and attractive young woman, at their center was a young girl, the Argent he realized. His first thought was that she looked so cute and gentle, then he remembered the stories from the cadet school and steeled himself.

"Soldiers! Welcome to the Rhine Front!" The Major began projecting her voice to make herself heard. "That said, this isn't something to panic about. Since your all still a bunch of useless chicks, all you should do is stick behind you seniors and you'll be all good." She finished. Her eyes seemed to glow, and her smile seemed threatening, like a predator that had spotted its prey.

"I am your Instructor, Mage Major Tanya von Degurechaff, I look forward to your devotion," She finished earning a nervous and slightly awe-struck stare from the gathered troops, he was sure heard a slight snigger from the boy at the end of the line. "Lieutenant Wiess." She called sighing slightly.

"Chicks! When the Major finishes speaking, you will answer "Yes Major" loud and clear!" Lieutenant Wiess ordered and the gathered troops began to realize their simple mistake already. "Next time anyone forgets you will experience my dehydration spell! Be ready for it!" He finished earning a confused response of 'Yes Major' and 'Yes Lieutenant' from the group.

They shuffled nervously once again before snapping back to attention under the gaze of their instructor. The Major went on to explain the Hell that was the Rhine, that it was a graveyard where the Francois Republic would happily punish you for stupid and foolish decisions. She described a terror-scape that would be either their proving ground or their tom, but those that would survive this trial would be promoted in no time.

Before she could continue, a soldier rushed forward and began reporting that the 35th Artillery Battalion had been wiped out by an enemy mage flight wing. Grantz heard worried muttering from behind him, they echoed his own concerns, nobody wanted to hear their countrymen had been injured or killed.

The officers stayed calm however, despite the news of the attack they acted like it was entirely normal. That's when it really hit him, this was normal, they were at the front lines now. Sensing the unease of the soldiers in front of her the Major cut in once more.

"Reality is Hell. Even killing and getting killed is part of life, so anyone who wants to be a hero, go play with some snipers! The rest of you do your best not to get in the way," She continued before flashing them all a smile. "All right gentlemen, we'll probably only be together for a short while, but let's all get along." She finished before she and her companions marched off. He felt a sigh of relief, but also felt strangely rejuvenated, he would learn all he could and fight hard, just like Major Degurechaff.

He and his fellows collected their belongings and began to wonder where they were going to be billeted, they had been marshaled at the parade ground as soon as they arrived and not yet had time to find where they would be resting. He looked around, seeing the other flights had been joined by 203rd officers and were being led off towards the large stately home that had been commandeered as a command center. Looking around he saw no officer coming for them.

"4th Flight platoon, may I have your attention please?" The little boy that had joined them shouted, using a spell to project his voice over the din of the murmuring soldiers. So, he is a mage thought Grantz. He'd found himself a box to stand on, but it still hadn't elevated him high enough to be seen by those towards the back of the group.

"I am Private Ansbach, but you can all call me Will. If you would please follow me, I'll show you to your barracks." He called with a cheerful and innocent grin, before jumping off his box and marching off towards the mansion with his gear, the group shared a confused look before reluctantly following.

"Erm who exactly are you Private Ansbach?" Grantz asked eventually, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.

"Nobody ever calls me Will," he heard the boy mutter before he looked up at him with a bright and happy smile. "For now, I'm a trainee like you, Tanya thinks I could do with a little refresher. Since you're all my superiors I hope you take good care of me."

Were they supposed to babysit as well as get through Major Degurechaff's training? This made no sense, still, he spoke as though he knew the Major. Maybe this was all part of some bizarre training or a hazing ritual. He had no time to question further however, as they soon arrived at their barracks and began to unpack.

It was a large outbuilding that looked as though it had once been used to house agricultural equipment, it had since been converted however and now had been furnished with a number of beds and other rudimentary comforts. The boy had apologized, pointing out that the 203rd had already taken all the comfortable rooms in the house before claiming a bunk for himself at the far side of the room.

"We should hurry, Lieutenant Wiess expects us back at the Parade ground in 10 minutes."

xxxxx

April Unified Year 1925

Rhine Theatre, Several miles behind the front lines

Grantz was exhausted, the bulk of their 'training' thus far had been digging trenches miles behind the front lines, not even Lieutenant Wiess seemed to know why. It was tiring work and burned through their mana quickly as they infused the blades of their shovels with energy to bore into the mud and clay. He'd questioned his superior on the use of magic, according to the textbook they weren't supposed to be used like this on the front lines, it put them at risk of being detected. Wiess had pointed out that they weren't on the front lines and that they couldn't always follow the textbook, before telling him of his own experiences in Dacia.

He looked to his right, the little private Ansbach had been working just as industriously as the rest of them, perhaps even more so. He must have been a miniature powerhouse of mana as he not only had to power his shovel blade but augment his strength further than the rest of them too, in order to manage the back-breaking labor. He'd kept up with them though and kept a cheerful smile the entire time. He also seemed to possess an infinite source of energy, he awoke long before everyone else and mostly seemed to busy himself so much that he was last to go to sleep. You could almost believe he didn't sleep at all.

The boy still hadn't revealed much about who he really was, or how he knew the Major, he'd avoided the questions at every turn. Stranger still, it seemed that every night one of the female officers would come and check on him, including Lieutenant Serebryakov whom Grantz had accidentally ended up staring at too long. Once even a maid had shown up! Last night, even the Major herself had come to see him, although she seemed to have only shown up to chastise him for something. The joke in the barracks was that she had come to stop his womanizing, which had caused the boy's cheeks to redden with embarrassment.

Grantz looked up, the Major had come to survey the trenches with Lieutenant Wiess. She looked across them with a look of approval and he felt a mixture of pride and relief at managing to please his superior.

"Permission to speak Major!" Private Ansbach called out suddenly. The Major looked down at the grinning boy with a look of annoyance.

"Private Ansbach, are you enjoying getting your hands dirty?" She replied with a hint of a smile as Wiess covered a grin.

"Very much so Major!" The boy cried saluting still grinning taking her question as implied permission. "I was just wondering if you were going to shell us as you did with the 203rd? I'm quite looking forward to it!"

Grantz stared at him in horror, she wouldn't, would she? He knew there were rumors that the 203rd training had been extreme but surely, they drew a line at bombing their own. He looked up at his officers, the usually impassive Wiess wore an odd frown as though he was remembering something unpleasant. The major just looked down at them, her expression unreadable.

"And why is that Ansbach? I know you're a fan of the artillery, but most people don't want to be on the receiving end." Major Degurechaff replied seeming disinterested.

"Well major, we've worked hard building these things, it'd be a shame to let them go to waste. I think you'll have a Devil of a time taking them down." Ansbach replied with a mischievous grin.

"Really Private Ansbach," She began with an exaggerated sigh. "I must have the patience of a Saint to put up with your nonsense." She finished giving a dramatic shrug, while the surrounding 203rd officers laughed at some sort of in-joke that he wasn't privy to.

"I'm not about to give a bunch of newly raised chicks the same treatment as my hand-picked veterans, but if anyone wants to experience it for themselves, I'm sure the republic will oblige you at the front lines." She declared with a predatory smile.

"Is that an order to deploy Major?" The boy asked still wearing his mischievous look. While Major Degurechaff gave him an irritated glare. No private acts like this to a Major Thought Grantz.

She picked up a nearby shovel and tossed it down to him. "I want another 30 meters complete by the end of the day." She ordered and stalked off.

The rest of the flight had given the boy a hard time after that for the rest of the day, but the boy had worked even harder to get them to complete their seemingly impossible goal. He apologized profusely and promised to make it up to them. They didn't stay angry for long, not after they discovered the stash of contraband he'd been keeping hidden under his bed in the barracks.

xxxxx

April Unified Year 1925

Rhine Theatre, Some Days later

The flight trudged along the road back towards the barracks after finishing their sentry duty. They'd been marching for nearly 2 days and were now even more exhausted than when they had been digging the trenches. The only one to seem relatively unaffected was little Private Ansbach, who still seemed a bundle of cheerful energy. It had given them all a boost seeing the boy dutifully slogging along with them. He'd almost become a mascot.

It raised their spirits more when the boy had gleefully rushed towards a small group of artillery, that had been set up close to where their route back took them. The boy had begged to be allowed to take a closer look, as flight leader the decision had been up to Grantz and he'd been unable to refuse those pleading eyes. He justified it to himself as an excuse to exchange information, among other things, with another unit. After all, everyone knew the artillery managed to find the best contraband for trade.

It turned out that it was a newly deployed unit from the 7th Artillery, they had managed to make a good trade of some Albion scotch in exchange for cigarettes all the way from the Unified States. Little Ansbach had been excitedly asking the artillerymen about the guns, how far they could shoot and what damage they could do. He seemed very enthusiastic.

After sharing an illicit glass of the artillery captain's schnapps Grantz found the officers of the artillery didn't know why they were even put here. They were out of range out here, and most of their guns were facing the wrong way. They'd double-checked with command, but they were explicit this was where the brass wanted them. They were stuck twiddling their thumbs, they had nothing to do but drink and gamble. Grantz was tempted to ask if they knew how to use a shovel but thought better of upsetting a comrade and they soon moved out.

"If I wasn't a mage, I'd definitely be in the artillery." Said the boy as they left.

"You could always be an Artillery spotter." Ventured one of the soldiers from behind.

"Nah, they have to stay still too long," He replied, and everyone giggled, knowing the boy never stayed in one place for long. "Besides we can't all be the Argent." He finished reminding everyone of how their commander had become the legend she now was.

"I don't know," Another piped up. "The Saint is supposed to be about your age too, maybe you're the next great ace."

"Not if I stay on the silver wing's bad side." The boy smirked and they all laughed, their spirits rejuvenated once again.

After some time Grantz heard some grumbling once again, someone was bemoaning about not being allowed to fly back again. He sighed and once again tried to explain that if the commander ordered it there must be a reason.

"That's right!" said Lieutenant Serebryakov stepping out from behind a tree, startling the group. "4th training flight, you arrived second good job, but try to be first next time okay!" she paused taking a moment to smile at private Ansbach before studying them. I wish she'd smile at me Granz thought.

"What's the matter?" one of his flight asked as he recomposed himself, he heard the young private snicker again.

"Well it's just we've been marching for two days and…" the soldier began but was quickly cut off by Serebryakov.

"Don't worry about it, this is the army. Besides I've been through much worse. Your struggles are adorable in comparison."

Xxxx

April Unified Year 1925

203rd Temporary Command Centre, Rhine Front, several days later

Lieutenant Grantz was struggling to stomach his rations in the makeshift canteen that had been arranged for the trainee replacements. It was mostly stale potatoes, with a small amount of meat and canned goods. He was still near the rear and an officer to boot. If this is what we got how bad must supply be for those in the front lines? He found himself thinking.

He looked around, noting similarly disappointed looks from his compatriots. Their unofficial mascot had a potato on his fork and was eyeing it with so much suspicion that Grantz wondered if it was a grenade. Even Private Ansbach's infinite enthusiasm had been blunted by the Rhine's supply problems. Grantz had heard the Major had saved part of the Emperor's family, surely they could get something a little fresher.

"Does this potato look ok to you lieutenant? I think it smells funny." The boy asked if anyone needed their vegetables it was young Ansbach, but even Grantz had to concede these wouldn't do much to help him grow. He wasn't the only one grumbling about the food either, plenty of the other soldiers around moaning about the food, but the mood wasn't all bad.

"Still, second lieutenant Grantz, it's unexpectedly comfy here on the Rhine, plus our wing commander is such a cute girl." Said one of the conscripted men. Grantz paled and rounded on the man while Ansbach was laughing so hard he spat out his suspicious potato.

"Watch what you're saying! She's a living legend, who is still spoken about in the officer school!" Grantz chastised.

"B...But." The subordinate tried to argue, but Grantz cut them off.

"They all say, Cadet first-class Degurechaff is scarier than the battlefield, absolutely do not mock her!" He finished breathing hard, if any of his friends were caught disrespecting the major, he would certainly be held responsible.

"You don't know the half of it." Private Ansbach smirked conspiratorially, before launching into some tall tales of the Major's cruelty.

"I'm not so sure Ansbach, from what I hear she has a soft side" One soldier interrupted. Grantz wanted to cut in but was curious despite himself, while the boy casually sipped his drink.

"You've heard the rumor that the Saint is hanging around?" The man said, earning disapproving jeers from the other soldiers. They all had heard that rumor, but nobody had seen him, besides he was supposed in his homeland of Letzenbourg.

"No Really! I hear the 203rd have a bet going on, apparently, the Wing Commander has a thing for him!" he finished but was greeted to laughter and derision, while the private spat out his drink in disbelief. I should have known it was something stupid Grantz thought, turning to pat the now choking private on the back.

The boy thanked him as he struggled to regain his breath, but they were soon interrupted by an announcement over the intercom that had been erected throughout the mansion.

++Attention! Attention! All training flight wings will assemble in the briefing room in 3 minutes. ++

They all rushed from the room terrified, not being on time when ordered was why the Major had threatened, to lobotomize the guy in the cadet school. If they were late, there was no telling what she would do.

Grantz burst through the door, seeing they'd been beaten by the 7th flight training wing once again. All of them except their little mascot that is, who had somehow managed to get ahead of them and don full battle gear like the 203rd who were stood at attention at the front of the room. They quickly fell in and waited for the others to join. Just before the deadline, the Major and Lieutenant Wiess strode through the room, only stopping to glance comment that the private looked scruffy, to which he was unable to reply as he was still coughing slightly.

She took her place at the front of the room and despite her small size seemed to dominate the room with her presence as Wiess declared all training flights lined up and ready.

"All but the 4th and 7th training flights were late!" The major began with an all too innocent grin, "those who failed will be going to the trenches to learn the importance of being on time."

Grantz couldn't help but feel bad for the other wings, he'd tried to warn them, but they hadn't taken him seriously. He didn't think it was a coincidence that the training wings that arrived on time were the ones that had officers from the cadet core in them. He hoped his comrades would be ok.

"For those who were on time, I have a reward," She continued looking towards the lucky ones, Grantz felt a slight sinking feeling in his stomach. "We're going to make some new friends."

May 1st Unified Year 1925

203rd Temporary Command Centre, Rhine Front

Although it had been several days since the night-time raid into the enemy trenches, Grantz still had mixed feelings about the whole affair. The whole thing had been a blur, a combination of his survival instinct and the drilling that compelled him to follow orders seemed to have been the only things that had gotten him through it all. They had crawled through the toxic mud of no man's land before he'd leaped upon a Republican soldier and beaten him viciously with his shovel, he'd almost kept swinging until the whispered orders bought him back to reality.

They had thought all was lost when a sentry happened across them, Grantz had frozen in horror as the soldier began to raise the alarm only to be silenced by private Ansbach. The boy appeared from a hidden vantage still on the top of the trench and sliced the man's throat with his sword before he could give them away. Somehow both the boy and the rest of the 203rd managed this with an eerie sense of calm and professionalism.

"Sorry Major, it seems like I'm not good at making friends." The boy whispered as he reported to the commander.

With that, they grabbed the prisoners, quickly powered up their flight gear and took to the skies to escape. It seemed like the second they hit the sky, their magical signatures were detected and every machine gun, anti-air turret, and rifle at the Republic's command opened up. Grantz was sure they would die, there was too much incoming fire.

Then it happened, the commander began to gain altitude shining bright and calmly sang a hymn, it was inspiring and silently he thanked the Lord for their commander's guiding light. He desperately didn't want to be left behind and had started to follow, before being dragged down by lieutenant Wiess, "Keep down! She's drawing their fire for you!" He had reprimanded, it was too late for two of their comrades though.

"Stay ahead of me and you'll make it back," Ansbach added, flying on his back taking potshots at the enemy muzzle flashes in the dark, before hanging back and extending his shield. "Focus on speed I'll shield your back." He finished as fire pinged off his protective shell.

It wasn't until they returned and handed over their prisoners that Grantz truly realized what had happened, he had almost died, he'd experienced the battlefield for real now. He'd confessed his confused battle haze to lieutenants Wiess and Serebryakov, he'd expected to be chewed out as he had been at the cadet school, but they looked at him sympathetically and told him, "It takes you like that sometimes."

He shook the memories from his mind and tried to return himself to the present. He had duties to attend to, he was now a member of the 203rd. Even in that, he had mixed feelings. He was proud to have been chosen as their replacement but worried how well he would be accepted, after all, if not for those potatoes there would be no one to replace.

He left his new room and began making his way towards the equipment room, he still had plenty of time before he was due but wanted to make a good impression. As he turned a corner, he was surprised to see Private Ansbach chatting to one of the Letzenbourg observers. Unusually, he was wearing the uniform of a Letzenbourg colonel.

"Lieutenant Grantz, I hear congratulations are in order," The boy called dismissing his comrade. "Let me re-introduce myself, I'm Colonel Wilhelm Viktor Von Hozollern, Prince of Letzenbourg." He bowed with his ever-present smile.

"The Saint?" Grantz mouthed in surprise, before remembering he should salute, gaining a chuckle from the boy. The prince bidded him to join him as he walked towards a meeting with the Major.

"Your comrades, I'm sorry they didn't make it, and for poor warrant officer Kahteijanen of course," Said the prince and for the first time, he saw the boy's smile disappear and was replaced by a deep frown. "I didn't expect…. I should've…" He began muttering looking slightly distant, and Grantz wondered what else the prince had been hiding behind those smiles. "Well It can't be helped now; I'll arrange something extra for their families," He finished.

Grantz thanked him, slightly surprised. The boy had not known them very long, technically they hadn't known him at all, but still, he was going to send something to help their families.

"Why were you in a flight Training wing?" Grantz asked eventually, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.

"Officially it was for security." The boy dismissively.

"And unofficially?" Grantz pressed and the Prince clicked his tongue thoughtfully while picking his next words.

"I bet the Major I could beat Visha at cards," He explained. "If you value your possessions, I wouldn't try it." He laughed as Grantz nodded with understanding as they entered the anti-room that led to the Major's office. Grantz was a little disappointed to see Visha wasn't there.

"What would you have got if you won?" Grantz asked.

"There are some things you don't need to know second lieutenant." A familiar yet terrifying voice appeared as the door opened from behind. Grantz straightened, turned and saluted immediately, there was a strong smell of burning fabric coming from the main office fireplace.

"And there are some things you'll never get to see, Colonel."

Authors Note

RIP Wilhelm's ball gown

This might seem like its filler, and sort of is, sorry. I didn't want to just skip over the month completely and all this happens in the LN and Manga during April. I have tried to put a few Easter eggs, nods and hints to both this story and the cannon.

I don't think this has been a waste for me, however. This is the 1st part of the story that has ever crossed into the main story directly and it has been helpful for me to decide quite how I'll proceed with writing this as the two collide.

I tried to stay as faithful to the original source materials without lifting too much out of it, which was tricky as a lot of that part is from Lt Granz's POV. You'll have to let me know how well I did at that. It has convinced me I'm better off using other people's POV's for the bigger events, which should be easier going on as Arene is next and Wilhelm will get some direct POV after the next chapter. (Sorry it's taken so long; this story has gotten much bigger than I originally planned).

A few other things about this chapter:

Yes, the stuff at the top is partly just to paper over the cracks of my teeny mistake with the AK not knowing who the Devil is, but it also builds a little more on what will happen next.

I'm working on the assumption that the Empire formed in that same way that Prussia formed the German empire, that's why the AK and François Republic say they were enemies before it existed.

I realized I seem to have made an accidental running joke that no-one calls the Prince Will

I'm not going to write a Grantz/Visha thing, it's just hinted at that he has a crush on her, so I put that in.

Brandenburg-Ansbach is the name house name of the 1st Duke of Prussia, that is where Wilhelm got his fake name.

A special thank you to Stenv who has been nice enough to BETA read my last 2 chapters for me.