Gate Thus Fairy Tail Fought There

by Annoying NPC

A new enemy has made itself known in Fiore, the likes of which had emerged from a mysterious structure they now call a "gate". Now a new world has been opened that is filled with strife, political disputes, and brand new adventures for our favorite guild; Fairy Tail. Though it won't be like any other they've had before, nor will the experiences be either.

22. Power Difference Pt I

Power Difference Pt. I

The morning sun rose ever closer to the peak of the day, but it was of little relevance to Hamilton and Panache as the iron wagon sped along to the FEF home base, a very worrying thing to simply ride into in the shorter knight's opinion. She and Panache rode in the main seating area alongside the blonde celestial princess as the rumors say, the transforming member of the Cat People and the dark blue-haired adolescent girl that is not only a healer but also a dragon in human form. There was plenty in the way of caution as such individuals couldn't possibly exist in their realm, but they happen to do so in another one where the Empire made themselves their enemies. Not to mention the War Maiden sitting at the forefront whose whole very being was what the Rose Order Knights aspired to become for the sake of the kingdom, which is very much a shocking turn to see one allied with this nation they're trying to ally with. Compared to all of them, the most normal person of the lot was Prince Gray who was driving the iron carriage, although Hamilton couldn't regulate him in the "normal" category per se.

He strides into fighting an army of enemies with no fear and with the bravery to openly charge a fire dragon with little mind for his safety compared to others. That is if one would choose to believe the rumors of his bout with the dragon which have been starting to seem all the more real. The man was more than just allies with all these unbelievable individuals; he was friends with them and they all respected each other in turn. Hamilton questioned how a foregone prince with nothing to his name was capable of achieving something that even the grandest of their tales couldn't even fathom. She truly wondered how he could casually speak with the War Maiden like any other person in the world and have accustomed themselves with how to control the iron carriage that he needn't even look at the rode before him. Of course, Hamilton snapped herself back to the current moment as she had to keep a note of all the happenings for her princess and not be distracted by how impressive the FEF was.

"No need to be so tense, as representatives for your princess, you'll mostly be welcomed in as our guests." The War Maiden said to her with a friendly smile as she turned to look at both herself and Panache, who failed miserably to hide how nervous she was.

"Forgive our outward reactions, we are still considered enemies due to everything that's happened at large. The two of us see our current situation as simply being transported into enemy territory." Hamilton replied, Panache still far too nervous to say anything in reply, and held tightly to the seat as it jumped from the various bumps on the road.

"Understandable, but we won't attack you or hold you as prisoners here. Your Princess has sought peace through talks, something our leaders wish to pursue as well." The Prince interjected and if Hamilton could judge by his tone, then he was trying to shift the conversation.

"We were provoked into this fight when your armies invaded, but we don't wish to seek war with a nation from another world. The people, our people, is why we fight and it's justice for them that has become our end goal."

"And what, pray tell, is your definition of justice? Will you drive your armies before your capital and have the High Crown beg for their lives?" Panache placed a steady hand on Hamilton's arm as she could hear the rise in her tone that bordered on accusatory.

"That's quite descriptive of you, is it possible to assume that your kingdom has done something similar in the past with those that didn't bend the knee to it?" The Prince posed a very forthcoming question to Hamilton who lowered her head in shame, realizing that their history has always done the same to lesser powers that would not conform to the Empire.

The chestnut-haired knight couldn't believe that the Prince managed to pry sensitive information about their history with just the usage of simple words, but she couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that she too was to blame as her concerns for Pina's safety had gotten the better of her. She was told this as a little girl, taught her country's history as time went on, and witnessed it being made as the Empire continued to expand. The emperors of the past have all been revered as some of the greatest kings in the Empire's history, but could it be that it was her people who would be punished for their actions, has the Empire's time finally come? The truer fear that the knight had was what would they do to her closest friends and the innocent.

"A-A nation can't be kept if one doesn't fight for it." Hamilton replied as the Prince gave her a quick look from the small mirror that hung from the ceiling.

"True enough, our nation couldn't have come to be if someone wasn't willing to fight for it. Although, subjugating those that we defeated into slavery hasn't been a demand that we've made in the past."

"Why does that matter to you? Our worlds work differently from each other; slavery is in place upon those that will cause disruption, anarchy, and continue to push the agenda of resistance against our law."

"Should I assume that you believe in stripping down another being's life until they have nothing to their names and allow the rest of your society to consider them to be nothing more than animals? Is this to be the correct course of action that you'd willingly follow?" Hamilton was perplexed at such a moral question since she had no idea what the Prince was trying to achieve by asking her, something even the War Maiden hadn't even the slightest idea of what it would be from the look of her.

"There are those that view this treatment as wrong, but that has been the mandate for centuries. One can't possibly expect an empire to change such a longstanding and heavily implemented law any time soon." The knight did her best to avoid entrapping herself with her own words again, but she was bothered by how unphased he was by her words and seemed very expectant of her reply.

"So, it would seem, longstanding laws are hard to overcome but I doubt they'd be impossible." Hamilton couldn't help but think there was an underlying message in what he said, though she had little time to question as he spoke up again. "In any case, allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Fiorean Expeditionary Force base." The Prince said as a see-through image of a man emerged from the centerpiece of what the young man had called a "dashboard" appeared.

"Commander Scarlet, you are cleared for return. Welcome back." The man said as he faded away and Hamilton looked up in shock.

"Impossible, the Artisian Valley is still three days away!" Panache exclaimed as she looked out the window. "We couldn't have arrived so quickly!"

Hamilton had to agree as they couldn't be at the Valley after leaving Pina not that long ago, let alone Italica's eastern gate. As the chestnut-haired knight peered through the window, she couldn't believe the sturdy structures they were heading to which were well guarded by towering walls that rose higher than any at the capital. It appeared like a massive fortress, sentry posts with excellent lines of sight in all directions with the bonus of statues for intimidation. Hamilton thought this force was well funded to afford the constructions of such behemoth statues until she got a better sight of them once they were in the shadow of the walls and the glare of the sun was not in her eyes. The short knight couldn't believe how wrong she was with her previous assumptions as both massive figures turned to look at their iron wagon approaching the gates.

"Hamilton, aren't those..."

"Giants!"

They both had heard tales of these hulking behemoths, ones of where dozens of men would lose their lives fighting just one and others in which a small group of them have gone on to challenge even dragons. Giants were terrifying creatures to have the unfortunate experience to come across and by the looks of it, the Prince's forces had acquired a number of them to guard their fortress.

"No need to worry, they volunteered to be here since they wanted to repay a debt to us and believed this to be their chance." The War Maiden said as they drew closer to the gate and one of the giants waved his hand down to the vehicle as Hamilton had assumed that he recognized the riders from the insignia displayed on the roof of the iron carriage.

"What debt could hold a giant to its word?" Panache asked nervously as she was now extremely curious to hear such a thing, but was diluted by her shaky voice.

"It's a pretty long story, to put it simply; we saved their village from staying frozen for eternity and reignited a sacred flame that they had been guarding for decades." The Prince spoke up this time, though Hamilton couldn't help but be left agape at his claim.

How is it that this group of extraordinary people, if Hamilton can still even call them people, be capable of doing such things. She would've thought them to be tall tales, but the fact that these giants stood before her guarding the FEF base puts weight on their claims. What could she possibly do to sway this unbelievable force to negotiate peace over trampling them into dust if a simple word would be all it took to move them into action? The chestnut-haired knight now understood why Pina tried her hardest to appeal to the Prince's good graces as he may have some sway with those in control of everything here.

"Sit tight, for now we'll be driving towards the main headquarters to speak with the Supreme Commander and a few representatives." The War Maiden said as they made their way inside, several guards, both armed with those strange staves and mages alike, watching their vehicle go by.

Hamilton took in as much as she could, at a loss for words for everything she was witnessing as she finally saw the massive staging area where their strange Pegasus rested. Feeling uneasy at the sheer number they had, jumping slightly in her seat as one roared to life and began to take flight. The drive continued until they stopped before a large building that was being well guarded like no other, much more worrying for both herself and Panache was the fact that these guards included a whole new unit of soldier clad in black armor with a much more different insignia than the rest. The Prince was the first one down followed by the War Maiden and before Hamilton could get a word out, the back doors were opened and a pair of soldiers helped them down. She looked over to Panache who was taking in the look of the heavily armored soldiers and could tell that not even she felt like facing them in battle, especially after what the average soldier was capable of doing.

A decorated one had come up to the group, standing out from the rest by the red pauldron he wore and made a salute towards the Prince and informed him of something in their normal tongue. Hamilton wished she could've known what they said as the young man seemed rather exhausted by the news he was given, but her curiosity was put on hold as the soldiers formed into position when a small group of figures was coming to the double doors leading inside. One soldier from each respected background opened one of the double doors to reveal a tall bald man with an impressive beard flanked by a man and woman. The War Maiden walked up to stand before the two representatives of each nation for introductions if Hamilton had to guess as she addressed them first to the FEF leaders in their normal tongue.

"Representing the Saderan Empire, more specifically Princess Pina Co Lada, Hamilton Uno Ror and Panache Fure Kalgi." The War Maiden introduced them once again in the common tongue and they respectfully bowed as they had been trained to do when addressing those of high stature.

"This is Supreme Commander Jura Neekis, selected by both the Magic Council and the Queen to oversee all military action within the Special Region." The War Maiden then introduced the first person as the large man gave a polite bow.

"I've been informed that you two were personally chosen as representatives for Princess Pina Co Lada and so, I welcome you to our base." The large man seemed agreeable enough, but Hamilton had to keep in mind that he was put into this position for a reason and if he was a mage than his magic must be powerful as well.

"Following after as a secondary representative when the Supreme Commander is unavailable for the Magic Council, Mest Gryder." The War Maiden introduced, but the man cleared his throat and spoke a few words with her before she turned back to the Rose Order knights. "My mistake, his name is Doranbolt Gryder although he has yet to learn the language to add any comment."

He was an average looking man save for the scars he wore, but it didn't make him any less than an important individual as he was chosen to also represent this so-called Magic Council they have in their world. Hamilton made sure that Panache kept up with the necessary information about the people they come across to assist the princess of her next move with the FEF, it was their mission to make sure that they were well informed.

"Next to him is the direct representative to the Queen of Fiore, Clara Greybourne." Hamilton carefully noted this woman as she was the very link to the Crown, slightly taken aback by how young she was though.

No matter, if she was chosen to be the direct link then that means she is a trusted confidant to their queen and Pina could try to appease her as well in order to have a better standing in their court. Hamilton tilted her head to see one more figure coming out of the building, but instead of the War Maiden addressing her, the Prince stepped up instead.

"Joining us now is the representative to Fiore's ally, the Alvarez Empire, Brandish Myu." The chestnut-haired knight was rather curious as to why he introduced her, but her mind immediately raced as she averted her eyes from the woman who had finally stepped out.

She was a scantily clad woman with nothing covering her aside from pieces of cloth in a long coat, but Hamilton had to admit that she was quite beautiful even if her lack of decency spoke volumes. She couldn't understand how she wasn't self-conscious about herself before the varied eyes of all the men present, but it didn't take her long to realize why it bothered the woman little to none. Her piercing stare and sense of superiority were overwhelming as Hamilton felt herself shrink before her gaze and she wasn't alone as Panache hadn't even moved her gaze away from the floor since she first stepped out.

"Welcome, let's hope you're bringing news about peace and if you aren't, then you better not bore me." She said and as much of a relief as Hamilton got watching the woman move on from the group, she could feel the tension spike as another woman who was following behind her made eye contact with the War Maiden.

It was as if a silent battle was being waged with none seceding ground to the other, only breaking up with the Prince's intervention and ending in the other woman's visible disgust in having to interact with the young man. He seemed more exhausted than phased by her actions, but Hamilton would rather not learn more about what had happened in the past between the three of them.

"Well then, we should move on to the reason behind your visit if you wouldn't mind. Please, follow me." The Supreme Commander said as he began walking towards another building not far away.

Hamilton followed after the man and his group with the War Maiden and Prince behind them, but her fellow knight was much more active than what she had previously been after witnessing that altercation. She wondered what had her all riled all up since she was very worried about being entangled within a spat between both women, but Panache on the other hand was curious. That much Hamilton could tell and was willing to bet that the theories she created in her head for that ordeal were far from true. Hamilton could wager a guess to say that Panache seemed to revel in the idea that the Prince was not as clandestine as he made himself out to be and it was a fight between his lover the War Maiden and the jilted lover in the other woman.

Such gossip may work in the annals of the court due to the various scandals, but it wasn't the case here as it felt like they were both out for blood. Hamilton thought it best if they remained outside of their affairs since the likely hood that all these people were talented and powerful magic users was dangerously high. Those two women they were introduced to were of a different caliber as years around the political circles within the Court have shown the short knight when someone is far more dangerous than they appeared.

"Though I must admit that the woman in her undergarments had an eye out for the Prince." Panache added, thinking back to how the green-haired woman had the occasional look at the ice wielder.

"That she did Panache, but it was not an eye of lust rather one for control. It could be possible that she intends to show dominance by finding a way to control the most charismatic person around." Pina had taught her to identify those with schemes in mind, which she's gotten firsthand experience from both politicians and her princess.

"Do you believe that we should warn the Prince about her?" Hamilton could tell that Panache was thinking steps ahead in the sense that if someone was already manipulating the ice wielder from the shadows, then Pina would struggle immensely to convince him to be her ally.

"I don't think so, if you've paid attention to his actions then it's quite obvious that he would rather not have to deal with the woman." There was so much happening that Hamilton was unsure of what exactly could be used in Pina's favor and what would cause more harm than good.

She mulled over her thoughts as they made their way into the building that the large bald man had been leading them to, feeling a blast of cool refreshing air as she stepped in. Not only that, but it was well illuminated from light sources embedded into the ceiling with more people in uniforms going about their business. The only reason they would stop was to simply salute at the group once they had passed by, a curious thing to witness until she heard faint dwarven accents coming from a room close by. Without thinking, Hamilton decided to walk closer along the walls to pinpoint where the voices were located and paid for it almost immediately.

The chestnut-haired knight would take a quick look inside as they passed each door that she hadn't paid attention to when someone was walking down the hall in the opposite direction of her. One moment she had caught sight of a familiar-looking harpy enjoying a meal and the next thing she knew; her face collided with a much harder body that caused her to recoil for a moment. A split second of worry crossed her mind as she looked up at the tall frame of a man with blonde hair and was about to apologize to her "Prince" before the man spoke up.

"My bad I didn't see you there." The blonde man said as Hamilton came to her senses, now realizing that this man was not Prince Zorzal and was far from anything like him.

Sure, he may at first could've been mistaken for him at a side glance, but on closer inspection, Hamilton could tell that this man was much taller than the prince. Even the build of his body was much bigger too and though the scar on his face made him stand out like a fierce person, something about his eyes told Hamilton that he was a much kinder soul than Pina's elder brother.

"No, please forgive me. I was lost in thought and was unaware of my surroundings." Hamilton replied although she felt as if her words were far harder to pronounce than before.

"Oh Laxus, good thing we bumped into you. Come with us." The War Maiden addressed the blonde man, now known as Laxus, as said man looked puzzled at her request.

"Why?" He asked and what interested Hamilton was the fact that they were speaking in her land's language over their own, which she believed the man was doing it subconsciously for the sakes of herself and Panache.

"These two are representatives to the princess we met in Italica and wish to discuss a peaceful end to hostilities between us." The War Maiden said as the large man looked over the both of them, Hamilton feeling her hands become clammy beneath his gaze. "So, it's best you acquaint yourself with them in case we have any future meetings and you go in my stead as my second in command."

Now that was interesting to hear, the War Maiden referred to Laxus as her second in command which meant that she commanded her garrison that was somewhere within the base. The only troubling fact was that the chestnut-haired knight held no doubt that they were handpicked as the most skilled and powerful to follow her. The blonde man seemed quite powerful and if he was her second then his power could be equated closer to hers, which begged the question of where does the Prince stand in this hierarchy of command.

"As boring as peace talks sound to me, I'll go. It'll be far better than hearing Natsu complain about it for the majority of our spar a while ago." Hamilton swallowed a lump in her throat, the fact that he could even spar with a dragon with a temper and still be annoyed showed how confident in his power he was.

"Good, walk with us." The War Maiden replied as she continued to walk after the group down the hall, although this time she walked beside Panache and herself. "Allow me to formally introduce you to Laxus Dreyar, the lightning dragon-"

"Another dragon!" Panache interrupted, something Hamilton was about to do at discovering that the FEF had another dragon amidst their forces, especially of a type she had never even heard of existing.

"Let's hope you won't be too shocked to know that there are two others you have yet to meet." The Prince commented as he passed them by to walk alongside the group of the Supreme Commander.

"There are two others..." Panache said breathlessly as Hamilton knew the realization that these invaders had much more to them then what they've barely seen hit her comrade hard.

"Y-Yes, two others who are part of my unit. Gajeel Redfox the iron...dragon and Rogue Cheney the shadow dragon."

Hamilton wanted a moment to sit down after discovering the fact that the FEF had five dragons within their ranks and there was no doubt that they each were just as devastating as the fire one they met in Italica. She just hoped they were reasonable like Laxus and calm like Wendy, which was still something the chestnut-haired knight still couldn't wrap her head around. A girl younger than her was a dragon, possibly just appearance wise but that still didn't change the fact that there was great power within the twin-tailed girl.

"We can discuss this more in-depth after the meeting." The War Maiden said as she instructed them to enter a room with an elongated table in the center.

The representatives and ambassador sat at one side, the bald man offering seats before them as Laxus took to leaning against the wall behind them and the War Maiden sat beside herself and Panache. What was rather curious in Hamilton's opinion was that the Prince and the woman with golden locks from earlier stood at the ambassador's flanks. Just by the way he appeared, Hamilton could tell that the Prince was unhappy in his current position and she made a mental note of his standing with the ambassador.

"Allow me to say once again, it's a pleasure having you both with us." The Supreme Commander began as he gave a friendly smile, but Hamilton cautioned the possibility of fake pleasantries. "But of course, Erza has brought you to us in hopes of settling this dispute before things continue to grow bloody."

"My Princess believes that our nations can coexist, that seeking a peaceful end to the conflict can start with these talks." Hamilton began, trying to gauge the reactions of the other people as the Prince seemed to be translating to those who didn't understand the language. "She also extends her apologies for not accompanying us for this meeting."

"As Ms. Greybourne says, your princess had sent you in her stead because she trusts you to represent her wholly. With that, we can put an amount of trust that our message will go directly to her." The Supreme Commander said after the woman in classes spoke up and Hamilton felt assured that they weren't undermining them as mere messengers. "What can happen today could very likely affect our operations in the Special Region."

Hamilton was rather intrigued at the fact that he openly admitted to basing everything the FEF does to the possible peace she and Panache could establish. Even the chestnut-haired knight knew that such words shouldn't be brought up during such talks, which was why she wasn't surprised that the representatives were worriedly speaking to him right after. The bald man merely said a few words which were apparently enough to calm them down, but the ambassador didn't seem to care. Made sense in Hamilton's opinion as it wasn't her nation on the line here, but she could've at least put some concern for her soldiers participating.

"We bring this fighting to an end here and now with what casualties that have happened and we leave you alone." Ambassador Myu spoke up as she was busy looking over her nails while the Prince rolled his eyes at her behavior.

"Though very blatant Ms. Myu's words were, she isn't wrong. I understand that amongst my forces, this is a time for revenge after what you've done to our capital, but our Queen feels that any more bloodshed will break the hearts of her subjects." The Supreme Commander said as he pulled out a stack of papers, many marked with the common written language as the Greybourne woman scanned through a few them as well. "The last thing she wishes is to lose any more of her people needlessly and to prove our point, she was willing to traverse the gate herself to meet your princess to truly finalize this peace treaty."

"What are these?" Panache had asked once the glasses-wearing woman had gone through her pile and plucked out a select few papers.

"Those are the files of surviving soldiers we faced once we emerged from the gate in our first battle, the cooperative ones allowed themselves to be documented and are being held here in the base." The bald man replied and Hamilton began rifling through the "files" to see if it was true.

Most names were unrecognizable to her, likely to be the ones from villages within the Empire that had decided to serve in the military but one did stand out. She looked over all that was written and was convinced that he was one of the noblemen that grew up with them and trained to be knights. She handed the file over to Panache who was just as surprised by the name as she was, trying to form words in response at the discovery.

"No need to worry, those who survived the initial attack had been rescued and healed from any wounds that they may have sustained. Of course, they are being held as prisoners for the safety of this base and my forces." The Supreme Commander said as he could no doubt tell how Hamilton was ready to accuse them of torturing and mistreating their soldiers.

The chestnut-haired knight was more or less annoyed by that all-knowing look the Prince was giving her, obviously aware that her kingdom had done such things by her reaction.

"What, if I may ask, is the purpose of presenting these "files" to us?" Hamilton asked evenly, trying her best to make sure that this was still an even playing field, politically anyways.

Even if she knew they were beyond outclassed in every way, well before they entered through the base's gate.

"A gesture of good faith."

"Pardon?" Panache had hardly sat through most peace treaties, let alone been to many, but Hamilton knew that it's rare for anything to be done out of "good faith".

"To show that we are honest and earnest in seeking peace with your people, My Queen has authorized me to release a number of our prisoners back into your custody, the rest will follow suit in the completion of the treaty." Hamilton could see this as a way for Pina to have better standing to help bridge the FEF and imperial senate together for peace.

"You offer plenty, but I dare to say you wish for something of equal value in return." Hamilton knew that you must always be prepared to have trade-offs in any contract; peace or otherwise and she couldn't fathom what a superpower like the FEF would want.

"Quick on the uptake, aren't you?" Ambassador Myu spoke up this time, drawing her attention away from her nails to look at Hamilton in the eye. "I can see why your princess picked you to meet with us. So, it's obvious that we want something too, that something is what rightfully belongs to their queen."

"I'm afraid I do not understand, we haven't stolen anything from your queen before." Panache answered and Hamilton could see her fellow knight shrink in her seat as the scantily clad woman narrowed her eyes at her.

"I'm sure you're aware of it, the lowest ranking captain we captured even said so. It's the reason we are here in the first place." Hamilton didn't know what exactly the green-haired woman was referring to as she was aware that the soldiers are ordered to conquer new lands and return with riches they find. "I'll put it simply for you; the queen wants her subjects back."

"Oh, I see..." Hamilton had known about the slaves the latest conquered lands had yielded, but this could prove to be a much more sensitive issue than she could handle.

"It's true, the primary reason we entered the Special Region was for the rescue of Fiorean citizens captured during the assault of the capital. Reports have indicated that a total of nine carriages were taken across the gate during the conflict and two are left to retrieve." This was a real problem that has fallen into Hamilton's hands as she knew where those two were, but she had no authority to reveal their location.

"I... I'm afraid that I don't know their exact location. I'm aware that the slaves had arrived at the capital, but where they went from there is the only information the traders and Royal Crown are aware of." Hamilton replied, but jumped in her seat as Greybourne slammed her fist on the table, rising to her feet and shouting something to her in her native language.

She seemed to vehemently express a sort of anger to what Hamilton had just said, both the other representative and Prince doing their best to calm her down as she shouted some more. Whatever it was she was saying, the chestnut-haired knight knew it was negative and accusatory judging by the finger pointed at her. Hamilton wasn't sure what exactly she said to set off the glasses-wearing woman, but the effect sure was grand.

"I must inform you, for future reference, to avoid addressing the captives as slaves. Slavery has been outlawed in our land for centuries and we have led crusades in our history to eliminate almost all traces within our country." The War Maiden whispered to her and Hamilton felt her heart sink at the fact that slavery was a touchy subject to them where it was ordinary for the Empire.

"Please understand that we are aware of the fact that your empire takes slaves, but what is concerning is the fact that you seem very nonchalant when addressing them as such." The Supreme Commander began as the woman had finally relaxed back into her seat. "This attitude is a dangerous one to uphold, something you must already be aware of that could damage relations between us."

"I thought as much, but this has been the law for centuries. Neither I nor Princess Pina has the power to change that." Hamilton felt it best to admit this to them now before it was too late, feeling uneasy if they were to discover how much apathy they have to those that are their slaves.

"Then advocate for change or something. I'm an ambassador for an Empire, but unlike yours, our emperor made us into a superior power without the need for slaves." Ambassador Myu spoke up, though the mention of her former ruler seemed to have left a bad impression upon all that sat within the room. "If I've learned something from those who defend Fiore, it's that no matter who they face, they're always willing to take a stand."

"How would you propose we go about such a thing? It's our word and possibly convincing Princess Pina against the Emperor and imperial senate." Panache said and it was practically what they were facing if they even dared to attempt something so foolhardy as freeing slaves in Hamilton's opinion.

"Then let this be the moment that we change that; notify your princess that if she's willing to peacefully give our people back then we'll oblige in giving our support in ending slavery in your Empire." The Supreme Commander said though this left Hamilton conflicted with agreeing to go against established imperial law and succeeding in her mission to gain the FEF's support for Pina.

"You'll only stand behind her for the sake of abolishing slavery? If she comes to need your aid, will you still send support or will it only come if our goals intertwine?" Hamilton watched as the representatives' faces scrunched in thought, though the bald man remained stoic with a neutral expression on his face.

The four of them fell into a discussion in their tongue, most likely trying to find a way to respond to her question. The short knight needed a guarantee of their support in favor of Princess Pina as it would be through her that Hamilton knew the Empire would prevail through these troubling times. She watched them discuss the question for what seemed like an hour, even posing it to the War Maiden as she began speaking to the group as well. Hamilton was surprised by how united they were when they first began the talks, but have all grown concerned about putting themselves in a position to openly support the Empire. Their discussion didn't seem to end until Laxus spoke up to the group, offering a few words of his own which even the Prince seemed to have agreed to. With a little more convincing on the Prince's behalf, the representatives and ambassador had finally agreed.

"After much deliberation, the Fiorean Expeditionary Force has agreed to lend its support to Princess Pina Co Lada if she requires our aid." The Supreme Commander said as a soldier was then called into a room with a parchment in her hand, the bald man taking it and handing it over to them.

"What you've been given is essentially the treaty we've just discussed. We ask for the captives to be returned and in exchange, we'll return those that we have to you and help out when needed." Ambassador Myu summarized as Hamilton was just going over the treaty, this time it being for the Empire over simply Italica.

"Although there is something I wish to discuss further. We've been given reports about a recent incident not far from Italica involving Gray here, the JSDF, and your soldiers. More specifically, knights directly under the command of your princess." She continued as an all-knowing look briefly passed across her face until being swept away by her usual indifferent look.

The fact that they already had some sort of standing with the JSDF was concerning enough, but if they were much closer then the treaty in her hand was useless to them in the long run.

"What would you like to know?" Hamilton answered calmly, stifling the need to make any attempt to look over at Panache.

"I'd like to know if torturing a captive is standard practice for training up and coming knights, the interrogation the soldier had to endure was pretty thorough." This was where Hamilton knew she had to be on her toes as the ambassador was trying to slip her up.

"Such training is not included in the regiment, but the practice is implemented when war has been established against foreign enemies."

"So, are we to presume that, at our current moment, we are still at war with your empire?" The Supreme Commander questioned as he reclined into his seat and stroked his beard thoughtfully, the innocent action alone making Hamilton grow even more nervous. "Even after agreeing to defend both gates in Italica that were under attack?"

"The Emperor views foreign armies as invaders and declares war in the name of protecting his territory. Princess Pina, Italica, and those who are grateful for your intervention do not see it as such." This was a dangerous game that Hamilton was playing, but if she somehow managed to convince them that Pina and the Empire were separate entities, then it would be worth the risk.

"Okay, but it was your nation that invaded first and caused unbelievable amounts of damage and heartache. Took captives to help the slave trade your empire is benefitting from and still have the remote audacity to claim innocence when our troops come through the gate? I'm rather impressed at how little you care for the consequences that could follow from acting like that." The ambassador was tearing into Hamilton harshly and the petite knight couldn't muster the strength the refute any of her words, she was right on every account.

"That was our way of life for centuries, the Empire has been an established power through its ways and has always defeated those that stood in its path!" Panache exclaimed, Hamilton full knowing that her fellow knight was trying to help her regain her footing.

"Oh, so now you wish to claim ignorance because there was never a power in your realm that could defy your empire when it continued its destructive path of conquest." Ambassador Myu seemed unshaken as her words flowed seamlessly into Hamilton's heart, bringing clarity to what she had always known about her kingdom.

"We are not alone, we have other nations that have already allied with ourselves to share a collective power, together we are a dominant force as the Saderan Empire!" Panache was embroiled with her pride in the Empire, but Hamilton knew she was only playing into the ambassador's hands.

"And those nations, whatever happened to them? We've learned that they were tasked with assaulting Alnus Hill, but survivors have hardly been found and I highly doubt most of the ruling families of those nations are any of those survivors. Seems to me that they were just pawns to secure the Empire's power with little need to worry over the fact that your military is lacking."

"They're too well informed!" Hamilton thought to herself as she was only aware of the incident of Alnus from Pina and the possibility of the Empire doing such things to her allies was plausible.

The petite knight scanned the room for the others' reactions to the scene unfolding and aside from herself, both representatives and the War Maiden seemed troubled by it. The Prince looked to be reserved standing behind the ambassador while the golden-haired woman smiled gleefully to herself which Hamilton found very concerning. Above all, the Supreme Commander was simply sitting in his seat and taking everything in as it happened.

"Then why agree to form this treaty if the Empire stands for everything you are so intolerant of?" Panache was well past a point with Ambassador Myu and Hamilton was unsure whether things could continue any further.

"Because the alternative is the mutual destruction of the Saderan Empire and all order in the Special Region."