Disclaimer: FoZ/ZnT belong to the departed Noboru Yamaguchi and whoever inherited the I.P.. Any real life organisation/person is merely being used in a fictional non-profit way.

Sorry about the long delay in getting this chapter out. It needed a lot of work to get it just right. Big chapter coming in so… yeah.

Catching your Breath

In spite of the prison camp erected just a short distance away to replace the temporary one, the market around the portal has already started to reform, at least on the Tristainian side. It was the usual collection of merchants, but now also impoverished families and even a few nobles. People who'd lost a lot in the war and were coming here either to buy scarce necessities or sell what little they had left for food and clothing. Fortunately for them, they found charity instead of unscrupulous merchants. Great green tents had been erected with soldiers guarding them while others handed aid to the people with no discrimination.

Trucks were still coming in at regular intervals, dropping off cargo for locally stationed trucks to carry further into the country before turning around and going back to Earth. Today though, an oddity occured: Two SUVs drove through the portal, stopped at the checkpoint only long enough to conceivably flash a badge, and continued through the checkpoint and out into the nearby countryside when a helicopter was sitting with the blades spinning and ready to go.

The SUVs stopped and seven people disembarked, six in combat gear and one hidden under a very bulky cloak. Mathilda peered out from under the hood at the loud and unconventional looking airship before glancing to the academy in the distance and finally around at the nearby land, showing scars of war still. But this was definitely Halkegenia. After almost a year away, she was back.

But she was not back because of hospitality, nor was she really free. She was being moved to a another prison, but one she'd be occasionally let out of to help these people whenever they demanded it. And do make sure she didn't get any ideas during her transfer, they'd attached some sort of bracelet to her leg.

"That'll let us know where you are at all times." They told her. "And if you get too far away from us by chance or try and pull it off, who knows? It might even explode." Mathilda wasn't brave enough to see if they were lying. It wasn't like she had anywhere to go anyway; Albion wasn't safe. Cromwell was these people's prisoner; same as her. But unlike him, she had a chance to not be one.

They boarded the helicopter and it took off. Mathilda had traveled on many airships, so the journey didn't rattle her so much even if she wasn't used to the noise. This airship flew much higher and much faster than any she'd ever seen. The Academy disappeared into the distance soon, and long stretches of fields dotted with small farms and towns passed by quickly.

It was quite a sight, but Mathilda was too antsy to really take it in. She had only one thing on her mind: the children and Tiffania.

Two days ago, she'd still been in her cell on Earth. It'd been close to a year by that point, and she'd resigned herself to never getting out. Such were the risks with the lifestyle she chose, but it hadn't kept her from feeling regretful.

Then she'd gotten a visit, the first in many months, by one of their spies. They asked her a simple question: "Are you still interested in becoming a double agent?" Mathilda had immediately said yes, and the spy had left without a word. Half a day later, they placed a blindfold on her, removed her from her cell, and she left that horrid place.

Mathilda's offer of becoming a double agent had been finally accepted, it seemed. Although they were vague on what they wanted from her. "When we need you, we'll get you. In the meantime, you'll still be in jail." She'd been about to object to that as a bitter deal, but then they'd told her something else. "And as a little trust building exercise, we've decided we're going to bring all those children and your half-sister that you mentioned to Tristain. It'll be safer for them when the fighting starts." Mathilda had learned then that war could very soon be coming to the White Country once more. But she at least had a chance to guarantee Tiffania and the others were safe.

And so Mathilda waited with fretful anticipation. They were not going straight to Albion, but to a new base the outworlders had established for replenishment and to join up with the other people who'd help in this rescue. They reached it on the coast, and the airship set down. She was not allowed to disembark until all her guards had.

"Ms. Mathilda." A man approached, and the former Albion agent swore she recognized him from somewhere. "It's been a long time. How did you like Canada?" Now she remembered- he was one of the agents who'd first interrogated her.

"I'm here to rescue Tiffania." She told him straightforwardly. Devers nodded.

"Yes. And in return you're going to help us with some of our own projects in Albion." He stated what she already knew, making it clear to her that her terms were non-negotiable.

"As long as Tiffania and the children are safe."

"They will be. You should be grateful our leaders had the charity in their hearts to let us do this."

Trump and Trudeau authorizing this little excursion in Albion had a lot of reasons behind it- humanitarian chief among them. But also was the fact that when the old notes were examined, the intelligence agencies had found something very relevant to the recent New York meeting: Assuming Mathilda's story was true, this Tiffania she'd mentioned had been the illegitimate niece of the King of Albion who'd been deposed by the revolution. She technically had a claim to the throne. She was an elf, a race a despised by the locals, but it was still something worth looking into. And if nothing panned out in that regard, they could at least say they finally got a chance to meet an elf (something the scientific communities had been wondering about since the beginning) and that they'd saved innocent children. A win-win situation.

"Get this done without any problems." Devers said to the team leader. He'd be watching it all from the base. They'd had people watching the orphanage for a while now, even occasionally dropping off food during the night. Now they were getting them all out of there. Two Army Chinooks had been pulled for this job, one for the extraction and one as backup. The spooks would go in with the turncoat to coax the children out, and then they'd land and get them all loaded up and flown back here. Medical staff would be waiting to examine all of them. It was an operation they hoped to barely take 20 minutes.

Fighters were on standby here in case something happened; dragon patrols were starting to become frequent around the country, and they didn't want anything to go wrong. The Chinooks involved had been meticulously maintained and examined. This was not going to have any failures like Operation Babylift, an otherwise successful event, had had. Smaller scale meant less things to go wrong, but in this line of work that only held so much truth.

Everyone gathered to go over the plan one more time. Weapons and equipment were checked one more time. The helicopters were all checked one last time. Everything was as ready as it would ever be. It was time.

Mathilda boarded the helicopter with her guards yet again and they took off. The Chinooks took off right behind them; they were slower than the CIA chopper, but they'd have time to catch up. Over the ocean and high into the air they soared. Mathilda watched her view of the coast disappear quickly, and in what seemed like no time at all, the lush Albion forests appeared below them.

"We're landing in that little clearing the children play in." The team leader told her. Mathilda nodded; she knew the place. She waited with fists clenched as the helicopter started to slow down and lower its altitude. Were they there yet? Mathilda knew the hidden path on the ground by heart, but from the air it was impossible to tell.

"We're nearly there. Let's get this done like the boss says." One of them ordered the others. The airship started to slow. And then Mathilda spotted it: a wooden structure down below. The orphanage. Tiffania and all the children. No one was out right now, but she'd always told them, especially Tiffania, to hide if someone came around.

The airship started to descend before touching down on the forest grass. The guards disembarked, and Mathilda followed. As soon as they were all out, the airship took off again, soon leaving all of them standing there in silence.

"Go on." The team leader told her. "Go get them." Mathilda wondered if it was a ruse, but she took a step forward and none of them stopped her. Another step and no one stopped her. She ran to the building. Nothing happened to her as she found the confidence to enter the orphanage.

No one was there, but she could see the signs that there was activity there: toys hurriedly abandoned, and even some half-eaten fruit.. She made her way to the living room before pulling over the rug. The handle was exactly where she remembered it was. As Mathilda pulled on it, she heard screams of surprise from below the floor followed by someone trying to calm them.

"Shh, it'll be fine. I will protect you little ones," a familiar voice said warmly, "The bad people won't hurt you, I promise." Oh, thank Brimir! They were still here!

"Tiffania! It's me, Mathilda!" She called into the darkness.

"Sister?! You have finally returned!"

A young, well endowed blond woman finally climbed out of the hidden cellar. She was dressed in a green dress and had a large sun hat that covered her head and pointed ears.

"It is really you!"

"Yes, Tiffania, I've finally come back." Mathilda said as the two women hugged each other tearfully, "I'm so sorry for having abandoned you and the children for so long!"

The spy glanced quickly behind her sibling. She recognized many of the faces of the children but some were new. No doubt that the instability in the country had rendered them orphans. Tiffania must've taken them in.

"Listen, there isn't much time. I'm taking all of you somewhere safe." Mathilda said urgently, "I've made a deal that will ensure that everyone will be safe."

Tiffania gasped lightly.

"Is that why you were gone for so long? You were searching for a new place for us?"

"Yes." the green haired woman lied, "But we must move quickly."

"Just let the children and I gather our belongings and we will follow you."

"Get the most valuable things that the children care the most about. My new… friends have promised that they will take care of everything that we will need. But we must hurry!" She stepped back and allowed them all to climb out of the cellar. While they did, she peaked out the front door.

"We will be out soon!" she shouted to the team leader who nodded back.

"Make it fast! We don't have all day!"

Tiffania appeared next to her, and Mathilda closed the door as to not let them see her.

"Where will we go?" the half-elf asked.

"Tristain."

Tiffania's eyes widened in surprise.

"But-"

"Just trust me please."

After a few minutes, the children had gathered in the entrance with what few meagre belongings they had while Tiffania did one last head count. She blew a sigh of relief as every child was present. Mathilda opened the door once more.

"Stay behind me, everyone." Mathilda instructed as she led them out. Tiffania caught a glimpse of the friends that her half-sister had brought with her. They were obviously warriors, dressed in what looked like leather armor and wielding muskets. Were they Tristainians?

"Is everyone here?" their leader asked in perfect Albionian.

"Yes."

"Come stand by the tree line behind us." He ordered with a hand gesture. As Mathilda and the children did so, she watched him wave to more men who'd appeared at the other edge of the clearing, right by the building. They waved back, and disappeared into the forests.

"We have the packages, send in the extraction." he radioed.

Within a few moments, loud chopping sounds could be heard as wind buffeted them. Another airship appeared above them, this one far larger than the one that had carried Mathilda here.

It landed in the clearing before a door opened at its back.

"That's your ride to a new life!"

Mathilda nodded as she guided her group towards the waiting aircraft with Tiffania urging some of the more wary children to follow them. A soldier stood on the ramp of the airship, and as the children filed in he helped them to the two rows of seats on either side and got them buckled in. Mathilda and Tiffania came on after the children, and Mathilda's guards right after them. The ramp closed behind them.

The helicopter soon took off. Many of the younger children looked terrified. They'd never been on an airship, let alone one so loud.

"Welcome aboard." the leader said, "We'll be in safe lands very soon."

One of the airship's crewman stood up, a warm smile on his face.

"Don't worry," he said warmly, "You're riding in the safest helicopter! Anyone here wants some treats from my homeland?"

The children's eyes suddenly lit up in surprise. Some things never changed no matter the world.

"Treats?" Tiffania asked.

"Before we left, we gathered something for you and the children to eat on your way back," the crewman said as he produced a bag filled with chocolate bars and opened one, "We call'em chocolate bars." As he grabbed a bite, his crewmate scolded him from the front cabin..

"Yo, that's for the kids!"

"Just wanted to show'em it was safe to eat!" he said as he gave one to Tiffania. Her happy expression was all that it took for the children to want a chocolate bar.

"What do we say everyone?" Mathilda asked in a motherly tone.

A chorus of 'thank you's' filled the cabin with the children soon happily munching their chocolate. Tiffania looked over to Mathilda with a hopeful smile.

"Where did you meet these friends?" the half-elf asked curiously as the helicopter flew. Mathila hid her nervosity well as she explained.

"It's quite a long story," the former spy finally said, "I met them during my work in Tristain."

She had never explained to her half-sister the nature of her work beyond the fact that she'd often travel to the continent. "I will tell you about it later."

"Oh… I see."

The trip continued uneventfully, with the crew handing out water for the children. Finally, the helicopter descended onto one of the landing pads at Clément-sur-Mer.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. We are now landing at Clément-sur-Mer, Tristain. I hope you've enjoyed your flight."

"Let's get you out of these seats and into your new lives," one of the crewmen said as he started unbuckling the children.

Very soon, the passengers exited from the back of the helicopter onto the tarmac. They were greeted by Colonel Hamilton and Agent Devers.

"Welcome to Clément-sur-Mer! I am Colonel Benjamin Hamilton of the US Army and I am in charge of this facility." he said warmly, "You'll be staying here for the foreseeable future. Next to me is M. George Devers, a man working for my government.

Mathilda did her best not to roll her eyes at how Devers was described so plainly.

"I am Tiffania Westwood," she introduced herself to the two men, "You must be part of the friends that Mathilda has met in her travels."

"I consider myself more of an associate than a friend," Devers replied smoothly, "I am part of the team who helped organise your trip and accommodation here."

"Thank you very much," Tiffania replied.

"You're welcome. I hope you will come to enjoy your stay here." Devers said, "No doubt that you have many questions."

"Yes, indeed. I was thinking that Mathilda could answer them."

The green haired woman shook her head.

"Despite being in the care of these people, I still don't fully understand how they work."

"Don't worry, we will answer any questions you have," the agent said reassuringly, "But first, we wish to make sure that the children and you are all treated to a warm meal."

"Very well. Will you require my help in the kitchen?" Tiffania asked. The two men smiled, but shook their heads.

"It will not be necessary. Please follow me." Devers ordered before he led them across the base to a large building. The Colonel followed behind for a short time, making sure no one fell out of the group. The sights were intriguing for the group. Between the lack of trees, the smooth grey-black surface and the strange constructs that moved around them, the base was a completely different world from their old orphanage in the middle of the woods. Even the men working in the place seemed different from anyone they had seen before. Finally, they arrived at a small building where Devers opened the door, revealing a long table with warm food on it.

"Welcome to your new life everyone!" He declared. "This is all for you." The children had never seen so much food in one place! They all rushed forward to find a seat. Mathilda started after them until Devers grabbed her arm. "You have the rest of the day to catch up." He warned her, his voice low. "But after that, you're going back in a cell. Look on the bright side- you'll only be a short walk away from the children." So, they were keeping her here?

"You upheld your part of the deal, I'll uphold mine." Despite trying to say stoic, her facade broke just the slightest. The children were safe, she reminded herself. She should be thankful she got this much. The spy accepted her word and let go, leaving the room.

"Sister, what was that?" Tiffania asked in concern. She'd been the only one still close enough to see the exchange take place.

"Nothing, sister." Mathilda tried to assure her, but her words were a hollow lie. But she wouldn't complain. To get this far was enough for her, for now.


A few hours after the successful extraction mission, there was a joint debriefing session for both Trudeau and Trump in their respective office. The mission had gone without a single hitch. They had their own turncoat now, something to look good on the international stage, and something to further their investigations of this new world.

"We have been able to secure blood samples from Miss Westwood," Agent Harper reported over the video call, "A DNA test will tell us just how different Elves are from humans. Judging from her appearance, she looks like she could fit in a Lord of the Rings cast reunion."

There was light snickering from all parties.

"We just need confirm if she's related to the Tristainian Royalty now." Trudeau said.

"That would be unnecessary for now, sir. Officially, she isn't in Tristain and we don't know who she is." the agent replied. "Albionian citizens and Elves are the two things the locals hate the most right now."

"After that screw up with those kids, we don't need to get on the locals' nerves too much," Trump remarked pointedly. Obviously, they'd protest if an enemy agent who'd acted against their Kingdom was allowed back in.

"I don't think the Romalian emissary would take kindly to the news of an elf either." Trudeau mentioned. He was still snooping around Tristain, and the US and Canada were trying to avoid stepping on toes as it were. "We're at risk for irritating a lot of people right now."

"Which is why we are taking precautions in keeping everything secret M. President, Prime Minister," Devers answered, "Until the time is right."

"Good. We don't need any more screw ups. Keep all of them on a tight leash."


"Teleportation?" Colbert repeated.

"Yes, teleportation," The Earth spy repeated in complete seriousness, "The ability to move from one location to another instantly if you are unfamiliar with the concept."

"I'm afraid that I have never heard of such magic being used successfully," Osmond said as he scratched his beard, "Certain mages in the past have attempted to create such a spell but their efforts have never been successful. Such a feat doesn't correspond with any of the 4 elements of magic."

He, Colbert and Harper were seated in Osmond's office at the Academy today. The teleportation feat that had dampened their kill/capture mission in Albion was still making the top brass irritated. The security concerns were limitless, so they were looking into the matter with the experts.

"How did these experiments end?" Harper asked.

"Quite messily," Old Osmond answered, "At best, the unfortunate mage would be blackened by soot from the magical detonation and in the worst cases, the magical energy tore the mage in question apart. At least that's the commonly accepted hypothesis surrounding the last failed attempt by Arthur de Paragon over 50 years ago."

"Have any of his research survived? Anyone else that might have been able to keep it with them or continued their work?"

Osmond shook his head as he stood up and looked the window of the Academy.

"Arthur de Paragon's experiments failed catastrophically to the point that it destroyed his home and all the research that was ever done. His apprentice was also killed in the explosion. Since then, no other mage has attempted such a feat."

Harper noted down that information.

"Do you have anything in your archives could have anything that can help us?"

"I cannot say," Colbert answered, "But it would possible for you to search them for any evidence of teleportation magic."

"I will arrange for a team to arrive then," Harper said, "There is also another topic I wished to ask you about. It concerns the portal."

Both mages looked at him with curiosity.

"Have your scientists been able to understand its origins?" Colbert asked excitedly but Harper shook his head.

"If anything, we have more questions about it," the agent explained.

"What do you mean by this?" Osmond asked curiously.

"While our forces were crossing the portal during the invasion, we started noticing that it got shorter."

"Shorter?" Colbert inquired. Harper nodded.

"Yes, the time it took to cross was shortened considerably, almost by three quarters. We're still trying to understand it and wanted your insights on this."

But both Tristainians had no answer.

"I'm afraid we are as perplexed as you are on this matter." Colbert replied, "If anything, this is a sign that the Founder has chosen to bless us rather than Albion."

Harper had a hunch where this explanation would head.

"Hmm, that would be a plausible hypothesis," Osmond said, his face narrowing in concentration, "Between the youngest Vallière's Void powers manifesting, the portal, and this most recent miracle, it could be the Founder's divine will intervening to protect his faithful from Heresy."

So, Earth was here only because the God in this world willed it? That was a can of worms waiting to be opened if Harper took it back. It was only a theory at this point though.

Colbert looked pensive as he mulled over this theory.

"With all these happenings, perhaps the Founder has another design for Tristain and even Halkeginia."

"It's an interesting theory." Harper said neutrally, not liking the sound of it. It needn't be said the people of Earth were their own masters, but he didn't say that directly to his hosts. "Thank you for the insight, gentlemen." Harper got up and left. As we walked through the Academy hallways, he jotted down one last note.

Void Magic disregards previously understood facts about magic and is widely unknown to even the locals. Void may have a role in the portal and the occurrence witnessed in Albion.


It was the first time Julio had set foot in an building from Earth, and he was impressed with what he saw. The interior was luxurious, clean and well lit, without a single candle or torch in sight. He had been allowed a quick tour of the Canadian embassy by Ambassador Ambroise before being led to the official's office. Both sat down as a staff member entered the room with a water pitcher and two cups.

"I hope that you've enjoyed your visit Emissary Chésaré," Ambroise said as he dialed a number on his phone.

"Yes, this is an impressive building you have built," the Romalian replied as he sipped some of the cool water, "Will Ambassador Fitzgerald join us soon?"

"I am contacting him right now."

After a few moments, the American ambassador was on a conference call with them. Greetings were quickly exchanged before the subject turned to today's business.

"As we have stated before, our nations wish to enter diplomatic relations with his Eminence." Ambroise stated.

"His Eminence would be very open to such relations. No doubt that he will see the benefits of trading with Earth as being a great boon for the faithful followers of Brimir. He will no doubt want discussions for an 'embassy' in Romalia to be held as soon as possible."

"We are grateful for his Eminence's enthusiasm," Fitzgerald replied, "But we have certain concerns about security and our diplomats."

"You should not fear anything. Romalia is well guarded by many knightly orders made up of the finest battle mages in Halkeginia."

"That isn't the extent of our concerns. I'm sure you saw outside we prefer to have our own guards?" Julio nodded. "There is also the matter of travel. Gallia separates Tristain and Romalia, and we do not feel safe in having to cross a land ruled by an unstable, possibly warmongering ruler, Emissary Chésaré. The absence of a direct, safe route to Romalia makes our leaders rather uncomfortable, to say the least, about having a delegation in Romalia. "

"The words of his Eminence are mighty enough to contain even the alleged madness of King Joseph," Julio argued. Even if it was true that the Gallian king was mad and unpredictable, the Church still had to defend one of Brimir's descendants, no matter how distasteful the person was.

Meanwhile, the ambassadors were trying to figure out if they'd just made a faux pas.

"We'd need a direct route for our own airships to be able to reach the embassies. We don't like crossing another realm's territory without authorization from their leaders." Fitzgerald quickly corrected, "And we have been unable to discuss with King Joseph."

"I see." Julio nodded. "Any Romalian flagged airship would be invulnerable when traveling. Are you insistent on using you own?"

"That condition is non-negotiable." Ambroise shook his head.

"Hmm. His Holiness may be willing to make a decree signifying your airships in a way that makes them immune to Gallian scrutiny. They would not dare interfere with them."

"How long would it take to get a decree on the matter?"

"Not very long." Julio assured. "I can send a letter as soon as our meeting is up. The Pope will take my words and recommendation very serious."

"That is reassuring. Although once permission is granted, it will still take us several weeks to get everything together."

"That is acceptable." Julio acknowledged.

"Would it be possible to send an advance party?" Fitzgerald requested. "I'm sure you've noticed, but our airships do not dock in the same way as yours. We'd need to find a proper place in Romalia."

"Such arrangements would be possible."

"Are there any customs that are essential to know when traveling to Romalia? What language is spoken in his Holiness' lands?" Ambroise asked, "We do not wish to offend his Holiness or his people by inadvertently showing bad manners."

"Of course," Julio replied before he explained the various customs that were considered the pinnacle of Romalian etiquette. To his surprise, when he slipped into the Romalian language, they brought in someone who understood and conversed in it with him very well; it was a language that existed in their world too, apparently. Whatever these people's true intentions, they were making it very easy to interact with, and quite pleasant to boot.

Which, as far as the Emissary thought, meant that he had to be on his guard.


"Alright, we're doing the same thing as first contact here in Tristain." Devers said. A very small group of men and women were gathered inside a conference room at Clément-sur-Mer. These were the agents efficient in Italian that had been brought over near the beginning (the team had been sure to include speakers of all the European languages). The Romalian language actually seemed to be a mix of Italian and old Latin, but they could pick up on the Latin parts. Behind him was a powerpoint with a picture of the Romalian emissary that had come to Tristain.

"This young man is Julio Césaré," Harper explained, "He's young enough to be in college on Earth but don't be fooled by appearances. This man is the right hand of the most powerful man in Halkeginia; Pope Vittorio Serevare."

Notes were being taken as the scribbling of pencils could be heard.

"M. Césaré has been staying in Tristain as a sign of goodwill and spiritual support from the Romalian Papacy. Officially of course." He put a hand up. "We strongly suspect he's observing our activities and making sure that Tristain doesn't leave the Brimiric Church like Albion did. Standard stuff people; nothing to initiate a conflict over." On Earth or here in Halkegenia, the spy game involved letting your opponent still make moves.

"We have gathered some information about Pope Vittorio. Despite his apparent youth and the fact that he got into office because Cardinal Mazarin prefered to stay in Tristain, he is no slouch and has taken his job very seriously for the past few years. He's apparently done some great things to hold everything together down there- he's a competent politician who understands the seedier sides of statehood. There is no doubt that he is behind M. Césaré's presence here." Harper continued.

"The ambassadors have given us an opportunity to scout out the region before our own delegations officially arrive there. We are waiting for clearance and guarantees of safe passage into Romalia."

"Which brings us to our next point: Gallia." Devers said as he changed the Powerpoint slide to reveal a map of the country and its coat of arms of two staves under one crown. "As most of you will know, we inserted agents into Gallia several days ago to monitor their troop movements. We're stretched thin, I admit. But this comes from the very top- we need to secure a safe route to Romalia for diplomatic traffic, and that means being able to know if Romalia can be attacked at any moment. We have no idea what, if anything, is happening at the Romalian-Gallian border, or the Romalian security situation in general. Our historians tell us that they had a bout of infighting only a few generations ago."

Devers changed his powerpoint to show a magnificent city with a palace overlooking it.

"Gallia is also led by an unpredictable king that the local rulers consider to be dangerous. We currently don't know what his intentions towards Romalia or Tristain are. Our intent is to start an seperate intelligence operation targeting Gallia from within Romalia. All of you will be setting up the foundation for that op. Map the local area. Make friends with the border guards and nobles. Keep your ears open for anything unusual in local gossip."

"Discretion is important here." Harper spoke up, "You'll be operating well outside our current support network. A man in the mountains of Afghanistan will be easier for HQ to reach then some of you down there. Most of all: Do not piss off the local clergy. These people are as, if not even more powerful than the Catholic church during its heyday thanks to magic. Probably just as brutal in their persecution of their enemies too."

Every person nodded in understanding. It would be a difficult mission but they had been through worst.

"Our advance party will be departing in three weeks. We'll arrange intensive language classes for you until then. Study those information packets well. And most of all, one last time: do not fuck this up."


It had been over a month now since Albion's assault on Tristain. The sound of engines regularly echoed throughout the countryside as Earth troops worked with the Tristainian armies to secure the war-torn land and help the people. It wasn't just the US, Canada, and UK anymore; UN Peacekeepers had also come across the portal in small numbers. Doctors with food and medical supplies, doing their part to help.

Today, however, was an important day that showed just how much Tristain was back on its feet: the Academy's reopening. Carriages arrived at the entrance, their passengers exiting one by one, many wide-eyed at seeing their school once more. The damaged masonry had been replaced. The grounds replanted. All facets of war had been removed back to the portal. And the student body was now returning, mostly only the Tristainian students, although a fair number from Germania returned too.

Friends and lovers tearfully embraced as they found one another while others wept as they realized what had befallen to some of their friends. In the crowd, a blonde girl was making her around, trying to find someone that, despite his flaws, she cared for.

"Guiche!" Montmorency shouted as she walked around the crowd, recognizing her friends. Some looked as if they had aged much faster in the past few weeks. She spotted a familiar, rotund blond boy.

"Malicorne!"

He turned his head and saw Montmorency run towards him.

"Malicorne! Where is Guiche!?" the Water mage asked urgently before her face dropped, "Tell me that he has not fallen?!"

"Uh-uh Guiche is alive." he stammered.

"Then where is he?" the girl pressed urgently as she grabbed the boy's shirt , "Is he injured?!"

Malicorne shook his head frantically.

"Y-yes and n-no!" he stammered out.

Montmorency's gaze hardened at his incoherent answer.

"How does that make any sense you idiot?!"

"Because he is physically unharmed but his mind isn't," Kirche cut in, silencing both Tristainians. At her side was Tabitha, looking stoic as usual. Montmorency's eyes widened.

"What do you mean?!"

"It's complicated to explain but his mind was 'injured' during the battle-"

"Than where is he?" Montmorency pressed urgently, "Please bring me to him!"

Kirche shook her head.

"When we left the capital, we entrusted him to the Earth soldiers' care. Apparently, they told us that they could heal his mind. He is in one of their hospitals."

"Where is this hospital then?!"

"Just outside the capital," Malicorne said, "B-but I don't think you can really help."

Montmorency glared at him with a look that could freeze a lake.

"What do you mean?" she hissed, "We of the House of Montmorency are unparalleled Water Mages. There are few physical ailments that we cannot heal!"

"That is exactly the problem Montmorency," Kirche answered patiently, "Guiche's body is fine but it is his mind that is injured."

"What wicked magic has done this to him?"

"It's not magic that injured his mind. According to the soldiers we talked to, it was because he saw things he never should have seen and situations that he never should have been in."

"When his… injury first appeared, the soldiers dragged him right away to their healers," Malicorne added encouragingly, "It's as if they knew what exactly this was."

"How can they heal him then?"

"They have many treatments for him but they did not specify which one they would use." Kirche finally said, "You shouldn't worry Montmorency. It looks like as if they knew exactly what happened to him."

"I hope so."

The teens looked around for a moment and could see the hollow expression on some of their classmates. Some moved with uncertainty, their eyes darting around, a far cry from how proudly they walked before the war. Perhaps Guiche was not the only one who had lost his innocence.


In the Capital, Saito and Louise had spent that month in the castle, under the ever looming threat of Duchess Vallière. As she said, Louise wasn't going to return to the Academy. Rather, her days had been divided up into a strict schedule: wake up, eat, study, eat, practice, eat and sleep.

Sadly, the study and practice parts weren't going very well for her; Louise couldn't for the life of her figure out how to cast Void consciously. She'd try till everyone involved was red in the face with frustration and exhaustion.

Then, much to her surprise, her mother suddenly ordered their return to the family holdings for a few days.

The manor she'd grown up in was a much needed rest for Louise, who'd gotten tired of the spacious Palace in the Capital. But aside from having the first day of their return off to talk to Cattleya, her schedule remained the same.

For Saito, the past days were interesting to say the least and he almost welcomed the change. He managed to get some comfortable quarters… though he had the feeling that they were as far as possible from Louise's bedchambers. He had also had the chance of meeting Cattleya, the soft-spoken middle child of the Vallière family. Unlike his meeting with Éléonore, there was no screaming involved. If anything, Cattleya was rather quite pleasant and seemed rather intrigued by him, occasionally teasing the couple or asking him many questions about his world. Strangely however, whenever Earth came up, there was always someone, either a servant or the Duke or the Duchess, that would steer the conversation away.

Speaking of the parents... Saito had been sparring with the Duke, Louise's father, since the second day here. As well as training with some veterans of the Vallière family army. He was in the middle of a session which the patriarch right now. Their wooden sword clashed in the manor's training room as both men moved around as best they could, the Duke having a clear advantage over Saito despite being far older and not blessed by runes.

"How are you to defend my daughter like that?" the noble asked condescendingly as he swung his training sword, Saito just managing to block it with a own training sword, using only his natural strength; the runes did not work with practice weapons. "Your footwork needs works boy!"

Saito regretted not having taken Kendo when he was in Japan. He was the weakest he'd ever been, and he'd realized something the very first day he got his butt kicked: he was relying on his runes too much. They were the only reason he'd been able to do anything heroic here. He wasn't fit like the Earth soldiers he'd been admiring for the past year. All of those men and women were true warriors. Saito was just a lucky kid with runes that did the work for him. It was like cheats in a video game.

So he'd actually resolved after the first day to take these lessons seriously. But learning how to be an actual warrior was a lot harder then he'd thought it'd be.

"This armour is weighing me down!" Saito shot back as he dodged another blow from the noble, "I don't usually fight with armour on!"

"That is armour befitting your task as guardian of my youngest!" the Duke retorted as he landed a blow on Saito, knocking his breath out and causing him to fall to his knees, "Enough! We will stop for now as you are clearly unable to keep up with me!"

Saito stood right back up, breathing heavily as he kept his sword held in the ready position. The Duke eyed him him intensely before sheathing his own sword.

"You are getting better. Perhaps there is hope for you."

The teen could barely believe it before the older man glared at him.

"Hurry up! It is rude to be late for dinner!"

The two men headed out of the training room to change before heading to the main dining hall. As they arrived, the Vallières women were already seated along servants waiting for them. Éléonore was glaring at him, her disdainful scowl reminding him of their first meeting while Cattleya looked at him with an amused look. Louise, meanwhile, was trying to steal glances at him without being noticed by her mother or oldest sister.

"I am glad that you have been able to make it in time," the duchess said politely, "Your training has gone well?"

"It was productive. There is perhaps a chance that I may be able to make a suitable warrior out of this boy." the duke replied as he made his way to the end of the table. Saito was shown the only empty seat, naturally the one furthest Louise.

"Jerome has informed me that our meal will soon arrive," the duchess said elegantly, "Roasted beef with fresh vegetables."

The duke nodded in understanding. Very soon, the sumptuous meal arrived and the gathered people begin to eat.

"Excuse me M. Hiraga?" Cattleya suddenly said, "Could you indulge my curiosity?"

"Yes, milady?" Saito replied uncertainly, not noticing the Duke and Duchess tensing for a second.

"Would you kindly tell me more about Earth and your home? It seems that every time we speak, we are met with misfortune that prevents us from continuing our conversation."

"Oh euh, what would you like to know?" Saito replied, slightly surprised.

"Do you ever intend of taking my dearest little sister to your home?" she asked sweetly, causing the Duke to almost choke on his wine.

"Well-euh-I don't- Maybe." Saito spluttered out while Louise turned red. Cattleya was smiling as she held back her giggling before coughing.

"If I ever go to his land, I promise I'll find medicine that will heal you!" Louise exclaimed, finally finding her words.

"That's enough Louise!" her father scolded suddenly.

"But father-"

"Your father is right Louise," her mother added, "We have already tried everything we could to help your sister with her illness. We simply do not wish to bring more disappointment to ourselves and Cattleya."

"But you haven't even tried anything yet!" Louise shouted back before she realized what she just did and shrunk into her seat.

"Can I ask you a question?" Saito piped up suddenly.

"What is it?" the duchess asked icily.

"Didn't you see all that Earth has to offer?" he asked, surprising himself, "You did see one of the greatest cities of the United States."

"Yes, New York was truly an amazing city," the Duchess admitted as she remembered the sights, "But I still believe that Earth cannot heal my second daughter's illness."

"Medicine and healthcare are cheap for us." Saito replied, "My brother is studying to be a doctor! Maybe he can help her!"

"You will not speak to Father and Mother in such a way you insolent fool!" Éléonore yelled back, "You truly have no manners!"

The Vallières parents stared down at Saito but before anyone could say anything, Cattleya cleared her throat and caught everyone's attention.

"Father, Mother, I wish to give a chance for Earth's medicine to heal me," she calmly said, "I have heard of their people's immense help to our kingdom and the power that they have brought with them."

"But Cattleya…"

"My decision is final," she cut off, "Will you help me or not with this matter?"

The parents finally relented with the Duke sighing.

"We will assist you in this endeavour," he reluctantly agreed.

The meal continued awkwardly to say the least with Cattleya asking questions about Earth while her parents hid their conflicting emotions behind a mask. Saito did his best to answer them truthfully… he did not want to repeat his mistakes during the meeting he had with Henrietta and Louise all those months ago.

After the meal concluded, the Duke and Duchess left for their quarters. Their mood was somber as they discussed the elephant in the room.

"Karen, do you truly believe that Cattleya could be healed by our allies?" the duke asked with uncertainty. It was a truly private moment; the two nobles never used their first names in public or even in front of their children.

"I do not know Centurion," she replied almost sadly, "Part of me wishes for success and hopes that their medical science can heal them. I have seen what their world is like and it is impressive."

Her mind raced back to recent memories as she glanced to a picture of their delegation in front of the majestic Trump tower. They felt so small compared to Earth during their visit despite having visited two cities and countries whose history was tiny compared to their kingdom's long and rich one.

"Even Romalia would be humbled by their cities' grandeur and I do not doubt that they have an understanding of matters that we do not. Perhaps there is hope for her."

"We've never traded with these people before." The Duke was right; the Vallieres' had kept their existing business contracts and not really expanded. They had not even bought any substantial merchandise from those realms. "The only craft I've seen from these people is war."

The duchess nodded in agreement as she looked out the window overlooking their lands. They were well-developed for both were skilled administrators but they paled in comparison to what the duchess witnessed on Earth.

"They are a talentuous people," she finally admitted, "No doubt that we can learn from them if we trade."

"Perhaps their talents in healing could finally our dear Catt. During the Siege of Tristainia, a great many of their healers came into the city on their airships to help treat our wounded. I saw them heal grievous wounds that even a skilled Water Mage would need immense focus and effort to mend."

"I saw too." His wife nodded. There had been wounded everywhere in those bloody streets, and with many water mages fighting, killed or overstretched by the massive casualties, medical attention had not been forthcoming to most of them. Many of them would have died as they would have been simply beyond the capabilities of Water Magic by the time the battle died down yet were able to be healed by their allies' field hospitals.

"Perhaps there is hope for her," she continued, "Perhaps she may finally live a normal life."

The duke nodded.

"But I dread what will happen if they too fail…Talented healers or not, they still do not understand magic." They had no way to be sure if their daughter's illness was magical in nature, but it was a strong possibility given how no matter how much magic they used, it didn't work.

Both parents also knew that their second daughter's optimism was almost limitless… yet they feared that another failure, this one being built on so much hope, would probably would finally break her dream of living a healthy life. It was something they did not want to face.

They'd put their faith into the Earth countries during the war and it had worked out for them… Maybe it would this time too.


During one of Saito's outside training sessions with the Duke, the Duchess had come to watch after sending Louise up to her room to study in solitary. Agnes had arrived earlier that day with a package for the young mage. Contained within it had been a small gift and a note from Queen Henrietta. It was the Water Ring of Tristain, one of the most holy relics of the Founder that was entrusted to his Tristainian heirs. The little note was fairly short.

To my dear Louise-Françoise

May this gift help you in your endeavours.

Henrietta

Louise had held the item in her hand with uncertainty at first. Would this really help her master the Void? It was an item of the Founder just like her magic and the Prayer Book, but she could fathom how it would help. But she still put it on her finger and stood there, expecting that simple act might usher in some revelation. But nothing did. Her mother had suggested it may grant her clarity of mind and sent her upstairs.

Now the Valliere Matriarch watched with undisguised contempt as the Saito boy tried to duel her husband, succeeding at only the very basics of sword combat. The Queen herself had confirmed the exploits of her daughter and her familiar, but she saw little evidence of it here. It was the runes, everyone insisted. But both her and her husband believed in the value of natural skill alongside the Founder's gifts. That's why they were both skilled warriors in their own rights along their impressive talents in their respective elemental magic.

During another spar, the boy only managed to last about forty seconds before being disarmed. On the next attempt, he was knocked down even quicker. His footwork was sloppy, he was not using his weight properly, and even the way he held his sword was wrong. Just watching him gave the Duchess a headache.

A hard blow by her husband knocked the boy on his back where he struggled to get up with his armor. "This is progress?" She asked her husband, coming up beside him while Saito did his best impression of a turtle.

"Compared to when we started." He affirmed. Saito finally pulled himself up, panting in exertion from the effort.

"Stand up again." Lady Valliere commanded. "In war, an enemy won't give you time to rest." Saito growled in annoyance. Yeah, he was committed to bettering himself, but the constant beratement and failure was starting to annoy him greatly. "Keep your emotions in check." She commanded again. "Do not let an enemy read you."

"I can't fight in armor like this," he shot back in annoyance, "And I can't learn like this! The runes help me fight with a real weapon! I'm sure I can even beat you with my own sword!"

The duchess' eyes narrowed menacingly. The temperature suddenly got colder.

"Is that so?" she finally asked after a few long seconds of silence. There was a mix of contempt and annoyance in her voice as she stared down Saito. To his credit, he didn't flinch as much.

"Go get your sword." she ordered simply, "With all haste. Prove your boasts true for once or else cease with them altogether."

"Fine, I accept!" Saito finally shot back, surprising the two adults.

"So be it, boy. Go prepare yourself." With that, the Duchess turned and strode away. Saito was still burning with anger, until he realized the Duke looked frightened. Actually terrified.

"You're a fool, boy." He said quietly.

"Whatever." Saito blew off the warning. He unstrapped the armor and let it fall where he stood before running into the house to get Derf. He was already feeling more limber and confident without all that steel on.

"Where we going, partner?" The sword asked when Saito hastily grabbed him from a corner of the room and ran back downstairs. Saito explained what had just happened. "I might be just a sword, but I don't think that's how you get in your in-laws good graces!"

"I don't care. I'm going to prove to them that I'm good at fighting with the runes!"

A few moments later, Saito had returned with his sword. The duchess stood ready in the middle of the yard with her swordwand out, decked out in the full suit of armor he'd seen her wearing during the siege. The Duke had retreated a far distance away from either of them, shaking his head in disapproval. Saito walked out and stopped opposite Louise's mother.

"This will be a simple affair." She explained. "Each of us will retreat to the end of the yard. You will close in and attempt and lay a single blow on me while I attempt to stop you. If you fail, then you will stop your incessant whining once and for all."

Saito cracked his knuckles before drawing out Derflinger.

"Bring it on." He stomped over to the end of the yard.

"You know partner, I don't think she sees this as a game." His sword warned, only to fall on deaf ears. The Duchess waved her weapon in a matter that said 'begin', and Saito started rushing forward. Everything felt natural and easy. And then suddenly a gust of wind hit him in the front. He tried to power through it, shielding his face with a free arm, but his run soon stopped as he had to plant both feet firmly on the ground just to not fall back.

The Duchess hadn't moved from her original spot, and Saito could imagine the look of contempt on her face all the way from here. He tried to take a small step forward, but just lifting one foot slightly off the ground nearly sent him flying backwards. He had to slam Derf into the ground just to give him better footing.

"Told you!" The sword yelled over the howling wind, "Hold me up!"

Saito parried with Derflinger, the blade absorbing the duchess's spell but the seasoned warrior had already cast another spell, buffeting the teenager.


Unaware of the battle taking place, Louise was still upstairs going over the Prayer Book, no better off then she had without the ring. She tried everything she could think of: pressing it against the pages, switching it to different fingers, even adjusting how far it was up her fingers. All of it was fruitless.

She was about to tear her hair out in frustration. She was a Void Mage! How hard could this be. She'd done it once before, what did she need to do to pull it off again? She shook her head furiously while gripping strands of her hair. Suddenly, she heard one of her windows creak.

Louise got up to investigate, half out of concern and half out of a reason to not have to look at the Prayer Book any longer. When she got to the window, she cried out in shock. She could see her mother and Saito having their duel in the yard below, but Louise didn't have the context; all she saw was her boyfriend in very real danger of getting blown away. Her mother was casting her powerful wind magic while Saito was trying to use Derflinger to claw his way forward. This was simply too much for Louise to watch as she ran out of her room, grabbing the Prayer Book in her hands.

"Where are you going?" Mother had posted her sister to watch her, but Louise ran right past her. "Where are you going?! Louise!" Éléonore chased after her, their rapid footsteps resonating in the manor.

As she ran out, she saw Saito getting pushed back by yet another powerful burst of Wind Magic. The teen grit his teeth as the runes shone brightly on his hand. As she drew closer, Louise felt power emanating from the Prayer Book and the Water Ring. Something compelled her to open the book. As she did so, glowing runic writing appeared in its hallowed pages. For some unknown reason, Louise was able to understand these strange runes as the words to a spell began to imprint themselves in her mind. She began chanting the words, magical energy coursing through her body as she raised her wand and pointed it at the gusts of wind. A blue streak of light exited her wand.

The effect was immediate. The wind stopped, almost instantaneously. Lady Valliere was left standing there stunned with her wand out, not seeing Louise and not immediately understanding what had happened. But Duke Valliere had, as had Éléonore ,and even Cattleya from a manor window. The former two's mouths were agape in shock. Upstairs, Cattleya smiled to herself as she petted her animals. Even Louise seemed stunned by what she'd done.

"Louise!" Saito spotted her and ran to her. "That was Void, wasn't it?!" He asked excitedly. "You did that on your own, right?" He grabbed her shoulders. She was still too shocked to answer, and Saito watched her face shift to fear and her eyes follow something behind him. The clanking of armor warned Saito of the arrival of Karin the Heavy Wind, the most powerful conventional mage in Tristain.

"Louise, what have you just done?"

"Mother, I think...I think I learned a Void Spell," she stammered back, "The Founder's Prayer showed me the words for a spell called Dispel."

There was a glimmer in her mother's eyes of surprise… and hesitant pride. It disappeared quickly however as her facade returned. Her father stood nearby, his gaze inscrutable.

"We must test this spell." her mother said simply, "Stand over there."

The duchess pointed to a nearby clearing. Louise walked there, her mother following beside her. The Vallière matriarch began to chant.

Saito had thought she hadn't been holding back against him. He was wrong. The wind began to howl, much stronger than what Saito had to endure. The Duke was bracing himself on one of the porch's giant supports, and Saito quickly clutched onto one himself to keep from flying away. The window shutters on the house started to rattle. Mother and daughter's pink hair whipped around wildly, the child doing her best not to flinch while the parent stood straight and proud. Soon all Saito could hear was the roaring of wind as a dark tunnel began to form. This was not a spell for practice-this was a spell for war. Even her earlier spells that he struggled against were nothing compared to this. The Tokyo teen realized just how lucky he had been… the duchess really had held back when it was his turn.

Louise stood stiff and fearful opposite her mother, but she had not been blown away yet. Her wand was still at her side even as her mother waved her's around; she hadn't directed anything at her daughter yet. "Louise, come on!" Saito shouted. He couldn't hear himself and Louise surely wouldn't be able to either, but he still tried. "You can do it!" His feet started to slip out from under him.

Maybe Louise had heard him. Or maybe she sensed his confidence in her from a distance. Maybe even she had a internal revelation. Whatever it was, the small pinkette raised her wand and started to chant. It was a drawn out process. Her mother could've easily directed enough force to disrupt her, but she held off, waiting to see what would happen.

It became apparent that something was building from Louise, a blue light, and then it erupted from her wand. This time, Lady Valliere felt her focus being immediately snapped. The wind she'd summoned vanished in an instant. Even though it had taken time, Louise had completely blunted a square-class wind attack.

Louise fell to her knees in exhaustion but held her head high.

"You have finally casted your first successful spell Louise." her mother said, an rarely seen look of amazement gracing her face, "You may rest until supper."

The duke made his way over with a similarly impressed look while Éléonore's jaw had dropped. From her window, Cattleya's face beamed with pride and joy at her youngest sister's greatest success.

"Well done Louise," he said curtly as he pulled her up.

"Thank you father, thank you mother," she said tiredly as Saito looked at her with a grin.

"I told you that you were awesome."

"Boy, take her to her quarters," the duke ordered, "She needs rest. And then we will resume training." Impressive as that had been, Louise had been vulnerable for a noticeable amount of time. Couldn't have that, could they?

That night, the meal was made up of Louise's favorites.


A long convoy of wagons and carts creaked down a paved road. Siesta glimpsed around as she looked around the countryside. It looked so peaceful, so beautiful and she found it hard to believe that there had been a war here a few weeks ago. The carnage she had seen before the Academy would remain in her memory forever. It was astonishing how fast the cleanup had been once the fighting died down but it still wasn't safe for her and her family to return to Tarbes until now. Looters and deserters still marauded the countryside and the soldiers had forbidden them from entering the town till the threats was dealt with. Soldiers walked alongside them even now while heavier vehicles kept an eye out from trouble. Occasionally, some would hand out little treats to the children or chat a bit with the Tristainians.

"Papa?" she asked her father that was next to her.

"Yes?"

"Do you believe what they say about Tarbes?" Siesta said as her mother looked up, "That it's been completely destroyed?"

Her father sighed, not wanting to answer that question.

"I don't think anyone would lie about that. Our lord and his family are dead. The lands are back under the Crown's authority." he finally let out grimly, "We should soon see Tarbes."

The convoy was slowly climbing a hill, finally reaching the top after a few moments. Shocked, gasps, sobbing and cries of horror were heard all over as the refugees saw the burnt out ruins of Tarbes. Their homes and livelihoods were little more than charred debris and broken masonry. The small chapel was little more than a pile of collapsed bricks and stones. Siesta remembered all the things that made this place home. The market, the summer fairs and the streets where she would play with her family and friends were all but gone.

"By the Founder…" her mother whispered, tears streaking down her face as she braced herself against her husband. After a few moments, the group entered the ruined town. People began to move to where their homes and shops once were, hoping to salvage anything. Her family made their way to their destroyed house. Her mother and siblings were crying as they had lost everything that they had while her father struggled to remain strong for them. Siesta wiped the tears that flowed down her face.

"Monsters…" her father muttered darkly as he looked at the remains of his home, "But we will rebuild this home. We'll rebuild Tarbes too."

Everyone looked at him.

"The money we made from selling the Dragon's Raiment. I can see no other use for it. No doubt that grandfather Takeo would be proud to see the money used that way."


Guiche awoke from his slumber, having enjoyed a more peaceful sleep since the end of the battle. Unlike many others, he hadn't returned to the Academy. At first it had been to recieve medical treatment. The soldiers had gotten him the best of care for his illness, introducing him to a psychologist, a mind healer of sorts. Something they called PTSD, an affliction that many former soldiers suffered according to the psychologist that had taken care of him. He forgot most of the details surrounding it but it was basically his mind reacting to a traumatic near-death experience. It was something that would require treatment but was not unmanageable. Apparently, it could be treated to such an extent that he could even fight once more.

The blond noble was going over his thoughts. The past few weeks had been intense, having seen his mother die and being thrown into an unrelentless, merciless battle. Now that things were going back to normal, it took some getting used to, something he was discussing with his psychologist. While he had those appointments, Guiche was still in the service of his father's army, which was helping the efforts in Tristain still. They had to affirm their dedication to the Queen, obviously.

His father entered the room just after Guiche had donned his uniform, flanked by some of his guards and servants, one carrying a warm breakfast. Marshall Grammont had a gruff expression on his face that seemed forced- a father struggling between talking to his son and a subordinate.

"Guiche, my son, I hope you are doing well today." he asked.

"I am faring better father."

The man smiled a bit as he sat on a nearby chair.

"I am pleased to hear that, Guiche," he said before stiffening up, "I have finally set a date for your mother's funeral."

Guiche's head bowed down slightly as he processed the information.

"When, father?"

"In two weeks exactly."

The teen sighed. It was inevitable but he always shoved it to the back of his mind.

"But there is something else that has been brought up to me while I was meeting with our allies." his father continued, "About your heroic actions during the battle."

Guiche couldn't understand what his father. Many of his men had died under his command.

"What is this about?"

"Do you remember when you fought and defeated Oliver Cromwell?"

His eyes went wide as he tried to remember. The pieces fell into place.

"That man in green robes was Oliver Cromwell?!"

"Yes and you were the one to capture him. Even if he's still in a deep sleep." The man scoffed disdainfully. "Her Majesty will award you with the title of Chevalier for your deeds that day while Emissary Chésaré will speak to his Eminence about your defeat of a heretical leader. Our allies wish to reward you as well with medals for your efforts."

"What?!"

"Yes, they wanted to know if you wish to accept them. In their words, you would be amongst the first in Halkeginia the be decorated with their decorations for valour and military service."

Guiche felt overwhelmed. The rewards was not something he expected. It was incredible for him. The prestige and honour that it would bring to him and his family. No doubt that his name would go down in history as a great hero.

Yet, part of him didn't feel deserving of them. He had lost many of his men due to his recklessness and his defeat of Cromwell had been nothing short of a stroke of luck. He had almost gotten himself killed because he let his guard down. Was he really worthy of such reward?

"I don't know if I should accept them Father."

His father seemed to be taken aback with this.

"But why?"

"Because I wasted the lives of my men, your men with my recklessness! I almost got myself killed because I wasn't careful!"

His father sighed before his face softened.

"This was not a normal battle Guiche. It was a cruel twist of fate that your first battle be one that was so desperate and difficult. Those men knew what we were facing. Do not tarnish their memory and sacrifice by refusing these awards. These medals will commemorate what they have done during the battle my son."

Guiche mulled over his father's words for a few moments before he came to a decision.

"I will accept them."


That same morning, by sheer coincidence, another figure had awoken from his long medical-induced coma even thinner than he'd gone into it as. It was dark and the air was damp. A strange numbness caused him to raise his right arm. Cromwell yelled out in surprise, his voice hoarse and weak, as he remembered his last conscious moments. A sword flashing through the air, an eruption of pain as he saw blood and his right hand falling to the ground.

"Well good morning M. Cromwell!" a voice cheerfully exclaimed from the other side of a heavy door, "I hope you slept well." Cromwell looked to see what had to have been an outworlder; his armor was too unusual to be anything else.

"Who are you!? Where am I?!" he asked, panic evident in his voice. He tried to rise from his bed and found himself very weak. So weak, standing up nearly caused him to collapse. He stumbled over to the bars, holding onto them tightly to keep himself up.

"You're in the finest jail cell of all Tristain," the man mocked, "I'm just a guard here."

"Release me or…"

The sentence died in the man's mouth as he realized how powerless he was.

"What? Can't really do much without your little ring, can you?" Another figure spoke up. As Cromwell's eyes adjusted to the darkness, he could see over half a dozen standing in the underground prison, all staring at him now. Most were outworlders, but three women looked like part of the Queen's Army.

"The man who overthrew a Blessed Realm… I didn't expect him to be such a frail and sickly little man." One of the women had clearly been waiting for a chance to make that insult.

"So spook, you going to go tell command he's up?" One outworlder asked another.

"Yeah. They'll want to know." One of them, who was dressed different from the one he'd just conversed with, approached the cell. "Sit tight, Mr. Cromwell. And try not to annoy our MPs too much- they don't like it. I believe Queen Henrietta will be down to speak to you shortly." With that, the man left.

"You're lucky that her Majesty has decided to show you some mercy." One the Tristainian guards sneered. "After all you've done, the first thing we wanted to do was hang your unconscious body in front of the Palace gates."

Cromwell couldn't believe what he heard. Mercy? It had to be a trap of some kind.

"Our allies have convinced her that there are other ways to humiliate and punish you M. Cromwell. You should be thankful." She went on.

"Yeah, well," One of the outworlders grinned deviously under his helmet. "It wouldn't be any fun just letting you get lynched by a crowd."

Cromwell paled as he remembered the weapons they had brought to bear on his armies.

There was no doubt that they had far more advanced means of torture.

"I am Brimir's chosen. You cannot do this to me!"

"Are you? We'll let you out when Brimir comes down here and says so." The outworlder mocked him before he faked coming to a great revelation, "Funny that you say that though. If Brimir really gave a shit about your little temper tantrum, you wouldn't be in a jail cell, missing a hand."

"The Republic will not stand for this!" he declared, trying to intimidate his captors but he was met with rambunctious laughter.

"With what army?" another one taunted through his laughter, "All your forces are gone. Either dead or prisoners. If they wanted to save you, they would've tried the whole month you were unconscious."

A month? Had he been asleep for that long? Impossible!

"Germania has already talked to the Queen about a joint invasion of Albion." One of the Tristainians told him. Cromwell felt cold horror starting to seep into his heart.

Heavy footfalls started to sound from somewhere close by, and the guards all immediately became silent and stood straight.

Cromwell could make out light as he saw the newcomer approach his cell, flanked on all sides by guards. Her regal bearing was unmistakable despite her young age: Queen Henrietta. Her face was hard and unreadable as she stared down the captured man.

"I'm almost disappointed you didn't perish from your injuries." She sniffed disdainfully. "Do you have anything to say in your defense, M. Cromwell?" she asked harshly. Cromwell's nostrils flared at her arrogance.

"Fool! Do you not know that I am the chosen of Brimir!?"

"Really? Me a fool and you the Founder's chosen? How bold of you to say that as you are rotting in a dungeon in a foreign kingdom."

"It is only a matter of time that my followers reach you and make you suffer for your insolence! You will fall just like the foolish Tudors. Like your cousin you loved so dearly!"

The Queen's face faltered for a moment, and Cromwell grinned in satisfaction.

Henrietta's gaze hardened as she drew her sword from its sheath. The former leader of Albion shrieked and cowered as the end of the blade was directly in front of his nose, a phantom pain suddenly flaring up where his hand had once been. He backed further into his cell. The outworlders looked on in what looked like concern.

"Your vile tongue isn't even fit to utter their names." The Queen seemed to regain herself. "Be grateful that I have stayed my hand yet again."

Seeing no response from him, Henrietta continued.

"As expected of a coward that could only strike with an assassin's blade," she said haughtlingly as she sheathed her sword and walked away.

"I hope that you enjoy your comfortable new home. It may be your last," Henrietta coldly added as she exited the jail with her guards.

"What are you going to do?!" Cromwell called after her. He got no answer. He yelled the same question at his guards, but none of them would answer him either. No matter how much noise he made, no one responded to him. He was that insignificant in their eyes. Cromwell gave up after the yelling threatened to make him faint.

In the following days, he'd be just as quiet as when he'd been comatose.


As the sun set, a lone figure stood on a balcony, glass of wine in hand. Dressed in regal blue robes and a cape, King Joseph of Gallia looked over the crown jewel of his kingdom, Lutèce, from the Palace of Versailles that towered over the city.

Below him, he could see the slowly dimming lights as his subjects ended their daily routines and how small they were compared to him. They feared him and that fear kept Gallia obedient to his every whim. He was greater than all of them in every way.

Yet the Mad King could not enjoy any of it. His musings were suddenly interrupted by soft footsteps coming from behind.

"Welcome back Sheffield. Your late return means that your travels have been quite productive. A whole year, am I not mistaken?"

"Yes master. A great many interesting things have come to pass." she reported as she took a knee before him, "I carry news from Albion and about the outworlders with me."

"Please serve yourself." King Joseph said as he pointed to his bottle of wine, "No doubt that you are quite thirsty from your travels." Sheffield nodded and took a glass for herself. "Word has already reached Gallia about the power these outworlders wield and the battle that happened. Tristainia lying in ruin. Over 100,000 dead across Tristain and Albion. The White Kingdom doomed to fall into disarray." Despite the apocalyptic scenario the man had just recalled, he remained stoic, his tone uncaring, only interested in the way his wine swirled in its cup. "Are they true?"

"That fool left with an army 70,000 strong. The number of dead is likely greater. The outworlders have also struck back at Albion with their airships, destroying many of the military ports and what few warships remained. They even tried to capture me." She smirked to herself as she remembered the look in her would-be captor's eyes.

"Fools. They do not know what true power is." Joseph chuckled as he sipped some of his wine. A fine one too.

"Yes, they have also eliminated many of Cromwell's little lackeys and Albion is now leaderless. The fool is rotting away in one of their cells."

"It was entertaining while it lasted." The King shrugged simply. That venture had failed. No point to think about it now. "The nobles have been incessantly bugging me," Joseph revealed, not caring about Albion or Cromwell anymore, "about their troops on our borders."

"They have been able to move rather quickly by using powerful constructs." Sheffield explained, "The rebuilding of Tristainia is going well with their intervention despite them maintaining garrisons on the borders. I stayed for some time to observe."

"Do you know anything about their troops on the border?"

"Very little beyond that they are equipped with powerful, horseless war wagons."

"I see. Our little projects are going quite well so we should not have to fear anything once they are done."

"Have you received any words from little Charlotte?" Sheffield asked. There was clear mockery in the last two words she spoke.

"My dear niece has been quite busy recently. Her letters have been interesting to say the least."

"Oh? Do tell me."

"It seems that Charlotte has been able to meet with some of the outworlders at the Academy and that she even accompanied them on an expedition to recover a relic from their world before the war started."

This caught Sheffield's interest.

"A relic?"

"Apparently, an airship that was lost to them nearly a century ago," Joseph stated, "It was hidden near Tarbes. Do you think this relic came from the same world that the 'Staff of Destruction' that Fouquet tried to steal?"

The familiar mused over the information for a few seconds.

"It would be possible. The weapons they have brought to bear against Albion were impressive and plentiful."

"She was also present at the capital during the siege and witnessed first hand how their weapons were able to completely rout Albion's forces despite being much fewer in number."

"No doubt that she has written about them in her letters."

"Yes, that and we both know that the outworlders have a small outpost not far from the Academy." Joseph added, "Where they have set up trade and are giving aid to the locals under the watchful eyes of their soldiers."

Sheffield smiled as she realized the opportunity while Joseph closed his eyes for a moment. Things were starting to look more interesting for them.

"Let us hope that little Charlotte will interact more with these outworlders," he finally said.


You always had to move forward and never let the past hold you back. Tristain had won its war. It was still being rebuilt, but it was well on its way to being back to normal. Or maybe even better. Henrietta still had an invested interest in improving things for her subjects, noble and commoner.

The doors to the throne room swung open as Ambassador Ambroise and Fitzgerald entered followed by a group of well-dressed people.

"Welcome to the Royal Court of the Blessed Realm of Water," Henrietta announced as the group of newcomers bowed before the Queen.

"It is an honour for us to be present your Majesty," the leader of the group said, barely able to hide her excitement, " I am Dr. Fatima Mahmoud, Urbanist. My team of city planners are more than enthusiastic at helping rebuild your capital. It is a challenge that we wish to vanquish."

"Tristainia's Earth mage engineers were quite impressed at the images of your cities and are looking forward to building a city worthy of being our kingdom's capital." Henrietta replied as she introduced a well dressed noble, "Count Jean de Bonnefoi is the Mayor of Tristainia."

"Pleased to meet you," the tanned woman said politely before she introduced the various members of her team. The team of urbanists were the first team of experts that were part of the joint modernization efforts. Other groups would be arriving in the days to come. Architects, engineers, biologists but also doctors, administrators and teachers.

Despite the presence of various science teams before the war, modernization had taken its time and faced stiff resistance outside of the farms… but now, a lot had to be rebuilt from the ground up. And with the needs of the people of Tristain having skyrocketed, there was no greater opportunity than now. Henrietta wanted Tristainia to glow and awe all who visited. For its citizens to be well off. For it to be a crowl jewel in all of Halkegenia even, that would never let itself be tarnished by the horrors of war.

They were big aspirations, some too big to be practical. But Henrietta was determined to bring her kingdom into the future. The urban planners and the count had finally left, agreeing to meet the next day when a messenger entered the room. He bowed before his Queen.

"Your Majesty, I bring good tidings. Our first shipment of wood for ship construction has arrived," he reported.

"Thank you for informing me." she replied. The Tristainian Navy needed its new ships as only one ship had survived the crucible of war. However, there were still many sailors and naval officers without ships that yeared for vengeance for what had happened to their doubt that they wanted to be back on the decks of a warship soon. Tristain would rebuild her Navy. Perhaps not as big as before, but they still had the training America and Canada had given them. It would come back, and it would come back strong. She was determined.

And very soon, so would their Army.


Life has an odd way of getting back on track. The Academy had reopened and classes had been resumed for the last few days. Students went to classes and got into the usual shenanigans that only teenagers could like nothing had ever changed. There was, in fact, a significant change though: explosions no longer rocked the premises on a daily basis. The Zero and her familiar were gone. Rumours ran wildly around the school. Some believed that she had died. Others said that her failures were too much and that the war had been used as an excuse by her family to finally pull her out of the Academy. Wilder rumours had claimed that her familiar and her had done certain debauched acts… and that they were expecting a child!

None of it was true as a pair of foreign students both knew the truth. Kirche and Tabitha had kept quiet about seeing them alive and well in the battle. Saito was an outworlder too, so they must've been up to something important. The two girls were sitting in their class with Professor Chevreuse. The Earth mage was wrapping up today's lesson before a knock was heard.

"Enter!" she said warmly as the door opened, revealing two people dressed in combat uniforms, though without their body armour. "Ah, yes. Students!" She addressed her class again. "The school has been talking with the Earth nations on something we believe may be helpful to some of you."

"Thank you professor for allowing us to be here," a Canadian woman said, "We will wait for you to finish before we talk to your class."

Chevreuse nodded before she finished her explanations and gave out the assignments for her next class, with certain students groaning. The usual routine.

"Good afternoon everyone, I am Kathy Lebel from the Canadian Army and this is my counterpart, Ethan Fleeger of the US Army. We are from the Medical Services of our armies and are here because your Headmaster has been quite worried about many of you since the end of hostilities."

"We will be offering psychological aid for all staff and students in the Academy." Fleeger explained with a hospitable tone in his voice, "What is psychological aid you may ask?"

"War can be very damaging to minds. We know this very well in our world. You may have trouble sleeping, or you might be paranoid about threats. These are normal reactions. You may think it's admirable to hide these things and look strong, but these are serious health issues. There's no reason to hide these issues and always the bravest thing a soldier can do is admit it." Lebel continued, "Our teams will offer to heal your minds so that you may return to your homes and fully enjoy the peace. We will also ensure 100% confidentiality so no one will know that you have met with us."

After the pair gave details where to meet them and set appointments, class was dismissed. Excited chatting could be heard in the group of students as the moment they had awaited this entire week had come: the field trip to the trade station.

"I can't believe we'll be able to buy some of the goods from Earth again!" Malicorne exclaimed happily as he walked the class, "I can't wait to get some of the foods they have. Or medicine like they talked about in class." The student body had enjoyed going to the trading post before the war had broken out, and now that it had finally reformed they were eager to resume doing what had quickly become a favorite pastime of school students and staff alike.

"Those are not the same kind of goods." Montmorency explained, rolling her eyes at his gluttony. She knew what that really was; Guiche had often talked to her about it on some days she travelled all the way to visit him. It had done wonders for him, although he was still far gone at some moments. Just a few days ago, she'd been talking about the Earth soldiers still stationed in her family's domain on the Lake shore before she realized he'd been spaced out for the past several minutes.

She wouldn't admit it… but sometimes, she still heard the cries of the wounded in her sleep and could sometimes see the injured being hauled through the halls of the Academy. Maybe she would see these 'mind healers' in private.

The students made their way out of the Academy, with some mounting their familiars to ease the transit to their destination. A lot of them were talking about various menial things, but a lot of them had the same thoughtful looks on their faces as Montmorency had had.

Once they had arrived and managed to enter the trading post, their thoughts changed as they saw the various prefabricated steel buildings with gaudy signs on them, just like they'd remembered. They were neatly arranged in rows, with MP's patrolling and guiding trucks around; law enforcement in the trading post was provided by the Armed Forces of the three nations.

"Come on Tabitha! I want to see what are the new clothes!" Kirche happily said as she pulled the quiet mage with her, "Maybe they have some books you'll like!" The duo headed towards a clothes shop, the Germanian hoping to find something new to wear. The pair could see filled racks and a few mannequins, no doubt sporting the latest fashion on Earth. Clerks were helping customers choose their clothes either from the store racks or catalogues at a special orders desk.

"I'll head to the bookstore," Tabitha quietly said as she left the busy store.

"We can meet outside later Tabitha!" Kirche replied as she looked over a black blouse. The Gallian nodded as she exited, making her way to the bookstore she knew by heart. Looking around, Tabitha could see some of the Academy kitchen staff, led by Chef Marteau, entering what seemed to be a food store, chatting about the new foodstuffs that came from Earth. A few steps from there, was a bookstore which Tabitha went into. She could see shelves of books, all neatly classed by different genre, both fiction and non-fiction while an employee was unboxing a new shipment and placing them on a shelf. Throwing a quick glance, she could make out the titles and covers of the books being placed. 'Common Ground' was being placed on the shelf next to 'Art of the Deal'. Tabitha made out the faces of the Canadian and American leaders on those books. She also heard the familiar voice of Professor Colbert talking with one of the Earth professors. Both men were waiting at the counter while an employee had gone in the back to fetch a special order for Colbert.

"I hope that this new book will help get some insight for our experiments, Jean," the Gallian mage overheard.

"His approach is quite fascinating. I believe that it might help overcome the latest issues we've had on our projects."

Tabitha continued browsing the alleys, looking over the titles and genres. A few had caught her attention as she picked them out. Their three covers were wildly different. One had a golden ring with strange engraving on it, another had a dark haired boy flying on a broomstick of all things and the final one had bold yellow writing and had what appeared to be a man with demonic yellow-orange eyes with red and black skin. The writers on Earth had clearly a lot of imagination. Continuing her little excursion, she ended up in a section called Japan.

'Wasn't that where Saito was from?' she mused as two soldiers were browsing next to her. The covers on these books were far more eye catching than the others with their bright colours and characters.

"Bro, check this out!" one of the soldiers exclaimed as he held one of the books up. "I remember this shit from a few years ago!"

"Man… this is just too fucking funny!" the other said as he laughed. Tabitha looked at the copies that were still on the shelf and picked one up. The cover had a group of people, including one dressed similarly to the Earth soldiers standing in front of a massive red dragon. In the background, she could make out an elf and a strange gate-like structure. What caught her attention was the blue haired mage with a staff that looked alot like her.

"Ah, you don't want to read that." One of the soldiers told her. "It's a stupid ass story."

"That bad?"

"Yeah. The first few chapters are good but it turns to shit fast. It's kind of like things here: some magical portal connects our world to a different one." Tabitha's interest was piqued. "But like I said, it gets stupid really fast."

"Oh."

"Bah, there's a few good ones here if you want to know." The soldier said, pointing to another one on a nearby.

"That one's shit too man." the other said.

"Man, fuck you, it's a freaking classic."

"Yeah… a classic example of shit!"

"What is good?" the Gallian asked neutrally. Both men turned their heads at the same time

"Glad you asked little lady!"

Tabitha would quietly spent the next ten minutes being passionately lectured by the two soldiers on what constituted fine literature in their world before leaving with some of it in addition to the novels she had picked earlier. Next stop: a place to get something for Sylphid.

Outside, Malicorne was looking anything that looked anything that sold food before beelining for a place named Tim Hortons where a mixed group of soldiers and civilians were hungrily waiting in line. Tables set nearby had customer from both worlds enjoying a quick meal and a warm beverage. The round pastries were a particular favorite of his as he waited impatiently for them. Perhaps he would ask the recipe from a cook so that his family servants could make them. As he looked at the stand, he swore that there were new kinds of pastries. Difficult decisions lay ahead for the poor boy who struggled not to drool too much.

Montmorency, on the other hand, was wandering around without any store in mind. One caught her attention that she was certain she hadn't seen before as she looked at the sign. Entering it, the young mage could see other girls talking excitedly with the beautiful store employees who wore black aprons with various brushes filling the pockets. Samples of makeup, perfume and other beauty products were on elegant stands while the staff was explaining the various intricacies of modern makeup, some even applying it to their customers who sat on chairs. Delicate aromas hung lightly in the air as some were sampling the latest perfumes.

"Excuse me milady?" one of the employees asked the blonde, "Has someone taken care of you yet?"

"No." she politely replied.

"Have you ever been here?" the woman asked, "Or are you familiar with our products?" Montmorency shook her head as she looked at the various products.

"This is my first time here."

"Very well, I am Sandrine Guérin, makeup specialist here. May I please have your name?"

"I am Montmorency Margarita La Fère de Montmorency 'the Fragrance'."

"I am pleased to meet you. Do you have any events or occasions that you will attend? Or would you like to experiment with something new?" the employee asked. Montmorency paused for a second as she looked around.

"I would like to experiment with something new. I can make my own beauty products but I wish to see what you can offer me."

The noble soon enjoyed her time as the employee showed her various products, explaining how to make the most of them and even applied some of them for free. Catalogues were shown as well while the specialist showed her impressive talents and skills to Montmorency who enjoyed the skilled pampering before finally buying some of the makeup. There was no way Guiche would look elsewhere now!

There were a lot of different businesses here by the portal so that every student found someplace interesting to go. Every single second was enjoyed as it was a much needed moment of relaxation, something many had missed.

All of the businesses had to get permission from the Canadian government, and the employees they selected got special permission and travel privileges that could be revoked at any time (like the invasion). By this point, there were around 300 people from Earth on this side of the portal doing direct transactions, a little more than the pre-war number. Some businesses sold their wares here, but others only took the orders here-the orders would be shipped through separately. Those were the businesses mainly helping with reconstruction.

Despite the logistics involved, it all managed to be profitable. With an academy frequented by rich families within carriage distance, it was real estate so prime is was ridiculous.

A few major businesses had even set up very small offices at a high cost to conduct macro business dealings in Halkegenia itself. Those people made up another 200 or so. Once you got away from the military fixtures directly around the portal, it looked like a small scale downtown block you could find in any American or Canadian city, visible entirely from the Tristain Academy of Magic.

Before any of that though, all Halkegenians had to clear a currency exchange office where their silver and gold specie was traded out for cold hard American and Canadian dollars. It made exchanges easier. Conversely, local merchants could trade in paper money for their own metal currency to use if they had no intention of buying something from Earth. There was a lot of silver and gold in that building, and unsurprisingly it was the most fortified in the whole base that surrounded the portal. Some students had even started a rumor the Earth soldiers bought a dragon to guard the interior.

The purchasing of Tristainian goods by Earth was done secondhand; someone would buy Tristainian goods, either specialty items or in bulk, and transport them back to Earth to sell. Or someone would get commissioned to come through the portal and acquire specific goods. The Tristainians got paid immediately, and Earth got its money back and a little profit in due time.

It was a system that had worked before, and it was a system that recovered quickly when peace returned. And it would very likely be the system for the rest of the two worlds' long and prosperous partnership.


Julio's visit had gone on longer than he'd anticipated it to be, but it was not a waste of time. He had yet to discover who the Void Mage was, although he had some clues. The Queen could not deflect his questioning forever, and she'd let something slip not long after returning from the other world.

"They will come forward in time, I assure you. But the Crown begs the Church to be considerate. They are very young. Their family and their kingdom has been grievously harmed. They do not wish to take such a revered position unprepared and without fulfilling their existing obligations." Julio had responded with understanding concern, pleased he'd finally gotten some information: the Void Mage was young. The Pope was too, at only 20, but the Founder himself had had his powers manifest at a young age. They could very well be a teenager.

Julio passed this information back to his Eminence, who permitted his visit to continue on longer. He was to still seek out the mage on his own time and bring them back if he found them. But otherwise the Pope wanted him to continue sending correspondances on the happenings in Tristain and negotiate to bring the outworlders to Romalia. So far, they'd reached an agreement to send people there to organize a more formal meeting at a later date. But until that meeting took place, Julio would resume doing his duties here in Tristain. Of particular interest was Germania, and how they and Tristain seemed to be plotting to invade Albion.

Re-establishing itself there was very much a goal of the church, and this could be their opportunity. Germania wasn't a Blessed Realm, but the Founder's gift existed there and it was on amicable terms with the Church. Tristain still made themselves out to be faithful servants of the Church. If an invasion did occur, the Church would want to know so they could be involved.

The seemingly benevolent nations of Canada and America were still in his sights too.

Julio had split his weeks in Tristain going around asking questions about first the outworlders and then the battle that had brought forth a user of Void. On the first instance he only heard praise: praise of their craftsmanship, praise of their fighting prowess, and praise of their generosity. Julio had a feeling that they were revered as much as the Crown.

Finding people who'd fought in the siege was easy; there were thousands in the Capital and the surrounding lands. But many of them had only witnessed the event. Julio had even asked the outworlders. Their common soldiers weren't allowed to answer his questions, only their officers. Apparently the outworlders hadn't arrived into the Capital until after the Void Magic had been unleashed. The only useful fact he'd gotten was that it had originated in the Castle.

Even Tristain's Cardinal, a man whose loyalty was to Brimir's teachings above all else, had no information for him.

"I am sorry that I cannot aid you, Emissary Chésaré," Mazarin said apologetically, "I was tending to our wounded when I heard of the miracle that saved us. Whoever they are, they have not come here seeking guidance. They may be fearful."

"Do not apologize for doing what Brimir preached, Cardinal Mazarin," Julio replied, "I will simply lead this enquiry elsewhere."

"Thank you Emissary. I will assist you in any way I can."

Julio nodded in acknowledgement.

"Is it true that the leaders of Canada and of the United States had come for her Majesty's coronation?" he asked, changing subjects.

"Yes, as well as the Princes of the United Kingdom, an ally of theirs," Mazarin answered.

"What were these men like? Have they shown any sign of their own faiths?"

Mazarin shook his head.

"Neither of them showed any piety to other gods. I've never seen anyone from their world openly do so." The Cardinal answered honestly. "As for what kind of men they were, they were very different from one another. Prime Minister Trudeau was quite humble and polite but President Trump was… a very demanding man. Shrewd, but he carried through with everything he said."

The American president had been quite abrasive at moments but from what Julio heard, Trump was the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth and had been a very wealthy merchant. It was unsurprising to say the least.

"What of the Princes?" Julio prodded. Perhaps they were there to court Henrietta and secure an alliance.

"The two men were very well mannered. They wished for our prosperity."

"Have they spoken with her Majesty about any union?"

"Nothing like that. I have heard that they were both already married, with the youngest having married very recently." The Cardinal shook his head. "Although I do believe the Queen of that lineage phoned-sent a message- offering her condolences for those who have died."

"I know what a phone is." Julio nodded. "Very remarkable device."

"Yes, although one of the many things that we cannot comprehend. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but even they have trouble in this land sometimes; their constructs do not work to their full potential. "

"What do you mean?" Julio had seen so far just how powerful Earth technology was. This was his first time hearing it had shortcomings.

"The ways they power the lights in their buildings, for instance. They have to bring it in through the portal very frequently. Same for what powers their carriages. They use some kind of substance to power them that they can only get in their world. Were it not for the portal, a lot of it would be useless."

The Romalian noted this information very quickly. Maybe it meant that Earth used its own brand of magic that was simply very different from Brimir's gifts. But he was also considering the very real possibility that the Founder's gifts and relics in the vaults under Romalia were from their world. If the Cardinal's words were true, the Church couldn't use their full power for the crusades. The implications were great.

The Papacy had always known how powerful those weapons were, and the intention was not just keeping them away from anyone wanting to topple the Brimiric faith. So would it be possible to negotiate with these nations to give Romalia the ability to understand and unlock those weapons' full potential?

Perhaps not; they were very stringent about sharing their technology. But if they were going to be tolerated here in Halkegenia, they'd have to find some way to be useful.

Author's endnote: Hope you enjoyed the long ride. I really wanted to give some of the cast a break after all they've been through in the past few chapters as well as a sense of things getting slowly back to normal… even if dark clouds are looming in Gallia and maybe even Romalia. But things are changing even if everyone's catching their breaths. Hope you enjoyed this... don't hesitate to review eh?

For fun… what are the books that Tabitha picked up?