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.

Authors Note: A small correction and recton from the last chapter, but Julio doesn't have a wand. That was a mistake on our part and has been corrected, thank you to Robo Reader for informing us. As we take elements for this story from the light novel and anime, we get a few things mixed up along the way. Since Julio was shown as a exchange student at the academy, we just assumed. Kudos to that same reviewer for his suspiciously accurate foresight on where the plot is heading.

Also, Japan lowered the age of majority now… it's 18.

As for Earth's impact on Tristain and Halkegenia in general, it has happened, we just haven't spelled it out so much. We figured the last few chapters would make it obvious how much they're appreciated by the locals in wake of the war. It is slow since the commoners aren't very rich to start with so buying merchandise from Earth is quite difficult. Also, Canada and the US aren't going to meddle in the local nobility's affairs in order to push for equality… not to mention that the average commoner isn't literate and is used to how their society is hierarchical. For them, Earth's far more egalitarian society is a very distant utopia that they can barely dream of while working their fields. Their conditions have begun improving though... Hell, there's even a wealthy commoner merchant class now.

Hope you enjoy this chapter… as always, please leave us a review.

Marching to war

Colbert sat up in his bed and gazed out the windows of the small hospital that had been built next to the portal. It had been nearly a week since the hostage crisis. He thought, anyway; the last few days had been a strange haze for him. He remembered seeing faces hovering over him in worry and brief moments of consciousness, but little else. But now he was coherent and slowing healing, still confined to a bed for most of the day.

"Good morning Professor Colbert," a voice said, surprising him, "Can you hear me?" He turned towards the open door to his room to see M. Devers in the doorway. Agnes was too.

"Yes."

His throat scratched from disuse as he spoke.

"I hope you are doing better. Our doctors and your Water mages have been doing their best to help you," Devers said politely.

"I feel better," Colbert answered. While there was lingering pain, it was much better than when he was first brought in.

"Splendid," Agnes said simply, "M. Devers has a few questions for you regarding the men that took everyone hostage. I'm here as a witness to ensure they don't overstep their bounds."

"Going to be very honest with you, Colbert. We heard some bad things." Devers warned while Agnes's eyes narrowed. "We have a lot of questions."

Colbert's head lowered.

"Ah, about my past and Menvil?" He guessed

"Yes." The spy confirmed. Colbert sighed.

"Very well, M. Devers. Ask your questions. I will be truthful."

"Is it true that you have known this man before?"

"Yes."

"How?"

Colbert closed his eyes in guilt.

"A long time ago, I was the commander of a special group of mages for King Henry and Menvil was my second-in-command," he explained, "We were all specialized in Fire magic and we were in charge of missions that the Royal Army or noble armies could not handle."

"Things the King wouldn't admit to?" Devers guessed.

"Yes, we generally received orders directly from him," Colbert explained, "Or his closest associates in government. If Minister Richemont was still alive, he would confirm; he handed us orders on several occasions."

"Okay, we'll just assume for now Richemont was still loyal during this time." Devers explained, "What was the nature of these orders?"

"To destroy or eliminate dangers to the King and kingdom. It could be dangerous heretics, foul monsters, or dissident groups."

'A mix of Black Ops and Secret Police,' Devers mused internally. Now just an unassuming professor. What had happened?

"Menvil mentioned one mission in particular, D- something. And that this was the last time you saw him? And that you apparently critically wounded him?"

"Yes- the village of D'Angleterre, the worst mistake I've ever made." Colbert didn't notice Agnes's eyes widen and continued to speak. "We received information from Minister Richemont that the village's population had been wiped out by a sudden plague. The Minister and his Majesty wanted it razed as quickly as possible to ensure that it would not spread to the nearby towns and villages."

"Go on."

"After we had arrived and sealed off the area, I...I cast the most powerful flame spell that I knew and set the entire village alight. Then we heard screaming, and saw people running from their homes… one of my men ran into the town, trying to understand… There was no apparent sign of plague or unusual death."

"What had happened?" Devers pressed.

"I would later find out that Minister Richemont and the King had gotten wrong information. The village was perfectly safe. Richemont would later blame it on a bad agent, and I believed it for the longest time. But after the coronation, I cannot be sure."

"A bastard even back then." Though Colbert was clearly distressed, Devers stayed conversational. "And you attacked Menvil when?"

"Soon after we found out the village was occupied, he attacked me from behind, and I struck back. Menvil was always aggressive, but something at that moment made him go completely insane. I didn't check to see that he was dead, but I ran into the village-"

"Hold on." Devers interrupted him, then turned around. "Captain, are you okay?" Colbert looked up from his own feet towards the Musketeer Captain. She was breathing heavily and practically shaking. Her eyes were burning with an intensity that was indescribable, and even a little hauntingly like Menvil's

"It was you!" She snarled, and drew her sword so fast it almost cut Devers in the small room. And just like that she was moving to bring it down on Colbert's head. Devers may have been a senior agent, but he was still in prime condition. He grabbed Agnès' arm at the height of her swing, stopping her.

"Stand down, Captain!" He shouted, trying to pull her back. "What the hell are you doing?!"

"He-he destroyed my family!" she screamed, "It's his fault that I lost my home! " Colbert's eyes widened. She was a survivor? But that could only mean...

Agnès may have been a little smaller than the American, but she still had strength and she had weight thanks to her armor, and she used it to push Devers into the wall. But the man didn't let go of her arm. He yelled for help and kicked the back of Agnes' knee, making her stumble.

"Drop the goddamn sword!" He ordered, still struggling to keep her from moving the arm. A medical officer had heard the call and came in, grabbing the enraged woman's other arm. Together, they forced her to her knees. But she kept struggling, screaming in rage. MPs hurried into the room, at which point they were all finally able to force her to the floor, tear the sword from her hands, and cuff her. She screamed for several more minutes, demanding they release her. It took close to ten minutes before she settled down, and even then the MPs refused to uncuff her.

"You were there Captain?!" Devers asked as he caught his breath while the others held her down.

"Yes, I was the only one to survive that night! Everyone else died because of this bastard!" she accused, "They never stood a chance when the fire started! He's a murderer!"

Devers glanced at Colbert, the professor's jaw still hanging.

"You… you say you are the only one to survive?" he asked quietly, though there was a strange glimmer of hope in his voice.

"Yes!"

"How?" Colbert continued in the same tone.

"A man pulled me out of my home that you and your fellow murderers burned!"

Colbert sighed as he remembered what had happened.

"I know that story… because I was the one that pulled you out."

"Liar!" Agnes shouted in disbelief, "That's impossible!"

"After I struck down Menvil, I ran into the village, looking to save anyone I could but it was too late for many. I only found one- a little girl. I heard her screaming from a burning house and ran in. I pulled out you."

"I don't believe you!" Agnes shouted, then seemed to have a revelation. "The man who saved me had a burn mark on the back of his neck!" She remembered like it was a golden piece of information. "If it was really you, then prove it! Show me your back!" She demanded smugly.

Colbert rose from his bed and began to pull off the white shirt he'd been given. "When I tried to pull you out of the flames, a burning beam fell on my back."

The shirt fell off and Agnes' eyes widened as she saw the familiar scar.

"No… no… how can this be?"

She couldn't understand it. The same man who had destroyed her loved ones and her home was the man that saved her life.

"I carried that girl out of there despite my injuries and tiredness," Colbert continued, "I brought her to the Palace as proof that D'Angleterre wasn't contaminated by a plague."

"He's right," Agnes confirmed, shocked. "I don't remember much except seeing the King and Queen before I was entrusted to one of the Palace Guard Captains."

"His Majesty was appalled at the massacre." Colbert nodded, "I resigned and wanted punishment but the King pardoned me and promised that the child would be taken care of. Since then, I have sought to find peaceful means to use Fire magic and dedicated myself to peace."

"Okay." Devers took that all in, then collapsed onto a chair to think for a moment. "Take her outside, boys." He motioned to the MPs holding Agnes down. "Let her cool off and then send her back to the Capital. Make sure she leaves. Follow her down the road for a few miles."

"I'm not leaving till this bastard is dead!"

Devers groaned exasperately.

"We are not killing this man," he replied in annoyance, "He's a valued staff member at the Academy, he's been a good help to us in this world, and he's doing a lot to improve the lives of mages and commoners alike. Anyway," Devers shrugged. "The King pardoned him, so we couldn't do a damn thing even if we wanted. He regrets what he did, Captain. You'll have to learn to forgive and forget, just like we're going to forget the little stunt you just pulled."

Agnes snarled as she was carried away by the MP's. Colbert was surprised by the spy's pity and help.

"Thank you M. Devers," Colbert said. "But I don't understand. Why did you defend me?"

"I know a good man and a sorry man when I see one," Devers stated, "And like you said, the King pardoned you. We will be checking with the Archduchess to confirm your story, by the way. And obviously the Queen will be informed." Colbert bowed his head, not contesting the decision.

"Henrietta was not yet born when it happened." Colbert said. "She knows nothing of it. It'll be a shock to her."

"Still, we'll need to inform her. If for no other reason than the fact you just provoked the Captain of her guard into attacking you and nearly harming allied personnel."

"I understand." Colbert nodded. He was quiet for a moment before he asked something of Devers. "You are similar to what I was. Tell me, M. Devers: Were you every responsible for the death of innocents?"

"That is classified information, M. Colbert," the agent replied emotionlessly. "But men like you and me, we do work that needs to be done. Sometimes it's at a terrible price and sometimes it goes wrong. But what we do ultimately lets our countries survive."

Devers stood up from his chair.

"Have a nice day M. Colbert. We'll finish this discussion on Menvil another time." He gave one last word to the professor before he vanished down the hallway. "I'd keep your door locked tonight."

Colbert nodded as he sank into his jumbled thoughts. It had simply been a lot to take in. His musings were interrupted by the arrival of his friends, professors Leroy and Richer, only a little while later.

"We came over as soon as we heard that you were awake," Leroy said as he entered the room, "How are you doing?"

"Much better, thank you Benjamin," Colbert replied while his friends sat down on the chairs, "Despite everything." There was a brief moment of silence. "I owe you two an explanation." Colbert realized. "About the things Menvil said that night."

His friends' eyes widened.

"Jean? What do you mean?" Richer asked nervously before Colbert explained everything. He told them of his past life, the great tragedy he'd caused, and even what had happened only today. He held nothing back.

"That's why I've held such a fascination with your world since M. Saito told me of it." He said after he finished. "A place where war is regarded with disdain and peace and innovation to help people is applauded. It was the kind of place I wanted to help build."

His friends remained silent.

"I can understand if you do not wish to speak with a man whose hands are covered in the blood of innocents."

"Jean, you're our friend and a good man." Leroy replied, "and there is no way that we will give up on you."

"Really?"

"Yes." Richer said simply.

"Thank you so very much."

The three friends would enjoy each other's company for the next few hours discussing about various theories and experiments that they would try out once Colbert was released. Three men dedicated to innovation and improvement for Halkegenia for all people.


"Your Majesty," a noble shouted, "We cannot let this stand! Albion has gone too far!"

"How many more attacks will you tolerate?" another demanded angrily.

After the Academy attack, the news had spread quickly. Henrietta had summoned the many surviving nobles to her Palace to discuss about the situation. Unfortunately, it rapidly fell into chaos as they wanted blood. They were the parents of the children that had been taken hostage, after all.

"We must invade Albion and ensure that they will not dare do anything of this sort anymore!"

"Order!" Delage shouted trying to calm down the assembled nobles, "We will have order!" If Agnes were here, she would've kept them back at sword point. But Henrietta had ordered her to take a leave of her duties to get her affairs in order. Confined here in the palace, though. That was a recommendation from M. Devers that she thought sound. That whole business was something she was far too busy to dwell on right now.

"Why not accept Germania's proposal of invading Albion?!"

"Even they are uncouth barbarians, they may be right for once!"

Henrietta could sense her headache worsening.

"Ask the Canadian and Americans to assist us in bringing Albion to order! It's the least they can do for not letting us kill the arch-heretic!"

"Our children will be in danger as long as Albion exists!"

"They threw away the Founder's ways and now they should pay the price!"

"Minister Delage." Henrietta waved at her First Minister.

"Yes your Majesty," he replied with understanding, "This meeting is now over!" He declared as he banged a gavel.

More shouts of protest. Delage and two Musketeers held them back as Henrietta rose from her throne and calmly walked away to her bedroom.

"Thank you Minister Delage," Henrietta said as the man left her to her own devices. The Queen crashed in one of chairs, her thoughts jumbled by the current situation.

She found herself looking at the ring on her finger. One of the Rings of the Founder, Ruby rings symbolizing the four elements of Magic and given to each of the Blessed Realms: Albion's Ruby of Wind, a sign of the House of Tudor and entrusted to her by Wales before his death. What would it be like if he'd survived? She had to wonder. Would the war never happen? Would her allies have helped her restore the Tudors to power? Might her and him be married? There was so many 'What if' in her mind right now.

Yet seeing the ring also filled her with fury. Wales' death was still a painful topic for her and the kingdom's fresh wounds from the invasion didn't help the animosity she felt towards Albion. But at what exactly? Cromwell was dead. Reconquista had lost control. Were there any valid targets for her anger?

At the same time, she had the terrible reports coming from Earth's spies in Albion. Kinstrife had returned to the White Country as the power vacuum meant that chaos and anarchy ruled. Even if she couldn't lay a claim to the Blessed Throne of Air for fear of disrupting balance in Halkegenia, she still had Albion blood in her veins. It was part of her legacy. Could she really just let it destroy itself? Could she let innocents die when she had the strength to act?

All she wanted was peace and prosperity for her kingdom.


The sound of carriage coming to a halt could be heard as Saito ran out of his manor in excitement.

"Louise!"

"Saito! I'm so happy to see you!" Louise said as she jumped of the carriage and ran towards him. The two kissed before the sound of someone clearing their throat caught their attention. Saito glanced and saw Éléonore walking up to them with a displeased glare.

"G-greeting Éléonore."

"Please restrain your displays of affection," she coldly said, "I expect the both of you to behave properly while you are staying here."

"Hum, yes," Saito replied glumly as he glanced at Éléonore. She looked almost… envious?

"I hope that you have prepared us a proper welcome," the older sister said, looking down on him.

"Yes, I did my best but there's still a lot of work and the new servants haven't arrived yet," Saito replied as he led them inside, "Hey Louise, I was thinking of finding a way to get electricity to this place."

"You mean what powers your devices on Earth?" she asked.

"It'll make things easier for everyone in the house and I'll see if I can't get a power network for Des Ornières," Saito explained.

"Would that not be a difficult thing to do Viscount?" Éléonore suddenly asked, "This region is quite impoverished and backwater."

"Urgh yeah. I'm still trying to figure out the details for that," Saito admitted, "I've talked with some of the people living here."

"Have you thought about other issues surrounding your lands?" the older Vallière sibling asked, "Like production or profits?"

Saito shook his head.

"Did anyone in your world teach you how to manage land?"

The closest experience Saito had was a few city-building video games. The way things looked… it wasn't anything like his games. Not to mention, he wasn't very good at those games.

"I'm still trying to learn," he finally said, "Perhaps I might ask for help from other nobles or the Canadian and Americans."

The answer seemed to satisfy Éléonore.

"I also had a question for you two. My brother and I found this secret room with a strange mirror in it."

Both sisters looked at him with surprised looks.

"What do you mean exactly?" Éléonore asked, intrigued.

"I'll show you."

The group made their way into the basement.

"Sorry if it's still a bit dusty," Saito apologized as they walked in the basement, "I've been trying to clean everything up but it's a lot of work."

"You should hire a maid." Louise told him.

After a few moments, the group got into the secret bedroom.

"This room seems far too well preserved compared to the rest of the manor," Éléonore remarked before casting a detection spell, "Yes, whoever built this room used powerful magic to maintain it."

She looked at the mirror, noticing the strange shimmering it had and the changing reflection.

"Could you cast a spell on that mirror? See where it leads or what's so special about?" Saito asked. Éléonore shook her head.

"I wish you would have told me about this before I came. Items like these can have many enchantments cast upon them. Using a spell on this can trigger traps or magical accidents," she explained, "Had I had my tools with me, I might be able to see what this mirror can do."

The more they looked at the mirror, the more the image it showed looked strangely familiar to them.

"This mirror could either be a communication mirror or a portal." Éléonore deduced, "There should be another one linked to this that is still active though. The only issue is to find out where the other one is."

"Ah."

Louise was still fixed on the mirror. Suddenly her face lit up.

"I know where I've seen that place before!" she exclaimed suddenly.

"Little Louise?!"

"It's-it's in her Majesty's bedroom!" Louise said as she pointed the mirror, "I'd recognize it anywhere."

"Are you sure about that?" Saito asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes!" Louise said as she walked up to the mirror and touched it. It suddenly shimmered brightly, the light surrounding the little mage… before she disappeared.

"Louise!" Both shouted before Saito bolted into the mirror.

"You idiots!" Éléonore shouted as she realized what the two others just did.

Saito tripped on something before falling face first.

"Watch it you dog!" Louise shouted angrily she struggled with the fact that her boyfriend fell on her back.

"Are you ok?" Saito asked as he picked himself up.

"Yes, thank you!" Louise replied dryly, "You didn't need to rush in like that!"

"I was worried ok?"

"Hmmph!"

"So where exactly are we?" Saito asked as he looked around him, trying to get his bearing. He noticed the racks of clothing, some of it familiar and pearly white walls.

"We-we're inside her Majesty's closet!" Louise exclaimed as she realized where they were.

"What?!" Saito shouted.

"I used to play here with her when we were children!" Louise said before hearing footsteps on the other side.

"Uhoh."

"Wait, your Majesty! It's me Louise!" she suddenly cried desperately as she ran for the door. As she opened it, Henrietta was already waiting for her with a very surprised look on her face.

"Louise-Françoise?! Why are you here?!"

"Your Majesty! My apologies!" Louise as she took a knee, "I came from Des Ornières. There was a mirror that led here!"

Henrietta's eyes suddenly narrowed.

"I did not mean to."

"You are forgiven Louise-Françoise," Henrietta said warmly before walking past her to see the mirror for herself, "So it was true then."

"Is that the Queen?!" Saito called from deeper in the closet.

"Yes and you'd better apologize too!" Louise shouted back.

"You are already forgiven M. Saito." Henrietta assured as she stopped in front of the mirror.

"What do you mean your Majesty?" Louise asked a bit more calmly.

"Well, as you may have known these quarters used to belong to my grandfather, King Phillip," Henrietta explained with Louise nodding, "When he was younger, he was rumored to have a mistress that was one of the members of the House of Des Ornières … and liked to see each other quite regularly."

Louise could guess the rest of the story.

"This mirror was probably how they met with each other without being caught," Henrietta connected the dots. "Whenever I saw this mirror, I avoided it. Something about it made me uneasy."

"I-I see," Saito blurted out while Louise's face lit up with an idea. "So, uh...what should we do with it?"

"Your Majesty! This mirror could be used for you to escape if something happens?" Louise suggested, "Or perhaps allow to escape the court for a few hours and be with friends?"

Henrietta smiled.

"That would be a wonderful idea my dear Louise-Françoise."

Saito suddenly blanched.

"Louise, I think your sister's going to be pissed though." He glanced into the mirror. "She's gotta be freaking out that we disappeared."

"Hmm." Henrietta thought, then went to step through the mirror.

On the other side, Éléonore was pacing around the room angrily. Her mother had warned her to keep an eye on Louise, and now look what the reckless child had done! Footsteps other than her own tapped on the stone floor and she angrily wheeled to face the mirror, only to stop short.

"Your Majesty!" she exclaimed as she saw her queen emerge from the mirror. Éléonore quickly bowed.

"You may rise." Henrietta waved. Saito and Louise came out of the mirror behind her.

"I must apologize for my sister and her familiar's reckless indiscretion."

Henrietta smiled and nodded.

"There is no need for apologies. If anything, Lady Vallière, your sister and M. Hiraga have rendered me a great service by discovering this mirror."

"Excuse me your Majesty?"

"I may now be able to come here and escape the burdens of the court," Henrietta explained with a smile.

"I hope that the burdens of the court are not too terrible for you, your Majesty," Éléonore said respectfully.

"They are nothing I cannot handle," Henrietta answered honestly, "Though I do appreciate the sudden break that Louise-Françoise and M. Hiraga have been able to grant me."

Éléonore and Louise both looked relieved.

"What were you working on your Majesty?" Saito suddenly piped up.

"You can't just ask her Majesty a question like that!" Louise exclaimed, still annoyed at her boyfriend's usual lack of tact while Éléonore glared at him.

"I was finishing a meeting with General du Poitier and several noble families concerning the invasion of Albion," Henrietta replied simply.

"Does this mean that you are accepting Germania's proposal?" Louise asked, trying to hide her disdain of the Germanians, "Are you certain of this?" Henrietta sighed.

"With all things considered, I think such an undertaking is necessary to Tristain's future." Henrietta admitted, and she'd considered a lot of things: proving to her allies how independent she was, her obligations to the Albion people and her own, and this whole undertaking as a sort of gift to the papacy. She definitely needed the last part right now. "It's not an easy choice to make, but more Tristain's future, I will make such a difficult decision."

"The Valliere family will follow the crown." Éléonore stated immediately. True, her father had opposed it. But if it was what the Queen decided, the Valliere family had stood beside the crown through decisions good and bad.

"You can count on my support your Majesty," Louise added.

"Thank you, Louise. I will not try and take advantage of you, but it'll be a gift to have you beside me on the front lines."

"Wait, is America and Canada helping us?" Saito asked. Henrietta shook her head.

"They have chosen not to. But I have faith Tristain and Germania's strengths together will be more than enough." Something about that answer rubbed Saito in the wrong way. The earlier battles he fought were ones where his life and his friends' were on the line. He also knew that Earth would save him from danger.

But now? Invading another country? Something about events the last few weeks had made him a little weary. Hindsight told him that maybe he'd been a little too eager to try and join the defense of Tristania, eagerness that might've done more harm than good. His sessions with the Valliere's told him he wasn't a soldier and that his strength lay best in protecting Louise. If Louise went to Albion with the Queen, obviously he'd follow her; he was convinced she was in mortal danger from the church. But that would put him out of contact with Earth again. With his parents and brother.

Saito had a bad feeling about this, and for the first time in a long time he felt a certain detachment as he looked at his girlfriend and the Queen, both people he'd been close to his entire time here.


The Duke and Duchess had started looking into their options while they were in Tristania. They had talked with the Queen who directed them to the American Ambassador. Their status as a family close to the crown and being Louise's family were not factors that Fitzgerald ignored when he helped them. Getting on their good side was a priority. After a series of phone calls and appointments, the ambassador had arranged for a doctor to come to the Vallière estate with a guard.

The 'doctor' was in fact a captain from the US Army Medical Department, one of the many soldiers and diplomatic informants reporting to the intelligence services. But they didn't know that. And really, they didn't need to. What they were doing was still a service to their daughter.

"Does this illness interfere with her magic at all?" Was her first question. Their options would obviously be limited if it was a magical disease.

"We ensured she got the best at home education available. She is a very capable Earth Mage. When she was 15, she summoned an Earth golem taller than this manor." Duke Valliere stated proudly.

"It does get hard to cast spells for a long time though." Cattelya spoke up. "It gets hard to focus." The doctor wrote that down.

"And you've sought treatment for her before?" The doctor went on. "Can you describe its nature?"

"We've hired water mages from all the Blessed Realms...and even Germania." Duchess Vallière admitted disdainfully after a beat. "None have been able to heal her for long; the disease simply moves to another part of her body."

"I understand water magic…" the doctor checked her notes, "it accelerates natural healing processes? Or manipulating the flow of water within a person?" That was a textbook quote. Given a water mages ability to stop bleeding, they assumed that referred to blood.

"That's correct." The doctor looked deep in thought for several moments before flipping back in her notes to the list of symptoms given before she got here. Fatigue, coughing, head pains, and she jotted down mental impairment with a question mark after it. The last point was only on the assumption mages needed their brains to cast magic. Moving blood to one part of the body caused the other to get weaker… The doctor was starting to get an idea. One last factor to consider though.

"All these animals she spends time around, did she have them before she got sick?"

"No. They were gifts after they realized I couldn't leave the house." Cattelya explained.

"She's been sick since a very young age." Her parents confirmed, "Shortly after her birth in fact."

That lowered the possibility of parasites and gave more credence to the idea the doctor was beginning to have. She pulled a stethoscope from her bag of items.

"Sir, I'm just going to make a few examinations on your daughter. It may be appropriate for you to leave the room." She explained to the Duke.

"Excuse me?" He was stunned by her request.

"The test I am about to do requires privacy but the Duchess may remain."

The Duke looked briefly at his wife who nodded.

"I shall await in the hallway," he replied before he walked out. The doctor then turned to Duchess Vallière.

"I am about to do a very common examination in order to confirm my suspicions," she explained as she showed her stethoscope, "This stethoscope will enable to listen to your heart, Lady La Fontaine. I must ask you to remove the upper part of your dress first however since it will interfere with it."

"I will allow it," Cattleya said as she began undressing.

After a few moments, the doctor was moving her stethoscope around, her face in concentration while occasionally asking Cattleya to take deep breaths.

"You may redress and the Duke may come back."

The duchess opened the door before her husband entered the room and took a seat.

"I have an idea what might be causing your daughter's poor health, but I still have a few questions."

"Yes?" the Duchess said.

"Is there any other member of the family that suffers or suffered from a similar illness?"

Both parents looked at each other, trying to remember if anyone else in their respective Houses were afflicted in a similar fashion.

"Why do you ask?" the duke asked, not liking the fact that the doctor was prying into private family affairs.

"Certain illnesses can be transferred from one generation to another but occasionally skip generations as well."

The duke closed his eyes as she remembered a story.

"I did remember hearing as a child that one of my grandmothers was plagued with poor health throughout her life," he soberly recounted, "She died quite young, barely a few years after my mother's birth."

The doctor scribbled down more notes. The signs all pointed to the same thing.

"One last question." The doctor turned to Duchess Valliere. "Say a person is born without a hand. Would water magic be able to grow them a new one?" The Duchess shook her head.

"Water Magic restores the body. It cannot create a new one. Even the most extreme applications of it can't accomplish feats like that."

"So Water Magic can't heal a condition someone is born with." The doctor was nodding.

"Do you know what's wrong with her?" Cattleya's mother demanded. The young woman in question was petting a cat she'd pulled into her lap. She was used to tuning out conversations like this; they usually went the same way.

"We can't be sure without more intensive tests, but I have a theory."

"Tell us." The Duchess insisted.

"Are you fully aware of what the heart does?" The three nobles nodded their heads

"Yes, it creates blood," the duke replied, "And heats the body in order to prevent death."

"I'm afraid that's quite wrong. We've made considerable research for the past 400 years in understanding how it works," the doctor corrected politely, "It controls the flow of blood throughout the body. Blood flow to the limbs and brain to make them function. But some people are born with weak hearts that can't pump blood efficiently."

Despite just being blatantly told they were wrong, none of the nobles interrupted and let the explanation continue.

"If it doesn't pump enough blood to the limbs, it can cause fatigue. If it can't pump enough blood to the upper body, it becomes difficult to breath or think." And if they moved blood to one part of body like water magic supposedly did, it made sense another part would weaken when the blood couldn't return in a timely manner.

"So our daughter may be suffering from this affliction?" the duke asked, mulling over the explanation.

"I believe so but it will require more extensive testing."

"You were able to find that out with your device?" Cattleya asked slightly awed.

"That is my preliminary diagnostic Lady La Fontaine. It's likely, but at the moment I cannot be absolutely certain."

"Is there a cure for this?" Lady Vallière asked, "Does your world have the means to strengthen her heart?"

"We have many options available to us," the doctor replied, "The most common would be regular doses of medicine to alleviate the symptoms."

"How common are people with weak hearts in your world?" Cattleya said, "Is it an easily treated ailment?"

"It is a very common issue but the treatment depends on its nature."

"What are the other options?" The duke did not like the idea of his daughter being eternally dependant on medecine from another world.

"Installing a special device inside her body that will help her heart. In the worst case, we must replace the heart by a healthier one."

The three's eyes widened as they heard the answer.

"But before we start discussing of treatments, we need more extensive testing to confirm the exact nature of her issues," the doctor stated, "Would it possible for you to travel to the portal? Our forces have set up a full hospital there with the necessary equipment."

"We shall travel to your hospital as soon as it is possible," the duchess declared.

"I will make arrangements right away then."


It had been a few days since the meeting with the nobles ended. Since then, Henrietta was buried in mountains of work preparing for a invasion despite the Royal Army still being rebuilt. This would be an endeavor for the Royal Army and the Orders specifically; she'd trust control at home to the noble armies. What annoyed her the most at first was how her people expected her to go to war without the means. War was an expensive business. Weapon and food costs went up, as did wages and other costs. A great amount of equipment had to be procured. And they expected her to do it all immediately. It would take three months at the least when they wanted it done yesterday.

Her Earth allies were still holding back, so she looked elsewhere. For all the goods Earth sold, swords, shields, and the like weren't among them. So with the envoy bearing her letter of agreement with Emperor Albert III, a party of negotiators had arrived to try and get Tristain a bulk shipment of weapons for a reasonable price.

At least her people had started construction on two new airships. It was a start to rebuilding their Navy. Their allies were still training the sailors without ships at the joint base, so they weren't totally useless.

To help pay for all of this, she'd started talking to more merchants from American, Canada, and even the United Kingdom. Unlike their governments, they were much more eager to provide things. Not that they had much that she needed right now though.

What they did have was money, something that Henrietta definitely needed, so she decided to sit down and discuss with several groups of executives looking to make deals over the next few days. One of them were representatives of a mining business. They'd been here in Tristain before, but every noble and Henrietta had turned them down.

In a direct contrast to how business had been done at the time, they wanted to come in and extract resources themselves and giving 30% of the profits to the nobles or government. That had been unacceptable at the time, so it wasn't accepted. Now though? Henrietta supposed she couldn't be picky.

They'd already paid her handsomely just for the ability to survey the Crown's land, money that would go a long way towards alleviating her problems. They'd even bought the rights to examine old dried up mines. They'd insisted to her that mining techniques on Earth were advanced, and that they'd be able to find wealth deeper into the ground then Tristainian miners could ever go.

Maybe she'd get lucky and they'd find a massive amount of gold that would get her out of this situation for good.

Of course, she prepared to negotiate with them with her best negotiators as well.

There was a knock at her office door.

"Enter."

"Your Majesty," a musketeer said as she took a knee, "The envoy from Germania has arrived."

"Please send tell him to meet in the throne room," Henrietta ordered.

Moments later, they were gathered inside the throne room.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor would like to convey his utmost joy at your wise decision to join Germania on this venture." the envoy said as he bowed, "He wishes to meet with you and your generals to discuss further terms."

"Very well. I believe that I can arrange for him to stay at the Palace," Henrietta replied, "It is afterall from our ports and lands that the invasion is being launched and commanded. It is better that he comes here with his generals and gain some familiarity with the land."

The envoy hid his surprise well.

"It would also be an opportunity for the Emperor to meet with Earth. They are interested in supporting us in this venture as well." Henrietta bluffed, "There are many people on their side that have been outraged at Albion's actions."

The envoy was struck. The Emperor wanted Henrietta to come to Vindabona. And if they were to discuss with the outworders, surely it could be at their embassies in Vindabona? She was making demands of them, demands they couldn't simply dismiss. Flaunting her power.

"I see," he replied, "I shall convey this invitation to the Emperor."

"I hope that he sees the wisdom of it," Henrietta said, "and that I receive his reply soon." The envoy nodded and left, leaving the Queen of Tristain smiling slyly to herself. But she couldn't enjoy it for long, she had to get back to work. She needed officers to staff her new army, which meant letters to the noble families to ask for aid.


Trump and Trudeau had probably discussed more with each other than any other heads of state, even for neighboring countries. But given the situation both their countries were involved in, it couldn't be a surprise.

"Henrietta has decided to invade Albion with Emperor Albert," Trudeau said as he spoke with Trump over the conference call. "Unfortunately." He made it clear what he thought of the matter.

"Ambassador Fitzgerald already notified me earlier. I've already discussed with Jim and we're thinking about helping them in some way. It should be a joint-effort for both of us."

"I don't agree with that." Trudeau said. "And I should remind you that the US Military can operate in Halkegenia because Canada allows the resources they need to operate to pass through our lands." Trump shrugged and threw his hands up.

"Why would you?" He asked. "You want peace and prosperity over there and it's how we can get a foot on the ladder, make sure they don't overdo this invasion and make us look bad. Besides, you've heard that Menvil terrorist was a paid mercenary. Someone in Albion is paying people to screw with us and we should want their head." Colbert, and some other hostages, had mentioned what Menvil said and the intelligence agencies assumed as much by the fact several of the dead terrorists weren't Albion like the others. It had been a mercenary attack, a testament to both how weak the Reconquista was but also how determined they were.

"As I recall, the report said no one knows who paid for the mercenaries." Trudeau reminded him.

"Yes and that's why the CIA and, I hope, CSIS are working on finding out. But we got to be ready. We got plenty of time." The Queen had mentioned that it'd be somewhere along the tune of three months until she was ready. That meant late April or even early May, plenty of time to get stuff done on Earth.

"And what exactly do you suggest?" Trudeau asked.

"They won't have that many people for this invasion. We're still watching their borders for them." That was true. A battalion from the 1st Cavalry was still in Tristain watching the Gallian border, and Canadian troops were policing Tarbes and other parts along the coast. "When this invasion happens, they'll have to rely on us even more. We can use that as a bargaining chip."

"To demand what, exactly?" Trudeau asked, "To let us join? The Canadian people aren't interested in invading another country."

Elections were coming up at the end of 2019, and this invasion could very well last into that. If something was going wrong, Trudeau's party could very easily pay a price. Not to mention that the press had gotten its hands on a scandal that threatened to shake his popularity. Things in Halkegenia needed to go as well as possible.

"No, to make them do this the way we want them to do it." Trump said simply, "Get some people on the ground and make sure they don't mess everything up."

"And how do you plan on doing that? Have our special forces keep an eye on them? Have people hold their hands and make sure everything is done right?"

"Look, there's a lot of economic opportunities for us if we can make Albion our friend. We need to make sure the people there like us. Show them we aren't the bad guys that son of bitch Cromwell told them we were. It's like Iran." Trump offered as an example. Hate the leader, not the citizens.

"All the while making sure Germania doesn't get in our way. Which is difficult since their army is in much better shape then Tristain's."

"Hopefully they bleed out and give up." Trump said without a hint of remorse. "If they get a bigger share of Albion, I don't think we'll get much out of it. The Tristainians will want to do more business with us. I still think Henrietta should stake a claim to the throne and take the whole damn thing. She said she has the right."

"But that'll just make the other countries angry and we could very well see another war. Our best option is to make sure that Tristain gains the upper hand instead of Germania. Which means that we have to help them," Trudeau sighed. He did not like this option at all.

"Would you prefer us supporting them or that Pope backing them?" Trump asked. "Because that pretty boy is going to use this invasion to set up shop there again. Both our people are sure about that."

"Yes," Trudeau replied bitterly, "If the Pope before him could order an entire village burnt down simply because they didn't believe the same thing he did, I wouldn't be surprised if Pope Vittorio is the same. It would let us protect the people there if we were involved."

"Exactly." Trump nodded. "Look, I didn't want to do this either. But it's happening and we can't let it just happen without us. We're going to do our damnedest to make sure we get something out of it."

"Yes. I think we should have a proper conference with our defense leaders. And if we absolutely have to do this, we should bring in the UN. " Trudeau expected an objection, so he spoke up. "Look, the more allies we get backing us, the better we look doing this and the less we actually have to do. I think this justifies a peacekeeping mission. And after all the supplies the international community sent to Tristain, Henrietta is going to be inclined to listen to them."

"Fair enough," Trump grumbled, "I'll contact you once Mattis confirms when he can meet us. Good day, M. Trudeau."

"Same to you." The two leaders disconnected.


The advanced team of diplomatic personnel to Romalia stood waiting in one of the capital's docks alongside Julio and his dragon. The team, a six man group, had over a dozen bags with them caring a large assortment of luggage, including things the Romalians didn't know about.

Julio was going with them, intent on being their guide. He wanted to get back to Romalia and deliver his report personally to the Pope for a change. Given the stir he'd caused, it was probably for the best he left Tristain for a while.

Before he'd left, he'd had one last conversation with Henrietta to assure her there was no hard feelings over hiding Louise, insisting he understand her protecting one of her young subjects who was clearly not ready for that kind of responsibility. In reality, given that her familiar was from Earth and apparently under Earth's protection, Julio thought it might better for the Pope to handle this matter. There was no need for negative feelings with Tristain when they were about to help re-establish the Church in Albion.

A Romalian airship had come to Tristania to pick them up. It was a majestic ship, painted in white with ornate decorations befitting the splendour and riches of the Papacy. The party boarded.

"Impressive is it not Consul Mortimer, Consul Thompson.?" Julio asked the leaders of the advance team in Romalian, "The Aquila is the finest ship in the Romalian Navy."

"I think she is bit a gaudy for my tastes," the American consul explained, "I've always preferred simpler ships when I sailed back home. However, I can appreciate the work and superb craftsmanship that has been put into her."

"I must admit that she is an impressive ship, though I can't really say I'm an expert," Thompson added, "I've never been much inclined to sailing."

The two men walked onto the ship, followed by the Consuls' four bodyguards. Officially that is. All of them were either American or Canadian intel operatives, 3 fluent in Italian and the last an experienced former soldier. All the security, diplomatic, and spying needs of American and Canada were in this small team.

"Do you have any experience sailing?" Julio asked Mortimer.

"I own a small boat back in the US and I grew up near the sea. I never thought I'd see a flying ship like the Aquila though," he explained as he looked over the regal ship's rigging. The graying man had seen his fair share of ships around New England, "I would like to see all of it, if that's possible."

"There is no problem," Julio replied, "I shall be your guide. Will you be joining us Consul Thompson?"

"If it doesn't cause you any trouble, I would be very pleased," the Canadian replied, "Would it be possible for us to take some pictures? To show our families this amazing vessel when we go back home?"

"I will allow it," Julio answered before signalling to the captain to leave port, "Romalia's greatest naval architects will be quite happy to see that their work is appreciated."

"Wonderful, thank you very much."

The Aquila flew gracefully out of Tristainia as her passengers enjoyed the sight she offered. Within a few hours, back in Tristain, Devers and Harper were poring over the pictures they had received before the ship left transmission range. There was equipment for a more long range signal in the team's bags, so it was just a few of the hundreds they were hoping for over the next few days.


The familiar ringtone made Saito impatient with each second. He was at the American Embassy to call his parents in Tokyo. He wanted to tell them about his new title and responsibilities. His brother wasn't with him today since he was busy with his research team. The ringtone stopped.

"Hello, who is this?" a familiar voice asked.

"Hey Mom, it's Saito. How are you doing?" he greeted warmly.

"I'm fine dear."

"Is dad there?"

"Give me a few seconds."

There was a brief pause where Saito heard his mother call for his father and setting the phone on conference mode.

"Hey son. How are you doing? I hope you've been keeping out of trouble," his father said.

"Don't worry ok? I've been staying out of trouble. Both me and Louise."

"No more gun battles?"

"No more gun battles." Saito confirmed. "Actually, I got some good news: the Queen was handing out rewards today for people who helped during the invasion."

"Rewards? What exactly did you get?" his mother asked skeptically.

"Did you get a medal or money?" his father added.

"Even better. I got a house!" Saito couldn't contain the excitement from his voice.

"A… house?" his mother's voice sounded crestfallen.

"Yeah and some land too."

"Land? Like your own farm?" Ichika Hiraga couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Better. I got a title and a domain!" Saito grinned to himself.

"You have your own subjects?!" his mother practically shrieked.

"You're a politician now?" He could almost hear his father's raised eyebrow. "What happened to being a cop?"

"Yeah! Well, not really. I'm a viscount now. It means a lot of things. Still learning a lot of the ropes about this stuff."

"But-but… you're barely an adult! You-you couldn't even take care of yourself before! How are you going to rule over people?!" his mother wasn't too pleased at the turn of events.

"What's the matter mom? Aren't you happy for me?" Saito was stunned at his mother's reaction. He thought they'd be happy. He had an honest living now.

It made him worry how they might react when he mentioned he wanted to marry Louise.

"Think about it for a second. You are 18 years old and you only have a high school education. You don't know the first thing about management. You're going to starve to death!"

"Calm down mom. I can get some help ok?"

"Do you really think people are going to hold your hand forever Saito?" his father pointed out, "Running a piece of territory isn't easy at all."

"It'll be alright ok? Guys, have some faith in me."

There was a heavy sigh on the other side.

"Why won't you just come home Saito?" his mother asked sadly, "This isn't the life you should be leading. I'm sure you could get a job here that's easier. I think there's actually some companies that want to trade over there. You could be a well-dressed businessman!"

"I told you guys, I like it here. I got friends here. Louise is here, and since I have a title and everything now…I uhh...I was thinking about settling down." He admitted in a little embarrassment. He wondered if this was still about him disappearing as a teenager. Maybe that's why they still treated him like one.

"Settling down? As in marrying that girl?" his dad asked incredulously. There was another moment of silence.

"Yeah." Saito admitted. "I like Louise. Besides," He didn't really know if he could convey what Void was and all that was. It might even be a state secret, so he didn't tell them. "Something happened so I can't really leave her alone right now."

He heard a sharp intake of breath.

"DID YOU GET THAT GIRL PREGNANT?!" Nasu screamed into the phone.

"What? No!" Saito said frantically. "It's...uh...something to do with magic. That's all I can say or I'll get in trouble!" He could hear and irritated groan on the other end.

"Magic this, magic that," his mother sighed in exasperation, "First you get into a gunfight. Then a war, and now this. Saito, you're our son and we're glad you finally found something to do in your life. But are you really sure this is the path you want to take? You're still young and it's not too late to change. There's nothing worse than being stuck your whole life with a job you hate."

"We don't want you being forced into this. Those people over there aren't using you, are they?" His father asked, and Saito actually had to stop and think about it. He hadn't asked for the title or the land. Hell, he hadn't asked for anything his whole time here. It just piled on him and he realized he kind of liked it.

"No dad, I don't think so. I just did my best and got lucky, I guess and got everything without asking for it."

A idea came into Saito's mind.

"Would you like to visit?" he asked innocently, "I'm sure you're going to like it here."

He hoped that if they came to visit, they'd see how happy and successful he was and finally stop worrying.

"How?" his mother was taken off balance by his invitation, "There's no way we can come to you easily. We have jobs, Saito!"

"We can't just book a flight to meet you either," his father added, "I'm sure there's no way for us to visit you without having to go through security checks and secrets agents or something like that."

"People from Earth come here all the time though." Saito told them.

"Probably because they have the right connections," his mother pointed out, "And we can't just take a sudden vacation like that without explaining anything to our bosses."

"I know people that might be able to help us. Besides, you can always say that you wanted to visit Hayate."

There was no harm in asking the American or Canadian embassies to help him meetup with his family. Saito heard his parents talking each other quickly.

"Listen son," his father finally said, "We'll see what we can do to come and visit you ok?"

"And I'll do what I can to make it happen. I'll catch you guys later ok?"

"Bye son and we'll hopefully see each other soon."

As he hung up and left the room, Saito couldn't help but wonder if he was doing the right thing. He was more successful than he ever would have been back in Japan… so why did his parents seem so… hesitant?

Saito had one last thing he needed to do before he went to see that spy guy. He had to fill out paperwork. A boring but necessary evil. They had development offices there at the embassy for people hoping to improve their lands. They didn't look all that surprised to see someone as young as Saito in there. They gave him a bunch of papers and helped him fill some of them out. Even then, Saito had trouble doing all of it.

His parents had a point: this stuff was hard. But after an hour of scribbling, enough to make his right hand cramp up and hurt, and answering questions for other people to write down, he was done. They promised him people would be coming out to survey the land and suggest improvements in a weeks time. Already a little let down by the phone call, the paperwork left him completely drained.

And his day wasn't even over yet.


The sound of helicopter blades slowing down could be heard as Saito got off the Blackhawk helicopter. The smell of the sea hung in the air as he looked around Clément-sur-Mer. There seemed to be new construction at the base, and Saito wondered what awesome thing they were building now was.

"Good day to you M. Hiraga," Devers said as he walked onto the landing pad, "I'm happy you took my invitation."

"Good morning sir, I couldn't say no to it," Saito replied, "Running Des Ornières is more than I expected."

"I see. Come with me and we'll talk inside about this." He led Saito to a jeep parked away from the helipad.

Devers drove Saito through the base. Soldiers were milling with their usual duties but something caught Saito's attention.

"Why are there children here M. Devers?" he asked suddenly. There were a bunch of them playing in one of the grassy squares of land where nothing had been built on.

"It's a frankly long story M. Hiraga. We rescued them during a mission in Albion after the war ended. I'll spare you the details though." Devers casually brushed off as they stopped and entered a building. Saito found it odd that they were heading into the basement; he'd always expected Devers to have his office in the upper floors. A thought suddenly crossed his mind. It was confirmed when he entered an interrogation room.

"Please take a seat M. Hiraga," Devers ordered calmly, sitting down "I have a few questions for you."

Saito's heart began to race, and he half considered turning and bolting. But where would be go? He took a seat in the chair opposite the other man.

"I must admit that getting a noble title at your age and with your situation is amazing. Which is why I wanted to have a word with you today."

"What do you want exactly?" Saito asked nervously.

"I just wanted to make sure we're on the same side you and me."

"I don't understand what you mean."

"How old are you again? 18? 19? Maybe an adult, but still pretty young. And what exactly is it that you want, M. Hiraga?" Devers leaned forward. "For yourself? For your new holding? For everyone here in Tristain, since clearly you and the Queen think you're some kind of big player in everything." The rapid fire questions weren't making Saito any more confident.

"I...guess I just want everyone to be happy. I don't want anyone else dying. I...want to marry Louise." He admitted in embarrassment.

"You know, kid. Just because we're in a fantasy world, doesn't mean every single fantasy you have is going to come true."

Saito didn't know how to answer that as the agent continued talking.

"I'm not sure if you ever noticed this, but we've left you mostly alone this past year. You were really inconsequential and here on your own will. Your own country hasn't been too concerned since you kept your head down and don't really act as a representative of their country. Mostly. There's some wild conspiracy theories back on Earth about the Asian kid in the coronation broadcast right now." Saito wondered what the Internet was saying about him, but Devers' had plowed ahead. "But why is that? What keeps you here? Why don't you act like you're a citizen of Earth?" Eerily, the spy's questions echoed the conversation Saito had just had with his parents only an hour ago.

"I like it here." Saito explained. "I...I didn't really have anything back in Japan. I was… just another average guy that went to school and played video games. But here I got friends. I have a job. I have a girlfriend. I'm doing more than just existing, you know?"

"Thing is, kid, to us it looks like your going full native. And if that's that case, you're going to be treated like it."

"I'm still Japanese!" Saito protested.

"You're a government official for a foreign country. Your new title makes you as much. You've had a chance to go back to Japan for over a year and haven't taken it. I think some people high up over there are talking about your citizenship. And unless I misheard you, you intend to marry a foreign national?" Saito was silent. "Let me ask you a question, M. Hiraga. One that will shape the rest of your future: If you had to choose tomorrow between Earth and Halkegenia to live in for the rest of your life, which would it be?"

Saito was quiet for the longest time. He didn't actually have to make a choice like that, did he? The two worlds were connected, so he didn't have to, right? Devers must've guessed what Saito was thinking, because he spoke again and made it clear that it could be a choice.

"There's no guarantee things are going to be chummy here forever. Not everyone is happy with us in this country, or even the other countries. We don't understand that portal even now. It could close tomorrow. Nothing is impossible. Things can go to shit quickly and if it does, both worlds can easily be cut off again."

Saito scratched his head. He loved Louise. He really did. But he remembered that crushing sense of loneliness from his first few days here in this world. He remembered the absolute joy he'd felt when he'd gotten to see his parents and brother again. How excited he always was to get letters from them or how eager he was to tell them about his life here. He couldn't imagine not having any of that again, especially since he'd just talked to his parents only an hour ago.

Was there anything here here in Halkegenia he couldn't live without? Louise, obviously. He'd miss a lot of the other friends he'd made, but they didn't strike him as something that wouldn't make life worth living. And if something did happen, he could always take Louise to Japan and live with him. It'd take her time to adjust, but he was sure she could do it.

"I guess Earth…" Saito wished he could have said that with more conviction, but something seemed to be pulling him back. A little doubt in the back of his mind. You'll miss this world.

"Smart decision." The agent seemed to unwind a little. Had he expected that answer from the teen? Saito swore the man knew everything.

"I want to ask something now." Saito demanded, trying to muster as much force as he could. He didn't think he intimidated the agent, but the man motioned for him to go on. "Why are you helping Louise and me? You were at the awards ceremony, and now you want to help me with my new land."

"I'm happy you're getting a little wiser, M. Hiraga," Devers smirked, "Me, you, Canada, and the Queen don't want your girlfriend ending up in the hands of the Church. She's a person of interest for us and my boss in D.C. doesn't trust Romalia or their pope. As much as we'd wish otherwise, you two seem to be so crucial to things here we have no choice but to work with you."

Saito listened intently as the agent explained while trying not to take offense. It was like listening to his parents again; being talked too like he was a dumb teenager. He wasn't a soldier or a businessman or anything, but he wasn't completely stupid either.

"We suspect that Void Magic has something to do with the portal. It's a little too coincidental that it appeared next to the Academy where a Void mage just happened to study. Maybe there's a connection. Maybe there isn't." He shrugged. "But we want to look into this. Besides, I'm sure you don't want to end up dragged into a crusade to kill a bunch of elves, do you kid?"

"N-no."

"Good. Cause that's exactly what'll happen if the Church gets to both of you, and we don't want a genocide happening on Earth's doorstep." Devers stated with utmost certainty. "That's what Void Mages are for." Saito's eyes widened.

"How do you know that?"

"Because we've been reading history books since we got here. We knew what Void was long before we learned what your girlfriend was. It's pretty common knowledge to all the nobles. Seriously, kid, have you paid attention to ANYTHING in this world since you arrived?"

The agent sighed as he wondered what kind of greater entity chose this very average teen in particular to be a legendary hero.

"I did my best… I heard that Cromwell wanted that… but the Pope too? I thought they just wanted Louise as a trophy?"

Devers nodded.

"The Church is built on worshipping Brimir, a man who used Void magic to win battles and was killed by elves. Obviously they'll want to avenge the person they worship and follow his example on Void Magic. Cromwell's only different because he had more initiative. Now imagine getting someone as powerful as Lady Vallière showing up. That's a weapon that can win wars. At least here. What do you do with war-winning weapons when you're genocidal, M. Hiraga?"

Saito looked down at the table, knowing the bitter answer.

"You send them to war," he answered grimly.

"You don't want that though, do you?"

"No sir." Saito didn't really care about the whole human-elf conflict, and his mood had been spoiled on all this war business.

"Then you and I can work together to make sure it doesn't happen to Lady Vallière or you."

"Yes sir." Saito agreed willingly and humbly.

"Now, let's get to business."

"Right. So where do we start M. Devers?" Saito asked more seriously. "Do you want me to be a spy for America and Canada?"

"You're not spy material kid." Devers shook his head. "You're not a soldier either, runes or not. But what you can do is let us work with you. Let us protect you. And when the Church starts getting chummy with you two-because they will-don't be afraid to let us know what they're telling you."

"Louise and me can do that." Saito nodded.

"Not your girlfriend. Just you." The agent clarified, stopping Saito short.

"But we can trust her," the teen argued weakly.

"Really? Are you sure she won't choose her faith or her Queen over you?" Devers asked sternly, "From what we know, she's a childhood friend of her Majesty and a very devout person."

Saito was stumped. He wanted to believe that Louise would follow him. Yet, he remembered how quickly she voiced her support for the invasion of Albion and how enthusiastic she was.

"Unless if her actions prove otherwise, we won't trust her to help us in any way."

Saito hated the fact but Devers was right. Would he be bad for hiding that from Louise? Surely not, since they would be helping to protect her. Doing this would be helping her.

"I take it that you're silently agreeing with me."

"Yes. Now I want to know how can you help me with my lands? Protection is good but I want to help the people there." Saito was earnest.

"Protection is all we really deal in, and it's something you really need. We can help you secure your new home, maybe give it a modern security system and keep you and your girlfriend safe alright?"

"You mean like an alarm system and cameras?" Saito replied. "It actually came with something like that. There's this secret room with a magic mirror in the basement. It leads right to Queen Henrietta's bedroom. Like a portal." For the first time in the conversation, Saito had taken aback the other man.

"Interesting…" Devers wrote that down, "How did you find out about this?"

"My brother and I were looking around and we found a secret room. The Queen thinks her grandfather used it for his mistress. I can get to the Capital in just a minute."

"Or someone could get to you in a hurry." The agent was nodding. "You and the Queen will have to show us this mirror."

"Oh but it's very safe. Only the Queen knows about it and it's in her bedroom. I doubt someone could in there easy sir."

"You'd be surprised at what a determined person can do, M. Hiraga." Devers replied with a knowing tone, "We must see that mirror understood?"

"Yes sir. I got something that I wanted to ask you."

"Go ahead."

"Are you sure you can't help me run the place? Send me some people to help me build the place up?" Saito asked.

Devers sighed.

"Look kid, we only deal in certain businesses. You want help in running a place, ask someone else in International Development at the Embassy if you didn't already do so. And to be honest, a lot of things we do deal in, we wouldn't offer to you. I can still give you one good piece of advice though that I want you to follow."

"Huh?" Saito asked.

"Don't get into the business of raising your own army like the other nobles here. It'll save you a lot of trouble"

"Why? I never really thought of that." Saito was slightly puzzled, the idea never came to his mind. Most of the people in the land were old now.

"Remember what I said about the Pope, Romalia and the Elves?"

Saito nodded.

"Suppose you have a private army. Think you wouldn't be pressured into invading Elven territory if that Pope calls for a crusade?"

"Oh, I get what you mean M. Devers."

"Good, I'm happy you're catching on. Do you have any other questions that I can answer while I'm here?"

"Think you can help my parents can come and visit my lands? I know there's a lot of paperwork and stuff involved. You guys handle that, don't you?" Did Devers smirk just then? Saito couldn't be sure.

"To an extent." He nodded. "Of course kid, we'll give you a hand with that. Even with all this here, you must still miss Earth a lot."

"Yeah," he admitted, "I still want to see my parents again."

"I'll see what we can do kid," Devers replied, "Do you still have any questions for me?"

"No M. Devers."

"Would you like to return to the Embassy for the necessary paperwork for your lands?" the agent smirked, "Or would you like a flight back to Des Ornières?"

"I'll take a flight to my new home." Saito replied dryly as they exited the room and walked into the hallways leading outside. As Devers opened the door that led outside, they saw a woman dressed in a green sundress and large hat. When she saw them, or at least Devers, she jogged over. Saito did his best to not stare at her chest as she did so.

"M. Devers?" the young woman asked.

"Yes?" the agent replied indifferently.

"I have a request for you," she said, "Concerning Mathilda."

The agent seemed to know exactly where this conversation would go.

"Go on."

"I do not what she has done to offend you but I beg of you to show her clemency and let her go."

Devers remainde stoic.

"I'm afraid I can't do anything for her. That is up to my superiors to decide."

"Than take me to them!" she insisted, "My sister does not deserve this!"

"That's not possible Miss Westwood." Devers finally said. The woman glared at him before she walked away, angry tears flowing down her cheeks.

"Who was that sir?" Saito said as he saw the woman walk away. He felt pity for her. Who was Mathilda? A prisoner here?

"That's none of your business, M. Hiraga." The agent's voice was curt and steely. "Let's get you home."


"Mother, I wish to ask of you about one of Father's decisions."

It was during one of the two royals' few meals alone with each other that Henrietta decided to discuss about D'Angleterre. She'd spent a few days thinking on how to approach this topic.

"Yes my dear?" her mother as she sipped on a glass of wine.

"Do you remember the town of D'Angleterre?" Henrietta asked. Her mother tensed up immediately.

"Yes...I expected you to ask me of that." Her mother admitted. Henrietta nodded; the spies that had told her about it mentioned confirming it with her mother. She must've known Henrietta had heard of it.

"What exactly happened?" Henrietta pressed on, "How could Father authorize such a thing?"

"It was a terrible mistake of his part," Archduchess Marianne explained, "Him and Minister Richemont to be exact."

"I know of that."

"An agent of Richemont had returned with the information that the village was hit by a plague. He was given the information by one of the last Pope's agents."

"Pope Louis V? Why was he involved in this?"

Now it was confusing Henrietta. The Papacy had a hand in this tragedy?

"Yes, D'Angleterre, at the time, was also a Protestant haven." Her mother admitted.

"Protestants?" Henrietta repeated. The term referred to reformists within the Romalian church. Worshipers of Brimir still, but people who had different ways of doings things. People who believed the church and nobility were abusing the legacy of the Founder. Henrietta's father, and he'd taught his daughter this same mindset, did not keep track of such things. As far as he was concerned, as long as someone revered Brimir and his descendents, not much else mattered.

But it was still a conflict, one that had caused significant infightening in Romalia during the time King Henry was only a boy, and even the other Blessed Realms. It had not been a bloodless conflict, but most of the horror was confined to Romalia. Pope Vittorio's ascension was just another step the Church had taken to regaining normalcy. Until the Reconquista uprising in Albion shook everything again.

"Yes. D'Angleterre had become a haven for Protestants in Tristain, as well as those fleeing from Romalia and Gallia. Pope Louis V had approached your father about it, but he insisted it was Tristain's affairs and that the Papacy didn't have to worry about insurrection."

"Father spoke against the Pope?" Henrietta was amazed. True, the Papacy had been very weak at the time, but that was still bold. Her mother nodded.

"Now you understand, D'Angleterre was under watch by the Pope for any signs of rebellion."

The queen had a hunch about what came next.

"I am sure now that agent gave us the false news simply to destroy D'Angleterre and its people. There was an illness in Gallia at the same time, one we were all afraid would spread. People were always traveling to the town. So when the lie came...we didn't think it was false."

"Did he not get punished for this?" Henrietta asked. "For killing so many innocents?"

"Pope Louis V claimed he punished him and that we need not worry about him again," her mother suddenly changed her tone, "But we never trusted his word on it and your father always believed that it was Pope Louis V himself that ordered his agent to do so."

"Mother how can you say such things!?" The Church was feared for a reason, but crimes of that scale were unheard of. At most, they would undermine rulers and nobles without directly attacking them. The Church's words could cut a kingdom deeper than any sword. "I know Tristain wasn't the only Blessed Realm with Protestant havens. The Papacy never attacked any of them. The only real bloodshed during the reformation conflicts were in Romalia. Pope Louis spent his whole reign trying to halt violence."

"Because of Jean Colbert," the archduchess explained, "He did not only find Agnes that night during his search for survivors."

"But she was the only survivor no?"

"Yes, but when Colbert arrived at the palace with Agnes, he was so distraught with he had done that he insisted that your father take all of the magical objects he had on him. He wanted to be completely devoid of Brimir's gift after he had misused it. Your father and Cardinal Mazarin talked him out of giving up his staff and convinced him to work to find salvation for his actions that night, but there was one item that Colbert had acquired on that night that your father took."

"What?"

"As he searching for survivors, he found a dying woman who insisted to her last breath to take a ring she had with her, claiming it was a powerful relic that needed by safeguarded from those that seeked its powers. He gave it to us and told us to protect it."

"A ring?" Henrietta put a hand to her chin. Her thoughts drifted to the ring Cromwell had been captured with. "What type of ring was it?"

"I do not know, but Henry seemed to recognize it. Your father and Cardinal Mazarin agreed to entrust it to Romalia after they discussed it in private. I suspect both of them knew more about that ring then they let on. Whatever it was, it was powerful."

Now Henrietta was doubtful. Protestants in possession of a powerful magical artifact...for what? Had they actually been insurrections?

"Your father never brought it up again." Her mother continued. "That event marked the end of Protestants here in Tristain. If there are anymore today, they are surely in hiding. I'm sure you understand now, my dear daughter, that the Church does not operate purely in shadowy ways." Henrietta knew that. And even if the whole thing with Louise had apparently blown over, she knew she was not out of the woods yet.

"Yes, mother, I understand completely." Henrietta nodded, wondering how much the Church had really meddled in her country up to this point. How much they'd meddle in it in the future.

And how she was supposed to keep herself and her subjects safe.


It had an intense two weeks for Agnes. The shock of discovering who had been responsible for the deaths of her family and destruction of her home to Henrietta's apology what had happened had been emotionally draining… but she bounced back.

Her Queen and Kingdom needed her at her best… though their allies insisted that she see one of their psychologist to help her navigate her emotional turmoil. She hesitated but soon found out how helpful such a person was.

Today was a return to important duties.

"Good day your Majesty, Captain de Milan." Anders said as he and Stanford entered Henrietta's personal study.

"Greetings to both of you," Henrietta said as she motioned for them to sit. Anders carried a suitcase with him.

"What can you tell us from your investigation?" Agnes asked as the two men sat down and unpacked the suitcase. Anders placed a laptop on the table as well as some documents.

"We have a few suspected collaborators and Cromwell loyalists in Albion that our allies in MI6 have been monitoring," Stanford explained as he produced some pictures of people. "Though unfortunately, they couldn't find damning evidence for us."

"I see," Henrietta glanced at the pictures, "I'm afraid I do not recognize any of these nobles either."

"That's what we feared," Stanford replied as he produced another paper, "This is a list of the various factions warring in Albion right now. From what we can gather, the leadership keeps constantly changing. Not to mention allegiances."

"Thus making any effort to retrace who paid these mercenaries even more difficult." Agnes stated, glancing over the Queen's shoulder at the list. So many of the faction names had variations on 'Cromwell', 'Salvation', or 'Republic' in the title. There were even two with the exact same name. How did those people manage over there?

"Exactly Captain. For all we could know, who ever ordered this might even be dead or irrelevant right now. We're in a dead end for this." Anders admitted, "We're starting to consider the faint possibility that Germania might have done this in order to push the invasion of Albion but again, we have very little to base ourselves on."

"I strongly doubt it," Henrietta replied as she shook her head, "One of the Von Zerbst's daughters studies at the Academy and the Emperor would never risk harming a member of one of his most prosperous and loyal families."

Anders noted it down before talking again.

"We've also started investigating who in Tristain collaborated with them, but we'll need your help finding them."

Henrietta nodded seriously.

"What do you require? This is treason that must be punished."

"We're gonna need your help Captain de Milan. Yours and the Musketeers since we consider you to be the most trustworthy force in Tristain right now."

"What is your plan?" Agnes asked without a beat, honored by his words.

"For starters, we know that Menvil was in the employ of your father, your Majesty," Anders stated, "We need to know where this man went after D'Angleterre was razed. Is there any way for us to know what happened to him or the others involved? Colbert is frankly a dead end, but if he's still living Tristain, we have no reason to believe there aren't other people Menvil was on good terms with. People who could've sheltered him."

"I believe that the group was quietly dissolved by my father's orders so there might be a written order somewhere as well as a list of those who were part of it. Perhaps a few people might know of it."

Henrietta crossed her arms, her face in deep concentration as she envisioned the possibilities. It was 20 years ago. A lot of those people could very well have since passed.

"Richemont did, but he's obviously dead. We seized all his official documents but didn't find anything incriminating in them. There is one person…"

"Your Majesty?" Agnes asked.

"Cardinal Mazarin was amongst those who heard of the massacre, but given his station and the Church's involvement, I doubt that he will be willing to speaking about it," Henrietta admitted.

"No harm in trying," Stanford proposed.

"Is there a chance he'll report it to his superiors in the Church though?" Anders pointed out quickly.

"Cardinal Mazarin is loyal to Tristain. He was initially the Church's favored choice for Pope but he refused, preferring to serve the Crown," Henrietta shook her head, "If we can persuade him that it's for the good of Tristain, he will collaborate with us."

"Perhaps we could ask the Archduchess?" Agnes suggested next as Anders noted everything on his laptop.

"We've already discussed with her," he said, "We got some leads but nothing sure yet. We'll ask again."

"My mother was not very involved while my father was king." Henrietta told them. "Hence why she stepped down after he died. Please allow me to ask her, though." The agents nodded respectfully.

"Would there be any places that would contain information about D'Angleterre?" Stanford asked, "An archive or a library? Surely the Palace has something?"

"The Palace has an archive but everything is also duplicated and sent to a secret vault," Henrietta answered, "The vault is under the Academy and Headmaster Osmond is in charge of its protection. He will only open it under my direct orders."

"Would it possible for the Musketeers and one of our teams to visit both?" Anders said. "Just in case there's any discrepancies." It was an excellent system- a corrupt official here in Tristania likely couldn't destroy both copies of a document.

"I can arrange for visits and have the court scribes assist you. As for the Academy, I can ask the headmaster to open the vault."

"Thank you for your help, your Majesty. Hopefully, we'll have this threat to our countries completely dismantled shortly."


The distant sound of carts could be heard alongside the sound of marching soldiers that headed towards Tarbes. Their royal banners betrayed to what army they belonged. Siesta was watching them enter her hometown.

"Her Majesty's efforts are amazing," her mother said, standing next to her.

"Yes."

Since they had returned to Tarbes with the other refugees, Siesta's family worked hard to rebuild their home and help their surviving friends and neighbors. It had cost almost every écu they had, but in their mind it was worth it.

"Siesta dear, go get your father and tell him it is almost time for lunch."

"Yes Maman," she replied as she went to fetch her father. Siesta walked down the street, waving and greeting whoever she could see. Children played in the cleared street while the sounds of hammers and saws of working men mingled with them. In the distance, fields were being sown with new crops from Earth. The smell of fresh, warm food added to this hopeful day. Occasionally, Siesta would see a poster of the Queen, Trudeau and Trump standing behind a table, their faces concentrated on a map of Tristain. These had popped up recently when royal troops began appearing in Tarbes to help under Henrietta's efforts. The young maid memorized the gaudy but simple message written on it : "United for our future!"

The royal troops maintained order as they patrolled the streets or gave help alongside the Canadian and American troops from Clément-sur-Mer.

Siesta and the inhabitants of Tarbes felt hope slowly coming back to them as they rebuild their home. It would not be like before the war, but better, as city development experts and engineers from Canada and the United States were guiding the rebuilding efforts. The girl finally found her father who was helping a family friend. Both men wore bright yellow helmets, simple t-shirts, jeans and thick black gloves and were talking with another man from Earth.

"Papa! Maman says that lunch is ready!"

"I won't take too long," he replied before finishing up with his friend while Siesta waited for him. The pair soon walked back home. When they arrived, there was a man standing at the entrance and talking to Siesta's mother.

"My husband is here," she said, pointing to Franco.

"Good day to you," Franco greeted.

"You are Franco Sasaki?" the stranger asked. There was a large cardboard box next to his feet.

"Yes. On what business are you here?"

The stranger cleared his throat.

"I am a messenger and I have a package for your family," he said as he picked up the box, "It came from Earth."

Siesta's mother looked at it curiously.

"It is from Japan," the delivery man said, "From Ida and Oryou Sasaki."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

"From Cousin Ida?" Franco asked in surprise as he took the package, "I wasn't expecting anything from him. Thank you very much for bringing this."

The man bid them good day before he left. Siesta and her family. They headed back into their unfinished house where food had already been placed on the table by Siesta's siblings who were waiting for a meal.

"Let's see what our family sent us this time." Franco said warmly as he opened the box. Inside was a neat pile of brand new clothing for them, a few smaller boxes and a letter.

Hello everyone!

After what happened to Tarbes, we wanted to sent these new clothes to help you start over again and some treats for the children to enjoy. We hope they'll help you get a breath of hope for the future. We are still unable to meet you with you sadly but we're still working on it.

However, we also got good news from Great-Grandfather's Zero fighter. It turns out that the American group that bought it has completed the inspections, trials and legal paperwork to make it fly again. They were sent us two pictures of it flying. We kept one and gave you the other. We also got a picture of Great-Grandfather Takeo restored and colourized for you so that you may know what he looked like when he flew into Tristain.

Love Ida and Oryou

Siesta unwrapped one of the boxes, revealing a frame of the Zero soaring climbing majestically in blue skies. There was another frame next to it. This one had a proud young man dressed in thick brown and green clothing standing next to his plane with his arms crossed and a sword at his hip.

"He looks like you dear," Siesta's mother remarked, "A magnificent man."

Franco smiled as his wife opened the box of fresh treats, his children looking at the box in excitement.

"Eat your vegetables and you'll get to eat them," she warned the children with a smile. The family enjoyed the meal and chocolate pastries that they were sent. As Siesta finished off her desert, she heard the familiar sound of helicopters flying over her home. Loud voices from speakers could be heard from outside as well.

"All civilians are to take cover in their home!" the amplified voice ordered, "An Albion vessel has been spotted!"

"What's happening?!" Franco shouted as he made his way to the front door. Looking outside, he could see Tristainian and Earth troops urgently mounting up on a truck.

"Stay indoors until we tell you to come out!" one of the soldiers yelled as he saw Franco. They were running down the street yelling the same at other residents who were curiously coming out of their abodes.

"Papa?" Siesta asked. Her father closed the door and used his arms to push her back into the house.

"Stay inside." He told her. "Our friends will protect us."


The sound of creaking wood could be heard as the lone ship flew through the skies near the Tristainian coastline. The ship's deck was crammed with people who clung to each other. Many dressed in dirty rags, their faces tired from war, famine and death. Many hoped that the Founder would forgive them for Albion's string of blasphemy.

They fled their dying homeland, hoping that somehow, they would shelter on the continent. Another groan followed by cracking could be heard from the ship's hull, followed by cries of panic as the crew tried to calm their passengers. Adding to the panic was a loud chopping sound that came closer and closer.

"The Outworlders! They're here!"

"How did they find us?!"

"Brimir forgive us!"

They saw two airships drawing nearer to them with almost unnatural agility and speed. Their slim, dark hulls combined with their terrible sounds made them terrifying as they flew circles around the ship. The captain didn't dare push his old, worn ship to go any faster. A white flag was raised on the top most mast, the crew hoping for mercy. The strange airships soon took up positions on each side of the ship and followed them for some time before a third, green one appeared.

"Unidentified ship! You will follow us to a landing area! Should you refuse to cooperate, we will use the necessary force to ensure Tristain's security and destroy you!" A loud voice called out seemingly from within it.

More cries of panic could be heard again but to their credit, the crew stayed calm as they guided their ramshackle ship with the orders from the outworlders. They'd been just about to reach a city on the coast, but the outworlders guided them away from it, further down the coast. They could feel whoever was flying those airships following every one of their moves.

They were guided to a large facility unlike anything they had seen before in their lives where they landed their ramshackle ship. Carriages and musketeers were all around the dock.

The helicopters circled around the Albion airship as orders for an orderly disembarkation were issued. As the passengers and crew disembarked, they were confronted by American and Canadian troops.

"Hands in the air! Hands in the air!" the soldiers shouted as they arrested the crying and terrified newcomers and led them to detention areas. No one dared to resist the armed troops.

Meanwhile, Colonel Hamilton was already on the line with the Pentagon, NDHQ and the Halkeginian Command Headquarters in Tristainia while his staff observed everything through CCTV, taking notes of everything. Devers entered the command center with a swift jog.

"They military?" he asked briskly though he had a suspicion.

"From what we can see, they look like refugees. The ship's barely holding together and doesn't looked armed," Hamilton reported, "We're taking them into custody just to be safe. Think you and your people can start asking questions soon?"

Devers nodded. Refugees. He'd started to wonder if they'd have that, and now it looked like they would.

"We can do that in a couple of hours. This isn't all that surprising though- it's a real shit show on that island."

"My men'll keep them under watch until then, M. Devers. But we can't have them on this base forever."

"I know that Colonel. We'll be talking to the Queen about this. They'll be out of here soon."

It was decided that Cromwell's trial would be overseen by a three judge panel, with one judge from each nation. Prosecutors from America and Canada were gathering evidence and testimony related to Cromwell's crimes, some of it even from Albion prisoners. It helped that some troops during the invasion had thought ahead to photograph and record some evidence of Reconquista's atrocities. It was damning, to understate the matter.

In a move that surprised no one yet still caused unease, a Romalian Inquisitor and his retinue had arrived not long after they started setting things up. Julio had overheard more than enough from complaining nobles about the trial, so no one expected the Pope not to know. That didn't mean they wanted the Church involved though.

But they were here, so they had to decide: did they let them in on the trial? Or did they try Cromwell and then hand him over to the inquisitor? The Canadian and American government knew of the influence of the Church and how they wanted the man's blood.

And how far they might go to get it.

There was also another issue that appeared: the judicial systems were completely different. Simply put, Canadian and American courts had the same judicial traditions that guided them… but Tristain's judicial system was very different, being similar to the pre-revolutionary French system. The involvement of the Romalian Inquisitor made things worse since his organization also had its own judicial system.

As such, there was a series of meetings between the Earth, Tristainian and Romalian parties that were involved in the first war crime trial in Halkeginia in order to find a compromise.

"Inquisitor Bagdolio, I believe that we may give you a compromise that will satisfy his Holiness' inquisition," Prosecutor Rutherford stated. The grey haired Canadian held his notes in his hands about what he learned on the local judicial system, his face as cold as the Canadian winter as he spoke in an even tone.

"What is this proposition that may satisfy us?" the Inquisitor asked, sitting across the table and dressed in the black and white robes of the Romalian Inquisition. His stern gaze betrayed his disdain for his Earth counterpart and his judicial ways.

"After we've spoken with our leaders, we have decided that we will not prosecute Cromwell on any religious offense since our laws do not cover such aspects. We consider that those who worship Brimir shall be those who will prosecute him. We will only prosecute him for military crimes against the Tristainian people and government."

"And after discussion with the Queen," the Tristainian judge stated, "we have decided any sentence put upon Cromwell will be delayed until a heresy trial is conducted. If necessary, we will stay the sentence entirely to the one the Church gives out."

"This is all a great waste of time," Inquisitor Bagdolio sneered, "What does this accomplish besides delaying the heretic's death?"

"It is to make an example of him so that other would-be warlords would get an idea of what awaits them if they try to do the same thing as him." Rutherford replied firmly, "It is to send out a message that such actions are to be punished accordingly. Cromwell will not be remembered as a enemy king, only a criminal. He will have no legacy."

"A swift trial and prompt execution is more than enough for such a foul blasphemer," Bagdolio argued, "To be remembered as a heretic will be enough to destroy his legacy."

"The trial that we wish to conduct will destroy his legacy by showing each and every single evidence of his cruelty and madness for everyone to see," the prosecutor calmly replied, "All but the most fanatical followers will recognize that his actions were cruel and inhumane. We will also able to get his worst accomplices for their crimes as well."

Bagdolio had a sour look on his face as he mulled over Rutherford's words.

"If anything, our trial might even help yours as our people are gathering as much information and evidence as possible. Evidence you could use in your own trial."

Bagdolio's eyes narrowed as he realized the situation he was in. There was a few moments before he spoke again.

"I wish to retire. Our discussions have been tiring for me and I desire some rest to reflect over them."

"But of course," Rutherford said politely, "Perhaps some well-earned rest will give you a clearer mind for further discussions."

"We can adjourn this meeting early and discuss this in the afternoon?" the Tristainian judge proposed. The others nodded in agreement.

A few hours later, the legal servants were once more reunited. Bagdolio had a stony face though his eyes had a shade of disdain in them as he sat down at the table with the others.

"I hope that your rest has been helpful in clearing your mind," Rutherford said.

"It has allowed me to better glimpse the complexity of the situation," the inquisitor replied, "My party and I were able to discuss about the proposals that were brought forward with our latest discussions."

"Have you been able to reach a conclusion?" the Tristainian judge asked.

"Yes. Your words have been quite convincing Prosecutor Rutherford. The compromise that you have proposed is acceptable by this Inquisitor." He turned to the Tristainian judge. "And we thank the Kingdom of Tristain for its willingness to delay its own retribution to allow the Church to prosecute and punish Oliver Cromwell for heresy."

"We welcome you for your words. It is only proper that the Church should be tasked with judging such affronts against our Founder," the judge said.

All sides had come to an agreement to avoid confrontation. Cromwell's fate was inevitable, but the one between Earth and Halkegenia was still up in the air.


The Royal Carriage came to a halt in front of the Academy's gates. Fanfares announced the arrival of Queen Henrietta as she disembarked from her carriage and entered the Academy flanked by Agnes and the Musketeers. As she entered the front gate, students and staff, dressed in their finest clothes, were already assembled, awaiting for her arrival. Cheers could be heard from the student body while Old Osmond and Colbert were waiting for her.

"Greetings your Majesty," the elderly headmaster said as he bowed, "What is the meaning of your presence? I have assembled the students as you have ordered in your letter."

"Thank you Headmaster," Henrietta replied. "I'm here to recognize an Order I've heard was taking form within the Academy."

"The Knights of Undine?" he asked as they made their way to a podium. Guiche stood nearby in his finest clothes.

"Yes. As you have known, I am in the process of rebuilding the Royal Army," she explained, "When I heard that a former student whose many deeds chose to levy a small group of volunteers from the student body to guard the Academy, I saw an opportunity."

"You mean young Gramont's initiative?"

"Yes, his father told me about it. I am quite impressed by his idea," Henrietta said before she made her way up the podium. She amplified her voice using magic as she stood before her students.

"Good morning students of the Tristain Academy of Magic. I am present before you today because word of your own initiative has reached my ears. You have seen weakness and aspired to confront it. You have risen to serve your kingdom. This initiative must be rewarded and so, on this day, I pronounce the reforming of the Knights of Undine, an ancient order of knights that once served the Crown and people of Tristain."

She turned to Guiche who was waiting for her word.

"Chevalier de Gramont, once again you show dedication and loyalty to the Blessed Water Throne of Tristain and her people. You have already done much for our kingdom yet still find way to serve. Come forward, Chevalier."

Guiche stepped up before taking a knee before his queen.

"For your efforts in ensuring the security of this Academy, I pronounce thee Captain of the Knights of Undine."

Cheers could be heard from the gathered students.

"Your Highness, it's an honor that will I carry faithfully," Guiche stated. "The Knights of Undine will serve Tristain with pride no matter what is asked of us."

"Rise, Chevalier de Gramont. May you and your knights be ever triumphant in your undertakings."

Henrietta beamed as the crowds clapped and celebrated. The Knights of Undine were another group of loyal nobles that would serve the Crown in the times to come. With war looming on the horizon, this was a much needed boon.

Despite the outward confidence, excitement, and approval, not everyone in the crowd was truly happy. Many of the students knew from corresponding with their parents that an invasion of Albion was on the horizon. Many had more than enough of war. They had joined Guiche's volunteers simply because they wanted to feel safe in their own school… not take part in another campaign. Others volunteers were more approving… having signed up out of either a sense of duty, a desire to avenge another humiliation or simply because it was exciting.

But whatever happened, they would face it. They could all agree on that, at least.

Author's endnote: Things are moving aren't they? Hope you enjoyed reading as much as we enjoyed writing it.