Unmei Force Solitary Legends: Eternal Embers
Prologue: Coronation of Cordelia
A/N: Right then, response to the last set of reviews that GJO1088 left for the story of the first installation:
-As you can see in the chapter itself, Welkin and Squad 7 will be taking a much more permanent role in the civil war itself, as a special ops division made by the royal order of the now Archduchess Cordelia, meaning that they bypass the national laws, and giving them means to fight back against the purist rebels.
-Helmut is still going to be a student of Lanseal. After all, you do forget that he forgot all notions of betraying Gallia itself. I would say that with the risk of information leaks, come the possibility that Helmut sees what Gallia truly is, beyond the enemy, through the interactions with the Gaillan students, even with the veterans themselves. I'd think of the fact that Helmut was sent to fight, was on his own volition, since he is quite a stickler to duty, and that duty is to fight against rebels. Besides, he's not that bad of a character.
-Regarding the other characters, although they started and ended as non-military people, that fact will change when they don't have someone who is not too strict like Brixham, but instead devoted and experienced people like Richard and his group educating them quite hard and well. With all the training that's going to happen in the year, they'll be qualified as at least good soldiers, or military workers.
-As you can see, I bumped up the student number in Lanseal from 200 to 4000, the first change to canon that I will make. Be on the lookout for more, as they'll be either expected and deserved or fairly surprising. And trust me, a lot of question will ensue
In GFS Ryujin...
Richard, Gus, Sanae, Reisen, Marisa, Isara, Elma and Corrin were gathered at the meeting room inside the space fortress, as Richard waited for everyone to arrive before he spoke.
"I suppose that you're wondering why we've got another mission, after the big one we had quite a while ago." Richard answered back. "Well, this is more of a personal matter. We're still trying to build our presence around here, so that we'll get some influence to continue on our own task. Not to mention that the first step involves having to encounter a certain few teams once again. Fortunately, this personal matter should be familiar with all but two of you."
"What do you mean?" Gus asked back, before he then considered what Richard was talking about. "You say that it's something familiar with most of us in here. I know for a fact that there's only one place that would fit that kind of condition. It's Gallia, right...? I would say that Elma and Corrin never went there."
"Wait, it's been quite a while... You don't mean...!" Sanae exclaimed, as he realised what Richard was talking about. "The Gallian civil war is on the brink of occurring! Are we really going to go down there, and solve the problem down there!?"
"We owe Gallia that much, after the service we have done it, and all the recognition it gave us." Richard answered back, before he then pressed a few buttons, showing Randgriz from a high-up view, before cycling through several pieces of footage indicating the general situation inside the capital, which was fairly busy, at the mention of a coronation coming up. "As for the civil war, well, it'll be a while, but you know what leads after Cordelia's coronation, Sanae. That's right, civil war is coming, and we're going to put a nip to all that, and help fix up Gallia a little while we're there."
"So this is the world where Isara came from..." Corrin remarked. "Somehow, this world has some familiar aspects, yet there are still foreign elements in this scene, that I feel quite curious about learning about."
"Which is why I brought you and Elma with us for our second trip back into Gallia." Richard answered back, shutting off the footage. "I have made proper arrangements to get an invitation to the coronation ceremony, so that we can make it clear that we're back in town, and that we'll be at the ready to deal with the upcoming civil war."
"How did you even manage that...?" Gus asked back. "I haven't heard any news that you have been leaving base for the time being."
"Well, a few connections here and there help. Especially when I persuade a certain reporter to help aid me, one that's actually quite surprised about our return." Richard answered back. "It was still fairly hard to try and persuade her not to publicly announce our return. She assured me that my message will come back in time. And it did come back, after a while. Met a government agent while you guys were training up, and thus I received the invitation for all of us."
"Reporter... You mean Irene Ellet?" Reisen asked back, to which Richard nodded back gently.
"Right now, we'll need to make a few plans to deal with the things there." Richard answered back, before he then crossed his arm. "If I know what is going on there, then I don't think relying on a certain protagonist there, is going to ensure that this ends in the best way possible. And these students will need a proper teacher who have been damn veterans in the previous war against the Empire."
"So you're suggesting that we'll become teachers at Lanseal then?" Sanae asked back, to which everyone turns to her about. "Yeah, Lanseal's rarely mentioned. It's the only damn military academy that Gallia has, and although it has decent standards, it's disappointing that its student capacity is fairly... low, if I remember it correctly."
"Considering that you know your country well, Isara... We'll be calling you back into the field of battle." Richard stated, before turning to Elma and Corrin. "The reason I roped the two of you with us, despite the cultural differences between you, is because it's time that you guys learn to make your talents diverse. You'll need to learn to fight like military soldiers in a modern era, and what way better than to have you join us in a world that steps between your comfort zones of fantasy and magic, and the modern war setting? We're enrolling the three of you as students in Lanseal Academy, so that you'll be able to participate in the action like the others."
"I see." Corrin stated. "If I must learn more in order to adapt for the future... I'll be willing to take this mission with you."
"Me too. I don't know how I might do, fighting like the rest of you... But I still wish to learn regardless." Elma stated.
"Glad to hear that, from both of you. I'll fill you both in, on your fabricated backgrounds and identities for the time being." Richard stated. "Until then, the main team will participate in the coronation ceremony. After some time have passed, we'll be all enrolled as students and teachers of the Lanseal Academy. Everyone, take some time to do your own preparations. The ceremony is coming in less than a week."
The group then dispersed from the room, as Richard made his way to his room, before then activating the hidden compartment, to reveal the refined Victoire, which has been maintained and preserved at top condition.
"Hopefully, this won't be as much of a clusterfuck as the game puts it." Richard muttered to himself, before lowering the gun to the side, and writing a few letters to certain people.
At Castle Randgriz...
Richard arrived at the gates of Castle Randgriz, just in time for Cordelia's publicised coronation, with the rest of his group in tow. As he made his way to the gates, he noticed that the royal guards already took position there, as they noticed the five of them arriving, with some recognition and surprise on their expression.
"You're... You're Rain Craider...!" One of the royal guards declared, pointing at Richard. "You were one of the officers of the heroic Squad 7 that contributed the most to the Empire's defeat, and personally slew the Imperial Crown Prince in a duel to the death! The Black King-Slayer! And those behind you... They're your friends, and famous figures of their own! Sally Westgale, the Blessed Engineer! Remi Keppler, the All-Seeing Hawk! Gus Teller, The Daring Scout! And also Mari Shine, the Golden Lance!"
"Aw, I'm flattered that we've become that famous when we left..." Marisa chuckled with a satisfied smile on her lips. "I guess that most of the people see us as legendary soldiers with all the fighting we do, right?"
"Mari, let's not deviate from the topic." Richard sternly told her, before he turned to the royal guards. "We have heard notice about Cordelia's coronation that is about to happen today. Is it true?"
"Yes, she is about to initiate her official coronation, to ascend into Archduchess." The other royal guard answered back. "I take it that you have proof that you have been invited here? Even if you are legendary figures... We cannot allow you to enter, since the event is reserved for only the noble families of the nation, reporters, and some VIPs."
"I believe we fit in the last category." Richard responded, before he then handed them a small rolled-up piece of parchment, tied with a ribbon in Gallia's colour and its national emblem on it. "I suppose that this will suffice as proof? It's a shame that my former commander and friend Welkin didn't get this chance, but I'll be sure to tell him of the good news that may come from this."
The royal guards then opened the parchment, before they then noticed that it was a signed agreement by Cordelia herself, that Richard and his squad were allowed access to her official coronation. When they confirmed that none of the text inside was fabricated in any manner, they then closed it, and handed it back to him.
"Right, I suppose that there are no problems with that." The royal guard stated, before he then pulled the front gates open to allow Richard and the others to enter. "I hope that there will be no trouble happening here. It would be a dangerous situation, if the nobles kick up a mess when they realise that a Darcsen has been invited into castle grounds, and legally even. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe in this 'Darcsen are evil' junk. Seeing the fact that you are a war hero, proves otherwise."
"Thank you for your concern, but I'm sure that the nobles wouldn't dare try anything with me, lest the public turn against them for trying to slander or harm a war hero." Richard answered back, before he then walked along, and muttering something quietly under his breath. "But for Cordelia... It's not going to be that easy."
The royal guards then closed the gates, as they returned back to their duty of standing watch, while the group made their way to the castle grounds. As they walked, they noticed several nobles in the path ahead of them, and when they noticed Richard, they reacted with varying levels of disdain or venomous animosity. Some just simply ignored the 'Darcsen', as they doubt that he would do anything at all in this moment, while even fewer actually gave Richard looks of respect, in the fact that he was a war hero. None of them spoke a single word towards him, at least for a while.
It was after a while, that someone actually tried to speak with Richard, as it was a fairly young man with short and rough ashen-grey hair and grey eyes with red mascara on the outer side of his eyes, wearing a long red coat which was left open, and went down to his knees, where there were large golden lion symbols on both sides of the clothing, and underneath the coat was a leather vest with a white shirt underneath it, with a propped collar, and black baggy pants that were tucked into his long brown boots. He looked at Richard with great amounts of disdain, as he walked over to him. Richard noticed the person coming over, as he halted his group, and walked towards the person as well, as they stopped very close to each other.
"How may I help you?" Richard asked back dryly, as if he knew the person, and detested him.
"What is someone like you doing here. This is not the kind of place for a Darcsen to be walking around." The man growled back with a scowl, as some of Richard's group reacted to that, especially Marisa, who softly clenched a fist.
"I have a reason for being here. I'm here to witness the public coronation of the Archduchess to whom I owe my respects and a favour to." Richard retorted back. "Of course, if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't want to stick around a bunch of people who despise me in secret, even openly. And that especially includes you. So tell me, who are you? I'm sure that you know who I am, since I was one of the people who ACTUALLY ended the war for Gallia herself. I want to hear who you are, and what exactly you think you are, if you would berate me for actually doing my duty as a soldier."
"My name is Baldren Gassenarl of House Gassenarl." Baldren responded back. "It shames me that the Archduchess would invite a savage like you into such a sacred event. You would be wise to leave this place, as you are most definitely unwelcome here. In fact, it would be better that you cast yourself from Gallia as far as you can with your ilk."
"You shut-" Marisa was about to curse Baldren out, before she was silenced by Reisen with a hand-chop to the throat, leaving her into a coughing fit and unable to speak for a while.
Richard didn't react strongly to those words, as he merely smiled cruelly in response. "Oh, I'm sorry, Gassenarl, but I don't think that I'm going to be doing that any time soon. Much like you, I have a duty to serve Gallia and repay it for everything it has done for me. And I'll be damned if your empty threats can cast me out. After all, I left on my own volition after the war. Even if all you nobles tried, you wouldn't have the clout to evict me by public decision." Richard coldly answered back. "And here's something more ironic. You're a noble, I'm not one. Take a guess at the point I'm making."
"It means that you are not worthy of being in this sacred event?" Baldren mocked back.
"HA!" Richard barked in sour laughter. "You wish that it was that simple and in your favour, Gassenarl. No, the true point, that you are too arrogant and prideful in your own lineage and NARROW views of the world, is that I don't need prestige, lineage or nobility to get myself recognised and in this event. I got in here, through a simple letter to the Archduchess to be invited. And the one reason that she accepted me, is because I've done far more duty to the country than any of you have done. Tell me, Gassenarl. Which division of the Gallian army were you in, if you even fought in the war against the Empire?"
"I was a part of the main army as a Lieutenant Colonel." Baldren responded back. "Surely that this is a far greater title than what you had as a mere Ensign."
"You mistake me if you think I let my rank dictate my actions." Richard snarled back. "Alright then, Lieutenant Colonel. What have you done for the war that is actually recognised as a actual effort? Is there any headlines on the war news that dictate your victories and endeavours...? Is there? Or are you simply the same as all those no-name officers in your little army. In fact, if you want to compare, General Damon, and I spit at his name for all the accumulated dishonour he has made, barely had any news centred around his little division, but at least it is more than you. Unless you prove otherwise."
Baldren's expression twisted with much more anger, but he was left with nothing to retort with, as Richard then continued his verbal assault on the Gassenarl noble.
"Here's some questions that you should answer me though." Richard sneered. "Were you the one who was responsible for the defeat of every single member of the Imperial Drei Stern? Were you the one who struck down all of the super-tanks that the Empire had created, which stampeded through militia and main army units like wheat to the sickle? Were you the one who actually brought down the Imperial Crown Prince in single-combat? Oh wait, here's the real kicker: Who was it that cut through Borg's scheme to sell the nation to the Federation? Tell me, Gassenarl, who was it?"
Baldren was left stunned hearing that question being asked, as he recalled seeing what Richard did back when Welkin and he were bestowed medals for foiling the Federation plot, as he remembered how the Darcsen personally arrested the corrupt prime minister on the spot by restraining him. He was left silent, as Richard scoffed.
"Exactly, you did none of them. NONE of them." Richard stated bitterly, emphasising the repeated words strongly. "You talk a lot of crap, saying that I'm not fit to be here. I have all the reason to be here. I'm both one of the nation's most competent and successful officers, and one of the only heroes that actually got fame, despite having a disadvantageous background. For all the SHIT you have been spouting, you and every single noble house has done JACK for the nation. So in fact, I should return the same sentiments to you: Exile yourselves, if you're not going to help the country at all. Squad 7 has done more than every single main unit division, several times over even, full stop. Yes, they never would have won the war by themselves, but they are the only reason that there is a Gallia for you to kowtow and bow towards. So, Gassenarl, if you really want to spit at me for being Darcsen, I won't care, but mock my place here... And you're nothing but a extreme hypocrite."
Richard then pushed past Gassenarl, who was left silent, as the rest of the group followed him, with Marisa literally shocked how brutal Richard's verbal roasting of Gassenarl was.
"...Pent-up anger?" Gus asked Richard, hoping to find a reason why Richard vented his emotions just before.
"Pent-up anger." Richard answered back. "Fairly therapeutic, considering how much of a damn failure he is, and how he calls me out, when he deserves one himself. Now, it's time to see Cordelia, and give her a small reunion."
They then arrived at the front doors of the castle itself, as Richard then turned to his group. "I'll try and see if I can call Cordelia down to meet us. If not, the reunion can wait until the coronation begins."
"Right." Sanae stated. "You sure that you'll even get to see her alone? I mean... You're not that famous and entitled, right?"
"Who knows...?" Richard asked back, before he then opened the door, as he entered the castle alone, as the group silently stood by each other.
"Say... you think that Richard didn't just come here just to see the princess's coronation, right?" Marisa asked everyone else.
"It is very unlikely that Richard would bother making all these preparations, if he were to stay shortly in this world. If he has come to this place, then we're going to be here for a while." Reisen answered back.
"Yeah, this is the point where the Gallian civil war starts." Sanae stated, which shocked everyone, as they all turned to her. "I mean, you did notice that not a single one of the nobles reacted well to Richard. If they shared the same feelings towards Cordelia, the civil war should have started far earlier. That only means that her true identity is still under wraps. And that's a good thing, since we have more time to prepare, both us and Richard."
"Civil war...?" Marisa asked back. "Yeesh... How bad does it become?"
"...You'll see." Sanae stated ominously, with a grim expression.
As the group talked amongst each other, Richard made his way through the castle, walking slowly through the publicly open areas, before he then took the chance to sneak himself through the restricted sections of the castle, taking extreme care not to get caught by the patrolling royal guards, before making his way to Cordelia's bedroom, as he listened closely for any sounds that might indicate that the bedroom is being occupied. Surely enough, he could hear that there was the sound of someone dressing themselves up, as he backed away from the door. He then opened a sukima beside him, depositing a pen and a small piece of paper. He wrote a small message on it, before sliding it under the door. Only after that, did he knock the door.
The sound of gentle footsteps was heard from the other side of the door, before there was a moment of silence, followed by a barely audible gasp. The door then opened, to reveal a regally-dressed Cordelia, whose hair-dress was still on the bed beside her, as her black hair was there for Richard to see.
"Rain..." Cordelia remarked. "You have returned... I thought that you have left Gallia for good..."
"Long time no see, princess, or should I say, Archduchess, by the end of today?" Richard smiled back gently. "I never thought that you would be very glad to see me. Is it because of the fact that you have grown fairly attached to me, due to my heroism and having a similar background to you. Not to mention that we've saved each other once, both in different ways?"
"I have no reason to deny you company, since you would seek to do the same for me." Cordelia answered back. "So, you managed to sneak past the many guards stationed in this castle, risking yourself just for me...?"
"Your guards do their job well, but I have learned to sneak quite well, especially with the two years I have been wandering Europa for." Richard answered back. "But I should get to the important questions. How's Gallia doing so far, ever since I have left, and it has fallen to you to take care of it? And how is Welkin and Alicia?"
"To answer them separately. The nation has been proceeding calmly. Ever since the ceasefire, the members of Squad 7 has all been disbanded and are now living their lives in peace and happiness. That much I can assure you. As for myself, the political situation seems to be peaceful. But I doubt that it will remain that way for long. Today is the day where the mask I have been wearing all those years will be taken off, and the nation will see their ruler in her true form." Cordelia answered back, before her tone became solemn. "Gallia deserves that much from me."
"I see." Richard answered back stoically. "This peace amongst the nobles and the influential figures in this country will be shattered, once the truth leaves your lips... If that's the case, then I cannot leave you be. If Gallia falls into civil war, because of this, then it's my duty to end it, before the country makes a turn to the worse from these catastrophic events."
"...How so?" Cordelia asked back. "If it is true that there is a civil war... Then the country won't be fortunate that Squad 7 would be able to save them once again. The main army and militia can only be called to arms against external threats and invaders. If there is a civil war... Under the Gallian Royal Law, there is very little that the capital can do to garner troops against the rebel armies... If I were to breach those rules to put down those rebels, it will be treated with extreme disdain by what remaining nobles are loyal to me."
"Indeed, that poses a strong problem." Richard remarked, before he then thought of an idea. "Cordelia, I have two things to ask of you. I hope that these are within the bounds of the authority that you hold over the nation, because I believe that there is a way to ensure that there is a force to handle the rebels. Are you willing to listen to what I have in mind?"
"If you have any ideas that can help me through whatever crisis might occur, then I am willing to lend an ear." Cordelia answered back.
"The first regards the Lanseal military academy." Richard answered back. "I have heard about it, and I would ask that you personally recommend us to become instructors over there. We can teach the students over there how to properly fight a war, and train them to become proper soldiers in no time flat. Not only that, but if we can assume the identities of instructors, then we are not technically members of the militia, but instead under the classification of civilian protectors, which cannot violate the national laws, would it?"
"It would not. The town watches of the various villages, would count amongst the acceptable forces to handle a internal conflict." Cordelia answered back. "What is the other request that you ask of me?"
"You said that Squad 7 won't be able to fight in this civil war. However, there is a way to get them to help assist our faction in the war itself, without breaching laws." Richard answered back. "Listen carefully, I require you to command certain members of the former Squad 7 to meet up in your castle, when the time is right. If we can create a specials op division in our army, that lies out of the army's jurisdiction, and there is no visible connection between the official armies and this 'shadow organisation', then the rebels cannot use the law against us. For now, start the organisation small, with only willing elites from the previous war, and give them the supplies to mobilise as a proper battalion, without any official news of such transfers being made. With this, this shadow organisation can act as a stand-in for the army itself, although not powerful, but far better than having only the locally-trained and under-equipped town-guards fight a war against a vicious rebel faction."
"That... That...!" Cordelia exclaimed, as her eyes widened, before her expression turned into great relief. "It's a very sound plan to implement. With this, there is a chance that the loyalist faction will be able to have an actual army to fight back with... And that means that there will be a way to put an end to this civil war as quickly as possible. But what... What will be the organisation's name...?"
"For now, call it 'Polar Star'. It sounds like that the name fits the Federation more than Gallia itself, so it can be masked as a joint operation between Gallia and the Federation to protect the nation, making it seems like that the two nations are at good graces." Richard answered back. "If not, then the name would do well to mask the true identity of the organisation itself. Now then, I suppose that I should leave you to prepare for your coronation. We'll see each other on the official ceremony then. You should take the time to prepare yourself. We'll be doing some preparation on our end as well."
"I understand. Thank you, Rain. I hope that your plans will help us greatly, if the civil war was to happen." Cordelia answered back.
"Don't worry, we'll fight for Gallia with blood, sweat and tears." Richard smiled back, before he then left the room, and closed the door behind him, then disappearing through a sukima, and appearing in front of his group, out of the sight of everyone else.
"So... How did it go?" Sanae asked back.
"Fairly well. That's all you need to know for now." Richard responded back calmly. "Let's wait until the coronation begins. And when the time comes, you'll know what we'll have to do next.
"...Right." Sanae nodded with a stoic tone.
Inside the throne room...
All of the noble guests and major reporters made a properly formed crowd in front of the throne, as Cordelia was sitting on it, with the newly-elected prime-minister by her side, looking far younger than his corrupt predecessor, wearing glasses and dressed in a modest manner. Richard and his squad were gathered right at the inner edge of the crowd, with a clear view of the throne from where they were standing.
As the opening rites and processes were completed one by one, the official coronation was coming closer and closer, until the silver crown made for the Archduchess of the nation was brought out, in a velvet cushion, held by one of the royal aides. When she stood up to take the crown, she kept her head-dress on, before placing her hands on the crown.
"I, Cordelia gi Randgriz, solemnly swear by the gods that watch over us, that as the new archduchess of the nation, to be faithful and true to my nation, and devote my full efforts into maintaining this country and keeping its citizens both at peace and with free and happy lives, no matter what may come to pass. I offer my loyalty to this kingdom, and respect all of the rights and freedoms that it may bear with me."
After she finished her statement, the nobles' anticipation to witness their new ruler peaked, as they wished to bear witness to the first moments of Cordelia's rise as the nation's ruler. However, not a single one of Richard's group fell prey to that emotion, and Cordelia looked upon the expecting expression of the majority of nobles, as she swallowed a deep breath, and placed her hands off the crown, and onto her head-dress with a solemn tone.
"But before I bear this crown... I must ask that the truth revealed today will be heard by all those in this nation." Cordelia spoke. "There is something of my own that I have been hiding for a long time from all of you, because I feared that the nation would fall to ruin and chaos, if this truth was to be revealed at the wrong time. Now that all eyes are upon me, and I have finally mustered the courage to admit my lies... I shall show you who I truly am, as your ruler."
She then yanked the head-dress off, revealing her raven-black hair, as every single guest, save for Richard's group, gasped in a mixture of horror and shock, realising that the one that stood before them was a Darcsen, as the one that had been taking care of this nation in these years.
"That's right. Although I bear Randgriz's name, I am not truly the scion of the Valkyrur, as people may seem." Cordelia admitted. "I am merely a Darcsen, one whose lineage has become the one to rule the nation, through a bloody war that neither side wished for. There is more to the story of how the nation was founded, that has been twisted by lies and deception. But today... as I have sworn to serve my nation... I will not lie no more, and allow you to know the true story about the lineage of House Randgriz. All I ask is that you all listen, and for all to hear my words."
The nobles were already bickering amongst each other, as they didn't know how to feel, and had conflicting opinions, with one side denouncing Cordelia for being a Darcsen liar and bastard princess, while the other side leaned to reason, and decided to lend an ear to Cordelia. Richard could see that Baldren was strongly in the former, as he stormed out of the throne room in a huff, leaving behind what seemed to be a fair part of his own family. He didn't pay much attention to them, focusing on the nobles, and determined whether the situation is getting out of hand or not. However, that all stopped, when Cordelia raised a hand for silence, and spoke.
"Please, I know that this is all very much for all of you to take in, and that there are those among you that may think of me a traitorous witch that had been manipulating from the throne all these years. However, even so, I ask that you listen to me just this once, and I will not stop you from leaving, after you have heard what I have to say." Cordelia told the nobles, who stopped arguing to listen to her. "House Randgriz is actually a house of Darcsens, who masqueraded themselves as Valkyrur, when they betrayed their own race. In exchange for this, the Valkyrur gifted them this city-state, which we stand in right now. And the reason why the Valkof was located within these walls, being tasked as being its protectors."
Cordelia then bowed her head. "Even so... Whether I was under the mask of being a Valkyrur scion, or being the Darcsen traitor before you..." She spoke gently. "All I truly wanted is a nation where there would have been no discrimination. I care for my citizens for all I have, even though I couldn't help my race without placating all of you, and I tried all I had to put an end to these discrimination, so that both races could put aside past grudges, and work together towards a bright and unified future for everyone. I wish to atone for the wrongs of my house, by ensuring that this nation will remain prosperous and strong.
She then gestured towards Richard, as the nobles' attention was turned towards him and his group, as the members were slightly unnerved by the sheer amount of attention focused on them. "Look upon the heroes, a part of the infamous and legendary Squad 7. Ensign Rain Craider, even as a Darcsen, fought alongside with our brethren, to drive back the Empire from our nation. He had dedicated his duty as a soldier towards the country fully, with his help allowing him to foil the Federation's plot to kidnap me and allowing the truth to come to light. He is proof that there is still hope that Darcsen and Gallians can work together and bring about a better future. It may be said that Darcsens are bringers of ruin and destruction... But Rain... He is proof that this statement is not true for us all."
The nobles were silent for a moment, before they began to talk amongst each other again, this time, with much more favour for Cordelia.
"She's right... If this Darcsen done more to this nation than what the others did... Then could they really be that bad anymore...?"
"Well, there is no point arguing against proof from a war hero. And all the work she has done has served the nation well."
"I knew that Cordelia had something off with her, but at least it ain't as bad as it seems. Darcsens, eh...? Not so bad after all..."
As more and more supportive opinions came, the nobles who were stubbornly against the notion of Cordelia's coronation left, as Richard saw the rest of the Gassenarls leave. After a while, the only ones that were inside the throne room, were the nobles who were either supportive or indifferent to Cordelia's rule, which was far more than either Cordelia or Richard expected.
"Well, I'll be. Seems that despite your background, and the truth..." Richard remarked with a respectful tone. "It seems that much of the nation supports you, future Archduchess Cordelia. Looks like this means that Darcsen or not, Cordelia gi Randgriz is a fit ruler for the nation."
Cordelia was moved by the scene, as she tried not to lose her composure, although she had to try and hide her face away from the crowd, as several tears of relief and joy ran down her cheeks, which the Prime Minister noticed, as he moved and used one of his pocketed handkerchiefs to wipe her tears away, as she saw the smiling face of her Prime Minister.
"Archduchess, It matters not if you are Darcsen or not, so long as you work for the benefit of the nation and its people, the majority of the nation would be willing to be under your fair rule." He spoke to her.
"...Thank you." Cordelia answered back, before she then turned around, and picked up the crown, before placing it on her head. "Very well, if you believe in me, then I will not betray them. As your new Archduchess... I swear that this country will become equal and fair."
At that moment, the supportive nobles broke into a collective roar of approval, as reporters were already snapping pictures of the coronated Cordelia. At that moment, Richard and his group decided to take their leave from the place, leaving the throne room quietly and slowly.
"So... This is the moment where the Civil War kicks up...?" Sanae asked Richard.
"Yep. Now's a real good time to get into Lanseal Academy and get our registrations as teachers up." Richard nodded back.
"So... We're going to be like Calvaro now...? Nice." Marisa remarked with some excitement in her voice.
"And not to mention that this is the time to get the rest of the group, enrolled as students." Richard added.
In the front gates of Lanseal Academy, a few days after the coronation of Cordelia...
The group made their way across the bridge towards the front gates of the military academy, as they could see the many students enrolled, were doing various different drills, on the drill grounds to their left. Some were doing simulated combat drills, inside battlefields of various conditions, and there was a vehicle course, as both APCs and light tanks were driven through it in a slow pace.
"Well, looks like that everyone is trained well here." Gus remarked. "It's pretty nice to see that even in these times, the academy is still fully devoted to training future legends for the army here."
"So this is Lanseal Academy..." Isara remarked, as she was astonished by the size of the academy, and the number of people enrolled here. "I never thought that I would be signed up here. This is truly remarkable... I wonder what I will learn while I am a student here..."
"It reminds me a little of where I used to get my education from..." Elma stated. "Well, only the look of it... I'm merely glad that I was fortunate not to be raised in a military academy when I was fairly little, and still under Dear Brother's care."
"Then I hope that the three of you will get used to it." Richard answered back, turning to both of them, and Corrin as well, who was the third 'student' of the group. "I won't guarantee that you'll like this place as much as I would expect, but I'm sure that you'll come to like the people inside of it."
"I wouldn't turn down anyone who is willing to be friends with me." Corrin humbly stated. "Well, I'm sure that I can handle mostly anyone, considering our experience with a group with much variety both in and out of these worlds."
"I wouldn't underestimate what you might get." Sanae shook her head. "There are some really CREEPY people here.
They then made their way to the large front gates of the academy, as they were greeted by the security guards that was stationed there. They greeted the group, before they then asked for the private invitations for all of them, which Richard handed without any question. The guards then took a moment to have a look over the contents, before they then opened the large gates, and allowed the group of eight into the main campus.
After they entered the main section of the academy itself, the group encountered someone on their way, as it was a man with short brown wavy hair, squinted eyes, and wearing a brown suit and yellow tie, with a armband over his left arm, which was blue and had the yellow emblem of the Lanseal Academy on it.
"Well, well. It seems that some infamous figures have arrived in this academy, it seems." The man stated. "So you must be Rain Craider, and some of the others with you, are your squadmates and companions."
"Indeed. It seems that it's quite interesting to see another military elite here." Richard nodded back. "Hubert Brixham, the Blue Death. I take it that you've made yourself a very devoted member of the staff in this academy. Shame that your military career was ended by a simple debilitating injury, but as long as you serve the nation well, whether you are soldier or instructor, it has fairly little difference to what it contributes for the future."
"Well said. I see why you are the only one out of your group that has ever claimed a officer rank." Brixham stated. "I have been called to guide you to the headmaster's office, where your applications can be officially registered, and you'll be all teachers and students in the academy."
"Your assistance would be appreciated, Brixham." Gus answered back, with a nod of his head.
Brixham then guided the group through the hallways of the academy, before then taking them to the head office, where they found themselves inside a fairly well-decorated room, with the Gallian flag on one side of the room, and there was a large window looking out to a large portion of the academy itself. And inside of the room was a elderly man with receded grey hair, and a full beard, dressed in a blue suit with red woven shoulder-pads. He notices the group enter, before turning to them with a calm expression on his face.
"Ah, it seems that you've all made it. I've received the news from the new Archduchess. Having veterans like you working inside of our dear academy is a welcome thing to have in these tense times." The man spoke to them, before then reaching out his hand for someone to shke. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Laurence Kluivert, the headmaster of this humble academy. It is a pleasure to meet a legendary militia member like you, Mr Craider."
"The pleasure is mine, Headmaster Kluivert." Richard answered back with a smile, shaking the headmaster's hand firmly. "I take it that you wish to tell us what we'll be doing for our time here?"
"Indeed." Kluivert answered back. "For now, you and the other four, have been all registered as proper instructors of the academy. As for the other three that you have brought with you, the recommendations that have been placed by you and the Archduchess serve sufficient enough influence and authority to welcome them as students. Although I might need to clarify a few things."
"Go on." Marisa nodded.
"Isara Gunther is a familiar name, as she is the tank driver of Edelweiss from the famous Squad 7. I would question why you would enrol her to learn in this academy, when she has proven that she is already as well of an soldier without it, but I suppose that further education for her will be able to give her what is required to elevate her position as a proper tactical officer." Kluivert asked, before he then raised a large file filled with papers. "The other two, Elma Delacour and Karin Novengar... I would like to know how you have come upon them, and decided to enrol them, despite the lack of information on them, with the exception of the dossiers you have given me on them."
"We encountered them during our time away from this nation." Richard answered the question. "In that time, we acted as mercenaries working for the better of the continent outside of Gallia. Some of the Empire forces have become turn-coat and violate the treaty, continuing their destructive and aggressive actions. We met Elma and Karin in that time, as they were part of the villagers in one of the terrorised villages. They had nowhere to go, when we were too late to come to the village's aid. So we took them into our fold, and cared for them like they were our own companions. They had an interest in enrolling into the academy, due to the fact that they wish to follow after our footsteps and legacy, and work for the peace of the nation like we have done before."
"I see." Kluivert nodded, before turning to Elma and Corrin. "I suppose that you have enrolled here on noble intentions, and you bear with you the trust of war veterans. There's little reason that I have to deny your applications. When the next academy year begins in a few days, you'll be put through the entrance exams like the other applicants."
"We understand. Thank you for your generosity, Headmaster." Elma responded back, with a curt bow.
"Now then, I suppose that there is nothing else needed to do here for you all." Kluivert stated. "I sincerely hope that you'll feel welcome here. Although it will be a little hard for you, Rain... Compared to Squad 7, there is far more Darcsen discrimination in this academy. Both from teachers and students."
"I won't mind. All I care is whether they'll listen to what I have to say." Richard answered back. "When I educate them, they'll have a actual reason to dislike me, other than racism, but from that same coin... They'll find a reason to learn that I'm more than what my race dictates as."
"That I hope, in the best way possible." Kluivert answered back, before the group left the room one by one, as Richard was the last to leave, but not before turning to Brixham for a moment.
"Just one more thing, headmaster. What's the student count of this academy?" Richard asked back.
"Our current capacity is at 4000 students and counting. Is there something wrong?" Kluivert answered back, with a raised eyebrow.
"No. I'm fairly relieved to hear that. After all, if that number was far lower, then there is going to be problems in the civil war to come." Richard answered back with a smile, before then closing the door, leaving the headmaster baffled at Richard's words.