Chapter 11: His Truth and Justice Shine so Bright
The entire Saderan senate is an uproar, the subjects of the session was the defeat of their three legions and the devastation of the fleet arriving at their shores were videos of the massacre is shown through the Flying Ships, and they were enrage at the news of the capture of Pina and her Knights. Senators and generals who have a daughter or son in the order were shouting out demanding their safe return, Molt himself wanted his beloved daughter to be safe.
Of course they send half a legion to Alnus hill in an attempt to rescue her but it failed miserably, they send cavalry of two hundred but that failed too, they send dragons riders and it failed as well, now they're rethinking their strategy in taking back their princess and her knights. Some were thinking of a peaceful way but some just simply want it violent.
"The men we sent is not enough, we must send more!"
"No! It will end in a slaughter like what happen to other Legions defending our territory."
"He's right, the best thing we can do is wait for a ransom."
"That will make us look weak!"
"Enough!" Molt said so suddenly that the room went quiet as they all stares at him. "Nothing is getting done while we are bickering about! My daughter could be violated or sold to slavery or both! If we are not quick enough-" He was interrupted when a knight burst from the door.
"Your Majesty! Forgive me for my intrusion but I bear message from Princess Pina Co Lada." She said were every eyes is on her and ears open to listen.
"Who are you?" Molt asks almost demandingly.
"Nikolasha Le Mon, member of Princess Pina's Rose-Order of Knights." She introduced herself which earns interested whispers from the senators.
"Then let's not wait any further, what message does my daughter have for me?"
Nikolaska was panting were everyone realises that she journeyed here non-stop, considering the situation this is definitely urgent. "Pina wanted you all to know that she and her knights are unharmed," Some of the senators sigh a relief and Molts is glad that Pina is fine, but there is more in her message. "Also there won't be any further attacks from the Britannians for the time being."
Hearing this they became curious. "Why is that?" Asks Arcturius Maximus.
"It's because Princess Pina had request an audience with the emperor of Britannia." They were surprised by the revelation, whispering to each other and asking more questions. "Their forces will not make any assault until they learn the outcome of the talks between our Princess and their emperor."
"What's her goal? What are the reasons that she wanted to speak with their ruler?" Molt asks him.
Nikolasha take a deep breath and then answer. "Peace, your Majesty, Princess Pina had witness their advanced army up close and witness how the military leader give orders, what she saw is enough for her to request an audience with their highest authority in an attempt to make peace."
Molt took a moment in what to think of this, if his daughter have successfully negotiate peace then that give them time to learn more of this Britannia, yes, the sole reason they've suffered a string of defeat is because they underestimated them, this is like the Arctic war but the enemy is far advanced, he will take advantage of the peace by gathering their forces and learn of any Britannia's weakness, and when the time is right they strike. "I see, then I wish luck for her."
Alnus Frontier Palace
Pina calms her mind as she prepares to face their emperor, she was given the option of who her escorts be, at least four knights to guard her life, and she chosed her closes friends Bozes, Hamilton and Panache, and also their trainer and experienced knight Grey. Her Knights have little freedom but they are allowed to see her so they can discuss the coming meeting.
Their journey to the other side of the Gate is about to begin as the door of her room opens and was greeted by her Britannian escort Viletta Nu, but she is behind a young man who politely asks her. "Ready to go, princess?"
"Yes, but who are you?"
"Gino Weinberg, Knight of Three." He bowed. "I was added as one of your escorts."
Upon hearing the title Pina and her friends realizes that this man is member of the Knights of the Round, they read a lot about them, elite knights who have enormous power and influence in politics and military, ranking just above the title of Duke, and all serving directly under the Emperor.
"Well, it's an honor to meet you- but- Isn't this too much? We're not going anything and I don't think me and my Knights will cause any trouble." Pina said to him.
"I know that you're not gonna do anything bad," Gino explained. "I was just assigned to protect you."
"From what? Assassins?" Bozes asks, with such advanced weaponry she doesn't think that such attempts will happen.
"No." He waves it off. "-from an angry mob of my own countrymen."
"I know that we're enemies but do they really hate us that much?" Panache asks him, how could the Britannian commoners hate them so much when they're winning the war and the Saderans having the most death, that is if they did manage to kill a single Britannian soldier.
Gino thought the white head have either forgotten the Fifth Legion killing thousands of innocent civilians or believed that a warrior is worth much more than an average person. "You'll learn why, soon enough. Let's not keep the Prince waiting."
And with that Pina and her friends followed the knight while the rest of her Order went back to their generously comfortable cells, passing along corridors and hallways, and through the door to meet prince Lelouch.
Like before they entered the vehicle with no trouble at all, though they have to calm Panache a bit who tought that the limo is some sort of death trap, explaining that it's their ride to the other world. Once they enter and settled in their seats Lelouch welcomes them like before.
"So, are you ready to see the world on the other side of the Gate?" Lelouch said, very relax in his seat.
"Yes, I'm looking forward in seeing the magnificent nation." She was nervous and steel herself for what she about to see.
"Perfect," Lelouch turns to Jeremiah to give him an order. "Let's get moving, we shouldn't keep the Emperor waiting." After Jeremiah gave Lelouch's order to the rest of the convoy they began to move, this time they're heading to a walled off area with heavy security.
Once they passed through the entrance they met the sight of mystic Gate in sight, this is the first time that Pina have seen it, hearing legends of how it opens to many worlds, bringing their inhabitants to Falmart.
"This is Gate Keepers, the path is clear and you're clear to go."
"Roger that, Royal Entourage are coming through."
The convoy went through the Gate, it went dark for a while and then light came, signifying that Pina and her friends are officially on the other side of the Gate, looking outside they saw that that place is closed like in Alnus, wall so tall they can only see the sky, Knightmares, tanks, soldiers and other battlements are pointing their weapons at the Gate.
"Now, before we go any further we must first some few tests." Lelouch stated and saw their questioned looks. "Don't worry it won't last long, it's quick as walking through a door." He exited the limo and was greeted by doctors.
"Standard scanning procedure?" Lelouch asks.
"Yes, your Highness." The doctor answered. "Right this way."
The people in white lab coat led them to a medical and quarantine room with a transparent scanning chamber, the Britannians who went to Falmart entered and exits, when it the Saderans turn they hesitated. Noticing this one of the doctors told them. "Just walk calmly through; this will only take a few seconds."
Pina is very wary of this large device, but if she were to talk with the emperor she must go through, entering it followed by her Knights, few walls of red light through them like a phantom, as Lelouch said, quick as walking through a door.
After that Pina asks Lelouch about. "If you don't mind me asking, just what is the purpose of that contraption that we went through?"
"Its function is to detect any signs of diseases in our bodies." He answers. "It is always best to prevent a plague rather than suffering thousands of death before developing a cure."
They can't really argue with that as the Saderan Empire had suffered a few deadly plagues before, with death tolls reaching thousands to almost a million.
Then they reached the exit of the first wall were they are greeted by a convoy that will take them to the airport, they saw that this much bigger than the other one, tripled the numbers of Knightmares and vehicles, the Saderans also notice the men guarding it.
These soldiers wore gray uniforms with red sashes and short black capes, a unique helmet, and carried rifles with elaborate bayonets, possibly more for ceremonial purposes than for actual combat. "Prince Lelouch, are those men royal guards?" Hamilton asks him.
"Why yes, each member of the Britannian Imperial are assign with at least four Royal Guard, and these type are mostly stationed at the Imperial Palace." Lelouch answered.
They entered the limo though Pina noted that there are four of these vehicles, are there more Britannian officials coming with them? More soldiers? Or are they decoy of some sort?
Once they've settled in they began to move outside the walls, and once they're out Pina's party were awed and astonished, they can see the vast city from this hill, far larger than than the Saderan Capital, and those tall strutures, why some are even taller than a mountain, Pina wondered how many people lived in there.
"Look at this place!" Hamilton exclaimed, her face inches away from the glass window. "You can fit at least five Capitals here."
"How did they build these high structures?" Bozes asks, even with magic mages will have a difficult and long time to build such wonders.
Pina notices on her side is a huge sign called "Hollywood". "So Hollywood is the name of this city?"
"No, it's actually name of a neighborhood, this city is called Los Angeles." Lelouch answered her.
"So this is your capital then, it's enormous." Pina marveled at the sights.
They heard a laugh and turns to Lelouch. "Ha, no, this third largest city is not the Capital, Pendragon is Britannia's Capital."
"There are two other cities bigger than this?" Pina is surprise to learn this. This Los Angeles is the largest city she ever seen and yet there are more?
"Yes, the second largest city is New York, with Pendragon Capital being the first." Lelouch added.
The convoy have passed the final entrance, It is this that Pina and her party saw the angry mob on each side of the road, shouting, cursing, and waving signs, they would've swarmed the royal motorcade if weren't for soldiers and police forming a line and holding them back.
"Go back to your rotten country!"
"You're not welcome here, wench!"
"You wankers have a lot of nerve to come here!"
They understand that they're not welcome but they see that these people hate them. "Why are they so angry with us?" Hamilton said to the prince.
Lelouch have a solemn and sad look. "It's because many of them have friends and family members who died during the onslaught of your Fifth Legion, your countrymen destroy, butcher, rape and enslave every Britannians in their path, your nation have the belief of invincibility and everyone who aren't you are savages that need to be eradicated."
"That is not true!" Panache said in denial, raising her voice a bit, she saw the moving images on those flying ships and she doesn't believe it for a bit. "Our empire is a beacon of unity and honor, our nation spread its greatness, helping our vassals, being generous with our-."
"Yes, yes, great honor and unity." Lelouch rudely wave her off. "But- everything changes with time, it happens all the time: powerful nations became weak, the weak became powerful, a warmongering tyrant running his great nation to ruins, a just ruler leading his people to create a great nation, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera."
Britannians who heard the Prince agreed with him, they read plenty of history books, every large powerful empire begins as a small or weak country, and of course thinking about their ancestor's original home.
"My Empire will endure and will last thousands of years." Pina boldly claims without thinking. "We have faced many great challenges and obstacles before, and we've overcame them all." It was then she realized that she should kept her mouth shut, what happen if they took offense to that and decided to cancel the talks and resume the war?
For a few minutes the Black Prince remains silent, but he doesn't seem to be angry, instead, he looks amuse and then laugh darkly. "Time isn't so kind to its subjects, and you and your nation will learn the hard way, one way or another." He said with a sinister smile.
This sends shivers down her spine, wishing that she and Panache should have remained silent, and the guests didn't spoke but enjoyed the sights, all the while ignoring a few protestors and angry mobs.
The convoy has four decoy limo call signed "Joker" one to four. Joker one is on the front part, right behind a Gloucester and a car carrying Royal Guards. Soldiers and police officers are lined up so the angered crowd doesn't break through.
After half an hour enjoying the sights they've finally arrived at their destination, though they realize that this is not the capital, it looks more of a military base. "I thought we're heading for Pendragon." Bozes said.
"We are, we're merely changing our ride." Lelouch answered. "It takes hours to get to the Capital in a limousine, so we'll be taking an Imperial Shuttle which will only take less than an hour."
They arrived at San Diego miltary base, well secured and away from the public eyes. The royal envoy stops and exits the vehicle and see this huge "Aircraft" in front of them, they felt a hint of excitement as they never rode "limousines", transport trucks (when they were taken as prisoners), and G1 Mobile Base, but never an aircraft, especially one as big as this. This must be the Imperial Shuttle that Lelouch mentioned.
On either side are more Imperial Guards lining up to welcome them, or more likely welcome the return of their prince, Pina followed Lelouch as they walk down the red carpet that was laid down and climb up the movable stairs, like all vehicles, it's very cool in here as they sat on the comfy chairs.
When everything is ready the shuttle took off, Pina looks out the window as they getting higher and higher, and reaching the limit of how high a dragon can fly. She never rides a dragon before and see the world from above and this is simply breathtaking.
"I think you're wrong, Hamilton." Bozes said as she stares out the window. "You can fit at least ten Capitals in here."
The brunette is silent, agreeing with her friend upon seeing how large Los Angeles really is.
Lelouch watches them, he can't wait to watch their reaction once they see the palace of Pendragon.
Kingdom of Elbe
Duran watches these amazing pieces of technologies in front of him, screens that not only shows people but allows you to talk to them. He enjoyed some wine, a gift from Britannians for secretly forming peace and an alliance.
"I must say, Prince Schneizel, that this is the most finest wine I've ever tasted." He sips some more the delicious drink. "It's like this touch by heaven."
"I'm flattered that you enjoyed our gifts." Schneizel said, waiting for the King to finish.
Once he emptied the goblet, Duran wiped his lips fry with a cloth and speaks to the White Prince. "Now, to business, I'm surprise that the Saderans are making way to negotiate peace."
"After witnessing our power up close, Pina decides that it would be best asking an audience with my father."
"Princess Pina?" Duran said who heard the arrest of the princess and her knights after the siege of Italica. "Of course, that girl is much intelligent and has more sense than her older brother. But, this would put complications with your plan."
Schneizel had told the King of Elbe of his plan for this world, and Duran is astonished of the brilliance and simplicity of it, capturing many Saderan territories, uniting all nations and factions to fight as one. "I've been expecting such a thing would happen, and we will make it very difficult for her."
"And how are you to do that?" Duran asks him, raising an eyebrow.
For a moment or two Schneizel asks him one question. "If you wronged a person and you wanted to make amends, what would you do?"
Duran thought of it then answered. "Of course an apology letter is simply not enough, if I wronged a man, well, I would give him some gold, or a small plot of land, or a house, or-" That is when it hit him, and realizes Schneizel's intentions. "You're planning in demanding large sum of their wealth and lands if they wanted a peace treaty, are you?"
Schneizel smiled. "You've answered correctly, if Pina wanted peace then her country must pay dearly for it, they started this war and therefor they must be ready to surrender almost anything they have in order for peace to happen." Another screen lights up which shows the map of Falmart. "And this is how far they must surrender the lands to us."
Duran take a look at the map, areas which shows the territory of Sadera and the list of land that they must relinquished and is surprised. "That much? The Saderans will never agree to this."
The Prince smiled again but it sends creeps down the King's spine as this smile is very sinister. "Exactly."
He surprise by the answered, but when he realizes what Schneizel's thinking the King of Elbe smiled wickedly. "You're a cunning one, Prince Schneizel. It appears that Pina's just wasting her time and effort." After saying this he laugh, realizes that the princess of Sadera is going to fail.
Imperial Capital of Britannia
The shuttle have finally arrived at the capital, it flew towards the airport which gave the passengers the incredible view of Pendragon Palace. Needless to say the Saderans gawked at the magnificent structure. "T-This is Pendragon Palace?" Pina said with awe.
Like before, her knights comments on how big it is. "It's thrice the size our own palace." Gaped Bozes.
When they've landed Lelouch stood up and asks Pina. "Have you already prepared in what to say to my father?"
At this she is a little worried, what if the emperor refused her request for peace? What then? Perhaps she could offer them something that will not result in her country becoming weak. "I've already think and chosen my words."
Lelouch nodded as they leave the shuttle, they boarded the limousines waiting there that transport them to the palace. It didn't take long though as they arrive at the main entrance within minutes.
As they went in, the Saderan party was overwhelmed by the size of the halls, stained glass, chandaliers, paintings of important figures, and more of those Imperial Palace Guards with unique helmet and decorated rifles. "With this size, it might take us weeks to get around and get use to this place."
The others agreed as they went inside an empty room, wary at first until they're informed this is an "elevator" which lift them up or down to different levels. Once they got to the top level they went out and travel to the front of the throneroom, there they were greet by a large group of people with the royal guards holding them at bay.
"This is Jane Valderama reporting live from Pendragon Palace-"
"And there she is, the princess of an enemy nation along with some bodyguards or escorts-"
"This is a historical moment, delegations from another world have come to speak with his Majesty-"
Seeing the large the visiting Saderans thought them to be another angry mob but realizes this mob is much different from the other, these people carry strange object, a long rod with this fluffy thing, devices that points at them were they thought to be weapons, and well-dressed talking in front of these devices.
"Prince Lelouch, who are these people?" Hamilton asks.
"Reporters, their job is to tell the world of important events." Lelouch answered.
"It seems that Diethard is enjoying the special privilege that he have." Jeremiah whispered to Lelouch. The commissioned reporter is loving the V.I.P. access that he have which he allows him to pass through security and records the events in the throne room, he was to record it to broadcast it later.
When Pina stood in front of those big doors, she became tense and nervous, she's about to meet the most powerful man of this country, or this world. She started whispering to herself. "Alright Pina, just relax, be strong and show no weakness."
Lelouch who said her pep talking herself approaches her, getting uncomfortably close to Pina, which he proceeds to move her right sided bangs away from her forehead, this invasion of her personal space allows Pina to take a closer look of his handsome face. "Nervous?"
"N-N-No, I'm fully prepare to face your father, I-I assure you." She stuttered a bit as Lelouch removes his hand from her hair.
"That's good." That is when he gave her a sinister look which made her tensed up even more. "Just an advice, choose your words carefully. Because you're about to enter the lion's den, one wrong move and they'll pounce and devour you." These made her sweat a little as one drop is trailing down her temple. "And the Imperial court are not only witnesses, every word you make, every sentence you take, everyone around the world will see and hear it, make no mistake."
The words got stuck on her throat as she just nods at him, Lelouch then walks to the sideline to watch her. "What did he say to you, Princess?" Bozes asked her, on guard and curious. "Are you alright?"
"I don't know if he's trying to scare me or threaten me, but whatever he's doing- it works." Pina said. "Anyway, I must be the one to talk to them, do not speak unless spoken to."
Before her knights could say anything, Jeremiah suddenly spoke to them. "His Majesty is waiting, you may enter."
She took a deep breath as the grand doors opened, she walks in with her head held high as a royal guard said out loud. "Announcing Pina Co Lada, princess of the Saderan country." She can hear some sniggering as if her name is funny to them.
As she walks down the red carpet she observes the man that she's approaching, she saw his image plenty of times from portraits and magazines, but to see him in person is a different matter, this man is radiating power and control that it compels her to bow down in submission.
"Why grant this enemy an audience with his Majesty?"
"She better have a good offer for our nation."
"I bet she'll try and asks us to surrender."
She paid the whispers no mind as she keep on walking, once she's near she halts along with her knights. For a second she breathe in and relaxed, then calmy addressed the emperor. "Greetings, great one, I came here today as a representative of my great empire." She said in English.
"Go on." He replied, staring down on the princess. "Let's hear your offer."
"I've witnessed the power of this great nation, and was rather upset that our confrontation ended in a violent war which leads to thousands of death." She said, careful not to anger them. "I wanted to start over, hopefully put an end to this war, and build a lasting friendship."
"You're asking for a peace treaty, are you?" A woman said who is sitting on a throne behind Charles along with other women. She didn't know her name is Anticlea eu Britannia.
Pina guessed that these are Charles' wives. "Yes, and hopefully create a bond that will greatly benefit both nations, my country would learn so much from this world, it would even help greatly if you release the Saderans that your forces have captured as few of them are related to some of the senators and nobles back home, and also withdraw your army from certain locations." After she said this she began to feel some bad vibes rising.
"Why would I do that?" Charles said.
This tone in his voice made Pina think that she crossed a dangerous line. "W-Well, t-to appease the ruling elite so it will be easy for them to accept-" She was suddenly cut off.
"And why should we, the Britannian Empire do as you say and appease these "ruling elites"?" He asks with a dangerous tone.
"I-I-uh-well-It must be done so they would peace and-" Pina stuttered as the emperor interjects.
"Do you take me for a fool! Do I have to remind you that it was YOUR nation who started this war, not mine." He said it very well and clear. "You're the aggressors here and yet you're saying that we must appease you?"
The man who is standing beside Charles whom Pina recognizes as the Knight of One Bismarck Waldstein spoke up. "It appears that being in power for so long have made you arrogant, believing that your nation is perfect without faults, expecting everyone to bow to your demands even if you wronged them."
"Please, you must understand, what we are doing is right, our world is an unforgiving and chaotic place and it needs a firm hand to rule them all, we only spread the light and glory of my empire, help the the nation prosper under our care."
Charles just retorted to her words. "The only light I see coming from your little "empire" are fires of conquest and subjugation, you committed murder and genocide, spread war, terror and slavery on those who are not like you, forcing helpless nation under your tyrannical rule, and those actions are considered glorious to your "empire"!"
He then added some more, recounting the events and what he saw during the Battle of Los Angeles. "When your army marches on my land, they didn't show kindness, generosity or mercy, instead they deliver fire and steel, chanting the greatness of your empire while butchering and violating my people." With a wave of his hand holographic images and footage appeared and show the horrid contents.
"W-What is this?" Hamilton said as they watch their fellow Saderans doing these horrible acts against Britannian people, looting, pillaging, raping, murder, there are even Saderans torturing the innocents, and children being devoured by ogres and other beasts.
"And what's more-" Spoke one of Charles wives whose name is Gabrielle la Britannia. "-you've asks us to release your Legionnaires who're captured during some of the battles between us, and yet you did not say anything about releasing our captured countrymen."
"You have to understand, the captives are ours by right of conquest and are no doubt already sold as slaves by now," This time, Bozes steps for her Princess in defense and try to make them understand, though she began to talk but not thinking it through. "and everything we've done is our way of life, it is our culture, it's always been like that since the beginning."
"Are you saying that these aren't all of your Empire's crime, woman?!" Andrea Farnese said in a very harsh tone that is very out of his character.
Gabrielle then said. "What other horrid atrocities have you warmongers did all those years!"
More outrage came from the nobles.
"And they have the nerve to call us savages?"
"I have seen crime lords and syndicates more civil than you and your empire!"
"I say we burn this depraved empire down for their people's sakes!"
"Think of all the innocents you killed and violated!"
Then the room became silent as Charles begins to speak, deactivating the holograms, he stood up and glowered at the princess who realizes how big and intimidating he is and thought he could easily tower over her own father. "You're a fool! Princess, you came here thinking that we are just another nation who fears your tiny little country, a nation to be bullied to submission, and thinking that we would just accept your one-sided terms for peace, well unfortunately for you, peace is no longer an option thanks to your friend here. Destruction or subjugation, either those two are the fate of your country!"
"P-Please, there have to be another way, perhaps a trade of slaves and-" Pina pleaded but was interrupted.
"Slavery have been abolished over two centuries ago." Gabrielle said.
"B-but, wait! M-Maybe we could-" She stutters but she don't know what else to say.
Charles addressed her which silence her. "Face it, your country have nothing to offer, your country is rotten to the core, nothing you do or say will stop our resolve, nothing to stop our march for vengeance and justice." He declared as Pina bowed her head in shame as she have failed. "So enough with this childish game, and learn to face the facts."
The nobles returns in hurling insults at the princess, her escorts froze in their place as ten royal guards pointed their rifles at them to prevent them from doing anything rash. "Why are you raising your weapons against us, is this how you treat your guests?" Panache protested as she put her hand on her sword.
"You all are just prisoners of war who thinks they're an honored guest, If I remember correctly, Lelouch have taken you as prisoners in Italica." Anticlea said.
Pina looks down with severe shame and disappointment, the emperor denied her terms and he is determine to see her country either go up in flames or surrendered and be subjugated to their rule, what she suppose to do now? She feels tired and her knees are getting weak, all of this for nothing? She felt like crying, what's the point showing dignity and pride now.
She's about to burst into tears until a voice rang out which silenced the crowd. "Let's not be too harsh on her, she's either too naive, too jingoistic to see the faults in her country, or have never seen her country's wrongdoing."
Pina looks up to look at the person who vouches for her, and was very surprise to see that it was Prince Lelouch, needless to say that she and her knights are speechless.
"Despite all the rottenness in her country there is still some good in it." Lelouch continued. "And I can see that in her." He looks at Pina with a smile and see that she blushes when he said that.
Charles seems curious as he sat down and asks his son. "So what good did she do then?"
"Well, for starters, when our forces arrived at our first Falmart allies House Formal and Italica, she and her knights were defending the city with all their might, she and her fifty knights faced rogued bandits and marauders numbering almost a thousands, despite the odds she stays and heroically fought the aggressors."
The whole room is silent as they listen to their Prince who is telling a story about this princess of an enemy nation.
"I've asked Colt Formal's daughter Myui about this, and she stated that Italica would have fallen in the hands of criminals if it weren't for Pina and her knights." Lelouch told, then added some more. "And I also learn that there are senators who oppose her father's methods."
"Of course, there is bound to be division. Who is this person then?" Charles asks Pina.
They turn to her as she timidly answers. "Casel El Tiberius, he's been vocal, questioning my father's rule, he doesn't agree with his expansionist ideals as he believes that we might face a powerful enemy, bite off more than we can chew."
Bismarck commented on this. "He is right on that part, anyone else?"
"W-Well, there's Marquis Palesti, Marquis Cicero, and many of their followers." She answered, feeling weak, tired and almost crumbling from the pressure and verbal abuse, and began to speak her mind. "Your Majesty, I now understand your nation's rage, and I now know that this is the consequence for my army's action against this lands."
She gets on her knees and began to beg, which surprises her knights but stops when she looks at them which tells them not to do anything. "Please, I-I don't want my country to be destroyed, I don't want my nation to vanish from the map, so I'll do everything, ANYTHING, if it meant the survival of my home."
Charles stares down at her then answers. "If you truly love your home that much, then you must pay a heavy price to ensure its survival, as not only you made an enemy out of us but also your country made plenty of enemies throughout the years of its expansion, I will allow peace to occur, but must be done under OUR terms, understand?"
Pina wordlessly nodded. "I'll talk with those senators, and try to convince them."
"You shall discuss this matter with my son, Schneizel." He then turn to his other son, seeing this Lelouch nodded. Turning back to Pina he then dismisses her. "Now, begone."
Lelouch prompts her to follow him, the Saderans went to him as they exit the room. As they went back to the lower levels, Pina speaks to Lelouch. "Thank you, for what you did back there."
The Black Prince just smiles as he replied. "Don't mention it, but you owe me one." He said as Pina nodded
Bozes then said to regarding the senators and the peace talks. "Princess, should I send a massage to my father and the other senators and nobles."
"Yes." The princess said, thinking her next course of action, thinking what she should do to convince the senate back home, they might not like the terms but they must pay in order for their empire to survive.
Chapter End
AN: And done, took me weeks to type this but I finally finished it.
Oh and by the way, here is some extra, hope you like it.
Extras
Shirley Fenette
Three Ashford Academy students are waiting in line at a bakery store, the place is half full with twenty people wanting to get their desired pastries. Now why would they be here instead of the school? Well their school president Milly Ashford told them to order her favorite special muffins that are only available in this particular bakery, she gave them a special pass that allows them to leave school at any time.
"How long does it take to make a muffin?" Shirley asks her two fellow students.
"It's not long now, they're packing our order in a box." Rivalz said, pointing to a helper tying up the box with a ribbon, then calling out their number.
"I can't believe that took almost an hour." Sophie said to them, standing up and ready to go. With this number of people she's glad that it didn't reach an hour.
As they near the entrance screaming and shouting can be heard outside, they hear emergency vehicles passing and the students wanted to see what's the commotion is about, but when Rivalz went near the door it burst open with sword-wielding men in Roman like attire. One of them runs his sword through Rivalz's heart.
Sophie Wood screamed in horror while Shirley stood there in utter shock seeing their friend fall lifelessly on the ground. "For the glory of Sadera!" The armed man shouted causing Shirley to snap out of her shock.
She have no idea what is going on but it's safe to think that the best thought is to make a run for it, so she grabs Sophie by the arm and try to escape from the back, screams of pain and horror are heard a the attacking men slaughter their way in the bakery.
Shirley and Sophie have gotten out through the back door with at least three bakers who began to run to different directions, no doubt running back to their homes. The students went to the streets and heads for Rivalz's bike avoiding speeding vehicles and running people, and to their frustration they've forgotten that the keys is still in Rivalz's pocket.
"What're we going to do now? We can't go back there!" Sophie is shaking and almost hyperventilating, and after a few seconds she vomits into the pavement.
Shirley doesn't judge her for that, after what they've saw, after happened what to their friend and other patrons of the bakery, and seeing the chaos in the street they're in she knew theres been an attack. She comforted her friend telling her that there is still time to get away from all this
"Come one Sophie, we go somewhere safe, m-maybe a police station, or Hardan's palace." It this that she notices on her left are those strange men numbering a hundred now marching in a shield wall formation, slowly advancing on a much heavily outnumbered police officers on her right.
Then the invaders fired arrows which rains down on the police and fleeing civilians, the two girls tried to run for cover but one arrow pierced Sophie on the shoulder. "GAH! IT HURT! GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!" Sophie screamed in agony as her hand went and try to remove it.
"Don't touch it! It might cause bleeding, we should let the doctors handle it." She led Sophie to the alleyway, to get away from the fighting. "Just calm down, I'll take you hospital, it's not that far."
She helps her injured friend through, after they got out the alley they met with a horrific sight, hundreds corpses of men, women and children littered the streets, roaming triumph among the dead are these strange men in Roman like armor, a handful of them took notice of their presence and began to approach then lecherous grins on their faces.
Shirley and Sophie try to head back but was stopped on their their tracks when more of these invaders came out the alley way they've been through. Frightened and trapped the girls hugs each other and crumbles to the ground, hoping that these men would treat them with mercy.
Herm Fule Maio
The Saderans are facing massacre, they first thought it would be another easy country to conquer like before but when they spread out about over a kilometer from the fabled Gate they met the army of this nation, flying ships and metal birds and dragons swarm the skies coming down to unleash their fury, dropping down from some of them are giant metal beasts which they call the "Iron Giant" and soldiers in grey armor who began to fight them with strange magics.
A Viscount named Herm and a handful of his bodyguards and escorts are fleeing the the slaughter as more of their fellow Saderans are marching towards their enemy, not knowing that they're about to be butchered by this powerful enemy.
Without warning a dragon rider splats down in front of them, looking up they saw an Iron Giant took hold of a dragon and came crashing on the ground, the dragon suffered some injuries but it's still alive and fighting, but the giant grab its head and then snaps it.
The giant then unscheathes its massive sword and began cutting down every Saderan within reach. One of Herms escorts shakily draws his swords and charges forward. "Wait! STOP!" The Viscount ordered but his subordinate didn't hear and the next thing he knew is the giant backhanding the man with its giant fist sending him flying to a stone wall, killed upon impact. "Quick! Through this alleyway!"
They were able to get away thanks to cohort of Legionaire charging forward and fighting it in hopes in defeating it and gain fame, but Herm doubt it that these men will win against such a beast.
While rushing through the alley one of Herm's escorts speaks his mind in a panic and disbelief. "This is not going well as we hope, we must get back and warn the general of this and convince him to make a retreat."
A second then said. " Retreat? No, that will make us look weak to the eyes of other nations, we must regroup and mount a counter-attack against this savages."
The man looks at him with anger. "Are you blind? These army we're facing are using magic that can kill a man in a distance, not to mention those giant metallic beasts are butchering our countrymen left and right!"
"Then who the hell are we fighting?" Asked Herm's bodyguard.
"Save that question for later." Herm told them. "We must head back and report to the general, maybe we turn this battle around." Though in his thoughts he having bad feeling that this campaign is about to end badly and following it are severe consequences for their empire.
When they're nearing the end of the alleyway a soldier in grey armor appeared and spotted them. "Hold! We must find another way." Said Herm's friend who've witness these men kill from a distance with their strange weapon.
"It's just one man! I say charge!" Herm's bodyguard shouted as they rushes forward, but they should have followed the other man's advice as the grey man aimed his weapon and shoots killing all three of Herm's escort, then dodging the three riderless horses.
"This way! Hurry!" His friend went another way and he followed him.
When they finally got out of the alley they saw a grim sight before them, thousands of their fellow Saderans lay dead on the street and some have suffered horrendous injuries were Herm saw a man holding his severed arm shouting for a healer, it was a disturbing sight for Herms seeing so many of their comrades killed.
Looking down in one street are a dozen of these iron Giants killing fellow Saderans with ease, either with swords, lances, or weapons that he never seen before, they watch as one ogre is attempting to smash one with its hammer, but the Iron Giants moves are very fast and agile avoiding the hammer swings, then one impales the ogre with a lances followed by two others.
"We must not waste time, let's-" Herms friend is interrupted when an explosion occurs killing ten men, then another one which wipes out half a century, then one happen right next to Herm.
The blast threw the Viscount from his saddle and falls on the ground, shakily trying to stand up he called out to his friend. "Lorens? Where are you?" Seeing a small severed hand is that he realizes that is the spot where his friend is, and was shock and nearly traumatize by this. "No."
Then something landed next to him and he looks up to see a Iron Giant towering over him, its head opens up which reveals a sinister looking eye, staring down at him, boring through him. The thing Herms knew is that he's screaming in terror, franticly running away from it.
A random Saderan Legionaire
Maurin couldn't believe that this just happen, it's supposed to be a glorious victory for the Saderan Empire and a humiliating defeat for these savages, not the other way around, but it appears that the army of this nation is advance, too advance in fact.
He and his two friends Olly and Don hide behind some building trying to avoid capture, over the hours they watch with dismay as their fellow Saderans are being rounded up with some are executed on the spot.
"What should we do? Should we surrender? We can't get pass to the Gate with this many soldiers." Maurin said.
"And be sold to slavery? That's a fate worse than death, and they won't be so merciful with us, we've commited atrocities on these people, Don's brother rape a girl while he forced her lover to watch, and you and I have killed a dozen unarmed people of these nation." Olly said.
"Don't tell me that you're taking their side? That girl is asking for it if you ask me, that skirt is so short! And she would've make a fine slave if you didn't slit her throat." Don said, showing no regret for what he and his now deceased brother did to that couple.
"I'm just being rational, what would we do to our enemies when they commited these same acts against our own people?" The two thinks about it, with what they've done to this place and its people they knew that this country will more likely to return the favor, and that worries them very much.
"Then we must not waste time, we have to get to the Gate to defend our people." Maurin stated as they find a way to sneak pass these mass numbers of enemy soldiers.
"Help me!" The three heard someone speaking their language, looking back they saw their fellow Legionnaire running until the grey men's strange weapon fired and hit the Saderan on the legs causing him to fall to the ground.
Maurin went to help but is held back by Olly, just in time to see these soldiers coming into view and ganging up on the lone Saderan. "Not so tough now when you're not fighting unarmed civilians, huh asshole!" He stomp on the injured leg causing the man to cried out in agony.
Three of these soldiers began kicking the Saderan, hitting him in the stomach, back, arms, and head. One of them now kneels next to him and removed the helmet. "Today is not your lucky today, cause we have enough prisoners to question, and we're not in the mood in taking you as a prisoner." He then proceeded to punch the Saderan, breaking his teeth, broke his nose, and hit the eye causing it to swell up.
"Let me go! I want give them a taste of Saderan Steel!" Maurin said but Olly didn't let go of his arm.
Before anything can be done a giant came into scene and watch the beating, this put a halt to Maurin's plan, they've witness these things decimating groups of men and killing large beast like ogres and dragons with little trouble.
But luck ran out for the three when an soldiers appeared from behind and shouted. "You there! Hands up in the air!" Demanded the soldier.
With the shouting it attracts further attention as the three are now surrounded, they didn't understand a word they say but take a good guess in what they want, Olly put down his shield and sword while Don do it hesitately, Maurin will not surrender willingly as he get in a fighting stance, shield raised and spear ready to impale.
But it didn't last when someone hit him in the back of his head causing him to fall face-first to the ground. "Stay down, asshole." The soldier said as he put a foot on Maurin's head to prevent him from standing up.
"Alright, cuffed these fuckers and lock them up with the rest." With that their wrists were cuffed and dragged from the alley and into the streets.
As they walk by, they see that their new enemy are putting their dead in rows, no doubt identifying the deceased, but the dead Saderans on the other hand are treated with less respect, being drag by their feet or arms and thrown into piles.
When the normal folks noticed them they began to shout and jeer at the prisoners, and then forming a mob hurling things and insults. They don't understand them but they have a good guess in what they're saying.
"You're all murderers!"
"My son's dead because of you!"
"How could you do this you bastards!"
"Rapists like you should rot in hell!"
A rotten tomato hit Don on the head, causing him to stagger a bit, the soldier behind him pushed him violently. "Move you fucker! No one told you to stop!"
And so the parade continues as the Saderans saw many angry faces, faces who've lost family members, love ones, friends, and children to their onslaught.
Then the noise stop as one person yelled out. "It's Prince Clovis!" The commoners make way for a person whom the Saderan guessed to be the prince of this country.
"What is happening here?" He said.
The soldier who is leading the prisoners answered him. "Your Highness, we found these bastards hiding behind a restaurant, they tried to fight with bloody swords but we manage to restrain them, we're taking them now to custody."
The Prince glared at the captured Saderans then asks. "How many did our military have captured?"
"I believe over a thousand, your Highness."
He glances around and see the hatred on the people's faces. "Yes, I think we have enough war prisoners, give these three to the crowd, these savages deserve a mob justice."
After hearing this the people look at him with surprise but then began to inch closer to the prisoners. The Saderans didn't know what he's saying but they have a bad feeling about this, VERY bad feeling.
"Yes, your Highness." The soldiers step away from the three as some of the people pick up some rocks, bricks, chair or a metal rod.
The crowd runs at the Saderans and deliver their own justice by beating them to a pulp, Olly was kneed on the guts and a chair swinging down on his head then five men began kicking and stomping on him, Don was hit by a brick on the side of his head and then got punched on the stomach, though Maurin can see that the attacker have a knife and was actually stabbing Don, Maurin was punch on the face that broke his nose, he's being thrown around were other men have a turn punching him until a metal rod came swinging at him and whacked him on the face, he falls to the ground and got in a fetal position as the people continues with their harsh justice, after dozens of kicking and stomping his arms were spread out so he can't protect his face, a foot came down on his head that nearly knock him out, now he looks up to a man with a metal rod who use it once on his face, Maurin spat out some blood but the man continues, gotten hit by that pipe again and again until he lost consciousness.