Gilbert,
I had to fight for her freedom.
When they announced your death, and her recovery from injuries received at Intense, they began to make the next plans for her in the army. Claudia told me he was going to pick her up, that you had wished for him to look after her. The House of Commons felt that, even though a good soldier had fallen, that the tool should still be useful in the battles ahead. They wanted me to become her handler again, and work to clean up any other messes that should arise from the ending of the war.
The thought sickened me, but it seemed that no objection that I brought forth bore any fruit. They side-stepped my logic and created straw man fallacies to discredit my every argument. Desperate, I had little choice but to offer them something more. I told them I planned to retire after the war. This proclamation caught their attention long enough for me to make my move. I promised them four more of my years, but only if they left her to rust as a civilian.
They agreed. I am the last Bougainvillea: they needed me, they thought. Our family's ancient reputation once annoyed me: I had wanted to make a name for myself, and succeeded. It was why I chose the Navy, rather than the Army as was expected for our line. This was the first time I'd intentionally utilized our margrave to my advantage, but it was for your sake.
It was worth the sacrifice, to ensure you dying wish was protected.
Dietfried