Prussia and Ludwig spent the whole day walking around the Christmas market and the whole time Ludwig's eyes were shining with joy only an innocent child could have. This was his first time around so many people, and he was not frightened, he was instead laughing, smiling, and playing with other town children. His jolly nutcracker stayed put in his leather bag that Bavaria gave him on his birthday. Prussia was worried that Ludwig was born at the wrong time, a chaotic and unsafe time. However, this was the first time in a while had he felt happy for Ludwig's future. His younger brother would not be malnourished like himself, he has access to more reliable education, even if Prussia was to fade away and join their father, he would feel happy if he raises Ludwig properly and provide him with joyous moments he could not experience himself. Prussia smiled as he followed Ludwig, who was playing with Paul and Louise's son.
"Ludwig," Prussia tapped his brother's shoulder. "We have to go back home. Our other brothers will be arriving soon. We should get ready."
Ludwig nodded and waved goodbye to the Herrmann family. The two brothers proceeded to walk back to their home beyond the village. Their house is located on the outskirts of the town, and most likely was the furthest from the market. Their neighborhood does not have many people, most tend to live either in the center or in the southern end of the town. They lived in the northern part of the town, closer to the woods where, according to Ludwig, Germania plays with him.
"Hey Ludwig," said Prussia. Ludwig looked up at his brother. "There might be a day where you'll have to be alone by yourself. I genuinely hope that day never comes, but we will have to see what the Lord has in store for us. Remember you asked me what my Christmas wish is?" Ludwig nodded in response. "Well, my Christmas wish is to never be forgotten. I do not know what might happen to Prussia as a country, truth be told, no nation knows what fate awaits them, but please never forget me or any of your other brothers, and never ever forget that you are loved by our father and by us."
"I promise." Ludwig immediately answered. "Papa already told me how nations come and go," Prussia widened his eyes, knowing that Germania cares a lot about Ludwig meant a lot to him since he always wondered how Ludwig was raised with Germania. "I don't think you will ever disappear, brother. You are too wonderful. I also know that you would never leave me alone willfully. Every time we go to church, I pray to the Lord so he would protect our kingdoms from invaders and other disasters that may cause our people harm. I also keep my family in my prayers, especially papa." Ludwig significantly tightened his grip on Prussia's hand. "Can he come?" Ludwig whispered with tears filling up his eyes. "Can papa come? He told me he thinks he is not welcome in our house, but I really want him to come. I made him a present too."
"Of course he can come!" Prussia responded quickly. "How about this, you go inside our house and tell Bavaria or Hessen that I went to the forest and will come back soon, alright?"
"Yes, of course! You are going to tell papa that he can come!" Ludwig hugged Prussia and ran inside the house. Once Prussia was sure that Ludwig was safe inside the house, he continued to walk up north. After about ten minutes, he reached an old oak tree that withstood centuries. A human man had planted this oak tree there in honor of his wife who died in childbirth. Prussia, to this day, remembers the tear-stained face of the man who planted this tree. He would like to tell this story to Ludwig one day, to teach him more on life and death.
"Hey, Germania," Prussia called as he rubbed the oak tree. "Remember us when we saw that man plant this tree in honor of his wife? Do you remember all those nice moments that we had before you left? Would you not like to form some memories with Ludwig? It would bring him a great amount of happiness to see you with us. Surely, you could visit us sometimes; Rome seems to do that with his children. "
The moment Prussia said that, Germania stood beside him and placed flowers on the tree. "If it will not bring any discomfort, I would like to spend some time with Ludwig on this Christian holiday that all of you seem to enjoy."
Prussia smiled at Germania, his stoic father definitely was a lot softer with Ludwig than he ever was with any of his other sons. The two men walked back to the house side by side. Prussia noticed Germania was holding a covered basket with what appeared to be presents for Ludwig. This seemingly insignificant fact made Prussia warm and happy on the inside, Ludwig would receive love and care from his father and that made Prussia smile. It has been a while since the whole family was together.