OF LANDS AND LORDS; OF KNIGHTS AND CODES

Chapter II

The European countries sat around a table, having a discussion among themselves. Germany called them to gather right after the world conference ended, stating that they should have a further discussion about which era each of them would choose and that it would be better if they choose related time periods. Their meeting wasn't as chaotic as the previous conference they attended, but chaotic nonetheless, which is to be expected with France and England together in a room. However, that was a while ago and right now, everything is quiet as everyone was immersed in decision-making after a long sermon by Germany saying – 'yelling' is a better word - , "WE CAME HERE FOR A MEETING, NOT FOR A BRAWL! DON'T JUST THINK ABOUT YOURSELVES! THIS CELEBRATION WILL BE FOR OUR CHILDREN SO GET RID OF YOUR PERSONAL-BIASES! NOW, IF YOU DEEM YOURSELVES WORTHY ENOUGH TO BE CALLED GREAT NATIONS, SIT DOWN AND SHUT YOUR MOUTHS UNTIL YOU HAVE ANY ACCEPTABLEIDEAS!"

A few more minute of silence went by, each nation feeling like a child for being yelled at, before England cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Gentlemen, may I have the floor?" he said in all his gentlemanly glory.

"Speak."

"I was thinking we could revive the Medieval Civilization. It has, in my honest opinion, quite a noble feel to it. We can divide its many aspects among ourselves."

"Hmmm… It is acceptable." Germany mused. "Are there any objections or other suggestions?"

"It is quite a good idea." France commented distractedly and everyone in the room fell even more silent, as if they stopped breathing altogether. A few seconds later and Italy started bawling.

"Uwwwaaaaahhhhh!Big brother Francey, you're sick, please don't die! I won't mind if you don't give me back my paintings! Just please don't die!" Italy was reduced into a bawling mess on the floor and Germany had to comfort him.

"Mon dieu! What has given you that idea, mon frère?" France asked, quite shocked at everyone's reaction, even England was watching him wide-eyed.

"B-but… You w-were agreeing… with E-England! YOU were agreeing with ENGLAND!" Italy's voice got louder in between sobs until he was full-out bawling again and a spark of understanding was seen in France's eyes.

"Oh, I wasn't agreeing with him, mon cher. It was simply because I had that idea in mind before l'Angleterre stole it." He soothed the Italian and Italy visibly relaxed.

"Oh, so that was a-"

"I didn't steal it, you frog! I had it in mind from the beginning! I just didn't deem you worthy of hearing it!"

"ENOUGH! Now that we have established the fact that France is alright, let's continue." Germany again regained order.

"Veeee~ Okay! Japan taught me how to cosplay the other day! I'll cosplay as that man, Champagne!" Italy was back to his energetic self.

"I think you mean Charlemagne, Italy." France chuckled. "You seem quite fond of that particular son of mine." He was greeted by a confused look from the Italian.

"Veeee~ Francey, it's bad to claim what's not yours!" Italy scolded. Now, it was France's turn to be confused. "Champane is Germany's son!"

"You're wrong, mon petite Italy. Charlemagne was a Frank, which is what they call French people during their time."

"But he was German." Italy argued.

"Yes, I do remember that he was German, although I'd rather not accept him. I have yet to forgive him for taking Bavaria and forcing it into Christianity." Germany commented with a scowl.

"Hey! You're making it sound like Christianity is so horrible, mi amigo. I am quite insulted." Spain joined in the conversation, visibly hurt by Germany's comment.

"I'm sorry, Spain. I meant no offense."

"Well, it's fine since you're sorry." And Spain was back to his cheerful self as if nothing ever happened.

"But he is my son, mon fils, or is he?"

"Veee~ I'm confused, Germany, let's eat pasta."

"We are now getting off topic. Anyway, Italy, if you want to cosplay as Charlemagne, you have to know him. Do you know anything about him?" Germany asked, trying to get back on topic.

"Eh? Veee~~~ I know he conquered my Lombard kingdom once and that he was a big fan of Grandpa Rome and Greece. He understood Greek very well but he didn't know how to write nor speak it. I'm right, right, Germany?"

"You are correct, mi amigo. He was also a very dedicated Christian." Spain added proudly.

"Yes, correct. His mixture of Germanic, Christian, and Roman elements was what characterized the civilization of the Middle Ages." France said smoothly. "It seems you want to be under the spotlight, petite."

"You just accepted that Charlemagne really was German, you frog." England smirked making France scowl at the Briton's correctness, but he chose to ignore it.

"Veee~ Is Francey jealous I'm stealing main attention?" Italy giggled.

"Of course not, Italy, in fact, I'm rather happy for you. I, myself, prefer reviving the lives of the lords that revolved in their contracts. I believe they called it feudalism. Although I will need to prepare a fief, it will be quite fun."

"A 'fifth'?" Italy asked, clearly confused with number that strayed into their conversation.

"No, Italy. A fief. F-i-e-f. It is a land given by a lord to his fellow nobles to signify an alliance. The noble accepting the fief is called the vassal."

"Why would they need it?" Italy asked, interest sparking in his eyes. Everyone else didn't question the Italian's ignorance. In fact, war does erase a lot of memories, and they have been through a lot of wars to last a lifetime, it just so happens that it was this period that was erased from Italy. Although this questioning did make the countries in the room think about exactly why they were there and became more eager to celebrate the United Nation's Day.

"That's because there were lots of warfare and disorder during this time, lords cannot afford having no allies." France explained.

"Yeah, and that aspect suits you, frog. What with your cowardice and all. I, on the other hand shall revive manorialism." England said proudly.

"Yes, that is a great idea, mon cher! You would look absolutely perfect as a serf." The Briton's face reddened with anger.

"YOU BLOODY WANKER! TAKE THAT BACK! I WILL NOT ACCEPT THE LIKES OF YOU CALLING ME A LOWLY PEASANT!"

Germany was tired of yelling and just decided to cut in with his decision. "Then I will assign myself to chivalry, as it is, until now, still my code of conduct."

"Veee~ It's going to suit you very much, Germany! Since you've always been a military man in the wars." Italy said, his voice filled with admiration. Embarrassed by the attention, Germany tried to formulate an answer.

"Well, Italy, that is not the case. Although it is quite true that chivalry was the common code of knighthood, it is not only applied in wars. A true knight was expected to fight bravely, to be loyal to his lord, and to treat other knights with respect and courtesy. It was his responsibility to protect women, children and the weak." Italy backed away a little as Germany started to speak with so much passion. Everyone in the room had their eyes on the passionate German, it was clearly their first time seeing him in such a state. "They didn't only apply their code when need be. Instead, they live on it! Such nobility should never have even been forgotten and in during the UN Day, I shall revive it!" he already had his fist in the air, his eyes taking a distant yet determined look.

"It seems Germany is looking forward to the celebration more than we thought." Spain observed, chuckling.

"Germany, you're scaring me." Said a trembling Italy.