Ch4
Sun Tzu: "in general, in battle one engages with the orthodox and gains victory through the unorthodox."
Italics means Maximilian's thoughts
POV: Maximilian
Location: The citadel at Ghirlandaio inside the (relocated) Throne/Strategy room
Time: November 2 1935
I am a morning person; no further proof is needed to label one such as I as the very embodiment of evil itself.
To be awake and active at the unholy hours of the morning, while everyone else is still fighting of the remnants of sleep and waiting for the chemical reinforcements to arrive, is the very pinnacle of being a selfish ass.
Indeed in the face of such overwhelming evil, the invasion of Gallia and the murder of my family members are to be expected, alongside taking candy from a baby.
Now however, It appears that something like karma does exist in this world, as I am truly reaping what I have sown.
Because after an enjoyable early morning breakfast with other demons of the morning and avoiding being run over by the zombies that consist of the rest of my troops I found a half awake Selvaria, wearing less than half of what she usually does.
It would appear that my eternal punishment would be to always have morning wood. It would appear that the fates are truly fair and infinitely cruel.
Admittedly this situation is partly my own fault; I had wished to see how she was fairing after last nights rather stressful revelations.
I had forgotten that Selvaria defiantly falls under the non morning person category.
She is physically able, but tends to mechanically follow a preset routine, her higher cognitive function seem to be waiting for coffee reinforcements before fully activating.
Which is why I am currently stuck in the unfortunate (or is it enviable?) position of sitting in her kitchen watching her make breakfast.
She currently only has the torso portion of her usual uniform on, meaning her legs, such nice legs, her arms, smooth and caress able, are bare and pure, unlike my thoughts.
I realize at the current rate I won't be able to get though this meal without doing something stupid and regrettable.
Subtly taking out one of my daggers that are always on my person, I jab myself in the leg under the plate armor.
Since I am wearing chainmail underneath I can't cut myself, but the pain is comparable to pinching myself, something hard to do with chainmail on.
I regain some composure, I am fortunately normal in not mixing pleasure and pain.
At last Selvaria sit down with a fine looking meal in front of her.
Fortunately the table is not glass, which means that I can hopefully avoid thinking about the raw temptation that is labeled as Selvaria's legs.
She speaks in a chipper tone that I would normally consider out of character for her this early in the morning "forgive me, my lord for not making a portion for you, but I wasn't expecting you and I know you normally eat with the troops to instill a feeling of sharing their burdens."
Still recovering from my earlier lust filled wonderings I offhanded remarked "a secondary effect, but an important one to be sure, an army marches on its stomach and all that. The primary reason is to lessen the chances of someone successfully poisoning me."
At her incredulous look, which made me wish I had a camera for the moment, I elaborated "if I had my food privately delivered to me, there are then a massive number of chances to poison my food. The waiter bringing it could do it, someone who bumps into the waiter could do it, etc. The amount of poison needed to do the job is also small, since it would all be going directly to me."
At her still questioning look I continue "eating at the mess hall means that if someone were to poison me they would need enough to poison the entire batch of food, an amount that should be easily noticeable. And finally eating at the mess hall means I need a lesser number trustworthily cooks, nobles may conspire but it's the cooks who do the actual poisoning."
Selvaria sighs, and I catch her looking distastefully at her food. So much for me being more aware in the morning, I didn't even notice I was making her lose her appetite.
She pushes her still warm plate over and makes a motion towards the food with her hand while giving me an arched look that asked if I trusted her.
After skillfully putting away the knife I was using to poke myself without Selvaria noticing, I ate a small portion of her meal. It was exquisite…
I pause trying to think of how to best drag my foot out of my mouth, but seeing her increasing agitation at my silence I opted for plain honesty. "It's good, where did you learn how to make this?"
She immediately cheers up as if my hastily thrown out praise meant the world to her, she starts what I would call babbling from someone I respected less "I learned from my mother, I have been trying to replicate the taste of her meals as a hobby."
I ponder that statement for a moment, it doesn't really help me narrow down the search for her family. While the fact that her mother cooked could mean Selvaria's from a lower to middle class family, there are a considerable number of nobles that cook for themselves.
My mental wonderings are interrupted by a random attention getting sound from Selvaria, she spoke "I have been thinking about Gallia's Valkyria, I believe there's a simple way to neutralize her without going to such extremes as poisoning, simply steal her lance and shield."
My mind comes to a grinding halt, fortunately my face retains its passive look while my mind is in utter turmoil. Such a simple solution, so elegant, so efficient, so perfect, I am appalled that I didn't think of it myself.
Stealing it is simple enough, all I need to do is inform the Gallian museum that it was stolen from of the likely location of their national treasures, given the complete information black out by the government regarding the valkyria, those fools will probably demand the lance and shields return and doom their nation in doing so.
Later through my federation fronts I can pretend to be a reclusive eccentric with an interest in Valkyria artifacts and purchase them for my private collection, all for a considerable donation of course.
I return to the real world after my scheming and relate my plans to Selvaria, along with a moderate amount of praise.
I said "it's a solid workable plan that eliminates all the danger while adding the possibility of converting Alicia to an asset." My inner sycophant was more exuberant. "It's the most sublime and perfect of plans and proves that your inner radiance is reflected your outer beauty," I thought.
I suppose have been hanging around Clovis and Schneizel to much, I am combining their habits of speech, poetry and praise respectively.
Still despite my perceived difference between modest and extreme amounts of praise, Selvaria seems to have taken my modest words as if they were the ones of my sycophant. That bodes ill for my more advanced plans to bind her to me through romance…
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POV: Radi Jaeger
Location: The citadel at Ghirlandaio ramparts
Time: November 2 1935
I am sitting atop one of the Crenellations, those rectangular blocks that were supposed to provide protection for archers during the medieval ages. At least, that's what Maximilian told me they were one time he spotted me sitting on them.
My seat is comfortable, but my situation is not, as I stare out at all the defensive emplacements that Maximilian's troops have built, a part of me is awed, another part is angry.
As usual in the short experience I have been serving with Maximilian, the speed and scale of his projects never fail to impress. He has built in a mere two weeks more entrenchments than the entire Fhirald high command and their federation "advisers" managed to do in six months.
Another anger reappears at the thought of Fhirald high command, and their failings, but this one is old and easily suppressed because focusing on it does not help the future.
As for focusing on my new anger, if I can solve it I more thoroughly enjoy my life. I close my eyes and meditate on my feelings and thoughts. These defenses will undoubtedly repel any Gallian attack on them, but then what?
The first time the empire was able to overcome Gallia's defense was with surprise, but now after fighting with the imperial army for more than half a year Gallian's will now be prepared. Their errors in doctrine corrected by real war, the Gallians will entrench and the empire will be unable to break through this time.
Add in the loss of the Batomys and its ability to create a break through with its armor and gun power… at this rate the situation will develop into a replay of EW1, two well entrenched sides facing off and no end in sight.
I suppose the empire will eventually win this time around now that they can focus their might on a single, abet broad, front against the westerns.
Of course, that means that Fhirald's independence will be delayed and its people will languish under the current imperial mismanagement. The current imperial overseer is some royal fop; a prince, Clovis, that is clearly incapable and thus sent to somewhere he couldn't damage important imperial holdings.
Fhirald might not be important to the empire, but we are humans too--- if only we had the same industrial strength as the empire or better yet Maximilian's conglomerate…
Damn it all, I need to snap out of this uncharacteristic brooding and find a way to quickly end this war against the Gallians.
I open my eyes and stare out at the approaching Gallian forces, they are sloppy and disorganized, their units are arriving out of formation and can be easily picked off in piecemeal, thus vulnerable to attack…
I hop down from my perch and rushed to find Maximilian, or tried to as I quickly smash into a red assault trooper who must have been waiting for me for some reason. As I helped him up I asked "what are you doing here?"
To which he responded in a ecstatic tone "It's an honor to finally meet with you sir, I am Otto. I also came from the imperial province of Fhirald."
And just like that, the wind is taken out of my sails. A fellow Fhiraldian, proudly proclaiming Fhirald's status as a vassal state of the empire! I listen intently my heart clenching in anticipation and dread.
Otto blithely continued, unaware of my mounting horror: "… all of our lives were improving, and then I heard that you had joined up with The Maximilian. I knew that I needed to join the imperial army for the Gallian invasion to be a part of a venture with the two most important people to Fhirald, Jaeger the knight, and Maximilian the rebuilder!" My horror doubled when Otto proclaimed Maximilian's title with reverence and awe that I normally associate with the imperials talking about their emperor.
I stood there dumbstruck by the new information for at least a minute before the worried cries of soldiers around me brought me back to reality. Trying for calm I declare "I'm fine, I'm fine, just a little shocked, its been so long since I have heard information about home. Do you know where Maximilian is by any chance?"
Otto, now visibly nervous, stated "y-yes I heard his voice from the Azure Witch's room." I bolted and ran as fast as I could, my mind needing confirmation from Maximilian himself. This level of involvement in Fhirald means that Maximilian will be unlikely to give Fhirald its independence as he promised. On the other hand, no… I must secure Fhirald's independence first, things will work themselves out afterwards… They must.
I heard Otto call out behind me, "You mustn't disturb the Valkyrian Witch!" and ignore him. Until I see Selvaria's power with my own eyes I will continue to believe that her status as a Valkyria is simply another propaganda weapon developed by Maximilian to demoralize the Gallians.
I reached Selvaria's room and throw open the door, and then things happened in rapid succession. First, I noticed the fairly domestic scene that was highly unusual considering the actors involved. Second, I noticed the Selvaria's attire (or lack thereof). Third, I noticed the knife that is now embedded in the door frame right next to my eye, vibrating slightly. Fourth, I noticed that Selvaria now had Maximilian's white and crimson cape draped over her appealing figure.
Fifth, perhaps what I should have noticed first, were Maximilian's eyes. His eyes, which are normally so cold and unfeeling, were now filled with a bottomless rage to the unfortunate fool they were glaring at.
Maximilian's voice was calm though his words were cruel enough "I missed. Let's try that again, shall we? One eye in payment for the sight you've witnessed and the dishonor you brought upon my personal Valkyria."
I, to my momentary shame, brought my arms to cover my face and fell back on my ass like a child fearing punishment from a parent. Still, if I could do it again I would have done the same thing, Maximilian's first throw was so fast I didn't see it until after it could have killed me.
After a tense moment I lowered my arms and found another unusual sight. Selvaria, still covered by Maximilian's cape was holding back a still furious Maximilian with apparent ease but with concern written all over her face.
I had to struggle to make out her words "…please my lord, do not become angry on my behalf. I am unworthy of such actions, besides after what happened in the research facility being seen exposed was standard practice, I am used to such things." When she finished her voice was barely a whisper, her eyes sad but filled with determination.
Another surprise then, Maximilian turned and leaned his head down until their foreheads were touching. He then declared in a normal, but compared to Selvaria's whisper it felt like a booming voice "I will accept your request, but I will change your statement about yourself worth, now go get dressed, I doubt Jaeger and I will get much work done should you remain in that state."
From my embarrassing position on the floor I watched Selvaria rush off, her cheeks stained red. As Maximilian turned back to me I thought I saw a glimpse of an amused smile before his features hardened into their usual emotionless mask.
My emotions racing, I blurt out "what exactly is your relationship with Selvaria anyway?!" Maximilian to his credit actually answered "I am the dominate male in her life, that should serve as explanation for most cultures." He elaborated "Originally I was her father figure, then her elder brother, currently I am jockeying to be her friend with plans to seduce her into tying the knot."
Then to my surprise again, he walked over towards me and sat down in cross legged position right across from me. It was Fhirald custom to sit like this on the floor, it dated back to when we were a nomadic people and made our homes in mobile tents. I had thought that no imperial, scratch that, no northerner was able to sit down like that.
After readjusting my legs into the cross legged position and calming down from my near maiming experience. After all who in the empire would care if one its vassal soldiers were disfigured, by a prince to boot, they would say it was an honor. On that line of thinking my original anger returns and I find my voice again.
For his part, Maximilian simply asked "So what was so important that you of all people would come into a ladies room uninvited? After all, it's usually only a matter of time before an invitation comes to you." After all the shocks he has given me this late morning, this one could no longer stall my righteous anger.
I shouted "Maximilian, I demand to know what you are doing in Fhirald, are you going to violate our agreement that Fhirald will regain its independence from the empire if I win you enough prestige? Will you give up your investments once Fhirald regains its sovereignty?"
Maximilian's response was one slightly raised eyebrow, then he stated still as calm and as cold as ice "I believe my exact words were that I would free your country from the incompetent imperials that were destroying it. I believe I am fulfilling that promise, unless you think that I am incompetent?"
My mind is once again thrown in turmoil, but before I could utter a protest or perhaps a howl of anguish, Maximilian stops me with a raised hand and a question. "Let's assume that you were right, and Fhirald will gain its independence, what then?"
My answer was quick and automatic, "My people will regain their dignity and prosperity after being freed from imperial oppression."
"Under what form of government?"
"A monarchy of course!" A strong statement, indisputable in my mind, however it was apparently not in Maximilian's mind.
"Under you?"
"Of course not," shock slowed my response, "a member of the great Khan's bloodline."
Another of Maximilian's eyebrows raised, his reply came out bullet fast as ever. "Ah, so Fhirald will once again house the ruler of all under heaven, interesting."
It took me a moment to realize what was wrong with that statement, the great khan wished for one kingdom under the eternal blue sky. The ruler of all under heaven is a title held by the figurehead of the southern states, the self proclaimed middle kingdom.
My response was a cry of disbelief. "Of course, not a ten year old girl! My country needs a capable leader to rise up from the ruins. Plus, Fhirald is not a part of the middle kingdom, surely you know that!"
Maximilian's eyebrows lowered, signaling what? Disinterest? Disappointment? But his reply was still annoyingly fast "I believe that after Fhirald conquered the middle kingdom there was much intermarriage and merging of the royal bloodlines."
He continued despite my flabbergasted expression, "The same thing happened when Fhirald took over the Northern states, I am sure that if I looked hard enough I could find an ancestor that married into the great khans family."
He left that ominous statement in the air for a moment before he continued, "regardless, Jiang Lihua seems to have the right personality for the job. Perhaps more importantly her regent Li Xingke is actually competent and cares about her development."
I reiterate, for myself as much as for Maximilian "Fhirald must be ruled by a Fhiraldian, not someone with ties to another state."
Maximilian's face remained perfectly neutral was he stated "that's troublesome then, all the Fhirald royalty that remained in Fhirald have been killed by your former high command. The only ones left are those who fled into the empire and renounced their royal heritage to live the quiet life."
My hopes rose only to be dashed as Maximilian continued "Independence was supposedly promised, not kidnapping some scared imperial civilian to prop up a recovering country."
The silence that hung in the air was heavy for me; Maximilian looked completely unaffected while he shredded my dreams. Scrambling for options and left flailing by that composure, I suggested the first thing that came to mind. "What about a republic then?"
Again, with one raised eyebrow Maximilian replied with some interest. "A people's republic, eh? Could be interesting, not that Fhirald could be any other type."
My response was a question, not bothering to hiding my utter ignorance on the subject "What else is there?"
"A landed estates republic, like what the Atlantic federation used to be? Fhirald can't because ,I've already purged all the nobility. A banker's republic, by the bankers for the bankers, what the federation is now? Fhirald shouldn't do that because they would be too late to the ponzi scheme that is now the Federation's to benefit from."
Desperate now, and grabbing at straws I somewhat manically declared "the Federation has to support Fhirald, if only as a counter to the Empire!"
Maximilian's face hardened but still he calmly replied, "even if the Federation wanted to support Fhirald it can't, as Fhirald is a landlocked nation. Even worse is that Fhirald is landlocked by the Empire or Imperial allies."
Now his tone turned consolatory. "Besides, Fhirald has been used by the Federation before, do you truly wish to repeat that experience?"
I close my eyes, my turmoil becoming a migraine to match my worst hangover experiences.
My spiral into depression and rage was interrupted by Maximilian getting up, in one smooth motion from the cross legged position without using his arms. It was a feat that left me wondering what else he was capable of. This then lead to the annoying realization that I truly knew very little about him, despite working with him for a year.
Maximilian stated with an outstretched hand to help me stand "Why don't you challenge me for leadership then? Its an old Fhirald custom is it not? Of course I can't give you my inherited position, but if you win… you can immediately leave for Fhirald and assume control over my investments there. If you lose you will continue to serve under me. Does that sound reasonable?"
As I stood up with Maximilian's aid I noticed that his gaze was sweeping round and I finally realized that we had drawn quite a crowd. Apparently sitting in Selvaria's open doorway was not the most private of places. Selvaria herself had apparently dressed and was finishing off her morning meal.
I weighed my options, Maximilian seems confident enough about his prospects of winning the challenge, if I lose then life will go on and Fhirald tradition does allows aanother challenge for leadership in decade. However if I win I can immediately attempt to modernize Fhirald with Maximilian's investments, honestly how hard can that be?
I declare with full formality "I, Radi Jaeger of Fhirald hereby challenge Maximilian, Crown prince of the Eastern Europa Imperial Alliance, for leadership."
Maximilian immediately responded "I accept, as challenged I declare the method to be close combat, winner is whoever draws first blood. No explosives, poisons, compressed gases, springs, and thrown weapons. Are we in agreement?"
Quickly closing my open mouth at the thoroughness of the rules list, I responded "Yes."
Selvaria however had objections, she quickly stood up in a graceful motion that somehow managed to avoid rattling the plates and stated in a tone worthy of a queen "Fhirald custom also allows a champion to fight in place of the leader, Maximilian, your time is too important to be used in such a trivial matter, Jaeger, I will see to your defeat."
This is an unexpected and unwelcomed turn of events. Fighting a girl is bad enough, I have seen Selvaria practice from a distance a few times. What was brutally clear was that she took sword fighting very seriously, and I reluctantly admit that her skill is likely better than my rusty forced lessons from youth. Still losing wouldn't be so bad, I could claim I lost to a valkyria rather than a girl.
My morbid train of thoughts was interrupted by Maximilian "While I certainly appreciate your offer, there are two very important reasons I must decline. One since you are a Valkyria, it makes even less sense for you to spend your time in such a boorish fashion, since the outcome is clearly in your favor. Two, my word, the reputation on which my future deals depend upon requires me to personally engage in this duel."
Selvaria looked unhappy with the rebuke, and seemed willing to argue further, until Maximilian walked up to her and leaned intimately close to her ear and whispered something. She shook her head and followed the group to the court yard.
When we arrived at the court yard a fairly large number of troops were eagerly awaiting our arrive, news sure travels fast. Maximilian and I took positions 2 meters apart, I glanced around. The troops faces were interested, but not so much as to indicate an intense hatred of Maximilian and eagerness at his possible defeat. It seemed like a detached interest almost, like watching a sport you've heard about but never saw.
Selvaria was positioned by the door into the citadel; I had to look away quickly as her glaze had the promise of extreme violence towards me, should anything unhealthy befall Maximilian.
Maximilian himself was standing in a completely relaxed pose, and more importantly without a weapon. I stated "Selvaria give Maximilian your sword." I thought it was an excellent strategy as it would also take away sharp objects from a soon to be enraged Selvaria.
Again Maximilian interrupted "No need, you may always assume that I am armed." As if to demonstrate he pulled out two daggers from under his sleeves in a slow obvious manner, but then returned them with a staggering speed.
A dagger fighter, I haven't sparred against one of those yet. Still the location of his sheathes is poor, he needs the opposing arm to draw his weapons, in that case if I can occupy one of his arms then I can prevent him from ever drawing his weapon and force a win. The plate armor poses a problem, winner is the first to draw blood, and I can't kill him otherwise no one will keep his promise.
I draw my sword, my stance has the sword tip behind me and pointed at the ground, my target then is his left armpit. I charge forward and swing my sword upwards towards the gap between the plates.
Things happen very quickly. First I hear a sharp crack. Second I see Maximilian's hand shoot out to catch my blade, incomprehensible; if he draws blood from his hand then he loses right now. Third I see his right fist charging towards my face.
I block the fist with my left hand, but this weakens my grip on my sword and Maximilian yanks the blade from my hand. I thought he would flip the blade and use it properly, instead he spun around brought the hilt down on my braced arms with crushing force. Arms numbed I was helpless as he again stuck me in the stomach with the hilt of my own blade.
I fall on my back to the ground; Maximilian straddles me and holds my blade at my throat between his hands, if I move I will guillotine myself. He presses the blade down lightly on my chin then lifts it up, a small stain of blood on my sword.
My blood is spilled, but what about Maximilian's blood? Surely with all that pressure on my blade his hands would be torn and bleeding heavily. As if reading my mind, one of his hands open, and I see under the white glove a sheet of interconnected ringed pieces of metal, and no blood.
I admit it "I yield, I will continue to serve you." Maximilian gets off of me and proffers a hand. My mind despairs at the knowledge I will have to wait a decade to help Fhirald. At my non response he declares in a clear decree "Since the rewards of the challenge were limited, I shall give you a bonus for your attempt. After Gallia is subjugated you may go to Fhirald and serve me there by ensuring my investments continue to grow and the modernization continues."
At this declaration Otto and the other Fhiraldian's give a huge cheer, from the intensity I believe there are currently a good number of Fhiraldians in this army. Fhiraldians fighting for Fhirald, all is right again in the world. Grinning like a fool I snatch of Maximilian and pull him into a bear hug. I was so caught up in the moment I only later realized how ramrod stiff Maximilian went when I hugged him.
After prying me off him and giving me back my sword with his right hand, Maximilian then bestowed a greater honor upon me, he asked "Since I have regained your trust and I find myself short on friends with Gregor's death, will you become my blood brother? While I lack the food that cannot be eaten, we can easily exchange blood."
My mind raced with the implications, a blood bond is like a nuclear family bond, but closer because it is freely chosen. A blood bond with Maximilian will mean that he can call upon me for military needs in his campaigns to dominate Europa, but also that I can call upon him for more financial and industrial aid for Fhirald's future.
I eagerly accepted "it would be my honor." And was about slice my hand open when Maximilian made a stalling motion and then proceeded to begin stripping off his armor. I had heard of Northerners being so heavily armored that they needed assistance to take off all their armor. Maximilian managed by himself, though it was awkward at times, not that I would ever tell that to him directly…
Now with all of his top pieces removed, revealing a surprisingly thin body considering how much power he was putting behind his blows, we each cut our right hands and shook vigorously for a minute to fully exchange and merge blood.
Then Maximilian called out "Selvaria, come, join us for this ancient ritual." Which then made for a humorous scene, Selvaria had pulled out her blade and cut her hand in a smooth move and was marching over at a brisk pace. All the while however she was keeping her eyes focused on anything other than Maximilian's chest, her eyes did glare at me for a moment, I shrugged and sent her and all's well that ends well look.
Maximilian took Selvaria's hand and started pumping, however after the fifth pump Selvaria's body suddenly flared blue then collapsed, and I could have sworn that Maximilian's eyes flashed red.
I watched Maximilian try to extract his hand, he got a few centimeters away and then Selvaria's hand shot out and grabbed it again, I thought he stifled a wince.
Maximilian again extracted his hand, but this time repositioned himself behind Selvaria so when she made another grab, his hand was under hers. I watched in mild surprise as he then proceed to carry her bridal style back into the citadel.
I couldn't resist using my new status as blood brother, I called out "can't get out of a women's grasp?" When he reached the door, he kicked something over to me. When I picked it up I saw that it was the steel doorknob. It had finger imprints on it, like if someone was crushing a ball of clay instead of steel. It hit me that was the door that Selvaria was stand next to, and then that sharp crack during the duel was her ripping off the doorknob in a fit of nervousness.
My respect for Maximilian grew as he was living with a Valkyria so casually strong, to be able to destroy steel furniture a in mild fit of rage.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's notes:
Well I am back, sorry about the long delay, finals got in the way as it usually does. Other bad things happened like my ps3 disk reader broke, so I am no longer able to review scenes from the game, and I am basically working on pure memory.
Fhirald is of course based on Mongolia; there is ritual that binds people together as blood brothers. The details are unknown to me so I made something up, hopefully this does not offend anyone.
I apologize if Jaeger seems OOC in the beginning, I designed this scene back when the only details about him was that he was an honorable knight, not the laid back easygoing warrior that the anime shows. In my defense there isn't much for him to be happy about.
On the other hand I would like to know if got Jaeger's personality correct after the proclamation. I would also like feedback on the fight scene.
On that note, this chapter's quiz: what fighting style was Maximilian using during the actual duel, not the demonstration.
And so I bid you farewell for another two weeks at any rate. Though of course reviews will make me go faster, specifically reviews of the latest chapters, as I feel that I did something wrong with ch3 but I frankly have no idea what, so please review!