Hetalia – Of Magic and Might
Chapter 31! Thank you to everyone who is following and reviewing this story, you guys are the best. I said I would take questions and thank you to Dangara2610 for sending in the first questions, I will answer what I can without giving away spoilers.
Regarding the fates of Allistor and Dylan: I couldn't say, spoilers and all ;)
Is Arthur and Francis' cafe closed?: Yes the café is closed with no one to take over, there's a little 'We're closed!' Sign in the window but it doesn't stop their customers from grumbling.
Why has Kiku left the scene?: Don't worry! It was only temporary, Kiku of course will be moving back into the scenes as plot progresses. He is a skilled fighter so look forward to that.
I love hearing you ask questions and tell your opinions, it really drives me to continue posting :) Now the first question session is done, let's move onto the chapter!
Enjoy!
Whale-Tail Island, The Resistance Headquarters, General Ludwig's Quarters
"Now that we are all here I would like to call this meeting to order. Attendees present: Ludwig Beilschmidt, Gilbert Beilschmidt, Kiku Honda, Matthew Williams, Alfred Jones. Guest Attendee: Arthur Kirkland. Scribe, Dominic Shard will be taking minutes. All be seated" Ludwig ordered to the table. Simultaneously everyone standing around the rectangular meeting table sat down and pulled up their seats. Arthur sighed at the rigid formality of this called meeting. He had hoped that when Alfred mentioned that Ludwig wanted to meet him, that they would have a private discussion where Arthur could make his request to join the cause. Now it seemed that he'd have to announce it to everyone. This was not even the worst part of the situation. Upon arriving Ludwig had insisted that Arthur take his place on the left hand side of him, a place which was usually reserved for the third in command. To rub salt in the wound directly opposite Arthur was Ludwig's brother Gilbert, who clearly hadn't forgotten the time Arthur had blasted him into a tree. Though he did seem to of made a full recovery, Arthur observantly noted.
On Arthur's right was Kiku who gave him polite yet friendly smile as Arthur sat beside him. Arthur deduced that usually it would be Kiku in his current seat from the way Kiku ever so slightly fidgeted. Beside Gilbert sat Matthew who was chatting quietly with his neighbour before Ludwig called for silence. Next to him sat Alfred with his expression was still disconcerted from Arthur's recent account of events. There was an empty chair opposite Alfred and Arthur could only assume that it was for someone he did not know. At the head of the table Ludwig cleared his throat to begin.
"Before I speak my part, I would like anyone who has matters they would like to discuss to come forward" Ludwig declared as he met each pair of eyes in turn, lingering a millisecond longer on Arthur. Arthur tightened his resolve and raised his hand, Ludwig nodded his approval and motioned for Arthur to stand.
"I would to make a request to join the fight to overthrow the tyranny that lords over these Isles" Arthur expertly recited, on Alfred's and his way here he had thought quite a bit as to how he would put forward his request. There were no sudden outbursts of surprise which Arthur took to meaning that everyone here had eventually expected this outcome. Great, could he be any more predictable?.
"Request granted. I welcome you Arthur Kirkland to our cause. I hope that your efforts will bring forward a brighter future for everyone," Ludwig stated concealing whatever triumph he felt behind a perfect poker face. Arthur nodded once and sat down back in his seat,
noticing Matthew secretively pass a small slip of paper to Alfred who read it with his eyebrows drawn together. "Do you have anything else to say?"
"All of my books including my spell books and journals as well as my clothes are still in the Capital. After this meeting is over, I'd like to summon them here using the training yard" Arthur said, trying to ignore the odd looks he got from the others. Even Ludwig looked a little baffled as he approved Arthur's second request.
"Any one else?" Ludwig asked, Kiku raised his hand for permission to speak. Ludwig nodded and Kiku rose, giving a small bow as he addressed the table.
"I apologise with bringing this personal matter into the meeting but I must report that Elizabeth Héderváry has written back on regarding your order. She says that she will be able to get Feliciano here in a days time, Sir" Kiku reported before sitting down. Ludwig sighed in relief before putting his 'back to business' look on. Arthur was near giddy from the revelation that the happy go lucky Italian he knew was dating the serious leader of a rebellion! Honestly what are the odds, Arthur thought as his attention was drawn to the quietly bickering brothers at the farther end of the table. Alfred and Matthew were engaging in a muffled argument that Arthur could only hear glimpses of.
"What did you expect?...Arthur…it's not like that…..don't kid yourself…what …happen…leave it…talk later" Were the snippets of what Arthur could hear. He was about to try to catch Alfred's eye when he heard Ludwig make an impatient sound with his throat.
"Now if some of us," Ludwig threw an scolding look directed at Alfred and Matthew "could keep their mundane conversation until after the meeting, I would like to make two announcements. Firstly I am pleased to announce that during my absence that Gilbert Beilschmidt will be dutifully standing in my stead"
Silence followed Ludwig's sudden announcement. All attendees except Ludwig and Gilbert were shocked and confused. 'In my absence'? What had that meant? They questioned. It was Alfred who voiced all their thoughts.
"Sir? Are you playing to take an unexpected vacation on us?" Alfred lightly teased as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the polished surface. Ludwig shook his head with the corners of his mouth tugging upwards.
"No Alfred, I wasn't planning on it. Not a vacation but I will be making a trip off this island. As you know the Empire has started making it move, and I believe it's time to make ours. The day after tomorrow I will be embarking via airship to the Nordic Kingdom to converse with their King with the intent to forge an alliance" Ludwig announced with such authority that he could be mistaken to be a king himself. The table had been surprised, now they were shell shocked. Ludwig's plan… It would send the scale of the rebellion into new heights. The weight of realisation that if an alliance was formed, it would not only add to the strength of the resistance in gigantic proportions but would also be the first revolutionary step towards war.
"Of course I will not be travelling to the Nordic Kingdom alone. Everyone in this room barring Gilbert will be accompanying me along with thirty other men," Ludwig said as he began explaining the details "The journey will be roughly four days if we encounter no thunder or snow storms. We'll be travelling in two separate air ships modified with artillery ranging from long range cannons to light weight rail-guns, I expect you all to read up on how to use these before we leave. Due to the Nordic Kingdom being in the high up in the northern hemisphere, it's climate can be harsh and will be ripe with snow and blizzards especially as winter draws nearer so winter clothing such as cloaks, gloves and snow boots will be compulsory. Finally I will to see you all awake, packed and ready to board by four o'clock in the morning the day we leave. Use rest of today and tomorrow to properly prepare for the journey, you are dismissed"
"I suppose I have to get used to taking orders" Arthur thought as he followed the other's example as they rose, bowed and exited the room, Ludwig and Gilbert being the only two that did not leave the room. As Arthur exited the room and walked down the corridor with Kiku, Alfred and Matthew, Alfred immediately started talking as soon as they have out of hearing distance.
"Was not expecting a move like that so soon" Alfred admitted letting out a low toned impressive whistle, Kiku nodded in agreement with Alfred's opinion.
"That was brave of you Arthur, saying you wanted to join during a meeting" Matthew kindly said as he turned his head to Arthur, Arthur shrugging as he passed it off as no big deal.
"It wasn't ideal but hey-ho. Though now I have to hunt down a piece of chalk to draw a bloody magic circle" Arthur grumbled as he picked up his pace before stopping and realising that he had no idea where to go. Alfred smirked and playfully shoulder barged Arthur as he passed him, taking the lead and showing Arthur the way.
So now it's official, (can't back down, can't back down) Arthur is official a rebel and under Ludwig. A bit strange how most of this chapter was dialogue, but the plot is kicking off now :D we finally are on the steps to war men. Hmm, what were Alfred and Matthew passing notes about? I'll let you use your imagination. So big things are coming for our adventures, I am truly excited for this story.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you are enjoying this story and would like to see it continue, please take the time to leave a review telling me your opinions, questions and predictions. Once again thank you for reading!
Untill next time folks!