Aftermath of Italica

Hamilton watched intently at the "Foolish Prince" as he made his way over towards the War Maiden, his entrance quite dazzling although she hadn't expected less if he had come riding on one of the steel pegasus. He shared a few words with the crimson haired knight before the petite woman with the broken staff came over to them, expressing some of her own words while they readied themselves for battle. From the bulwarks, she noticed the Men in Green make their way over towards the group, each one flanking the newcomer and Scarlet while pointing their staves at the remaining bandits.

Before anyone made a move to charge, the dark haired newcomer made an intricate motion with his hands before a massive crystal-like hammer appeared out of thin air and crushed a group of bandits. No later once the dust settled from the surprise attack did spears made of the same material shot forth from his hands, blind siding those who managed to recover from the hammer. The "Prince" seemed to have said something towards Scarlet before rushing the enemy, the War Maiden not far behind him as even the smaller woman followed. The last two men stood dumbfounded by their actions, looking unsure as to what to do while the other three began to clear away heaps of enemies.

The elegance of the War Maiden was just as amazing to Hamilton as when she first saw her in action, just like the tenacity of the short woman who left her broken staff behind in favor of her personal dagger and the small weapon she had before. The newcomer on the other hand was an interesting sight, for he made creations out of thin air to help in combat which differed greatly from the last. The brown haired knight watched him create strange contraptions, formidable melee weapons to even summoning a mass of fists from the ground to knock his opponents into the air. He fought like a warrior, skilled with his creations and their usages, but the way he used most of his hand-held weapons were almost like the War Maiden's technique.

Hamilton took a glance at her princess and could see her uneasiness, biting the bottom of her lip as she watched the display of a one sided fight. Her troubles grew once she witnessed her princess bow her head in defeat, unsure as to why since this was a victory clear as day. The bandit numbers dwindled in mere seconds with the arrival of the steel pegasus, the south gate had been well defended by the looks of things and whatever force was left within the walls were the final remnants of the grand army of bandits. So why was it that her princess seemed so distraught at their appearance, lost in her thoughts and yet so frightened by everything before her.

The ground quaked before them as the War Maiden and the "Prince" launched a massive attack that covered the battlefield, though Hamilton could see one final body slump over to its side. That was it, the very last enemy on the battlefield leaving only five individuals standing tall, save for one short woman, as the victors. The bleak reality of defeat faded away with the night sky as the dawn broke and the morning sun shone brightly upon their victory.

"My Princess, we won!" Hamilton tried to cheer Pina up, but she remained unfazed at her words as she looked up to the steel pegasus whose riders began to rappel down to join up with the other Men in Green.

"No Hamilton, this wasn't our victory." Pina replied as her eyes scanned the many Men in Green scattered about, taking prisoners and aiding the wounded. "It was theirs, the defense they put up outclassed ours unimaginably so and the counter attack wiped out those marauders in record time."

"Surely you don't truly believe that, Your Highness?" Hamilton could hear how assured and convinced Pina sounded, though she dared to hope a part of her would still stand high for this victory.

Pina remained silent in response, hugging herself as one of the steel pegasus turned to face her for a few seconds before flying off. Hamilton wished to offer some words to ease her princess, but it seemed that all of them were failing her. The brown haired knight scanned the ramparts and a budding sense of relief bloomed at the sight of Grey waving at them with his bloodied gauntlet. Both princess and knight were glad that their mentor had survived this entire ordeal, but a realization quickly set in when they thought about their missing comrade. It was a long battle, but they were far from done and this time, Pina held her head high for what had to come next.

A few hours have passed since the enemy had been defeated, the JSDF were assisting with clean up alongside the residents of Italica and the youngest member of Erza's group busied herself with healing the severely wounded. Pina had taken notice the others who had come along with the War Maiden were also providing aid wherever possible, though she herself said little to nothing when someone wished to speak with her. She walked without purpose for what felt like hours before a handmaiden for the Countess had come to tell her that all preparations had been completed and they were simply awaiting her arrival. Her movements felt sluggish as she stepped into place between Hamilton and Grey, the young woman already shedding tears as Grey gently placed the battle worn blade upon the Imperial flag covered coffin. Pina bit back the tears as they gave their final words and prayers to their fallen brother in arms, a loss the Third Princess took personally.

Less than a week ago, they were a formidable team that worked great and got along just as equally. Pina's own hubris to the battle strategies she clung to were what led to his downfall and she couldn't stand the idea that the very pride her brother so obnoxiously touted onto others had befallen her. She had been warned, but swatted the advice away to show these strangers the pride of the Empire. What a fool she was, for it was they that saved Italica in the end from destruction.

Countess Myui came to give a few words in honor of Norma, though she struggled in keeping her sentenced structure for such an occasion, Pina was overall thankful for the gesture. Young Myui offered to bury him in Italica for his sacrifice and though it was kind of the Countess, Pina had declined and asked for him to be taken back to the Capital. The group had one final send off before the transport wagon rode off, leaving the team of three to walk about Italica as the cleanup process was underway around them.

"That's that then, those brigands have been nearly wiped out and what remains have surrendered." Grey spoke up as he followed behind Pina, observing the different bandits that have been restrained.

"Yes, we are victorious." Hamilton added, but what they both failed to see was that their princess was shaking in anger.

"No, we are not. Need I remind you Hamilton that this wasn't our victory. This battle was ours to lose; the War Maiden and the JSDF made sure it never came to pass. It is they who won." Pina could not hold herself as a victor if her own strategy was the one that almost led them to ruination.

"The JSDF, they are our enemy. The ones who defeated our forces and those of the Allied Nations. The invaders who have taken control of the holy hill of Alnus and of course I can't forget about the War Maiden and her group." Pina gave a short pause to truly collect the very thoughts that have been plaguing her since the turnaround in the fighting. "I may have done far more harm than good."

"In trying to really save Italica, have I called upon a much more terrifying threat? They wield unbelievable magics and abilities unheard of and I fear that with the ease they had in defeating the bandits..." Her words faded as she looked upon the group of captured women and for a brief moment, she saw herself amongst them. "If they turned their power against us, then there would be nothing to stop them. We'd be taken prisoner; the Empire loses its most valuable agricultural center and the people of Italica would welcome it all with open arms."

"That's impossible! Such a thing could never happen!" Hamilton wanted to reassure Pina, but the forlorn look she had told her that this all could truly come to pass.

"There is no sure way you can be certain and now that the JSDF and War Maiden have saved Italica, we are at their will. If they demand us to surrender ourselves and the city, then I will be on my hands and knees begging for mercy." A part of Pina felt deeply defeated for having to resort to such things, but if it meant saving her allies and the civilians then so be it. "If they wish for more than I'll even kiss the soles of their feet."

"Your Highness, I can't allow you to stoop so low." Grey interjected, unable to see the young woman he trained since childhood grovel at the feet of the enemy.

"And what would you have me do, Grey? Fighting them is well out of the question."

"He's right, Your Highness. I'll do everything in my power to ensure that you will not have to sacrifice your pride and dignity for our sakes." Pina had always been an inspiration to Hamilton, so to see such a person reserve themselves to defeat didn't sit right with her.

"As small as she may be, Hamilton can achieve great things if she puts her mind to it, Princess." Grey gave her a supportive smile while smacking the small brown haired knight's back proudly.

"I still worry, but I have faith in the both of you." Pina replied, even though her smile was a tad forced to ease them. "If I wish to save this Empire then appeasing a fellow royal will be my strategy."

"So you're telling me, Mister Ice Cold here got his sword training from you?" Kuribayashi had been tasked with being on standby until Kurokawa had a chance to look her over, so she made idle chatter with the woman much tougher than herself.

"I thought swords would be a better melee weapon for me, kept me in practice to boot." Gray replied, his nose twitching to a diluted but familiar smell nearby.

"Yes well, I needed a training partner that wouldn't infuriate me and had what it took to keep up. Gray also benefited from this since he'd still be swinging clubs and bats to this day without it." Erza replied which was met with a snort from the petite woman as Gray turned his head away from the two, trying to save face.

"You should be glad to have Erza, Gray. A sword is a much more elegant weapon with style and with the way you are, it suits you. Still, I'd like to see you making a fool of yourself swinging a club like some barbarian." Kuribayashi laughed at Gray's cold exterior, having the sense that she managed to embarrass him in some way.

"Trust me, Erza's a strict teacher. You better hope you have what it takes." Gray challenged the chestnut haired woman, who rose to it even if she barely met Gray at his lower chest. "There are only three people who can match her sword skills and I'm one of them."

"You're on Cold Front! Man or woman, there hasn't been a challenger that has beaten me yet! My sword skills will be far better than yours, count on it." Kuribayashi made to say more, but Kurokawa had finally arrived with the rest of the recon team from the south gate. "You'll lose your pedestal soon enough, Ice Boy." She smirked in satisfaction at the slight eye twitch Gray had after her comment and allowed her team medic to do her job from there.

With Kuribayashi under examination, Erza and Gray had decided to move on from there to find the rest of their team; finding Wendy and Carla moving about with helping the wounded, leaving them to wait on Natsu and Lucy. It wasn't long before the iconic pink hair and loud mouth of the fire dragon slayer was discovered in a state of annoyance as he marched his way towards his guildmates. Lucy not far behind him, trying to soothe her temples as Happy was carried about by Lelei. As for the dragon slayer, his annoyance came from the gothic lolita who had a skip to her step as she circled around Natsu. Him trying his hardest to get her to leave him alone, to no avail, and perked at the sight of Erza, though it soured just as soon at the sight of Gray.

"Come now, you must tell me why you want to be a hero." Rory prodded her question for what Natsu believed to be the hundredth time, which was low balling if he was being honest.

"You wanted an answer and I gave it to you, why do you need to know the why to it?" It all started from the innocent question of why he was always willing to risk everything to help people, albeit if he has his own distrust for the Empire.

"I've lived for centuries and have met a number of so-called "heroes" in that time, each one seeming to lose sight of the true goal not long into their careers." Fame and fortune are a constant to the downfall of these "righteous" individuals, so the term hero is used loosely in Rory's vocabulary.

"I'll tell you that some other time, go bother Erza or even Gray for all I care!" Natsu couldn't get an exact read on the girl so it just put him off even more, her behavior even more sporadic than his own somehow.

At his words, Rory turned to face both armored magic users and was surprised to see Gray in armor. She scanned Erza and although she'd like to share words with the stone wall of a woman, it was more interesting to move onto the other dual soul keeper she had the pleasure of discovering first. Such curious things they were, but Rory couldn't thank her luck enough to have come across them before her fellow priestess' did.

With a wry smile, she turned on her heel and made her way over to the ice mage which surprised him since he thought the gothic clothed girl would be more interested in Erza at the moment. Her earlier demeanor seemed to have been whisked away as she donned a more centered, neutral stride about her person. It was odd to see this energetic side she had gravitate inwards and leave behind the Rory that the ice mage had first met out on the roads beyond Carne Village. As she drew near, taking some of the attention with her, Lucy decided to stand next to Erza who could easily tell how drained the blonde was.

"I take it the defense of the south gate, wasn't so smooth?" Erza offered as Lucy looked ready to collapse on top of the armored woman.

"It was insane Erza; the bandits scaled the walls, fire was burning everything around us and I'm pretty sure I tried to use a bandit shield like a discus of doom!" Lucy was frazzled by all of it and she was omitting the things Rory and Natsu had done, which the blonde was slowly trying to live with. "Then the JSDF aircraft show up and I was ready to collapse right then and there when they started clearing away enemies and dropping soldiers."

"In any case, I'm proud you came out of it alive and strong. Things could have gone far worse if I hadn't acted upon my suspicion of the bandits' tactics." Erza tried to cheer Lucy up, but it had to be held off as she felt the surge of magic from the commlac budding.

She pulled out the device, her magic flowing out and the magic projection of Jura appeared before her. Rory, Lelei and Tuka took notice of the imposing man with the long beard as Erza did a unique salute before the bald man lowered his hand to allow her to rest at ease. Lelei had never seen projection magic at such a scale to such a small portable device, not to mention how the picture was clear and understandable like no other.

"Commander Scarlet, I've received word about the assault of the trade city and its prompt defense from your squads. Well done, I'm sending Pelicans over to help assess the situation and if need be, transport available prisoners back to base. Supplies will be aboard as well." Jura said and Erza was rather glad to resupply the expended materials since a number of their stock had to be used to help aid the wounded.

"Thank you, Supreme Commander. My team and I should be gaining an audience with the princess I reported to you about earlier. I will give further details after the talks have been completed."

"Be mindful of your words, Commander. This could very well be the alternative to fighting that the Queen has been in search for, see to it that we can finish our campaign without the need to shed more blood. HQ signing off."

Erza gave another salute before the image faded and tried her best to ease herself to the fact that she had to negotiate terms for a peaceful resolution to this conflict between the Empire and the FEF. The armored woman quickly thought it best to leave Natsu outside of the talks in order to avoid another dramatic outburst. Hopefully they have some room to make a few requests, it is after all their territory and it is unknown as to what they offer as compensation.

"Do you think I could head back to base in one of those Pelicans, I could use a break." Lucy asked hopefully as the thought of heading back to base was like a dream come true.

"Sorry Lucy, I still need you with me. With your aristocratic upbringing, understanding the nobility can help us immensely especial-"

"Put her down Natsu!"

"Fuck that! I know you can smell it too, you Icy Ass Hat!"

Erza pinched the bridge of her nose, her patience dwindling with Natsu and Gray's need to argue every time they see each other. Natsu had yet to meet up with them for the last five hours and the armored woman felt like he never left with how he stared Gray down. She hadn't the faintest idea what started the argument, but what she can gather so far was that Natsu was holding up a bird like woman in the air rather angrily. The problem with that was it wasn't his usual anger; it was eerily reminiscent to the type he displayed when he found out Pina was the Third Princess for the first time. What interested her about the altercation between the two was that Natsu picked up a scent from her, something he recognized and wanted Gray to admit to picking it up as well. Had to be their slayer's abilities for discerning scents as she could only smell smoke and blood.

The bird woman was taken aback by all of this which was very clearly indicated by the way her feather like hair appeared to puff upward from her head down to where it ended near her lower back. One would expect it since she was being lifted in the air from someone ready to throw punches at any second. Natsu called for Wendy who wasn't so far away from them and from what Erza could tell, asked her to sniff the captive he was holding. Awkwardly, the teen drew close for a few sniffs before nodding her head to Natsu whose cheeky smile grew wide towards Gray. He didn't say anything after that, but Erza couldn't stand being out of the loop any longer and made her way to the trio of slayers.

"Alright, start explaining everything happening here."

"I found a clue Erza!" Natsu pridefully said as he outstretched the bird woman to her, her eyes growing even wider now that she hung before the crimson haired warrior.

"A clue? A clue to what exactly?"

"To the location of all the missing people." Natsu emphasized the last bit to show how he couldn't believe Erza hadn't realized it earlier. "Her scent is heavily mixed, but there are traces of Firoean ones in there."

"Wendy, is this true?"

"She does have a few scents not native to the current region; I had thought that it was because of her species, but I did pick up some scents of home."

"What of you Gray, were you going to refute them on this?" Erza had thought he was doing just that since he and Natsu could no longer be on the same page without being at each other's throats as well.

"I... I wasn't. I thought it was my imagination at first, but Charcoal Breath's right. A Fiorean scent lingers on her, she could very well be our first lead in finding the kidnapped civilians." Gray replied, though he truthfully found a bitter taste in his mouth when admitting that Natsu had been right about something.

"If you three are in agreement then Natsu, I want you to guard her and locate any more prisoners with a similar scent. Once the Pelicans arrive, you can hand her off to them." Erza hadn't really expected something like this to happen, but it was a good sign for them and it gave her a reason to keep Natsu away from the princess for a while.

"Sorry Erza, but when those guys show up, I'm going with them." That was an actual surprise to hear as the armored woman didn't think the dragon slayer would leave the group. "As soon as she spills, I'm hopping on the first ride to where they're being held."

"I just can't let you leave like that, Natsu."

"Of course you can, Gray's a terrible substitute for me, but you still have him. It's at least somewhat better than nothing." Natsu remarked as the aforementioned ice mage glared at him.

"That still doesn't mean I'm abou-"

"Pardon my intrusion, but Princess Pina Co Lada would like to discuss the compensation for your aid in defending Italica with the JSDF and you, Sir Foolish Prince." Erza didn't like to be interrupted, but this was such a strange turn of events as the short knight she first met alongside the princess bowed her head to Gray. "Forgive my demeaning words as I have yet to discover your true name, My Lord. Word of mouth has only ever addressed you as the Foolish Prince."

Everyone stood silent at what was unfolding before them, Natsu was slack jawed that someone thought Gray was royalty, Erza couldn't believe that her team's involvement was overshadowed so easily, Wendy wore a shocked expression while the bird woman had realized that she severely angered the companions of royalty. It was then that the crimson haired woman remembered where she heard the name "Foolish Prince," which was the main character in Gray's bedtime story he told the kids of Carne Village. Erza was dumbfounded by this misunderstanding and how quickly word of mouth spreads in such a rustic world. In any case, they were now stuck with this dilemma and were unsure of how to effectively clear this up.

"He'll be right with you, give us a quick minute." Natsu sprang into action as he dropped the bird woman and pulled in both Erza and Gray close.

"What in the hell were you thinking, why'd you agree that I was royalty?" Erza had to agree with Gray on that as now things were going to get even more complicated.

"Listen up Snowballs, play the part and maybe you can get it in with the princess. She thinks that you're royalty, so she'll be a bit more upfront with someone that's like her." The armored duo was quite surprised with Natsu's cunning for their predicament, though it did have its share of troubles.

"Problem is the "Foolish Prince" isn't a royal anymore; lost his kingdom and lives like a commoner now, remember?" Gray clarified about the character's recent standing and though Erza could only remember parts, she did remember that detail. Which of course was a glaring flaw in using Natsu's plan.

"I don't think the princess would've forgotten such a detail, how sure are you that this could even work, Natsu?" Though the dragon slayer has made plans in the past, Erza could confidently say that most tend to fall through right before the middle of it.

"If she remembered, then she thinks that "once a royal, always a royal" which helps us sell the idea that Gray's royalty. Also, he somehow made a fanbase for his stupid bedtime story to tell to the rest of the country in little over a week, so he has popularity."

"We're low on options here Erza, as much as it gags me to say it, we should go with it." For Gray to concede to this plan only served to show Erza that there was merit with putting up a false prince. She just hoped this plan doesn't fall through.

"What would be the alternative?"

"They still think I'm a royal, but stuck up and think of you as my subordinate that does all the talking for me." Gray chimed and was met with a rough elbow to the side by his armored guildmate, surprised that he could feel it through his own armor.

"Fine let's go with Natsu's plan. Gray, Lucy and I will go meet with her and the JSDF and you stand guard of her with the others, understand Natsu?" Erza asked and could tell that the dragon slayer wished to come along too, but his desire for what information the bird woman held was worth more to him.

"Please lead the way, if you will?" Gray said aloud to the chestnut haired knight, Erza knowing that he was trying to access what information he had about princes in any and all forms. A play they had once did popping into her head as an example.

Both FEF and JSDF members had come together to implement different articles to be included for repayment, a procedure introduced to them by the head maid of the manor as the princess was addressing a few articles herself. Ideas came and went, an equal article for trade rights was agreed upon by both groups although others were shot down from within each respective group. Once everything had been settled, agreed upon and their version of compensation articles given to the head maid, the group was led through the Countess' manor once again. The JSDF were the first to stand within the same room some of them had met Myui for the first time and this time around the other girls had decided to join them as well.

Itami smiled gratefully at seeing Gray once again as he believed to have made some headway with the ice mage during their time traveling together, but he could feel the odd sensation emanating from Rory as she watched Gray enter the room. Almost like a hawk to its prey, though the dark haired young man was like a stoic mountain before her gaze. One thing he would admit, privately to himself, was that the ice mage did look pretty cool in that armor he was wearing, just like the way Erza looked in her various armors.

Lelei seemed to be glad to see him again as well since the last time they were ever together was a few hours when they made it back to the JSDF base before he left. It was hard to get a read on the young man, but Itami could tell he was a good kid if the rest of his friends were anything to go by. What the lieutenant forgot was that unlike everyone else, Gray hadn't had the chance to meet Tuka before he left back to his own base. Itami was about to introduce them when he noticed the curious gaze she was giving him as if she was intrigued by something about him rather than him specifically. A point of interest in all that was that it was actually the same type of gaze she gave Natsu before he met her. That garnered his curiosity, but he'd try to deal with it at another time and focused on the princess before him as everyone got situated.

Pina watched in trepidation as the armored young man entered the room, the prince stood much taller than Scarlet who was already taller than herself and though his appearance made him out to be a calm person, the steely gaze he held told her to be cautious. She could feel her palms become clammy with every step he took to stand before herself and Myui, but his demeanor seemed to betray itself for just a moment as he gave a charming smile towards Myui. The Third Princess knew how nervous she was when it came to meeting such mighty individuals, so the prince's act of friendliness seemed to help calm her just a bit. Through it all though, the details about him simply betrayed one another in the sense that she couldn't really discern what type of person he was, let alone the type of royal he'd be.

His armor was not as ornate as most royal or noble armor, but it stood grand by comparison of a regular set and had an intrigue about it just like Scarlet's armor. His youthful appearance deceived you compared to the eyes of a hardened veteran he held, her mind drawing parallels to those of Grey's. Myui may have been put to ease, but Pina couldn't contain the sudden urge to move in her seat as he looked between those within the room. Natsu's gaze gave her a sudden rush of fear that she did her best to deal with, but the prince's gaze was almost like a predator toying with their prey. With the pink haired young man, she could see the danger before her but with this person, the anticipation and uncertainty were far worse. Pina's nervous internal musings faded away as Hamilton began to speak up, everyone prepared to discuss the terms for what they had done to help.

"By thanks of the great Third Princess Pina Co Lada and Countess of Formal Myui, we are grateful to you for rescuing Italica and would like to negotiate your compensation. First article is of the acknowledgment of participating parties that defended Italica which are as follows: the JSDF and the "Foolish Prince" and his allies." All eyes in the crowd turned their curious gaze over to the mages, mostly centered on the armored newcomer who had raised his hand in objection.

"Can I request an amendment to that article?" Pina held her breath as the prince spoke up, fearful that she made a mistake by adding the others by name instead of encompassing them as his allies. "For starters, my actual name is Gray Fullbuster for future usage and the change I ask you to implement is of instead of using myself by title, make it out to the FEF; abbreviation for the Fiorean Expeditionary Forces. Adding to that, the brave soldiers that remained at Italica's side and its citizens that risked life and limb to its defense."

Hamilton stood confused to the amendment as most rulers prefer to be acknowledge more so than what was first stated, Pina had jotted it down as such for the standard that would be built on once the proceedings were underway. She hadn't thought that he would purposely leave his name out for inclusion of the larger force he came with, not to mention the addition of those who were already defending the trade hub. The short knight made a quick glance over to Pina who shared an equally confused expression for a brief moment before nodding her head in agreement.

"Amendment noted and will be transcribed into the final draft, moving forward to the second article. The safety of a delegation, and its expenses, will be taken care of in accordance to Imperial protocol." Hamilton gave a brief pause to see if the prince was going to make another amends to this, though he didn't make much in the way of wishing for changes. "Second article stands. Third article, trading rights for the Alnus and Artisian Valley cooperatives pose no problems to established lines and can be done given to increased security by both forces in their respective zones."

Initially the whole trading deal was an exclusive to the JSDF as they found more use in it overall for the refugees they had taken in, but it was thanks to Lucy's family's economic background that came up with adding themselves to the mix. Just like the JSDF, they had materials comparable for trading and with trading comes an influx of information for them. Which would come in easier and faster than interrogating prisoners about key areas of interest, all of which would come at barely a few thousand Jewels for the tradeable materials. Lucy couldn't emphasize it enough that as their name grew with greater popularity, this trade route could help establish an information network that could span just as far as the trade route would go. It was the primary focus her father invested in to achieve greater wealth and connections.

It was ingenious and Lucy could pridefully stand knowing that even Erza and Gray had full confidence with her suggestion. Sure, there was going to be a long list of necessary objectives that had to be completed for this to work and find a way to allocate funds to create a trading hub in a military base, but they've done plenty of the impossible before. The blonde had the good sense of notifying Queen Hisui about their new trade dealings beforehand, if it meant she wouldn't be chewed out once they got back to base for her idea.

"But I'd like you to understand that the rights of the prisoners lie with us. Their actions move in accordance to treason under Imperial law and therefore fall underneath our absolute rule." Hamilton spoke up as an introduced clause about prisoner treatment was made by the JSDF, while the next included clause was for their military personnel.

"We understand that labor will be necessary to rebuild Italica, but we want assurances that they'll be treated humanely." Lelei translated in response to her claim and Gray was rather impressed that she had managed to learn the Japanese language well enough to translate for them.

"Humane-ly?" Hamilton wasn't familiar with the word, she has yet to hear of such a thing in her knowledge of the Imperial language.

"It means to be treated well, as one would treat a friend, relative or acquaintance." Lelei clarified and although she wasn't completely wrong, the FEF mages knew that context was essential when the word is used.

"Would friends or relatives attack a peaceful town, pillaging it and killing its people!?" Hamilton became passionate that such terms needed to be applied for the murderers that attacked Italica for their own selfish desires of combat.

"If I may interject, what Lelei meant to say is that the JSDF wishes for you to treat them like human beings. Their punishments are well within your right to define, but they wish for you to treat them like people and not rabid animals." Lucy spoke up and thanks to her clarification, Hamilton had managed to ease up to the term although it could be seen that she wasn't fond of it.

"My apologies for the improper definition for the current situation, but those are their rules." Lelei spoke up again and the chestnut haired woman sighed to herself as there wasn't much she could do with the current power they had.

"Very well, that settles the treatment of the prisoners and the request put in to take ones for yourselves has been approved. The final clause to discuss is the military withdrawal and treaty period." Hamilton was all too happy to finally see the end, but this was a major factor of whether or not they lose a percentage of Italica to each faction present.

"The FEF has no problems with the clause." Erza answered immediately, which caught Hamilton off-guard as she thought the War Maiden would want to enjoy some more spoils from her victory.

"The JSDF have none either with what has been written." Now that floored Hamilton as she had somehow and someway managed to get both factions to agree with unbelievable terms to a victor. Such a thing has never happened before to her knowledge.

With one final check over the treaty, Hamilton confirmed everything that had been stated, added and amended. She looked towards her princess for a final confirmation who nodded her response of agreement and proceeded with the ending statement.

"Thus, the negations have been completed and the Peace of Italica treaty may commence into effect." Hamilton concluded and Pina let out a shaky breath as the head maid began to escort the group out.

It was a wonder how she managed to get through the talks without shaking like a leaf, especially with the War Maiden before her. The most curious thing was the fact that the prince, Gray Fullbuster, declined being prominently mentioned in the defense of Italica. Most nobles that she knew would jump on the mere idea of being mentioned, let alone to the extent she had suggested previously. What really struck her though was this silent resolve he had about him, not to mention that for the briefest moments she could've sworn his right eye flashed a bright blue when he looked at her. They were such an interesting group of people that went above anything Pina could ever understand, even the blonde woman alongside him made such definitive rulings for the FEF cooperative trade agreements that she could rival even the staunchest imperial traders back in the Capital.

Through it all, she was glad that it was over and her faith in Hamilton was not misplaced in the slightest. Pina allowed herself to relax outside of the grand room and lean against a wall now that the FEF and JSDF had been taken away, gaining a respite after such a grueling day.

"So, how'd it go?" Came the deep voice of Grey as he approached her from down the hall, having been outside for most of the proceedings dealing with what remained of the prisoners.

"Both factions will be taking a few prisoners, made it so that we would take care of any diplomatic delegation's security and expenses. We may see them again soon, plus they managed to receive a release from high trade taxes in Italica with the FEF finding a way to be exempt from any and all trade taxes." It wasn't made as clear to Hamilton before, but when Pina looked over the draft of the treaty, she was astonished by the handiwork to place such a thing without notice.

"Overall, those sound like quite the small demands for a victor. Are there no hidden sub clauses they attached that may have gone unnoticed? What about their military occupation?" Grey has seen many battles and he has witnessed firsthand on how far a victor would go for their spoils of battle. This was too far from what he's so commonly used to.

"I've reviewed the draft five times already, the largest area with the greatest number of subclauses come from the second article based upon trade agreements. There are none that I've seen to indicate that they will profit somehow and as for their occupation, both factions will be leaving immediately." Aside from the unexpected withdrawal of all military forces, that blonde woman was a force to be reckoned with on an economic standpoint if she had managed to derive an exemption of all trade taxes from right under Pina's nose.

"That makes no sense then! They barely got anything out of this deal!" Grey has never seen or heard of any army that would accept such terms, under any circumstance.

"That's where you're right, Grey. The natural rights of the victor are absolute, so in order to take something of greatness like that away would take an equal amount of negotiating skills. Even if the blonde woman managed to slip details beneath Hamilton, I'd love to know what magic she used to accomplish such a feat."

As she spoke so highly of one of her own, Pina would never realize that at the current moment had Hamilton trying to decipher every last bit of information in the prisoner clause as she could. It was more of a surprise to her that though legible with writing she's known all her life, Hamilton felt like she was reading a completely different language. As she went through every paragraph, word for word, Itami began to examine which prisoners would be taken back to Alnus.

"So her and her will be coming with us." Itami said as he pointed to two more women that had been captured. "Oh, and we'll also be taking her and her too."

"You mean the one with hair like feathers?" Kuribayashi asked as Kurokawa followed her finger to a bird like woman, who was sitting beside Natsu.

"Sorry Itami, but those last two are actually coming with me." The dragon slayer called out as both women Itami called out last sat in front of him.

"There's plenty of other prisoners to choose from Natsu, I'm sure you can pick up two others." Itami offered cheerily, but instead of the usual smile he received from the dragon slayer, he was met with an unmoving man on a mission.

"Like I said, sorry Itami. These two are too important to let you have them." Itami scrunched an eyebrow in confusion as this was the first time he's seen the dragon slayer so serious since the fight with the fire dragon.

"I think that's for the better, you just chose women." Kurokawa pointed out as a majority of their prisoners were female with the exception of three men.

"That's just a coincidence." Itami replied dully as he continued to exam the other prisoners, not paying attention to the chestnut haired woman moving the paper in her hand about in every which way.

"I don't know, seems a bit much to be one." Kuribayashi added as she was highly suspicious of their team leader.

"It's a simple coincidence."

"A coincidence?" Kurokawa echoed with uncertainty.

"Yup. A coincidence!" Both women agreed that it would be fruitless to get the lieutenant to speak truthfully and decided to stop questioning him about his choices.

"Well, with the way this world seems to run its imprisonment system, it would be best not to leave the girls stuck here for their own safety." Kurokawa commented to the petite soldier, trying to at least make sense of their leader's actions if he wasn't going to do so himself.

It was pretty much set as the JSDF prepared their prisoners for transport and their helicopters' rotors already started their turn sequences. They were leaving without the bird woman, but Itami thought better than to argue with Natsu in allowing them to take her since he personally didn't want to get an earful. Those that were not being taken had all been shackled from the ankles and wrist, later to be guided towards their cell blocks with the assistance of a JSDF escort alongside Italica militiamen. Through it all, Itami was ready to pack up and return to base following the helicopters, but they had yet to accomplish their original objective that they decided on when coming to Italica. Hopefully Lelei and the other girls wouldn't be long as he wanted to cover as much ground as he could while they still had daylight.

"Aerial bogeys inbound! Five total, coming in from the southeast!" The walkie talkies blared as a JSDF scout caught sight of five blips off in the horizon from his binoculars.

"All troops move into position, get the civilians to safety!" An order blared as JSDF soldiers began to scatter towards cover while others escorted the remaining civilians into sturdier cover.

"Itami! Tell them to stand down!" Natsu called out as people ran about trying to get out of the open as soldiers began mounting the walls with rifle emplacements.

"Why!? Do you know who it is!"

"They're with us, it's our transports!" Itami took the chance to notify the platoon as quickly as possible to not fire until they had better visual.

He couldn't chance it for anything, even if Natsu vouched for the incoming unknowns, so he needed to be cautious. The humming of what he believed to be engines grew louder and louder as they came close and before long, two snub fighters flew over the city. Their designs were unlike any he'd ever seen before, sleek with a bit of a bulbous appearance but they managed sharper turns than he could have anticipated, what more was that they circled back to the east gate and began to hover. The air grew tense as the crafts hovered in place, Itami could see the outline of gatling weaponry on its underbelly and hoped the next sound he heard wasn't bullets ripping through the air.

Not long after the snub fighters began to hover over the east gate did another wave of engines began to grow louder and louder, until the three other vehicles came into view. Their design was just as much an interesting thing as the fighters, but Itami could tell that these were personnel transports as their bay doors were opened to reveal soldiers, a heavy gun mount and it's gunner. The east gate had been opened allowing everyone not on the wall a clear view of where they were landing and as soon as the first transport made landfall, its riders spent no time getting into position. Each one flowed with precise movements as each soldier took a designated position to keep watch of a specific flank, with a clear line of sight for each one.

Their gear was familiar to that of the type that Gray and his friends wore if only in a different color palette. The most curious thing of all was the fact that those soldiers were wielding somewhat familiar looking rifles that each glowed a low blue hue. It didn't take long for Itami to figure out who was leading them as the last man to step off the primary transport made it quite obvious. He wore his coat over his shoulders with the sleeves blowing with the wind, his white hair followed suit where able as most of it was covered by...

"Is that a trucker hat?" Kuribayashi remarked as it was quite weird to see a man as built as him and in charge of men like that to wear something so out of place, especially in the colors that it came in.

"I honestly was hoping it wasn't, but it actually is. Why in the world is he wearing that?" Itami replied as even if they all seemed so out of place within the Special Region, a trucker hat was to go further beyond that.

The soldiers began to file out from the other transports soon after the white haired man cleared his transport, all rifle men and women quickly splitting off in squads. Half followed the trucker hat into Italica while the other half stayed behind to guard their transports. Itami looked up to see the snub fighters take off and began taking laps around the city at a steady pace, which surprised him as he thought they would land as well.

"My, my, my, I see you done and made friends Pinky!" The white haired man drawled in the native language Natsu spoke with, but the dragon slayer huffed in response to his words. "Are these lovely people here those JSDF Commander Cherry and Cold Feet done reported about?"

"It them alright and it's ERZA, got it?" Natsu replied to him and Itami felt a bit off put as the white haired walked up to them, standing taller than even Tomita as he shined them a toothy smile.

"Ain't this a pleasure to finally meet the friends my people made here. Put it there friend!" Itami was unsure of what exactly the tall man said, but decided that it was best to shake the man's hand.

The Japanese man hadn't expected the crushing grip that came with it as it caught him off guard, his squeeze was a vice grip and the dragon slayer had made a comment about something in their native tongue. Whatever it was helped to loosen the white haired man's grip quite a bit and his jolly demeanor helped express his embarrassing blunder, no doubt apologizing for the brute strength he used on him.

"He's Generally Major, or was it Major General, Tyson Hammer of the FEF. He's also sorry for crushing your hand Itami." Natsu introduced and it somewhat overrode the pain Itami felt with shock that a general of theirs had arrived.

"Yeah, no problem, so I guess this means goodbye for now doesn't it Natsu?" Itami questioned and Natsu simply nodded his head as a four man guard of soldiers circled the two women the dragon slayer was watching over. "It was a pleasure working with you, hopefully we'll see each other soon."

"Right back at you Itami, watch yourself out here." Natsu said as he followed behind the soldiers while the Major General tipped his trucker hat to excuse himself as he went off to speak with the rest of Natsu's group.

Itami watched the man walk away as the rest of his men spread across the area, keeping guard and at times helping where needed. Kuribayashi and Kurokawa couldn't exactly get over the fact that fantasy and technology have blended this well way before they came to the Special Region. The FEF had ground vehicles, air vehicles and even rifles which summed up the reason as to why they weren't exactly blown away with their tech like those of the Special Region.

"So we met their Major General, not to mention that there is also a Supreme Commander we have yet to meet and we've yet to visit their base. I feel like we're bother falling behind and just barely keeping a step ahead." Kuribayashi commented as she eyed the glowing rifles, swearing to herself that she's seen a model somewhat similar to it before.

"One thing at a time, Kuribayashi. One thing at a time." Itami simply replied wondering to the greater powers as to what was taking the girls so long to finish selling those dragon scales.

Pina wanted to shrink into herself as soon as she saw even stranger steel pegasus landing just outside of Italica, this time belonging to the FEF judging by the insignia they were adorned with. A man with white hair had appeared all of a sudden when she was making her way to try and speak with Prince Gray, her nervousness planting her where she stood. The group had taken notice and she feared making a fool of herself in front of all of them. The white haired man strode confidently to her, bowed his head in a gentlemanly manner, and apparently spoke a few kind words in his native tongue that she couldn't quite understand.

The group she came to know all held exasperated faces after what he had done and before anything else could be done, the man turned away speaking strangely once again while the group followed behind him. She saw this as her chance and reached out to tug at Prince Gray's glove, choosing this over speaking as she feared her voice would fail her. Her timing was off and missed his hand, but changed target and tried to gently tug at his cape although her attempt ended up as more of a pull. Evident by the way Prince Gray lurched back by the sudden force from behind him.

"M-My apologies, Prince Gray. I didn't mean to pull that hard." Her embarrassment was going to eat her alive before she finished talking to him, though she thanked the gods that neither Hamilton or Grey was around to see.

"It's fine, no harm done. Please just call me Gray, I haven't used the title of prince in many years." Pina nodded to his wish and tried to mentally drum up everything that the tavern girl said to figure out if her information was correct with what the young man in front of her said.

"Due to having no kingdom, correct?" If she was wrong then Pina better pray that he'd be a forgiving type of person.

"Yes, and by that I can assume you know a bit more about me." Pina's original plan to ask simple questions to test if her information was accurate fell through as at this point it would be seen as invasive which she wanted to avoid. "Tell me about what you've come to learn about me and I'll correct the mistakes."

Gray gave her the chance so Pina decided to take it, detailing everything she's come to learn about the prince and he kept a thoughtful expression as she went from detail after detail. It was only when she started to recount each one that it began to seem far fetched and at some point, Pina wholeheartedly believed that he'd make a complete fool of her but she pressed on for she had to at least try to find the truth. The Third Princess remained silent once she had gotten to the last thing she had heard and could recall, patiently waiting for his reaction.

At first, he remained stoic before a grin split his face and he let out a chuckle. Pina could see all her embarrassment from a mile away now and hoped his words wouldn't cut too deep.

"Quite the set of tales you've picked up about me, but a few them are pretty far out there." Gray began and Pina was ready to be crushed by his words. "I have never met a number of these women in person to have such "nightly activities", I haven't created a harem in every new place I step into and although I fought the dragon head on, my allies helped drive it away."

"Oh, I see..." Pina felt elated that he didn't criticize her for being naive enough to believe all these stories, but it put another question before her. "So, does that mean your life story and what your allies are is all true?"

"To put it in a simple word, yes. Natsu and Wendy are dragons in human form, Erza's pretty much the War Maiden your people talk about and Lucy is essentially a celestial princess."

Pina grew silent at realizing that she stood before a legendary woman, unbelievably destructive creatures and the very royal of the stars. That primal fear she felt with Natsu was now justifiable as he's a literal dragon forever in human form, which makes the fact that he took the flame dragon's arm seem so much more plausible. She found solace that Gray was just a regular human who had managed to befriend all these great beings himself, which is far greater by comparison than most riches. Pina wanted to lie down as the reality of it all hit her like a boulder to the chest as it meant that the fate of the Empire rested on her shoulders to keep an admirable friendship with Gray. Keeping a friendship meant that she had access to his assistance and that of his friends.

"Oh and the part in which I live amongst the common folk is true as well." Pina had thought that was a false statement told by the common rabble so Gray would be more for the regular folk, but now she didn't know what to think.

"Why? You befriended fantastic individuals and have gone on exciting exploits; you could've rebuilt your kingdom with little difficulty." If she had over half of the prince's great charisma, Pina would use it to prove she was just as capable at being a leader.

"Because why would I want to live the life I never had?" That was such the odd turn of phrase if Pina ever heard one, it was akin to asking why wouldn't a thirsty man want a river before him.

"Isn't it obvious? To take back what was destined for you!" Who wouldn't want to take the chance to live a life of riches, power and respect?

"A commoner's existence with the people I care about outweighs living a lonely existence in the lap of luxury. You're trying to hold an empire together from falling apart at the seams, but are you willing to hold together the Old World you live in if it means you must sacrifice your future?" Pina had given pause at his words as he had caught her red handed in what she was attempting to do, save the world she would one day rule if her father chose her to succeed him.

"But letting go of your old life takes away the purpose you had, why chase a commoner's dream when you can make it a reality." He had connections and it wouldn't be so hard to bring life back into the kingdom he had lost.

"I've dreamt of going back to the way things were, to have everything and my family returned to me. A dream I've grown fond of, but have learned to leave it as such. I could speak a lot about what I've come to believe, but what you need is a change of perspective. Only then will you realize that sometimes the old ways must end for the sake of future." Gray's words spoke truths as over the years even Pina stopped turning a blind eye to what her Empire was doing and had become.

"And if you're wrong? What if the old ways are justified for their existence?"

"Then ask yourself if you're willing to rule an empire where the rich exploit the weak, torment that which is different from them and subjugate those that resist." Pina's eyes widen at the implication of what she has tried for many years to not see, even avoiding the idea that it existed in her own home. "Rags to riches is a commoner's dream, but having a life worthwhile is everyone's dream."

"Then what makes your life worthwhile?" Pina wanted, no, she had to know; Gray could preach all he wanted but if didn't have a solid answer then he was nothing more than a hypocrite. "What do you live for?"

"I have made a new family from the people I've come to know and I live to make sure I don't lose any more people I care about." Gray replied in a way that it felt as if the very air grew solemn with his words, turning on his heel to return to his group leaving Pina to think over his words.

The Third Princess only ever wanted to be acknowledged by her father, doing her best to prove herself time and time again. Overshadowed by her elder brother's own achievements that received wide attention while she was used for decoration, her luster in achieving the greater trials of knighthood merely rewarded with simple words and mock appreciation. Pina spent years in order to make herself worthy of being recognized as a rightful princess rather than the daughter of her father's concubine. Gray's words echoed back and through it all, Pina never lived a life worthwhile as it was all spent trying to gain the acceptance of her father.

She never lived for herself, only for those few words to be uttered from a distant man she called a father. Her eldest brothers, Zorzal and Diabo, came to mind when she thought about those who live some form of worthy lives, if to a degree. Zorzal may be an all-around fool but his ruthlessness and sadism against the Warrior Bunnies helped spread fear into those that questioned the Empire. Be it man or demi-human, his wrath was unforgiving and allowed himself to indulge in his own fantasies. Would his life be considered worthwhile? Diabo, though never truly accepted by their father like her, still has a far greater superiority and understanding of the politics and laws of the throne. He's spent his life trying to gain their father's attention until switching his goal to have everyone know that he exists. Could his life be considered worthwhile?

Zorzal would think so and by all accounts, even to Pina, Diabo's doesn't seem like it is as he still struggles to this day. They both were the extremes to base herself off of, one who can indulge while the other scraps along. In her bid to being accepted, Pina could never truly indulge herself with pride as it was all meaningless bluster given to her and at least she and her Rose Order had been appreciated as knights if only for décor rather than being shoved away into a corner. She didn't have anything to take pride in as her work was never appreciated, but she didn't fall to pieces because her efforts were at least realized by her father.

Pina's introspection allowed her to see that even though her life hadn't dropped to a point that it felt worthless, she also didn't feel like what she had done over the years had been worthwhile. She never lived for herself, she lived to break into the spotlight of her father's gaze if only for a little while and it took away from where her efforts could have truly gone to.

"I can't save the Old World, but it won't stop me from saving the Empire."