Minerveos 15th, 688 of the Imperial calendar
Piña sat in the quiet study as she pondered about the events that led up to that point. It was hard to believe it was all over, that the war between Sadera and America had finally ended. A whole year after first contact had led to a decisive American victory over Sadera, finishing the centuries long grip her homeland had over the vast continent. The price for peace was utterly apocalyptic, reports concluded that the likely death toll for the Imperial army and its vassal states were in the millions with civilian numbers due to violence, disease, and famine directly cuased by the war just as horrific and continuing to grow as the new government struggled to get on its feet in the chaos immediately after the guns fell silent.
The battle of Sadera had especially been bloody as the city had been turned into a giant skeleton made of ghosts of buildings and decaying bodies under piles of rubble. Of the estimated nine hundred and seventy thousand souls that defended the capital in vain, forty hundred and fifty thousand were believed to have died along with countless civilians who hadn't been able to evacuate or were held against their will. The battle was a semi-pyrrhic victory in the sense that one hundred and twenty American infantrymen had been killed in action with thirteen hundred wounded. This had been a price too large for their likings and despite the odds stacked against them, the Saderan army had gave their foe a bloody nose and gained deep respect from those that saw them only as backwater, simpleminded, and barbaric fools who knew nothing of even simple concepts of science or philosophy. It had been a hefty price to pay yet all the same, victory had finally been achieved.
But literally only ten days after what remained of her brother's regime surrendered, the Rustici who had for the most part stayed in the northern territories had begun to advance into the core regions in the south in a bid to spread their revolution wherever possible which in tern caused the Imperial troops in Arbuscula to reject the terms of surrender and form their own faction but with neither side actually recognized by any state, meant that Sadera was now split into a three-way civil war. Now instead of fighting vengeful Americans, they'd be fighting their own people.
This was a sad crisis that she had to deal with as the soon-to-be sovereign of the country or at least was was left of it that wasn't destroyed. The Empire, soon to be reformed in the Kingdom of Sadera, had with the help of American air power had consolidated the battle lines with three main barriers. These were the Tanska mountains to the north bordering the lake with the same name, the Rho and Enta rivers to the east, and Mora river to the south while the western provinces had wisely chosen to remain loyal to the line of succession. She wanted more help with the conflict but the Americans from a year of fighting and a major battle that become far more costly then expected, didn't want to continue fighting on the ground but would help in the form of limited air support, training, and reconnaissance.
The economy was so much worse as the country had inherited a ridiculously large debt, nonfunctional industry, war reparations, high unemployment, limited numbers of skilled laborers, and more. It was so bad that the suwani was lucky to have only devalued as much as fifty percent with the help of US investment, the only thing keeping currency in Falmart from completely collapsing. Charities and volunteer groups helped the people in their slow and painful recovery as many communities became entirely dependent on aid being given but this couldn't last forever. The some forty million enslaved people who were now by law free were forced to fend for themselves with the lucky ones being brought to Alnus to act as cheap labor for the companies making their way in while others were kidnapped by bandits to be sold back into slavery in the more isolated parts of Falmart.
These corporations had offered multimillion sunki deals that would gain leased lands with resources in exchange for giving a good portion of the profits to the government though the workforce these businesses would be using would be Saderan citizens in less then ideal conditions. The same had happened in Elbe where the Shell company would drill up oil in exchange for giving nine percent of the revenue and teaching them how to do the process themselves.
She took a deep breath as she finished memorizing the last of her speech she'd give at the ceremony. Just a year prior, she believed that she would be simply married off to some nobleman to keep his family's loyalty. The red headed princess was shocked when she learned of the fabled gate appearing again on Alnus hill, everyone had been so excited for something that they didn't realize would be the end for their glorious empire.
One year ago...
The air was filled with energy as everyone on Sadera hill buzzed on about rumors of the gate's return to Falmart. The eastern palace was no exception as she overhead servants whisper of it while preforming their duties in service of the princess. Piña at this time climbed into her personal carriage as she planned to visit her father and discuss the matter to her father herself. She would've walked herself but her father disapproved anything that she tried to do, leading to a distant relationship between father and daughter.
It was no secret that he preferred to keep distant but he had for all of her siblings childhoods never was an active part of their lives, they being more close to their friends and servants then their father. Kane who was the eldest was highly intelligent and had dreams of what he'd do once he succeed his father but he had died long ago when she was very young, Zorzal had been sent to the Sadera military academy where he spent a good chunk at his life at, and Diabo retreated into the royal library to read about a wide range of media and philosophies. While she in her own way attempted to gain the attention and approval of the most important mortal on Falmart who just happened to be her father. When she was a little girl she begged for him to allow her to create a military unit made up of noble woman to serve the empire, after much nagging he agreed and thus the Order of the roses was born.
The aging Grey had volunteered to train the band of girls in the art of swordsmanship and horse riding while the organization took in its first members. Of course society for the most part had laughed them off as little more the a colorful addition to the parades held within the capital, but now, they had the chance to prove themselves with the upcoming arrival of the gate. With a great stride she made her way to the throne doors only to hesitate at the last second as her mind was plagued with thoughts of failure. 'No, now is not the time!' She thought, it was her turn to be in the spotlight.
With a hefty push the doors slowly creaked open with her father already looking straight at her, seeming aware that she was at the door. "My daughter, what has possessed you to speak with me now?" He said with a voice that took control of everything and everyone in earshot. She walked up to her father's throne and kneeled before him. "My majesty, I have heard of the rumored return of the gate and came to understand what you plan on doing." Even when not looking eye to eye, she could still feel the cold gaze of the pair of blue eyes that belonged to Molt. "For more then two centuries, myself and the forefathers that came before me have worked tirelessly to prepare the empire for the prophecy that would arrive this year. With a new world means new land, new resources, new slaves, and unforeseen wealth; it would be foolish to let an opportunity like that to slide away. The imperial army has already begun prepared for the campaign weeks in advance and will begin the journey to Alnus hill in two weeks' time."
"I am grateful for the information brought upon me but now I ask for your blessing." He raised an eyebrow, "My blessing? What for? To let your band of woman to join the warpath?" She nodded and was answered by a low and soft sigh. "You know I cannot allow that, it would be dishonorable to let a Saderan woman to fall in battle or in the hands of the barbarians." He answered, "And besides, you already have a way to serve Sadera." She knew the answer perfectly: to be married off. It was a fate she'd do anything to prevent and her father knew that, but continued to deny her the right to make her life her own.
To the present...
The news of the near total annihilation of the Imperial expeditionary force not in months or weeks, but in mere days had sent shockwaves throughout the empire. It had been the first time the great power had suffered a defeat in a very long time and the bloated nobles were utterly flabbergasted that the invincible Imperial army could be decisively defeated by what they perceived as barbarians. Then the combined vassal armies were destroyed in the battles around Alnus hill, then Italica fell, and so on and so forth until the prideful empire kneeled in defeat. What was left of the nobility were now getting used to not living like mortal gods and more like how most people lived, a painful but necessary process if Sadera was going to enter the modern era.
Her trail of thoughts were interrupted by a voice, "Piña! Piña!" She turned her door where the door was being gently yet relentlessly knocked. "Tch. Im coming." She got up and opened the door, revealing her servant in a beautiful orange dress. "The ceremony is in a hour, we have to hurry if we are to arrive on time." The soon-to-be queen let out a sigh. "Then let's not keep them waiting." The duo exited out of the room and headed down the hallway to the main entrance of what was before the war Piña's palace that had remarkably managed to survive the battle for the Saderan capital with barley a scratch. The sun hit her eyes and she squinted slightly as they walked towards the carriage to take them to the Jade palace. It was a simple one painted white and wheels made of oak, not as grand as her father's personal carriage but it would do.
Surrounded by a contingent of American soldiers in their armored vehicles the convoy they made good progress as the navigated through checkpoints and past sacred cultural sites that had managed to survive the battle. The home she knew her whole life was gone, but now, it was time to pick up the pieces and rebuilt. She didn't know how long it'd be but scars that don't kill you do eventually heal. She then looked outside to see her subjects stare at the convoy, mainly her carriage with a variety of looks. Some could care less, some waved while others shouted curses. Even now the tradition of Saderan stubbornness lived on strong in the hearts of those that couldn't except that once invincible empire that crumbled. "Is something weighing your mind?" She turned to Hamilton and smiled, for there was no reason to worry the servant any further. "None at all," She said, "Typical Hamilton, always considerate. I'm truly blessed to have you in my service."
But at last, the carriage halted in front of the Jade palace where the new era would begin. She stepped out and was greeted with two lines of Saderan soldiers with hasta spears in their left hands while their right ones were diagonal of the chest, a traditional way of saluting that came from their forefathers many generations ago. It would be a lie to say she didn't feel anxiety as she walked past them and towards the regular sized yet intimidating doors which was opened by two more soldiers who like their comrades were as stoic as stone.
There in the doorway as ambassador Cooper from the United States and Marquis Casel El Tiberius, ready to greet her. "Welcome your majesty." Says Tiberius as he bows while Cooper extends his hand for a customary handshake. "Thank you marquis, and it is nice to finial see you again sir Cooper." She said, making the handshake quick yet friendly. "Please come this way." Continued the marquis. "The ceremony is just starting." They wasted no time in headed over to the main room where it was packed with nobles, and diplomats, and people called reporters who held cameras aimed at her.
The scene was overwhelming but she kept herself composed and held a small smile as she walked to the isle where a priest and a podium was waiting for her. The priest like the marquis bowed before the crown princess, "Are you ready your majesty." He asked, she simply nodded. He then turned to an assistant which held the crown on a purple pillow. "With the powers invested to me, I hereby crown you Queen Piña Co Lada the first of the kingdom of Sadera!" The room erupted with applause as the golden crown once worn by her father was placed upon her head, signifying her as the new head of state. It almost didn't feel real and it felt more like a dream then anything else. A new era had begun and she was to lead her people down a better path to piece and prosperity. She took her position behind the podium and patiently waited for the clapping to stop to start her speech, which she had so frustrating rehearsed.
"My loyal subjects, I here now stand before you as your new leader. My predecessors for centuries believed that they along with the empire they ruled, was superior in all aspects to anything before or after. They incorrectly believed that the worth of a nation was through conquest and glory its army achieved on the battlefield, that the sword was mightier then the pen. They after generations of unchallenged dominance thought that Sadera had reached the peak of what a civilization would obtain but failed to realize that there are always challenges to face in life.
They allowed corruption to flourish like a virus while the people lived out their lives in squalor, no better then rats that plagued the streets of the many slums found around Falmart. It was clear that even before the arrival of the gate that the empire was rotting from the inside and was far too late to save its diseased heart, the war only quickened its downfall. The economy was dependent on supply of millions of slaves and plundered goods in order to keep it afloat and Sadera expanded as far as it could.
The foolish invasion was kicked off by an assumption that the enemy we'd face would be the same found here. The imperial army believed they'd face off what they called barbarians whom would flee at the sight of their banners, they couldn't have been more further from the truth. Yes, there was a massive loss of life, but the expeditionary army had been crushed in a matter of days by a foe equipped with weapons millennium more advanced and forced onto the defensive until Sadera fell." She puased for a moment to catch her breath and to make her words clear upon those watching her.
"But those days are long since behind us as we step into a new era of peace, prosperity, and discover as our former adversaries have graciously decided it would be better to be friends then enemies. Saderans now can go live their lives in peace after a year of horror. We have a lot to learn and the road will be tough but I am more then certain that Sadera will rise up to become an active player on the world stage not as an militaristic, expansionist state but a nation of peace and justice. Gods bless Sadera!"
The room erupted into applause as her speech ended. Then the band which had stayed silent in the far corner of the room began to play the royal hymn in celebration as Saderans sang the lyrics. The sound that bounced off the walls of the palace seemed almost heavenly, like the gods had lent the most beautiful voices comprehend able to the mortal ear. Piña co lada, the daughter of a concubine and fifth in line of succession had become the queen of the Saderan people and the overall hand which would guide them to a better future.
It's finally over guys, after two years the story has finally finished. I despite some moments of writer's block had a great time creating this. Was it perfect? No. But in the end I think I did an ok job with it considering my little to no experience with previous works. While this work is done, there is more in store that I couldn't hope to fit in one work alone. I plan on doing at least two more as direct continuation of the story and to overall contribute to the Gate community. Im very much thankful for the support and constructive criticism you have all given. And with that, I bid you all farewell.