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The following is a fan-based
FICTION
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"Love and Hate"
June 23 1935 EC
Major Crymaria Levin
Castle Randgriz, Randgriz, Principality of Gallia
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Crymaria's pace was slow and yet driven, Fenrir keeping up as the wolf looked left and right, quietly and yet curiously glancing at the few awed troops for their passing.
To say that she was in a different mindset compared to her closest friend would be a severe misunderstanding- she was outright lost on what she was really meant to do. She had a full day to organize the proper interrogation, and yet she was given a degree of 'humane' restrictions to abide too. A major irritation, but not one that truly upsetted her as those terms were 'acceptable'.
She could have done it without those, but this didn't mean she was going to struggle- it meant that she would have to get creative to snatch all the information she needed to further dig the hole Maximilian found himself facing once dealing with the trial prepared back at 'home. The entire event was going to be glorious- which made Crymaria sad for not being involved in this and-
At the same time, she felt more at ease while strolling around this place. Less eyes on her for bad reasons, more authority in her steps as a recognized Major in the Imperial Army. As one would have expected, Dr. Belgar was alerted of the news and... he forwarded congratulations at her. That was a response with two meanings: he was 'glad' she was given more power within the army, but also a warning to be looking at all corners if she decided to stray from the nest.
Despite the many times that may have frightened her to be wary of betraying the Empire, she had a feeling she would actually receive genuine support in her venture for independence. The Valkyria struggled to understand the man that was Kurt Hertling and how he felt different compared to other officers. He looked active, driven, loyal to the core- a perfect gear within the well-oiled machine that was the Imperial War Effort. Yet, at the same time, he wasn't cold and ruthless unless necessary.
Sure, Crymaria didn't get the chance to be subjected to this in an extensive way, but she could recognize through the actions of others towards other individuals how they really were within. And the Major General was stubborn in preserving his men's life. All mistakes were forgivable if given proper reasons, perfect and exemplary displays of hard work were rewarded, opinions were listened and, to add this to this curious list, he didn't seem to care much on the different a normal human had to a Valkyria.
In fact, one could have easily mistaken him as someone that just wasn't aware of their condition, but he recognized the threat of not having a potentially-suicidal Valkyria collared to prevent a decimation of lives. Crymaria had been worried of this too when she finally arrived to her destination, yet she felt amused if not entertained by the sight of a heavily-chained Selvaria with a special collar from the facility they were both living in now wrapped around her neck.
The collar contained old Valkyrur materials which were used to suppress Valkyriae's powers. So, there was no genuine threat of a potential Final Flame at the wrong mental state for the fellow woman. Crymaria, however, knew the real threat was her own attitude on the matter. She couldn't attack Selvaria, she couldn't even think of torturing her.
Yet, she was given freedom to twist more the sharp pain that was Maximilian's betrayal. After all, some of the new papers she got from those folders the former prince had near to him helped creating a greater and, to large extent, worse situation for him to be explaining before an Imperial Court.
But nothing to rush just yet, after all, she had plenty of time to enjoy this.
"Selvaria Bles, I hope your detention time has been merciful on your soul," Crymaria stoically greeted, with silence being the returning response.
She spared a brief glance, noticing a pair of 'weaker' red eyes aimed at her. Appearance-wise, Selvaria didn't look much different compared to a day ago. But her spirit had definitely collapsed before her gaze. Gone was the strict, stubborn and proud Valkyria. A husk remained as the brief isolation allowed for the sorrow to eat away any chance of finding solace in memories. All of that was now polluted by truth and pain.
Crymaria was tempted to deliver a 'told you so', but felt the insult would have hit too deep and too unfairly- after all, no one would have expected Maximilian to be such a monster. She knew men could be like that, but never to the deranged level of the blond. Likewise, she saw no issue in getting this mess started with as she had planned.
"I suppose you're aware that your testimony will be regarded by the Imperial Prosecution for the trial against the former Prince Maximilian, and that you will deliver now rather than in the capital?"
Selvaria bowed her head. "Why now? Why not... there?"
"Security reasons. You will not be moved to the Imperial Capital until Maximilian and any loyalists of his are dealt with," The pinkette rebuked harshly. "Plus, I think you know why."
There wasn't even a flinch at that indirect remark to the broken trust and love between them. The chances of that encounter ending poorly were... quite high. And unpleasantly so. Yet, it wasn't why she was here for and Crymaria shifted the subject of their conversation back to the main point.
"You were conscripted in the military just a few years ago- first among other Valkyriae. Is that correct?"
"...I am not sure, but I was told that was the case."
A nod, Crymaria added a few notes to confirm that was indeed the case. One thing she never understood was why Selvaria was given command so early on during the war. She always ruled it as her leadership skills, but it was theorized that Maximilian had a hand in letting the process work faster in that regard.
"Now," Crymaria mumbled. "Were you told of the true reason behind Maximilian's interest in invading Gallia? That it was not resources, but the potential Valkyrur weapon that he planned to 'recover for the Empire'?"
"I was told that, yes."
"By Maximilian?" The stronger Valkyria asked and Selvaria nodded. "And I assume by this admission that you also knew that Maximilian intended to decimate the Imperial Capital after acquiring the weapon."
"...No."
Crymaria frowned, looking away from the paper she was reading the question from and giving Selvaria a surprised look. "You were not made aware of this?"
"I was told that the Empire would have paid for this. I thought he would have used the threat of the weapon to make demands, not that he planned to use it to destroy the capital."
Scribbling ensued, and Crymaria felt intrigued of what bringing up next. And this admission gave her an idea on what to mention to further get words out of Selvaria.
"Are you familiar with Project Valhalla?"
Surprise flashed on Selvaria's face. "The Project directed by Dr. Förster? What about it?"
"You know what is the point of the project? I ask because you were involved to an extent to it."
The frown forming on the white-haired girl spread. "The creation of an armored system which would allow users to harness Valkyria-like powers. Why are you asking?"
"Are you familiar with the fact that Clementia Förster and her husband were arrested for having aided Maximilian in the acquisition of the sole system available to the Empire?"
Confusion didn't cease to expand within Selvaria's mind and it was all visible on her face. "N-No?"
"And were you made aware that instructions were given for Maximilian to be able to use the system at maximum efficiency?"
"No," This time the response was quiet and curt. Realization was finally kicking in.
"Would it be fair to say..." Crymaria paused, drawing Selvaria's attention back to her with this planned delay. "That Maximilian had the means to use the weapon through that system if you were unable or unwilling to go along with his plans?"
"I... W-What is going on? Why are you- why are you defending me?"
Crymaria snorted. "Defending you? Selvaria, my duty here is to find the truth and, in these circumstances, I have a chore to also bring up the full extent of your cooperation- which may be extensive or, from what I am understanding, limited by Maximilian's own worry of having you rebel against him."
Selvaria's posture stiffened. "Then... Yes. I think that would have been the most logical choice."
"Returning to Maximilian's known plan to you, were you involved in the planned issues that saw numerous retreats from time to time?"
"To an extent, yes. Not willingly, however," Selvaria reasoned, trying to keep her back straight now. "The plan was to just keep the line standing, but many officers, and some in the Drei Stern, sought to finish the war."
"Yet Maximilian had yet to find the super-weapon, hence why you were 'hesitating' in resuming the offensive and why you ended up accepting suicidal missions which, in truth, sought to kill off the 'troublemakers' in your lines."
"...Yes."
Crymaria nodded again, this time, however, she smiled a bit. "Officers have found your diary while checking the vehicle that brought you to the capital."
Blood drained from Selvaria's face. "T-That's-"
"Private? I am afraid that's not something you can rely on in this situation, dear sister," Crymaria pushed, amused by this turn of events. "Now, to start with something simple- did you write extensively of a potential romance towards Maximilian, one that could grow into a marriage and a family?"
"I..." Blood was back on the girl's face, this time turning the pale white head into a tomato. "Maybe."
"Yes or No?"
"Y-Yes."
The amusement didn't last however, as the next few questions confused Crymaria.
"It is also true that... Maximilian had recently started to see Major General Hertling as a legitimate threat to his plans."
"He has, yes," Selvaria said, drawing a breath of relief at this change of topic. Yet it wasn't meant to last for long, this much she seemed to be aware of.
"And that he has sent loyalists to do a background check on him. He thought the Major General was a... potential distant relative?"
"Both had a similar resemblance in some aspects, but he thought that Hertling's ability in strategy was proof of potential relation. The results concluded he was just an orphan."
...Oh?
"He is just an orphan? I thought he was a heir to some unrecognized noble family."
"No. He was nurtured in an orphanage before being given the chance to join the military."
A lone wolf? That explains... why he could understand Crymaria to an extent. It wasn't favoritism, but it was clear he sympathized with her own plight.
"Nonetheless," The woman remarked, ready to keep on with the interrogation. "I wish to ask you about the relevance of-"
Loud knocking came from the door, ceasing the conversation.
"Yes? I am not done yet."
The door opened, and a soldier wearing a reinforced armor stepped inside and saluted Crymaria. "Apologies, Major Levin. I am Captain August Nemets of the First Fallschirmjager Gruppe. My team and I were instructed to bring you to where the Major General is. Other teams have been dispatched to retrieve other officers and rally them by the Major General's office until further notice."
Crymaria thought it was something aimed solely at her but... the fact other officers were involved raised her mental alarm to some extent.
"What happened?"
"Federation Spies. Some trying to sabotage vehicles," The Captain answered quickly. "A group tried to kidnap Princess Cordelia, but they were taken care of without any major incident. The princess was forced unconscious with sleeping gas, but she will recover soon."
A nod and... Crymaria felt she had enough for now. Giving a nod to Selvaria, she was about to leave when-
"Perhaps you will be luckier than I was..."
These words left her with a hideous scowl on her face, knowing full well what Selvaria meant and...
How difficult it was to hate the man that is Kurt Hertling.
AN
I left a few hints in the chapter for some future 'Fun stuff' related to the war part. The Federation is about to get a bit of a 'healthy surprise'. Not really going for the nukes but... it's going to snow big in this bloody summer.
REVIEW Q&A!
Lord of Steel:
1) They have been pushed around a bit, but they will be soon suppressed;
2) There may be some references, but that's all I can offer for the time being;
3) I have resolved to split this story in two/three arcs. The first one is about the EWII, the second one is about a Civil War, and the last one is to 'clean up the last few issues'.