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The following is a fan-based

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"Renewed Hope"

June 30 1935 EC

Former Commander Dahau Panwitz

Castle Randgriz, Randgriz, Principality of Gallia

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Dismissed.

Calamity Raven was no more an authorized group, but it wasn't outlawed as many had expected. No, the reason why it was removed from active duty was tied to the very reason it came to be- through Cardinal Borgia and Lydia. To someone like Dahau, this was a blessing and a curse.

It was a curse because their chance to be active and spread the good hope of a future where Darcsens could have their own state was shattered by this turn of events, but he felt it was more of a blessing due to the fact that the Cardinal had been actively working to exploit their operations together with his connections in Gallia and the Empire to have the war expand for much longer than needed.

In that regard, Dahau could not forgive the sheer shame that came from this discovery and he willingly surrendered the dangerous elements to the imperial authorities when they were arrested weeks ago. The legal system took a while to ultimately pick them up again due to how intense the war was and how Maximilian worked to prevent the full trial for both of them and more, but with the Prince arrested and the country now firmly under Imperial control, the administration had finally picked up pace and turned its attention back to them.

Dahau received a letter requesting his arrival to the capital to speak with the 'Regent' as many had picked to call him. Kurt von Hertling was the fine example of what an Imperial officer should be. Strong, brave, confident, successful and... 'blond'. Yes, that last trait, like the blue eyes and the fit appearance were seen as the 'Pure Imperial look'. The propaganda he had to endure through this was dreadful, but it gave him a clue on what made Hertling both a prominent and controversial figure: his appearance screamed 'Imperial!', but some of his actions were baffling.

Dahau may have not had the best means to attain news on the occupation force's administration, but he heard of numerous Darcsens moving from the Empire into the Principality with the hope of finding jobs, schools, and more tolerant laws to live in. At first, however, Dahau thought it was a lie- an attempt to relocated the 'unwanted folks' and move them in a small country. Yet, as the dust had settled with the end of the Gallian Invasion, it was clear to anyone that Hertling had kept his side of the bargain and provided what he promised.

Which is why, despite how dangerous this sounded to go on his own to the capital to face the Regent himself, Dahau had a degree of expectation things weren't going to be bad. What he wasn't prepared to deal with, instead, was the good bargain he was looking at as he finished reading the documentation he was provided with.

The Regent was as intimidating as one would expect despite his young age, but he didn't try to frighten anyone- it was the pure awareness and confidence he portrayed in his expressions that made anyone with doubts hesitate for just a moment. A wonderfully scary mask that was only making the sweet deal even sweeter as he went on to read the last line of the papers he was granted access to.

"You seek very little while providing much."

"To you, that may be the case- yes, I am asking little from you, but the rest of the Darcsens shall provide by being good workers, like the Gallians and other Imperials that are working in this country," The Major General replied without hesitation. "Which is more than enough to make this deal... fair and square."

A slow nod came from Dahau as he summarized in his mind what he just learned of the Imperial plans in Gallia. A haven for workers, better conditions, and educations- not just for Gallians, but also Darcsens. The creation of a 'Darcsen Ministry' to handle Darcsens-related affairs and have a degree of power in any legislations and amendments regarding their people.

It wasn't the proclamation of a Darcsen State as he had long sought for, but Dahau wasn't willing to ruin the chance to get the second best deal he could hope to get. Yet, while the deal was the sweetest he ever had the chance to sign, there was something that really perplexed him to the core.

"How come the Emperor allowed this?"

That was the main dilemma. The Emperor was the primary source for the traditional preservation for ideals that were deemed by society as 'Imperial' and 'undeniable'. The inferiority of Darcsens was one of those ideals, so what had changed to make him willing to either embrace this compromise or just support it. Where was the catch in this simple deal?

"He didn't, because he is not in charge of the country. Princess Cordelia and I are."

And that admission further shattered Dahau's expectations.

To many citizens and soldiers, the Empire was in charge of the administration, but the truth behind the 'promotion' given to Hertling became more clear to him as it wasn't just a formality- Hertling was the real holder of power in Gallia and he was a man that didn't seem to care on these traditions.

"So, the Emperor is not behind this move."

"He is not. He has been made aware of this, however, but he was willing to 'let it be' out of circumstances as it lessened the burden on his back."

...That didn't make any sense. It would have been reasonable if the Emperor had been kept in the dark about these policies, but for him to know and ignore this turn of events was both surprising and... jarring. What changed?

"I can tell you are shocked by this, Herr Dahau, but I can assure you that the Emperor is still firmly entrenched with his beliefs. It's just a matter of... avoiding trouble back home."

That still didn't ring a bell to Dahau, but after signing the papers, the action now a formality due to how convenient it was, and right as he was on his way back to 'base', the man realized what Hertling had been subtly telling him about-

The Empire was still Anti-Darcsens, but the war had been burning on the Imperial resilience for a while. He knew this much, but he couldn't tell how bad it was getting in the internal front. Until now. Now he was aware that a storm was brewing regardless of the war going well or not for the Empire and... Hertling's words made it clear to him.

It was best to move as many people in Gallia as possible. As much as it pained him to admit, that was the best choice of action as it was the most stable region with an active garrison keeping the dissent under check. Once the Empire faced uprisings... things were going to get really interesting. And then, perhaps, more leverage could be exploited for more rights and autonomy.

Miga, I promise you that our dream shall become true.

AN

Calamity Raven is no longer active. It would be dangerous to keep a group of Darcsen militants around if the Empire is about to face a bit of a problem in the home front. Sure, the Gallian Invasion went fine, but the Stalemate they are facing against the main frontline with the Federation are nothing to scoff at.

REVIEW Q&A!

Lord of Steel:
1) That's more for the Arc 2 of the story as the Militia will be integrated in an odd mix of Imperial troops, Gallian soldiers and other fringe groups to create a formidable military force (But they get some attention, with Isara being the one with the most spotlight due to some 'Cordellian Plotting');
2) Arc 2. I don't like dropping this sort of answer like this, but the judicial effort to list out who died by occupation laws will be made only after the war;
3) Not really. As this chapter shows, Kurt is up to create a counterweight to both Federation and Empire by relying on a large influx of minorities such as the Darcsens. And while Gallia isn't that big... the two superpowers will not remain 'super' for too long due to how bad the war is going for them.