The Purpose of Conflict

by Vickers-Vimy-1919

Forced into war, the Empire fights enemies on all sides. Their only ally in the time of crisis, the exiled Kingdom of Albion, seeking strength to restore the crumbling Commonwealth and return to the Home Isles. For Tanya, she finds an ally in the exiled Prince Gabriel. Unsure of his or the Commonwealth's true intentions for the war, the Empire, or herself.

3. Ch 3: The Vatican Conference I

The Purpose of Conflict: Chapter Three- The Vatican Conference I

15/11/1911/ Keil, Germanic Empire / Serebryakov Residence 20:55

Viktoriya could hear the movement of feet and elevated voices from her perch at the top of the stairs. Uncle had put her to bed in place of Father almost an hour ago but sleep unsurprisingly eluded the five-year-old. The practice of the bedtime ritual was not strictly intended for her parents, even if Father had been her favourite to tuck her in due to the array of voices he could put on while reading the scheduled story. But tonight, Uncle only had enough time to dress her in a nightgown and kiss her forehead before entrusting her to doze off. Even if she missed her story, Viktoriya was pleased to forgo the bath once again. A minor benefit to Father and Mother working past their standard hours.

Restless and encouraged by boredom, Viktoriya moved from her bed to her dollhouse, then the hall and eventually to the top step in near darkness. Light from the main floor cast shadows of her aunt and uncle occasionally walking by with heavy steps. Believing their niece to be asleep they took no precautions for censorship of the topic or volume of the dialogue, speaking normally and occasionally crudely from what the child could tell. Auntie walked into view again and parted the curtains to look outside the front door of the house. Both unintentionally in perfect view for the pint-sized spymaster upstairs.

"They're here."

Auntie called over her shoulder to her husband out of sight. He called back more inaudible nonsense too far to make out from the second floor. Auntie opened the door for the other residents of the house, Mother was the first to enter and become illuminated by the glow of electricity. Viktoriya was tempted to break into a sprint and welcome Mother back home but was tempted into inaction, curling her legs into her chest as the grown-ups talked in hushed tones. Broken nouns and verbs intertwined with Mother undressing of early winter attire. Asking questions swiftly answered by Auntie letting the spy to connect the dots.

"Viktoriya?"

"In bed."

"We missed it?"

"Any later and you might have."

"Any more news since breakfast?"

"Nothing."

Both women sounded different to Viktoriya, the tone of their voices stressed or distracted from the conversation they partook in. Viktoriya had noticed this gradual shift in her family the past week, quiet conversations away from her and extra attention spent on the media. The adults huddled together with other households while their children played together in the fresh snow. The unacknowledged tension peaking that morning with Mother and Father erupting into a yelling match over breakfast. Uncle swiftly distracted her in the other room with the unimportant pages of the morning newspaper, managing to hide the front-page information but not the growing suspicion. Viktoriya knew there were events plaguing the adults of the neighbourhood, a never seen attitude of caution or open hostility depending on the speakers. She wondered if this accumulated with whatever event her parents were almost late for.

On cue, Father walked through the door and shut it behind him. He pulled off his flat cap in unison with his coat and put his cane away in the umbrella stand. He then flew into the same questions already asked and answered by his wife and sister, respectively. The same brown hair he gifted to Viktoriya stood out in the light, his usually high spirits dampened by unknown events. Mother went off towards the kitchen but was called back by Father who paused the questioning. A speck of his old self shined through, removing the ushanka hat Mother neglected to do herself -an old souvenir from the Tsarist regime. In its place, a kiss on her shortened blond hair and bangs to the left side of her face.

She remained stiff at the display of affection, neither welcoming nor rejecting her husband's touch, likely still upset with the events of the morning. Regardless, she leaned up to return the gesture onto her husband's stubble, muttering private words between each other. Viktoriya could hear her name being mentioned once again.

"No, she's too young." Mother protested.

"It could be a moment in history, Viktoriya needs to be there." They seemed to have a conversation with their eyes, somehow understanding each other in a way Viktoriya never understood. Mother exhaled, backing up and speaking once again.

"You'll just scare her." Apparently relenting to her husband and walking away to the kitchen.

Father finished placing his clothes away in the closet. Telling his sister to go join the family.

"She'll be asleep."

"That can change." Father made the claim as he began to climb the stairs.

Viktoriya pondered if she should return to bed before getting caught at the top step. Despite the likelihood of getting punished for eavesdropping, her curiosity would likely soon be satisfied.

Father made it halfway up the stairs before he noticed the silhouette of a child, jumping back slightly at the unintentionally ideal hiding spot.

"You should be in bed." Father regained his pleasant composure, his child the cure to whatever troubles he left at the front door.

"I didn't get my story." Viktoriya hugged her knees tighter, hoping the excuse would be enough. Father chuckled, already concluding her curiosity as he scratched his scruffy face.

"Come." Father held out his hand, Viktoriya stood and took steps down towards her father, once in reach being lifted into his arms. His work suit still smelt like the night air.

Father took a deep audible sniff as he went back down the stairs, his facial hair scratching her face as he lifted her closer for comedic effect. "Someone didn't get their bath either."

Viktoriya reacted accordingly for a child and retaliated by exacerbating the phantom smell by giggling and rubbing her hands against his stubble.

The little escapade continued until they entered the kitchen, the previous conversation among the three inhabitants of the house ceasing when Viktoriya entered. Uncle went back to fiddling with the radio while Mother refused to look at her daughter.

"What's happening?" Viktoriya asked still in her Father's arms.

Mother sat at the table with Auntie was in the process of taking the seat beside her. Uncle was at the counter tuning the house's radio. Usually, Auntie or Mother would let it play in the morning while breakfast was being prepared but it had remained silent since the beginning of the mood shift.

"We're going to listen to the news Sweety." Father gave her a loving squeeze.

"Why? What's going on?" Viktoriya wondered if that was the reason for the tension.

"We're-" Uncle cut off her dad as he found the right channel. "We're trying to figure that out ourselves Pumpkin."

The air ceased to move in the kitchen as silence entered the room. They had to wait for the hour to change and the expensive box to start the broadcast. Father remained lingering in the entrance holding his daughter. Viktoriya continued to look around at her elders, but every time she landed upon her mother she was looking away from her baby; distracted by the far wall or the hands in her lap.

Good evening citizens of the Empire.

The radio burst to life on the dot according to Uncle's pocket watch. The Imperial tune played and announced the speaker who was always booked to read the worldly happenings of each week. Viktoriya had heard the introduction countless times before but this was the first time it had changed.

And now, the weekly events in the Kingdom of Albion.

The news had always focused on the Empire followed by world events. She wondered out loud why they would start with another country. Rather than be answered she was politely hushed by her father. "You'll see Angel."

Mother had taken in a breath at the pet name of her daughter.

There was a brief silence as the announcer went live, likely collecting himself for a moment longer.

Even to Viktoriya, he sounded overworked, regardless the news anchor went on.

It should be unsurprising to you—our audience—that due to the present confusion and veracity of reports that are likely subject to exaggeration or outright false, there has been an aura of uncertainty and doubt around these recent events. Despite these difficulties, we here have compiled all events that can be confirmed with present information and have received confirmation from His Majesty's government. We shall start our reporting at the beginning of last week.

Everyone in the kitchen fixated on the box as it took another lengthy pause.

Beginning on Sunday the 8th, a crisis swept the government of the island Kingdom of Albion over the secession of the Dominion of South Africkan from The Albion Imperial Commonwealth. This departure came as a response to home rule rejection of a new pro-apartheid government recently voted for in the October federal election, largely supported by the white minority. Albion's Queen Annabelle V denounced the party as illegitimate due to its opposition to constitutional civil rights; further citing the discrepancy in voter turnout, the eligible population of the dominion and the total votes acquired. Meaning the disqualification of the majority Afrikan vote in favour of the few ethnic Europeans in elite positions. The Crown and Parliament ordered Prime Minister Thabisa Nkosi to remain in office back in October, despite her inability to handle the continued refugee crisis following the collapse and annexation of the Abyssinian Empire by the Magna Rumeli years ago. This back and forth between dominion and mother country continued until last weeks coup against Mrs. Nkosi by the new apartheid government at the date for the standard party switch.

Albion demanded the dissolvement of the new regime under threat of military intervention. Party head and now the leader of the country—Samuel Weichardt—responded to this threat by declaring the secession from the Commonwealth and the founding a new unitary state.

"Why would they do that?" Viktoriya whispered in her father's ear, somewhat understanding the situation explained by the radio. Father responded quickly before the radio continued.

"Greed Angel, people and their greed."

The Albion parliament's motion to wage war against their largest remaining Afrikan possession was stifled by a wave of protests across the main island. Protester makeup differed from class and political allegiance, but the anti-war sentiment was unanimous. While mostly peaceful in smaller towns and communities, in Londinium and larger urban and industrial centres that suffered the most in the last war, protesters clashed with police in often violent confrontations. The most intense of these altercations at the time in Portsmouth where an unknown number of police and protesters were killed following a car bombing.

Following this initial violence and the escalation of the unrest, a new vote was presented by the Queen to form a coalition government to quell the turmoil at home and abroad, possibly invoking the Final Act of Albion along with a declaration of martial law. Despite cooperation with the minority parties, the two largest parties hung parliament, the Jacobite Party and Fasces Party refused all attempts of collaboration. The situation was once again escalated when the announced deadlock supposedly caused a group of Fasces supporters, marked by their characteristic brown uniforms, berets and old Roman bundle of sticks of the same name, attempted to storm the War Office and in sighted a riot that lead to an unknown number of deaths.

Queen Annabelle has long denounced the Fasces Party and its leader Robert Arcand, after the riot however she committed to rejecting any government with the party's involvement as legitimate. Despite the mixed social policy and practices of the Party, they have gained steady support across the Albion Imperial Commonwealth for proposed economic reforms and state corporatization that would potentially restore the war-torn economy. While sources differ, despite or due to this growing popularity, the Crown officially dissolved the Fasces Party and call for Mr. Arcand's arrest along with other high-ranking party members.

That night in a radio address to the nation, Mr. Arcand called for a violent overthrow of the government and Crown, branding them as a "tyrannical warmongering regime of unworthy Left-Footers." Formally starting the revolt.

Viktoriya again whispered in her Father's ear. "Are they the bad guys?"

He shrugged from uncertainty. When she asked the quiet room, Auntie told how it was too early to tell if they would be opposed to the Empire.

Mother remained silent.

Reports of the proceeding days are scattered and varying in quality, but with guidance from the Supreme High Command and General Staff, the most likely narrative of events has been compiled. It has been confirmed upon the call to arms several more cities and political groups openly joined the revolt. Not all declared allegiance to the Fasces cause or subjected themselves to their control, however. It has been hypothesised by the General Staff that the swelled rebel numbers are largely anti-war rather than politically motivated.

On the 9th the Prime Minister sent in the army to back up police and restore order. Numerous zones of respective control were established where the beleaguered military was unable to overcome the newly formed Fasces militias across the country; suffering at least one total defeat to the rebels in Sheffield.

The following day saw multiple defections from the Crown Loyalist's forces in the military, parliament, and navy. The Royal Air Force along with the remaining Albion Home fleet were to relocate to the west in Cambria where government and crown control remained uncontested. It was on that same day that a dreadnought and escort came under surprise attack by hostile mage units. The capital ship along with two cruisers were sunk by artillery spells before Loyalist magic users were on the scene. As the royal air force has reported no defections among its ranks, conscription policymaking civilian mages unlikely and eyewitness accounts, the Albion government has publicly accused the Francois Republic of the attack but have yet to act further than a formal complaint and accusation. The General Staff hypothesis this attack-if true-both as evidence of foreign intervention and an unofficial act of recognition.

The Francois Republic and Legadonia Entente have refused to comment on the matter.

Viktoriya wanted to dig her face further into her Father's neck at the mention of the dead. If she hid herself the issue might go away. The finer details of the broadcast had alluded her due to age, she was nevertheless able to follow the general idea if not the emotions across the room.

Mother gripped her sister in law's hand tighter for comfort as the radio continued.

On the 10th the Albion government sent out an order for all military personal abroad in Europa to return home and help suppress the rebellion. This earned further protest from the kingdoms of Norge and Lusitania as the rampant instability in their own countries has led to fears of forceful annexation by neighbouring powers. Information gathered in leaked documents by the rebels show the Kingdom of Norge making a swift withdrawal of troops from the Denemcarc's boarder in the Norden region. The Empire has already proclaimed any action taken against the Norden territory by the Legadonia Entente will be met with a military response. No such pledge has been extended as of today regarding the events in Albion.

On the same day, the Flemish kingdom allowed the return of Albion's troops and dispatched its own expeditionary force to aid her ally, along with providing temporary refuge in the Congo for any refugees or Crown Loyalists fleeing the New South Afrikan government.

That evening the Fasces made a renewed effort in the east, rousing support and managing to capture armaments and ships yet to leave for friendly territory.

The following days from the 11th to the 13th saw heavy fighting on land and sea. Despite disorganization plaguing Fasces and Crown forces. By the 13th, the rebels were able to form a salient around the capital apart from an eastern corridor, aided in part by a steady stream of refugees heading eastward and more numerous and better-organized mage units.

Prince George, husband of the Queen and Captain of the Royal Mage Guard has been observed participating in the fighting around the capital city alongside his eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince James.

"It's the Tsardom all over again. You let in the guy who lost to the Reds and look at what happens." Uncle ranted aloud, contested by Father before he could interrupt any further. "The crowns are related; you can't refuse family.

Viktoriya perked up from her hiding spot against her Father at the mention of more mages, not contaminated with death like before. The ideas of magic appealed to all youths and she was no exception. Her little figure wiggling mildly from the interest. "Flying just like you and mommy?"

Father was about to answer her but was outspoken by his wife, the first time she spoke in her daughter's presence since that morning and for the first time without anger that day.

"No, we don't have enough magical aptitude to fly."

The tragedy of the foreign war escaped the young girl for a moment as the romanticism of magic filled her imagination. The laws of genetics meant that even two low level magic users could birth a proper magic user that could match the foreign Prince, even though it favoured males Viktoriya was optimistic for her future of flying through the skies as an official mage. How that would most likely be forced through military conscription if her aptitude were not understood to her.

While fighting had been present in and around the city since the beginning of the conflict, Londinium faced a coordinated assault from all sides on the 14th. Due to the importance of the city for logistic and symbolic motives, the reporting powers, along with independent observers, have focused immense energy on the events. In the interest of dispelling rampant rumours and misinformation, we will report what can be confirmed by reliable sources from within our Empire.

The announcer shuffled papers, possibly being handed new information that very moment. No adult in the room listening believed what they were being told was free from censorship. The family already had experienced the heavy hammer of the well-meaning yet ruthless government when Viktoriya's parents escaped the communist uprising years ago. For such topics still ongoing the government would keep the most valuable secrets as such and deny unfavourable versions of the truth.

The announcer cleared his throat before going on to the main event.

At 00:00 hours, Saturday, the 14th of November. Simultaneous artillery barrage by Fasces forces was made upon the cities of Londinium, Liverpool and Birmingham. The fire would sporadically land upon defensive positions, factories, and civilian centres seemingly at random. Whether this was a deliberate attack or accidental is not yet clear, the immediate consequences being the destruction of more infrastructure and more refugees fleeing eastward. The bombardment was most intense on the capital and lasted until daybreak when Loyalists airpower regained superiority. Infantry skirmished along the edge of the city and risked a continued stalemate due to the presence of armoured vehicles and tanks at the defender's side; vastly outnumbering the scarce armaments the Fasces had acquired.

The deadlock was broken around noon in the north when a combined mage and infantry attack overpowered the defenders. A complete route was avoided due to Danish and Nordic reinforcements but were still in a gradual retreat to the center of the city.

According to the Albion government, their mage and air forces have identified hostile mage equipment in use as originating from the Francois Republic and Legadonia Entente. A claim made by Prince George says that members of the Akitsushima Dominion have been identified and engaged over the capital, the government has yet to support him, however.

All accused powers, including Robert Arcand, have denied any belligerent role in the current conflict upon the isles.

Regardless of affiliation or nationality, the excess of mage units was too much to bear for the defenders as entrenched positions and tanks fell victim to spells.

Close quarters fighting became more desperate as the Crown Loyalists were pushed inward towards the city center on all sides. Rumours of Fasces forces approving in the destruction of religious buildings has led to reports of near animalistic fervour by the defending contingents in occupied or contested territory. An account of hard-fought hand to hand fighting for St. Pancras Church in the north of the city resulted in the building being razed along with the encircled defenders. This undeniable act of bravery has been speculated to have been a last stand to provide time for the nearby Albion Museum to be safely evacuated of both men and artefacts. Multiple unsubstantiated accusations of historical and cultural sites being destroyed in battle have circulated throughout Europa.

What we can confirm at the time of this broadcast is the destruction of several royal parks and multiple universities in the cities east end. Tower Bridge was reportedly sabotaged around 16:00 hours but due to the fluctuation of the front lines, the offending parties are not yet known. Westminster Cathedral, Kingston Palace, and the Tower of Londinium have all been reported as surviving most of the violence without permanent damage. Although the Tower remains under siege with the crown defenders seeming committed to making a last stand along with neighbouring Tower Bridge. Have been photographed manning the stone walls as their ancestors likely did for centuries before. At this time, the towers remain standing with muzzle flashes being sourced from the occupiers within.

Such sniper fire combined with anti-air guns made St Stephen's Tower a target for rebel mages later in the day. At approximately 18:00 hours the air superiority could no longer keep them at bay and the enemy launched an attack that saw much of the clock tower and attached parliament building receive heavy damage.

Much of the government including the exiled Tsars, Qing, Abyssinian families and their respective governments had previously evacuated the city for Cambria earlier in the conflict. However, key figures including the Prime Minister and Royal family remained to help organise the evacuation, encourage morale and directly contribute to the fight against the rebels. This includes Prince George and Crown Prince James photographed together in their mage gear next to an abandoned Fasces artillery piece.

"How old is he?" Father asked the room. "The kid?" He started swaying his own child still in his arms.

"He can't be any older than seventeen." Auntie answered. Viktoriya saw Auntie still holding onto mother's hand. Making the same rubbing motion she received whenever she was sick in bed or stuck in a bad mood.

"They're courageous for sending both princes out into that mess. Uncle said to the room in the same manner Father did.

"Desperate is the word you're looking for." Mother replied. Her gaze remained fixed on the far wall facing her as if it showed more upon its surface to her eyes alone. Being stared at by her daughter while the radio rambled on.

Fires lit up the evening and then night as the fighting continued. Exact details are not yet known, but it has been hypothesised by our General Staff that a push was made to cut off the Londinium salient and trap the remaining army inside. By this morning, the Queen had ordered the evacuation of all civilians and military personal to Cambria and then Hibernia, forfeiting control of the main island. It is speculated that this is in part to evacuate the Loyalist forces out of the capital before the situation becomes unsalvageable.

If there is a plan by launch a counteroffensive remains unknown, the General Staff predict however that the Crown Loyalists forces lack the land power necessary along with the immediate facilities to replenish lost equipment. Attrition in the air and on the sea likewise are making any such plan unlikely to materialize. This sense of desperation has been heightened within the government and its colonial possessions.

The announcer paused again, buckling with the information bestowed upon him. The extra weight of the weekly report was noticeable even to young Viktoriya. What was lost to the child was the immense scale of the events at play that would make the most fervent patriot for the Empire pause at the ripple effects in play.

Like much of the Commonwealth, the continental Dominion of Terra Australis had been facing rampant instability and economic turmoil since the Qing and Albion defeat to the Akitsushima Dominion in 1899. In the wake of the South Afrikan election crisis and now the uprising on the Home Islands. The Terra Australis parliament held an emergency vote and entered an agreement with its major parties to secede from the Commonwealth today. Citing the demand to be dragged into another lengthy and costly war on foreign soil. Despite the military successes from the Sino-Albion-Akitsushiman War made by the Commonwealth, the country remains culturally scared and fearful from the 1898 Battle of Hong Kong where they suffered heavy casualties.

The declaration of a new republic, mirroring the European Fasces Party ordered a seizure of all Albion property and military equipment not leaving for Europa. What remains unknown is how much influence the local branch of the Fasces Party has in the new regime, although estimates show a considerable presence in the lower levels of government. Firefights in Sydney and Melbourne have been reported but are unconfirmed at this time. The remaining government and military forces that opposed the political action have fled into exile in neighbouring New Cambria. Once their the remaining air forces and combined fleets have established defensive positions over the last Commonwealth possessions in the Far East.

Such bloodshed could not be avoided in the Commonwealth's Crown Jewel as Bharat has erupted into civil war. The violence began last night but as with Terra Australis, discontent and desperation had been steadily growing since the war's conclusion and the Afrikan elections. Reliable information is scarce, but it can be determined that Crown Loyalist powers are outnumbered and unlikely to receive any additional support as resources are already scattered and unfocused across the remaining Commonwealth. The General Staff speculate that the majority of resources not engaged in the fighting will be heading to Europa to assist in the evacuation; the likely point of origin will be the from Caribbean territories and the Dominion of Aquilona as they have reported no large scale discontent or Fasces activity.

Whether the subcontinent will achieve independence, united or follow the new radical ideology will be answered with time.

The spew of information ceased for a moment as the announcer shifted tone.

It is with time that we at home will learn of answers to these unfortunate events. For now, regardless of evidence, hopes or fears, we can only speculate on what the result of these questions might be. This past week that speculation has been on the Albion Commonwealth, but now it must be on the prosperity of our own Empire and the longevity of a righteous peace around the world.

But for now, for better or for worse, it seems the sun has finally set on the Albion Empire.

Uncle turned down the radio as the focus shifted from foreign to domestic politics, the family and much of the Empire had their interest satisfied for the night. There was a silence that overtook everyone. Across the Empire, there would be families celebrating this news with modest pleasure. Another rival to the Vaterland had fallen without the mighty eagle losing a talon to the weakened lion of Albion. If the Supreme High Command were to act quickly, they might grab some remote islands in the Far East or a small section of Afrika before the dust had settled. The possible victory would be won without a glorious battle to be had but the most prized areas such as Suez and Hong Kong had already fallen to other powers, making any territorial gains a modest trade for no victorious war.

The Serebryakov household neglected the minor gain for the Empire, all old enough to remember the Tsarist's collapse and communist revolution and half experiencing it personally. They knew only uncertainty would come from what happened this past week.

That answer had yet to dawn on Viktoriya who, while intelligent enough to understand the concepts at play, could never begin to comprehend them at her age. She wiggled in her Father's arms to message she wanted down. The behaviour of a cat who grew tired of its owner.

Absentmindedly, Father relented and kissed Viktoriya's forehead before lowering her to the tiled floor. Stealing away his scratchy stubble away from her smooth skin. The two men present went onto converse by the radio, the first words on their lips questioning if the Fasces Party shared too many similarities with the other revolutionary neighbour to the east. Tapping her feet over to the table where her female relatives had listened to the broadcast. From her position looking upward, Viktoriya pulled on her mother's clothes, trying to gain some attention for herself and not Auntie who kept implementing the rubbing hand motion.

Viktoriya wondered if Auntie was doing it right if Mother still neglected to smile or look away from the blank wall.

"Mommy." She pulled on her clothes while loudly whispering her question of what was wrong. Her little voice was enough to break past whatever invisible shapes and scenes only she could see on the far wall. Both Mother and Auntie looked down at the child, that creature loosening its grip when making eye contact with its maternal caregiver.

Mother's eyes had seemingly sunken into their sockets, the orbs unmoving from the little brunette girl beside her chair. Viktoriya had looked at Mother for much of the broadcast, but now her blank expression had made way for one of fear; a terror brought about by her own daughter. Viktoriya repeated her question.

"Are you ok Mommy?"

"I'm alright Dear." She repeated her answer in a louder volume to be heard by Viktoriya. Leaning down to pick up her child and lift her into the same position she escaped from with Father a moment ago, now comfortably secured on Mother's lap with her head under Mother's chine, while one of Mother's hands ran through her unbrushed strands of hair.

"I'm alright."

Father and Uncle had paused their conversation to listen to what had to be said according to Mother's conscience.

"I was just thinking about how your Father was right just now." She sharply breathed in to try and prevent tears that came regardless. "You needed to hear the news report. You'll understand one day."

Viktoriya wriggled slightly from the tight embrace to look up at her Mother, nodding and accepting the comment at face value. Mother's eyes remained the same, fearful as they saw more phantom images from the wall now on her child.

"Are you upset because people died?" Viktoriya questioned, almost confused to any other reason for negative emotions.

She understood why her husband wanted their daughter to hear the news. It was a historical event that would one day be reminisced about in a fluctuating tone. But there was another factor that she had been too stubborn to see, or too reluctant to accept. There was an innocence to Viktoriya's analysis of the immediate events through a child's lens. Ignorant of the unknown repercussions to come, truly unaware of what the future would hold.

"-You'll understand one day."

Looking back down she saw more than her daughter, her little angel that would always find ways to make others happy and giggle alongside her loved ones.

She saw a potential mage, a conscript, a child whose unwashed face would one day be streaked with mud and blood, a face grazed by bullets and magic spells. She saw a grieving widow that would morn the husband lost for the faint glory of the Empire, cursed into an increasingly unstable world.

But right now, she saw her baby girl ignorant of any such future associated with tonight's conflict.

She pulled her daughter back into her chest, hoping that she would be protected forever in her embrace. A force impenetrable in theory but neither to age nor high-velocity artillery spells.

Her breath continued to struggle as she tried to finish her thoughts on the subject.

"I don't want you to, but you'll understand."

18/09/1924/ Rome, Kingdom of Ildoa / Saint Anne's Hotel, reserved section / 14:27

The distant dome of St Peter's Basilica stood out from the view provided by the window. To laymen, it was the heart of the Church and of the city. For Tanya, it held a mixture of admiration and maniacal pleasure. She thought her primary reaction would be spiteful when she laid eyes upon it for the first time. It was a structure intended to glorify the wretched Being X, she should want it demolished simply to spite him and his infinite ego. Yet, she could not bring herself to wish harm upon it. The structure was a monument to architecture and creation. While any religion was an annoyance upon her first entry yesterday, the scale of the building and remarkable detail of the artwork within won her over.

To her surprise, she looked forward to returning to the Vatican once again, even if bound by duty as a Major rather than a tourist. This world had yet to reach its equivalent of the Lateran Treaty meaning the church could act on its own and under its own laws. Hosting several nations engaging in or fresh from war with virtual immunity from the Ildoan government.

After the Magna Rumeli was defeated by the combined chipping away of the Invicta Alliance, over half of Afrika, the Middle East and Asia Minor were up for the taking. The topic had been the talk of her unit in training and much of the Empire. Seeing as she was interested in abusing the political climate for her own career, she was naturally inclined to pay attention.

Abyssinia unsurprising took back their native Horn of Afrika along with most of the east of the continent. Decades in exile and a bloody war to reach back to the starting line.

Tanya had expected the Albions to stick to the standard imperial practice of painting their own countries' colour over the map, but they had adopted another approach to victory, magnanimity. After reinstating and legitimizing the previously lost Dominions of North and South Afrika. The only territory they added back into their colonial possessions was the highly sought-after Holy Land and Mediterranean coat, stretching their flag from Alexandrea to Antioch. Characterized by a nonoperative hand of power, tolerance, and laws that proved to be more tolerant than the Rumeli.

What they did not take or liberate, they gave to their allies and swelled the Invicta Pact. An independent Hellenic and Arabian Kingdom controlling their ethnic territory and a new Sultanate puppet of the old Rumeli monarchy; the central figure for the third branch of the Abrahamic religion welcomed into the Alliance rather than brought to heel.

This new prestige as victors and landholder gave credence to the Commonwealth's public backing of the Papacy that lead to the conference. They could not will a peace alone but they could now draw an audience among the powers of Europa.

The Commonwealth was no longer on the back foot, at least not for the moment.

Approaching footsteps pulled Tanya out of her observations. A small flock of her soldiers were passing by and addressed her in accordance with their rank once in earshot. Lieutenant Weiss was the first to salute at her sitting on the windowsill; naturally, he was leading the off-duty mages. "Enjoying the view Major?"

For their first military deployment, the 203rd had been assigned guard duty. Officially, they were serving as escorts to the Empire's diplomats and head of state, simultaneously demonstrating the might of the military. In practice: After the opening coronation of the Hellenic king, The Waldstätte Guards with their colourful attire would be the only security allowed on the hilltop during the Vatican Conference, with few exceptions. Meaning the General Staff had decided to give their new toy a paid vacation after completing their training. Unless the Emperor wanted to make another public appearance in Rome, she could let her human resources enjoy their reward, as long as no fights broke out among the sons of warring nations. But Tanya had faith in her Vice Commander to maintain order.

"I am Lieutenant." She answered the question before providing her own. "I assume you all have plans for the afternoon."

Weiss put his hand to the nape of his neck sheepishly, aware the Major could already wager what soldiers got up to in their free time. He confessed their small group had been invited out by Hellenic soldiers to go sightseeing around Rome. The benefit of the host country loosening its grip on conventions for active combatants in neutral countries. Naturally, such privileges were forgone for powers waging war against Ildoa's imperial friend. Not explicitly stated was the likely hood the evening would end inside a pub where the attractions would be within the contents of a bottle.

"Sounds enjoyable. I guess you could say you're making alliances." Tanya chuckled to herself. "Just remember you're all representing the Empire while in uniform."

The group affirmed the order and saluted, Weiss lingering as the rest continued down the hallway. "Personally Major, I would give it up for another chance to see inside the Vatican again."

His eyes glanced over to the sight in question. Its inner workings an attraction to anyone, even an atheist such as herself.

"I don't doubt you Weiss. But you know me, and Lieutenant Serebryakov will be on official business."

"Of course, Major." He quickly apologized for unintentionally implying any alternative. It was a trait of Matheus Johan Weiss she liked: Professionality combined with genuine respect for his superiors. Tanya acquitted him of any imagined wrongdoing from her seat. Not interested in unjust punishments or wasting her time to admire the city landscape.

"Enjoy yourself Lieutenant, remember to have everyone back before curfew if you want to go back out again."

Weiss saluted and left her, calling out to his distant friends as the sound of their presence slowly dissipated from the corridor.

More minutes passed until Tanya's observations of urban nature was interrupted again.

"Sorry I'm late Major." Lieutenant Viktoriya sprinted into view and nearly tripping in her arrival, saluting through breathed apologies for her tardiness. Explaining the interruption was caused by Ildoan officers questioning her in routine security checks. Resulting in her running across the hotel to her commanding officer.

Tanya looked up to her blue-eyed bubbly Adjutant who managed to subdue her panting behind a stern expression but kind smile. There was more kindness inside her skull than most survivors of the Rhine Front. Yet her abilities as a mage, dutiful soldier or impromptu servant were not to be doubted.

"We're not late for our engagement with the princess yet Lieutenant but refrain from making a habit of it." Tanya pushed herself off the windowsill and started walking to their arranged destination. Sternly speaking to her subordinate. Visha agreed and promised it would not be a repeated incident. She had not disrupted the schedule greatly; the requested officer would still be early and Visha had an adequate reason for her delay. There was no more need to instil fear into the brunette after her thorough training.

Silently, Tanya led her second lieutenant to the main stairwell previously used by Weiss and her battalion members but went in the opposite direction. The elevators were reserved for high priority individuals, forcing Tanya to take one stair at a time due up to the penthouse: a humiliating consequence of her small ten-year-old stature. Tanya maintained her silence as it was nothing more than an inconvenience for physically active soldiers of the Empire or any other nation permitted access. Such occasions a rarity as the Ildoans reserved different hotels to each power not permitted to stay on the Vatican hill.

The Empire's best diplomats and accompanying generals were given the best rooms available. The royal family naturally reserved the penthouse suite on the top floor. The Empire had been a monarchy since its inception and placed immense value on its hereditary leaders. The Salaryman's biggest complaint rather than nepotism or potential corruption was this tiny body only able to climb a single step at a time. The structure of government functioned for her continued career, but criticism of the state was a sure-fire way to make the opposite a reality.

A guard saluted the two women when they reached the top level, skipping further formalities for the request of identification. The Silver Wings medal pinned to the chest of the only ten-year-old in the army not suitable enough to prove who stood before a glorified doorstop. Protocol had to be followed however and Tanya would not fault a man for following the rules, producing her papers without complaint. With a sheet of paper, they were granted the privilege of carrying computation orbs and sidearms beyond the door and publicly onto the sacred hill.

"Is there anything you can tell us about the Princess sir?" Visha raised the question as she provided her own identification.

Tanya could almost snap at that moment. She and her Adjutant had been given a crash course in etiquette on the train the peninsula but apparently, Visha did not qualify the royal guards as appropriate recipients. Perhaps it was the uniform that gave her the ill impression of equality. The guards assigned to the imperial family wore the same dress uniform as the regular infantry on the front. The only difference in the eagle-styled ensign and pale purple in place of field greys.

While Tanya tensed up at the question, the guard neglected to acknowledge anything apart from the papers. He returned the items to their owners and stepped to the side, opening the door for the requested patrons. As they walked through, he finally answered. Distant, as if speaking to the air and not the teenager who spoke above her rank.

"His Majesty is protective of his only daughter, try not to force Her Highness into any unfitting discussion. And she has her own perfume for the occasion."

The door shut and they were in an identical hallway from several floors below. The carpet suffering from a noticeable lack of foot traffic.

Visha could determine an error was made by the body language, but Tanya reframed from scolding her just yet. It would look poor to officials in earshot if she were to loudly chastise someone.

The Second Lieutenant persisted in apologies when they began walking down the hall to their destination. It was relieving to know the blunder came from incompetence rather than malicious intent. For now, she would dismiss the larger issue created by Serebryakov. Tanya allowed a pair of politicians and another purple soldier to pass by before questioning her colleague.

"Would you explain the perfume Lieutenant?"

Visha shuffled in her walk, slightly tinted red at the question. Thinking back, Tanya could recall an aroma present in the stairwell, faint enough to be discredited before lingering as a full thought. The Salaryman had no understanding of the substance in his lifetime and the little girl made no attempt to improve on the void of knowledge. Visha continued to hesitate in her answer, allowing Tanya to pass in with another accusation.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with you being late to our arranged time, would it?"

"No Major, of course not."

There was truth in her tone. The factor of her spending time on beautification rather than travel likely led to her being held up by security. Whether Visha had realized that or not could be tackled later, Tanya was more curious as to the use of perfume.

"Then what is the purpose?" She looked over to smile slightly. You're not going try and seduce the Prince or Princess, are you?"

She decided to add in some charm into the question. It might allow Visha to answer with more details if she was guard was down.

"Well, when we got this assignment with the Princess you said it was important to act proper around royalty." She peeked down to see how her superior was reacting, continuing a second later. "and then we're going to meet the Albion Prince, so I decided it…it might be a good idea to put a little on."

Visha shifted once again. Confessing her private thoughts after being exposed by the guard.

"I guess it might have been a little too much."

It was a reasonable conclusion to the premise of meeting royalty. Visha seemed more embarrassed than it had been pointed out so crudely than guilty of her decision. Hastily sniffing her lifted tunic and sleeves to see if the scent was too poignant.

Tanya had not considered any action beyond soap and a bath. There was little harm in attempting to impress superiors; that was her plan after all, only done through cunning rather than appearance and a nice smell.

"I admire the effort Lieutenant, but remember, our purpose is to escort Princess Regina Adler with the Albion. We shouldn't attempt to engage with them once they're together."

Visha affirmed the order. Pausing before jumping back into the conversation, the topic lingered in the air but not yet acknowledged by either officer, Visha from embarrassment but Tanya out of ignorance.

"I didn't mean to imply anything between myself and the Prince, Major." Tanya stumbled at the comment, the idea of Visha playing the role of mistress unexpected. Quickly regaining her composure before Visha could react with assistance.

"I don't doubt that Lieutenant." She responded in a mildly sarcastic tone.

Despite her naivety, Visha was no fool. When they were assigned to the mission of guarding the nationally respected Princess while she met Prince Gabriel of the Kingdom of Albion, its purpose was obvious. Arranged relationships between nobility was as old as history. Now the fledgeling Commonwealth and prosperous Empire had mutual enemies. This was the pair's first official meeting and while there was no standing order for their companionship, it was expected by both powers that they could tempt the young adults into action.

Tanya smiled at the situation. Her presence had been personally requested by Princess Regina Alder but provoked by the Royal Stuart. Visha followed on account of her sex and proximity to Tanya before any qualifications as a guard.

After Tanya was released from Commonwealth captivity, she was reassigned to the Empire's Norden territory to complete her training. Before she could settle into an easy deployment, the newly branded Entente Alliance had renounced the treaty of Londinium. In a hope to quell political insecurity from their recent territory expansion, they had marched into the contested territory.

In her effort to stay alive, she overloaded her computation orb and made it appear as a bid for suicidal patriotism to take out the enemy mages with her. In a double-edged display of fate awarded to her the Silver Wing, the moniker of the Argent and a promotion into a more dangerous field. Inheriting the Type 95 computation orb consequently before returning to the warring fronts.

Her play at necessary sacrifice had backfired spectacularly at the moment: unwanted fame, a cursed orb and further from her desired position in the rear. It was while confined to a bed in a hospital in Norden she received her ember of light in the form of a letter. Her old acquaintance Gabriel Stuart had written to her with congratulations and relief of her survival. His writing was that of a noble's education but relaxed in tone and subject; just as willing to inform declassified information about their push into Asia Minor and the beauty of the Hagia Sophia. More focused on the church being given to their new ally the Kingdom of Hellas instead of the greater politics at play.

The reveal of his identity came at the end of his writing, almost as if by accident. At the last possible place.

HRH Gabriel Stuart

His Royal Highness.

Apparently, her networking had not lost its edge in the years of inactivity. It was no longer a mystery why the teenager had attained such a placement in a specialized mage unit and why he had such faith in his queen's intentions. She was his Mother. Perhaps it was a sign of strategy or restraint that he was only an apparent second-in-command rather than the de facto leader.

Her second impactful letter to reach her bedside arrived soon after transitioning from patient to Doctor von Schugel's test dummy for the type 95. This time the regal origins were overt. Princess Regina had always been a popular public figure, images of the twenty-year-old was sold on postcards since the cradle and packages of cigarettes and meat had been gifted to soldiers at her will.

Now, she had grown fond of the Empire's newest hero. Her correspondents had been official and scrutinous, but Tanya would not reject another friend in a high place.

After the conference was announced and promoted it became a natural middle ground for the royals to have their first meeting, mirroring the beginning of the Commonwealth and Imperial relations. A shift from testing the waters to parties considering an evaluation if they had more to gain from further cooperation that should be pursued further.

The first day had been occupied with the coronation and religious filibustering by the church, followed by political announcements she tuned out. Making it late evening by the time the 203rd was done parading or forced into pews. Few outside of the Empire knew the so-called Devil of the Rhine was in Rome, those who did were bound to secrecy. Fortunately, her rank allowed her to sit out most public appearances and could avoid cameras alongside praising Being X in his favoured house. Now all that was expected of her was to guard the Princess, one mage was enough, Visha was there for symmetry but the third mage from Albion was overkill. She now had to ease up to her benefactors, let the kids flirt and remember their mutual friend of a child stuffed into a uniform and knee-high jackboots.

Tanya and Visha arrived at the penthouse doors, flanked by more pale suited guards. After being subjected to another identity check and permission to carry their weapons near Her Highness they were led in. Visha managed to keep her curiosity in line but was visibly on edge. Tanya wondered if it was dawning on her the privilege they had, or if she was waiting for more snide remarks about her perfume.

They were led past the decorative entryway and into a sitting room. Their guard escort informed a well-dressed servant to notify Her Highness of the Argents arrival. Then they were left alone. Told to stay put in a room with furniture seemingly able to rival the battalions' budget.

"Nervous?" Tanya asked the obvious question.

"A little, I just don't want to make any more mistakes."

To Tanya, Her Highness accomplished little to earn that nerve. As far as she knew, her greatest accomplishment was being conceived into a powerful family. A feature that could easily be her own if Being X had not rigged the sperm lottery. As a soldier, she had entered into an agreement to serve under the Emperor and his heirs; she knew how to abide by the rules.

"Just remember what we were taught Lieutenant: Speak when spoken to and don't antagonize either royal." Visha nodded at her but continued to anxiously shift around.

Minutes passed without incident. Visha was silently permitted to wander to cease her fidgeting but jumped back to her commander's side when the servant entered once again. In his wake came the woman of the day.

Not dressed in regal attire but a skirt and top intended for the same class. She looked to share the same timid jitters as Visha, a hand going to her blond hair pinned up into a hat. When her eyes landed upon the Major, the model Empire citizen and noble appeared more like a civilian than a princess in the heat of matchmaking. Tanya assumed that was the cause of her shallow stock of nerve. Seeing the young mage that would be shadowing you for the next several hours could only bring up images of the Albion. Meeting someone you might one day be expected to marry could out-due the willpower of herself and Visha; currently meeting someone who could fast track or end your career.

Tanya and Visha bowed but Regina was the first to speak formalities.

"Major Degurechaff, it is an honour to finally meet you." She made her own curtsy in respect; it was mildly shocking to Tanya.

The letters never gave off the impression of superiority or excessive pride, but she did not expect such a gesture, even in a private environment. She needed to redirect the discussion back to what she was trained in, what would benefit her career and keep Visha from relaying this information to the battalion.

"The honour is ours, Your Highness." They saluted in sync. Tanya introduced herself and Serebryakov by rank, bestowing their services to her and the House of Adler in one motion. Tanya hoped the Princess would save the idle chit-chat for her date.

After the reaffirmation of their roles, they made their way back to the hall in relative silence. Regina insisted on continuing her appraisal of the White Silver at random intervals, much to Tanya's chagrin. Asking questions already answered in letters about her time on the Norden and Rhine Fronts. Others of the expected variety a mage would hear from someone without the innate ability of flight.

They were permitted to use the elevator now that they were in the company of a VIP. Regina's insistence of leaving ahead of schedule was pleasing to Tanya, who already curried good favour for doing the same. They were intended to meet the Albion at the hour, but Tanya could tell Regina was more eager than cautious to meet. Her slight hint of apprehensiveness only furthering the evidence of the condition.

The royal continued the approval and curiosity of the magical species down the elevator and into the underground garage. More purple guards awaited them and escorted the trio to a black car. At a glance, it appeared to be the same vehicle the Emperor used yesterday at the ceremony and likely again that morning. An inconspicuous yet armoured luxury enclosed state car about to bring them on the same route to the isolated territory.

Regina was silent as a soldier relayed information to her and Tanya. He reaffirmed they were ahead of schedule as requested and their motorcade escort was ready. Visha nodded over to several motorcycles starting their engines out of Tanya's line of sight before they were hurried into the car.

In both of her lives, Tanya was unsure if she had been in a car of greater value. A twenty-first-century Japanese automobile was bound to be more powerful and likely more expensive than a glorified Volkswagen from this era. But the interior decorated in the appropriate fashion for its passengers. Padded leather seating on both ends of the car facing each other and wooden frames imprinted with the royal crest of the familiar eagle made her pause momentarily in awe. Her sense returned before it became evident it had departed. She would not want the princess to think her as a simple magpie.

They sat down and a guard closed the door on the women. Tanya and Visha sat with their backs to the separating opaque window for the driver facing Regina. Enclosed in a space with someone who could entrap her with endless trivial questions. She clutched her hands together, squeezing the appendages likely in anticipation for her upcoming date. Alternating from touching up her clothing, holding her own hands or fidgeting in her seat. Visha adopted her position in silence, glancing out the tinted black window until called upon. Outside a guard yelled out for the convoy to start moving. The armoured car motioned forward with a slight jolt, carrying them forward without the growl of military trucks familiar to herself and her Adjutant.

Soon they were out of the garage and into the afternoon sun leaking into their miniature tank. Their trip would not take a considerable length of time by car, even when weighed down by a hidden blast-resistant steel lining.

"Can I ask you two a question?"

Tanya groaned internally, awaiting another variant of what it felt like to fly in the clouds. If she was so curious, she could wait and have her soon to be boyfriend carry her to find out. Regardless, she accepted and Visha peeled herself away from the window onto their escort.

"What do you make of the Empire's future." She neglected to relax her posture but motioned for the other women to speak.

"Do you want us to take into account the Conference Ma'am?" Visha asked, Tanya unable to stop her eyes from rolling.

"Naturally."

Princess Regina had laid out a test for her in the back seat of the state car. Like with General Zettour interviewing her at the war college, there was the veneer of curiosity but there could easily be recriminations if they misspoke. There was little doubt that Regina could lose interest in her new friend if she proved to be too challenging to work with. Or worse, if Regina were insulted, her career could be knocked back down after a conversation with Emperor daddy. Have her command ripped away and set up as a regular grunt without her meat shields; doomed to die for a nameless pauper's grave somewhere along the Rhine.

Tanya had not personally met the Emperor but would not be surprised if an only daughter could bypass whatever regulations he swore to uphold.

Tanya thought of an answer with her permitted time. Naturally, as a good soldier and savvy opportunist, she had given the Empire's future some thought; similar questions regarding the war sent her down this path in the first place. However, new factors had entered the equation since she last answered. The inevitably of a world war the longer their current conflict dragged on remained, if anything, the inclusion of the beleaguered Commonwealth and the Invicta Alliance increased its likely hood due to their endless list of enemies across the globe. The Commonwealth could be the deciding hand in either starting or avoiding the First World War.

She just needed to show how she was necessary for whatever government was being created by the events of the next few days.

"I am doubtful we will survive a peace with the Republic."

Regina appeared unfazed, perhaps harbouring the same thoughts. Tanya confirmed the Vatican invited all nations to the conference. The Entente Alliance refused the offer, a largely protestant state would never accept a 'Roman peace.' Other states such as the Unitary of Albion and Russy Federation did not recognize or wish to negotiate with the opposition, meaning war was a likelihood for the exiled monarchs within their alliance.

The way Tanya saw the event was as a formality to call for peace on the world stage, the church as an all-knowing yet ignorant witness. The last Albions she met seemed too eager to draw blood than ink from a pen.

The only other attending countries were the Republic, Ispagna and the low countries of the Dutch Empire, Letzenbourg and the Flemish Kingdom. Judging by the map, the latter was a mirror of the same countries invaded in both world wars minus the African Congo, forfeited to the Unitary after the loyalists fled to Aquilona.

The Unitary gobbling up whatever sliver of land once belonged to the Kingdom while the rest of Europa reconsolidated their borders or left in a boat alongside the Albions. The Flemish Congo possession making a suitable replacement for the Dominion had sparked the powder keg.

Tanya had been meaning to ask her Princely friend how the two powers maintained that particular Afrikan border.

"Currently, it is only the Republic negotiating with the Empire. Unless the Republic fully back down I doubt the Entente Alliance would seek peace in the north. But both sides will demand compensation that the other cannot accept."

Regina nodded along; Tanya could not tell if they were of one mind, but she seemed to understand her reasoning.

"The side that makes the hard push for peace will directly open themselves to offering that compensation, what unjust concessions might we be expected to offer if we open our selves too much?"

A growing smile occupied Regina's face, Tanya wanted to join in but managed to keep the serious features expected of a soldier. This was the opportunity she had always wanted, to squander it was not an option.

"I know the Vatican is pushing for a white peace. Despite its minimal chance of success, it should be in our interest to vie for a lasting peace rather than a pause in the violence."

It was an impossibility; a cautious person would cut their losses in material and human resources sue for a white peace. But those in any position of power would not behave in such a manner. Preferring the honour and risky profit that crushing the opposition might bring. Added in was the security in neutralizing a threat in the present before they could grow any mightier. If by a miracle one side came to the logical conclusion, there was no doubt the other side would seek to continue profiteering, likely continuing the war.

Visha was not the best objective thinker of her subordinates and mimicked agreement with her Major. She did verbalize hope of the conference still bringing a lasting peace, an unintentional echo of what imperial and papal propaganda told her. No ulterior motives from those in power or those they would soon meet.

Unsurprisingly, that was the next subject Regina asked about.

"What do you make of the Commonwealth's Invicta Alliance Major? You experienced their…" She hesitated, choosing her words. "Their hospitality for yourself."

Tanya had already relayed her experience to her commanding officer at the academy and the Princess through letters. The chance to offer political insight was rare; another instance for her to show what use she was to the royal.

"Are you asking for my analysis of the Commonwealth as a former prisoner or as a soldier?"

There was movement out of the corner of her eye, Visha readjusting in her seat, the evident third wheel in the car ride. Regina showed no such difficulties.

"Whichever you find more relevant."

Tanya felt fleeting panic arise, pushing against her chest to strangle her. Was this the Princess' plan? Another test of the Argent to see if she was more than a mindless jingo soldier. Hesitation was not afforded by circumstance and Tanya calmly provided her answer.

"I would advise caution when dealing with the Commonwealth. They are not a direct threat to the Empire but we shouldn't trust them fully for multiple reasons; not until the situation changes in our favour."

Regina seemed impressed, nodding for her to go on. Tanya had not hurt her standing just yet.

"We share some enemies at present but if we fully embrace the Albions we could be drawn into new conflicts. We must be careful that future risks are not outweighed by present benefits." Tanya cleared her throat and went on. Finding safety in the rational of her one-woman audience.

"They host several exiled governments, some laying claim to the Empire's territory. Please forgive me for not being on the same level of understanding of the finer details as our politicians. But while the Kingdom of Norge could be useful against the Entente Alliance, Denemcarc could simultaneously challenge our control over their former home territory and Norden. Which in turn could give fuel or legitimacy to other independence movements within the Empire. An unacceptable circumstance while trying to operate a war."

Personally, Tanya had no interest in the topic of rightful statehood for people who felt entitled to one. If there was no enforced persecution or ethnic hierarchy, her interest was drawn to economics rather than archaic tribalism. The Commonwealth accepting exiled governments by the boatload when Europa reshuffled its borders had merely made the situation for her and the Empire more complicated than necessary.

"Ispagna could turn against us because of their holdings on Lusitania, the Unitary and Federation relations will plummet further if we ally with their supposed oppressive monarchs. Ildoa still holds resentment for their failed war against Abyssinia. Lastly, it should go without saying the Akitsushima Dominion could turn away and against us. They spent years fighting for their empire, they'll stop at nothing to protect it."

It was bittersweet to see the Salaryman's old home in a state of success. The Akitsushimans had achieved their new order in East Asia with Tokyo as the capital. At the cost of their ethnic hierarchy.

"Simply put, the closer we lean towards the Commonwealth, we get further away from Europa and our allies. Any alliance or trade deal made must benefit the longevity of the Empire. Not so they can have a future ally in their wars."

It was almost impressive how much vanity the Commonwealth had built up, not even their equivalent in Tanya's old-world had managed to earn so many rivals.

Visha listened intently but Regina's expression stayed that of passive neutrality. Challenging her in the same manner Zettour did, using her own words against her.

"Is that to mean we should abandon the Commonwealth entirely?" She leaned back into the black leather seating uncrossing her arms and teasing to their current assignment. "I wonder how Gabriel would respond to you Major."

Unlike the last time where she had been caught off guard, Tanya had been prepared for such a retort.

"Not at all. I would suggest minimal mutual assistance to the Invicta Alliance, more than what we offered the Manga Rumeli at least."

Starting with a strong point to build odd a was a standard rhetoric tool. She doubted the Manga Rumeli would be worth the investment of human resources to fight from Alexandrea to Cape Town but that was a moot point. It was more of a reason to allow for earlier support than when your comrade was on their last legs.

"The Empire lacks many natural resources critical to our war effort, mainly rubber and fuel. If we make arrangements, we could have them ship and protect the oil from the Arabian Kingdom and Turquia Sultanate without risk of the Republic interception. As they are relatively new nations, we can exploit their weak economies to hammer out the best possible deal. While I can't speak for either High Command, I would assume a suitable balance is the mutual goal. But that can't be maintained if we commit ourselves exclusively to the Invicta Alliance."

If she had lacked the patience or foresight, Tanya would make no fuss over abandoning the Albions and their crumbling empire. Let them sit in Afrika and Judea while the actual powers fought it out. But they had their uses without a friend in their high office. With both royals as backers, she could skip up the ranks to her rear position. Fresh coffee beans along with rubber from the Caribbean was also on her list of desires; the Prince with his talks of honour seemed like the type of gentlemen to try and make amends outside of political connections and ersatz tea. A mild hint in the near future could yield her with high quality treats trickling down to her.

The momentum of the car slowed down as they approached their destination. The roar of the motorbike engines dulled alongside the motorcade. Voices of their guardians and Vatican security filled the idle air, too distant to pick out individual words. Tanya looked out the tinted window, squinting to try and see the world concealed by the opaque screen. She had to get up from her seat and shuffle towards the surface, possibly a risk due to her audience across spacious foot area. On either side of them were stone walls hat built up to the Vatican's own walls and an iron bar gate. Silhouette of figures talking, likely exchanging proof of who was inside the blacked-out car.

If she were to plan an ambush this would be the point to strike. Boxed in and subject to high ground, she did not have the details of their state car but there was only so many grenades and artillery spells that could be hurled at it before the passengers were one with the burning scrap metal. Her hand went to unconsciously touch her orb, releasing it when she felt the heat from mana instinctively reaching her palm, aware of unintentional precedent she was setting.

Their passenger was valuable but not worth risking a world-wide incident by engaging in an unprovoked attack. Any government who had a man involved in the plot to preform hypothetical violence would be seen as an irredeemable aggressor. It was the eternal wonder if it was diplomatic or religious motivations that was the stronger deterrent.

Tanya returned to her seat once the car and bikes started to move again. Regina shuffled in her seat again and Visha spoke up again.

Rather than trying to weasel informal, she asked if Her Highness was nervous. Tanya would have preferred her Adjutant to remain silent, but Regina seemed appreciative for the question.

"A little, it's dawning on me what we're doing."

"This is your first-time meeting Prince Gabriel, correct?" Visha received another stare from the Major. The Princess appeared unfazed at the breach in procedure. She squeezed her hands together again and confirmed Visha's suspicions.

The car pulled into the Belvedere Courtyard, an open space adapted for vehicles for the modern-day, penned in by libraries and the museums they would soon be touring in the hopes of sparking young love.

"Major Degurechaff." Regina spoke out as the car slowed down for a final time. "You've been with the Prince before; is there any insight you could provide."

Her sudden stern expression was unusual. The kindness faded away, barely reacting when the car stopped, and the momentum sent her forward. A purple guard opened the door for them, at a glance Tanya saw them arranged into a line for them. Regina's question still hung in the air as she moved out into her saluting soldiers. No curtesy was made for the Princess' guards as Tanya climbed out after Visha, taking up their positions for the next several hours: still at the Royal's side.

They walked alongside one of the elaborately designed stone buildings. Even as an atheist, Tanya was pleased she was able to witness the beauty before her. She could again observe the art while the kids talked among each other. Herself, Visha and the third mage was the final line of defence for what was already protected by Waldstätte guards set up where no man would risk and assassination. The three left the sight of their entourage allowing Tanya to contemplate an answer.

She maintained a professional attitude and felt unqualified for any relevant or flattering information. He had the grammar skills for someone of his education, unfazed by a rifle being pointed at his chest, cunning enough to trick her with a subordinate who he had little reservations in bending to her orders. Nothing immediately stuck out that would benefit Regina or the two diplomatic powers.

The Albion's and Invicta Alliance were housed in the Apostolic Palace, one of the white stone buildings neighbouring St. Peters Basilica. Only a short but oddly silent walk from the courtyard. Another colourful guard and khaki troop permitted their entry and informed of the Prince's floor. The couple was supposed to meet at the obelisk in Saint Peter's Square, along with the photographers that seemed to scurry after important individuals in the manner of insects. But Regina wanted to pounce onto her Albion early. Tanya continued to ponder the question, unable to enjoy the architecture like she intended to. They found the next elevator to take them upward when a morsel of worthy but not obvious input. How the Lieutenant rejected her appraisal of his work over a cup of mucky tea.

"He seems humble." Her mind replayed his denial of the Queen, a proud son who cried out for the Crown of his Mother; possibly wishing he could do more for his mortal god. "He was reluctant to talk about his unit when I probed. It's possible he wanted a better performance from his mages."

"I'm sure you can respect that notion, Major."

Tanya nodded; she was unsure of what to make of their relationship, but common values were the best foundation. The brief ride continued the silence among the three, propagated by the faintly growing aroma of perfume and Visha shifting weight on her feet. The elevator doors opened onto another designed floor, startling another khaki dressed guard off the wall and back onto his feet. The decoration was of a similar design to the hotel, polished tiled floors and beige walls adorned with more artwork, but more modest in design and expense. Tanya felt comfortably pleased that an Ildoan hotel had out designed Being X in his own house."

Regina approached the soldier on her own accord and ask for directions to the Prince. Either it was a conscious choice to ignore the impudence or she was ignorant of it. Speaking as the curious passerby that so happened to be in the most guarded place on earth. It worked and soon the man was stammering out an answer.

"The pr-His Highness is in the eastern sitting rooms I think-I believe. One of the maids passed by not too long ago."

He briefly gave directions before Regina was off again. Tanya and Visha were caught off guard and briefly sprinting after their apparent leader.

"Anything else Major?" Regina spoke when her escorts caught up. Her serious domineer returned.

"Nothing you wouldn't already know Ma'am."

"Then what of advice?"

She reacted in the same manner as Visha, verbal bewilderment. Regina looked over her shoulder down at her, the apparent nervous emotion made her retreat her gaze at the locking of eyes. Her actions and staring reminded Tanya of another companion to the Prince.

"He seemed the most at ease around one of his subordinates."

If she could accurately use that word to describe that women. Other less flattering words came to mind at the image of her pointing a rifle. To appeal to the names of command structure seemed the most efficient.

The Princess opened up with her own, apparently honest question.

"So I should be presenting myself to him?"

Tanya jumped slightly. To imply an insultingly meek behaviour for your boss was a fast way to receive a pink slip.

"I think what the Major wanted to say was to be approachable. Your Highness."

Visha jumped in to save her fumbling with formalities but managing to get her point across.

Regina nodded and gave a weak smile at Visha in thanks. Tanya continued.

"One more question. When he was with Imperial officers he was mostly on guard and passive. Like he was trying to learn from them." Tanya studied Regina's face for any indication of controversy, nonapparent.

"I cannot speak for His Highness's personally, but he might need a grace period"

"A grace period?"

"Yes Ma'am."

Tanya's mind went back to the coloured girl with the rifle. A contingency plan if negotiations turned sour. Tanya respected thorough planning and that involved learning of the challenge, so long as it did not breed inaction as a result.

"I would not be surprised if he were to possibly lead so he can observe how you respond."

The directions were unravelling, and the trio neared their destination. Now Tanya had to slow down to match Regina's pacing. Deliberately slowing down to a pause, Tanya stood silently waited for Regina to resolve whatever internal issues conflicted her. If it were one of her own men stood still, she would have them in a medical cast for this unnecessary break. Alas, her tongue would have to be bitten for a minute longer. She wondered if there would be any more questions, but the woman sprang into action, ready at the door without a second thought or chance to back down.

Visha knocked on the door at Regina's nod, her Adjutant suffering from a brief pause before following the command, like a proper soldier.

The door opened to reveal a maid, apparently unfazed at the surprise standing before her. Her hair such a light shade of brown it neared fading out, bangs partially covering an expression that could be accurately described as not present. The servant placed her right foot behind her left and pulled up her black and white dress for the Highness.

Tanya had the best view on account of her short stature but was impressed at the reflexive nature of the curtsy.

The act performed with the discipline of a well-trained soldier.

She then opened the door and stepped to the side without another word, announcing the arrival for the occupants and her own masters.

"Her Highness, Order of Louise and keeper of the Black Eagle, Regina Von Adler." First spoken in English and repeated effortlessly in a Germanic tongue.

On her cue, Regina entered with her guards followed into the sitting room, a space populated by armchairs, couches in the same design as the palace and the mildly startled brass of the Commonwealth.

Tanya, alongside Visha, had taken a self-assigned crash course that extended to memorizing a family portrait of those exiled from the Iles. A queen standing in the midst of her children, two girls with a son occupying the eldest and youngest position; a family that silently omitted the father figure among its ranks.

Their studying allowed Tanya to recognize the Crown Prince James seated in a chair matching the khaki of his general's uniform. The man of the hour, Gabriel, stared ahead at his reflection in a full-body mirror placed in the centre of the room. His uniform and figure blocked by another maid that turned to curtsy at the foreigner.

The one face Tanya was surprised to see again was the light brown-skinned mage from the Dardanelles. Without the red coat and in officer's dress seen scattered around the Vatican. Standing up from lounging to saluting before the maid was finished the introduction. Apparently having discipline knocked into her sometime in the past year.

The announcer returned to picking at the Prince's attire, revealed to be a dark blue dress tunic and green sash with various details visible to their side view. The older servant went to resecuring a black cape that ended at his lower back. The brother was the one to initiate the pleasantries. Tucking away a small book into his pocket before standing.

"Princess, you grace us earlier than expected." He walked and stood together to the visitors while his baby brother continued his effort to not draw attention to himself. Tanya wondered if it was the General attempting to promote himself in a more forward manner than her own attempt. "Your reputation proceeds you, Ma'am."

Regina conversed with the elder brother while her date continued to be dressed. Given her anxious and excited demeanour in the car Tanya expected her to pounce on Gabriel when she had the chance. At least this woman could control herself.

The General and Lieutenant were evidently of the same bloodline. The former was bolder and more approachable on contact than the latter still lost in the mirror. Their appearance was more similar than the Princess and her own brothers. The same short black hair regulated to Commonwealth military standards. The eldest took the extra effort to grow a lampshade moustache on his upper lip while younger stayed clean-shaven.

The baby-faced Lieutenant had yet to look over their way, allowing his servants to work while he stared intently at himself. Perhaps he wanted to be fully dressed before engaging with his possible bride. Tanya valued her Silver Wings medal as a measurement of her worth, but Gabriel seemed adamant in refusing the Imperials existence until the women pinned a piece of metal onto him.

A flash of shiny purple reflected light as his crown jewel was attached to his clothes. He was still frozen however, not that his brother and Regina seemed to care as they went on about the coronation of the previous day. Maybe he was still fixated on whatever coloured tin was out of her line of sight, but contorting info a stiff expression with mouth slightly ajar.
Tanya wondered if the interest in this meeting displayed by Regina only went one way, why else would he be an illusion with an unimportant reflection.

The pest of a mage had been gradually working her way towards her royal, stretching onto her toes to lean up into her ear. Whatever she was whispering was more appropriate than the casual assume, and conversation previously witnessed.

Although she would not lean into any of her soldier's ears if her height made it physically possible. Whatever was said pulled Gabriel out of the mirror, he looked down to his abusive subordinate then turned to the woman he was supposed to meet.

The maids retreated to the room's border, the amber skinned soldier copying the women who knew protocol. Tanya peeked at her Adjutant, she remained at attention behind the Princess like herself; one feature she should have adopted was how to stare and not make it obvious that she was fixating on the Prince. At least she was subtle in watching the powerful ally.

Gabriel walked next to his brother, more akin to his shadow than a sibling. The apparently purple medal presented next to the White Cockade of his house. His eyes scurried away from Regina, passing over the girl engaging with the Crown Prince and down to her; finally cracking a smile at the familiar face. He waited for a lull in the conversation before interacting with its participants.

"I was unaware you would have such capable protectors Regina." He was unable to look her in the eye, instead going in between herself and Visha; lingering on her as she got caught watching him. The Prince broke away and back onto her. "It's an honour Major Degurechaff."

She saluted for him and responded, speaking when spoken to, a clear-cut example. For some reason, Visha copied her movement. These minor errors were better than her embarrassing herself and by extension her superior.

"It's an honour to be with you again Your Highness."

He answered likewise for a second time, more interested in the old cadet than his date.

"You're in good hands with this one around." Regina agreed without hesitation.

General Stuart quickly filled in the settling silence that followed, marked by an impatient look and tone. Like the Lieutenant before him, he leaned down to whisper secret sentences to his brother, secrecy not a concern. The General's hand pushed down on the Prince's shoulder, keeping him stationary

The point to the Imperials was evident: the real power dynamic of the family was not to be questioned.

Gabriel took his eyes off the carpet and spoke directly to Regina again, struggling to for, the words he desired to.

"I...I believe we have photographers ready for us."

Regina allowed herself to accept his offer, possibly willing to play subordinate after all. Or aware of the lack of alternatives available. "Sounds lovely."

Tanya followed her leader back into the hallway with Gabriel lingering behind at the doorway. His voice was clear for the first time.

"Lieutenant Pierre, Miss Canvel, Miss Mills. Please give my regards to Miss Sanders." His brow sank as he looked to the final person, he needed to bid farewell. "Brother."

He closed the door and continued down the hall, having Regina trail behind and their guards trailing her. The beginning of their day had started with some mild tensions, but Tanya predicted they could get back on track. Leaving her to enjoy fine art while her patrons talked about how great she was. Teenagers in her last world had little issue in relationships and Gabriel had no problem talking with that troublemaker. It was less an issue of nationality or status and more a matter of time.

Things should go smoothly for the rest of her vacation.