Chapter Twenty Eight

All Business…

"And uh what does Umu mean?" I asked Mashu.

"It basically translates to yes." Mashu answered.

"I see…" I said as I scratched my forehead, still not sure exactly what on earth was going on or how Mashu had wound up teaching Nero another word. "And umm the thing between you and our fluffy haired mage?" I inquired.

"It is water under the bridge as they say!" Nero said dismissively with the wave of her hand. "I'm far more interested now in the beautiful words of the Japanese language that Mashu here has been teaching me than the ramblings of a distant mage!" Nero explained and I was left scratching my head. I don't know if this was the work of Mashu diplomacy or an accident on her part, but either way Mashu had done a good job of calming Nero down in the few minutes I had been gone. I'd have to thank her for her good work later.

"Well if you say so Empress Nero." I said with a slight bow of my head. "... Were there any other places you'd like to show us?" I proceeded to ask next, wanting to not linger on the subject of Doctor Roman any longer.

"Nope!" Nero said, shaking her head. "At least none that are on this side of the city, all the other interesting buildings are on the other side. Perhaps we can visit them tomorrow?" Nero suggested.

"If we have the time…" I said. As fun as it might be to sightsee in Rome, if not a once in a lifetime opportunity, we weren't here to be tourists. "I don't think we should waste any time trying to find out more information and coming up with a strategy." I said and much to my relief Nero seemed to share in my sentiments.

"Umu, of course!" Nero replied. "Then let us be off! I shall take you to my home, while incomplete there are places for you to sleep, eat, and relax! There I will also tell you all I know of the "United Rome"" Nero said.

"Thank you." I said with a bow of my head. "If there's nothing else then, lead the way, your Highness." I said with a motion of my hand.

"Umu, follow me!" Nero said as she began trekking up the hill. The four of us followed in her footsteps as we made our way towards her home sitting atop the hill…

It didn't take very long before we reached the temporary living quarters where Empress Nero was staying and upon seeing her temporary quarters, my eyebrows furrowed a little. Even though this place was still supposed to be under construction, it was massive! It was a large building made out of either cement or mortar with several glass windows, and surrounding the building were the foundations laid for more buildings yet to come, and some of the walls were already under construction. There weren't any workers to be seen, but seeing how late it was in the afternoon that shouldn't come as a surprise. We entered through an archway before we were greeted by a pair of Roman soldiers who opened what I assumed was the front doors. The grandeur didn't end outside however, entering through a narrow hallway into an atrium we were greeted by decor fitting of an Emperor. The furniture and decor was lavish, as were the carpeting that was spread out across the floor, all having golden trim that was fitting for Nero's personality. Looking up I saw a whole in the roof of the atrium and directly beneath it was some sort of drainage pool, I guess that was how they collected water? Either way, it wasn't the decor that blew me away; it was the sheer size of the place. There were doorways and hallways that seemed to lead in every different direction and all the different ways to go caused my head to spin.

"I think I might get lost." I muttered under my breath. Hearing me Mashu turned to look over at me and wrinkled her nose at me.

"Senpai please don't get separated from the group. We wouldn't want to lose you." Mashu said as extended her hand out. "If you feel you might get lost, you can hold my hand if you like." Mashu offered, and immediately the thought of Mashu leading me around as if I was a grade schooler entered my mind. These thoughts were rapidly followed by images of Scathach and Jeanne laughing at me profusely and I shook my head vigorously.

"Thank you, but no thank you Mashu. I believe I'll manage on my own." I replied politely, and Mashu retracted her hand back to her side.

"Alright if you say so Senpai, but the offer still stands if you change your mind." Mashu said cheerfully before turning her back to me. Mashu followed after Nero, who marched onwards towards a pair of stairs that led to the second floor it would seem. Nero climbed to the top of the stairs with Jeanne and Mashu right behind her. I gripped the railing to my left and slowly proceeded up the stairs, hearing the stairs creak with every step I took.

"I can't tell whether those are the stairs creaking or just your bones." Scathach mocked from behind.

"Quiet you!" I snapped back over my shoulder and despite a low growl, there were no further comments from Scathach. Eventually I'd reach the top of the stairs where I found Nero, Mashu, and Jeanne waiting for me in front of a pair of double doors. The Roman soldiers that had been following Nero since we entered the city had taken up position on either side of the door, as this seemed to be their stop. I walked up to the others with a faint smile before coming to a stop in front of them, and heard Scathach catch up behind me…

With all of us gathered in front of the door, Nero spun around and began to push the heavy looking doors open with ease. The doors spread open and invited us inside, where we were greeted by a messy yet well-lit room. Oil lamps lined the walls, all of them evenly spaced apart, and in the middle of the room was a large table where maps lay open and various papers were sprawled about. On the opposite end of the room there was a lavish looking throne with red upholstery and gilded with gold, perched up two steps with a red carpet that led from the throne to the doors. There were also other decorations that filled the room from potted plants to an end table that had silver cups sitting on top of it.

"Welcome to my throne room!" Nero exclaimed as she outstretched her arms to show off the room's splendor, before returning them to her waist.

"Are you sure you don't mean your war room, Empress?" I asked. Nero spun around to face me and seemed to ponder for a moment as she placed her finger on her chin.

"I suppose you could say that." Nero replied after a moment with a grin. "This was supposed to be my temporary throne room until my home was completed, but with the outbreak of the war I needed somewhere where I could plan out my strategies in private, and my bedroom simply wouldn't do." Nero explained. "So calling this my war room isn't far from the truth."

"Well you make do with what you have." I said.

"Umu." Nero replied with a nod. I don't think I'd ever get used to hearing her say Umu instead of yes, but it seems as if Nero had taken quite the liking to it and wouldn't stop using it anytime soon. "Regardless, would any of you like refreshments or shall we get straight to business?" Nero inquired next. Before I could even reply Nero clapped her hands and a pair of servants came into the room, it was a man and woman wearing some plain white tunics. Nero turned to us and awaited our answers.

"Just some water." I replied not wanting to make her wait.

"I'll take water as well." Scathach added.

"I'll have what Senpai is having, please." Mashu said.

"If it's not any trouble, I'll take water please." Jeanne said

"Hmph. The four of you sure have some bland taste." Nero said, crossing her arms seemingly in disapproval. Not wanting to anger our host, I quickly thought of something witty to say.

"There's nothing wrong with some good H2O." I chimed which caused Nero to tilt her head in confusion. Right, this is Ancient Rome, nobody was going to know about chemical formulas and the elements. "N-never mind Empress."

"H2O…?" Nero murmured before shaking her head. "Anyway I was thinking we'd have some of my finest wine to celebrate, but I guess since we are talking about important business I should maintain a clear head. I'll have water as well!" Nero exclaimed with the clap of her hands. With that the two servants disappeared out of the room, going off to fetch us our H2O.

"Good thinking Empress Nero." I said with a nod of my head. It certainly would save me the headache of having to explain that I'm a nonalcoholic these days.

"...Now then. My Rome is currently in a time of emergency." Nero said as she spread out one of the maps on the table. The map in question closely resembled Modern day Europe, although it was lacking in details and some areas were not mapped out completely, which came as no big surprise. "My great empire's territories are now, vexingly enough, ripped apart and scattered all over. On one side, there is the true Roman Empire that I rule over. The area centered around this capital Rome." Nero said as she pointed at Rome on the map. "And on the other, a coalition that made a sudden appearance, ruled by multiple "Emperors'' that are not myself." Nero explained as her finger trailed up the map towards the Alps where the lines of her empire met with the lines of the rival empire. Looking at the map it seemed like all that was left of the Roman Empire was Italy,

"You've been pushed back all the way to the Alps?" I asked and Nero looked up at me where she proceeded to nod her head.

"Yes, as I said there is not much left of my empire. The enemy has pushed us out of Gaul and Britannia, and our Middle Eastern land has been lost. The only reason we've been able to hold out is because we've heavily fortified our lines along the Alps and forced the enemy to try and funnel through our choke points where they are cut down." Nero replied as she pointed at the Italian and French Border. "It doesn't help that we also have vandals breathing down our neck from Germania though. There are constant raiding parties now trying to poke holes in our defense." Nero murmured under her breath and my eyebrows furrowed a little bit, but I pushed those personal thoughts to the back of my head.

"Well it was a smart decision to fortify the Alps and force the enemy to bottleneck through here." I said pointing at the defensive fortifications on the map.

"Umu, thank you." Nero chimed.

"But if you're holding them in the Alps, how did your Uncle and his army get this close to Rome?" I inquired.

"The same way every other attack this far inland has happened, they attack us by Sea." Nero replied. "The Roman Navy is a shadow of its former self and what boats we had, have either been destroyed or defected to the enemy. Any boats we have left are used very sparingly, so we can't patrol our coastlines as much as I'd like too. So the enemy will regularly sneak ashore in the dead of night, and we have to hope our scouts spot their raiding parties so we can send a force out to exterminate them." Nero explained with an exasperated sigh.

"You're in quite the bind." I said scratching my head. "And who exactly is the enemy again?" I asked.

"The United Roman Empire. That's what they called themselves when they stole half my empire! Of all the scouts we have sent past our borders, none have returned thus far." Nero said. "We do not even know the whereabouts of their capital, where these fake emperors gather is unknown to us." Nero said as she shook her head in disbelief.

"Multiple emperors, you say?" Mashu, who had remained quiet thus far, chimed in. Nero turned her attention to Mashu and nodded her head.

"Indeed. The Greatest Opposition to me..." Nero exclaimed before pausing as a gloomy expression encroached upon her face. "...And." Nero murmured before falling into silence once more much to everyone's concern.

"Empress? Is something the matter?" I inquired and Nero snapped out of her thoughts she was having to look up at me. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Mashu looking at me as if to speak out against me, but before she could the Empress replied.

"...No, nothing of importance. No more than the thoughtless words of the rebels." Nero replied, shaking her head. "They call themselves emperors, but they're just pretenders. Frauds!" Nero added confidently.

"Speaking of one of their so-called "Emperors", didn't we encounter one of them earlier today?" I inquired and Nero nodded her head.

"Yes that's right." Nero replied. "Caligula, the enemy general. The man who single handedly slaughtered my forces before you arrived. He's one of the traitors who calls himself "emperor"." Nero explained. "As well as being my…" Nero said before abruptly going silent. A frown formed on her face as her eyes looked down at the ground, none of us having to guess why she had paused. After struggling for a moment Nero muttered "... Uncle".

"Shouldn't he be dead already?" Roman voice suddenly butted in the conversation as per usual.

"Yes, dear formless mage, you are absolutely correct." Nero replied sharply. "Even our Court Mage was killed by Uncle Caligula, but if he was still alive you might have gotten along well." Nero explained.

"Pfft." Olga was heard snickering followed by a grunt from Roman. Unfazed by the noises coming from our Doctor or Director, Nero carried on with her explanation.

"Our mage boasted that he had overcome death. In truth, he showed me some impressive spells, but…. He was killed by Uncle's sword." Nero said with a saddened expression. "A master of spells, who shouldn't have died, yet died so easily… It shouldn't be possible, yet, he did." Nero explained.

"While it's certainly true that mages of this era were extraordinary, few if any mages could truly say they have overcome death. It's a thing that mages have been attempting to do since the birth of mage craft." Olga interjected. I wasn't really certain why the Director was trying to argue over something so trivial, but I knew best not to question my Boss.

"I think the point is that no ordinary human could beat a mage of this era, it must have been a servant." Roman pointed out.

"Thank you for pointing out the obvious Doctor, we already confirmed Caligula as a servant in our initial encounter." Olga snapped at Roman.

"Yes of course, my apologies, Director…" Roman said before trailing off. Mashu filled the void with her own commentary, as the four of us had remained mostly silent listening to Nero lay out the situation before us.

"That must likely be what is causing the historical anomaly. One of the "emperors" got a hold of a Holy Grail." Mashu said with a raised finger.

"It's highly likely that is the cause of this era's singularities." Roman affirmed.

"The only question is which one, and how did he come into possession of it." I asked.

"That's a question that will only be answered with further investigations." Olga stated. Of course I had my own theories on how one of these emperor's came into possession of a Holy grail, and they had to do with Amara's partner, but I would have to bite my tongue on that one for fear of garnering the Director's wrath. Talking about said theory would also lead to confusion amongst the group and was something we didn't need right now.

"... Honestly, the United Empire is too great for us to handle. As ashamed as I am to admit." Nero said with a defeated sigh. "Violent battles are occurring all over and the people of Rome suffer each day. I've dispatched all my serving viceroys and generals, and thrown nearly every troop at them. Yet the United Empire's power seems to be undiminished despite my efforts." Nero explained and her shoulders drooped a little. "Only recently, an expeditionary force of theirs pressed in on the capital. They even managed to get inside!" Nero exclaimed as she slammed her fist into her hand. "I only had a few of my men to defend us and we barely survived that attack..." Nero said. "It is of great regret, but I've come to realize something. At this point, I am unable to face this situation alone…" Nero stated and she looked up at the four of us with a pair of serious eyes. "Therefore I order you, no I implore you! Become my generals! Then Rome and I shall assist you in obtaining this so-called Holy Grail!" Nero exclaimed. Such an earnest request was unexpected from the Empress given my impression of her thus far. Yet I suppose when one's back was against the wall and everything was crumbling around her, she had little choice but to request aid from outsiders. I'm sure though that doing so must have been difficult for her given how prideful she seemed. Nero's cheeks were puffed out and her face was red at this point as she awaited our reply. All eyes were on me though given that I was the group leader, but before I could even say yes I was interrupted.

"That's a grateful request that we didn't even wish for. It seems that our goals are aligned." Roman interjected seeing as no one had said anything yet.

"Agreed." Olga affirmed. "I highly recommend you take the Empress up on her offer, with her backing we will have the armies and coffers of Rome backing our mission of finding the Holy Grail and correcting this Era." Olga stated, which was hardly needed since you'd be a fool not to see this golden opportunity for what it was. "It will make things much easier than if we were to do it alone, but as always the final decision is up to you Operative. Yet you would be a fool not to take her offer." Olga said.

"All of what the Doctor and the Director said is true, but what do you think Senpai?" Mashu asked, turning to look at me for confirmation. Her eyes weren't the only ones on me, I could see Jeanne staring at me, and out of the corner of my eye I saw a pair of menacing crimson eyes burning into the side of my skull. I took a deep breath before replying….

"We do get paid right?" I asked jokingly and the Director let out a deep sigh while off to my side the sound of someone's hand smacking their face was heard. A sharp jab was felt in my side and my hand instinctively went to my side as I let out a gasp of pain. Thinking for a moment that it was Scathach who had hit me as usual, I was surprised to see that it was Mashu's elbow jabbing my side and saw her frowning at me disapprovingly. Before I could even say sorry and explain that I was only joking someone interrupted me...

"Of course. As soon as the United Empire is beaten, I shall bestow upon you anything you wish!" Nero exclaimed with a nod, clearly unaware that I had been joking. Even though it had been a joke, I could already feel the Director's blistering gaze across time and space. "I shall grant one of you the title of viceroy, as well as reward you for the work you've already done." Nero went on. "Rest well tonight. I shall prepare quarters that are suitable for a viceroy such as yourself…" Nero said with a warm smile before pausing for a moment, as if remembering something. "Oh right, will the two mages without appearance require rooms as well?" Nero inquired and before I could shake my head someone else answered in my place.

"No that won't be necessary; myself and the Doctor will not need them. Supplying rooms for our operatives will be more than enough, your highness." Olga replied. "Payment will also not be necessary." Olga added garnering an eye roll from me. That woman just didn't know when to take a joke.

"I see, but I think they should at least be compensated for their efforts…" Nero murmured, but was quickly cut off by the Director.

"Trust me they are already adequately compensated for their work." Olga said. That much was debatable, but now wasn't a very good time to argue the wages for saving humanity...

"Very well then, if there is nothing else we can…." Nero said before being abruptly cut off once more. I saw a vein pop on the back of Nero's head, as it seemed she was becoming slightly annoyed at being interrupted. If we didn't watch it we were going to wind up looking like guests with poor manners…

"If you don't mind me asking your Majesty, but you haven't encountered any mages on the enemy's side by chance?" Doctor Roman asked. Nero's annoyance evaporated as she paused for a moment to think.

"... No, I can't say I have. Why do you ask?" Nero inquired.

"While we can't say for certain, we suspect there is a mage from our Era that is behind the singularity. He or she betrayed our organization and humanity itself." Doctor Roman explained, and I was expecting the Director to object, but she said nothing. Olga had admitted that Amara had a partner, but she had said that it must have been an outsider. Although I guess Roman had been quite vague in his statement so as not to garner the Director's fury.

"There's a possibility that they are in this era. Although we do not know for sure or not if they've revealed themselves." Olga added and Nero pondered on for a few more minutes. In the meantime Nero's servants returned carrying platters with our refreshments. The servants placed our cups down on Nero's war table in front of us, doing their best to make sure they weren't placed down on any of Nero's maps or papers. Once refreshments had been served the servants retreated out of sight until their Master needed them again. I picked my cup up and proceeded to look it over, my water being held inside of a golden cup. I wasn't quite sure if my cup really was pure gold, but judging from the shine of the cup I'd wager it was. I'd never drank from a cup made out of pure gold before, but I was more concerned about whether or not this water was purified…

"... A mage from a foreign land. Hmmm…" Nero murmured finally. "I have heard rumors that there is such a person amongst the United Empire who controls powerful magic. Being that it is only a rumor amongst the soldiers I cannot say for certainty how true it is, but they say they saw him on the forefront of the fight." Nero answered as I suspiciously took a sip from my drink. It tasted like normal water so I suppose there was no need for concern.

"It's unlikely that's the mage we're looking for." I said as I placed my cup down after taking another sip from my water. "The Mage isn't the type of guy who would fight on the frontlines. The mage we're after operates in the shadows and wouldn't reveal himself unless absolutely necessary." I explained.

"I see, sounds like a treacherous fellow." Nero murmured, nodding her head.

"It's a possibility that we can't ignore." Olga said, sounding almost as if she was scolding me. "Your Majesty, I have a request." Olga proceeded to say, and I pondered what her request might be.

"Speak." Nero replied.

"I'd like it if my Operatives were deployed as close as possible to the frontlines." Olga stated. "Our objective here is to find the cause behind the singularity, and the person responsible, so being close to the frontlines will allow us to carry out our investigation." Olga explained. I'm pretty sure our investigation would go more smoothly if it were carried out with minimal intrusions, but it's not like I minded being on the frontlines. I didn't want to be an armchair General.

"I do not mind, but…" Nero paused as she looked at me. "Will Chris be alright?" Nero inquired. Will I be alright? I should be saying that to you Nero, I can handle myself just fine! I was about to protest before Jeanne stepped in, preventing me from saying anything stupid.

"Rest assured that Chris will be alright, so long as he is under our protection." Jeanne spoke out as she placed her hand on her chest.

"Yes that's right; as long as I draw breath my shield shall protect Senpai!" Mashu joined in eagerly as if not wanting to be left out. Scathach said nothing and just stood there with her arms crossed as if she was in deep thought.

"...I appreciate your concern, but trust me Empress Nero I will be fine." I said reassuringly to Nero. "I'm more than capable of handling myself and have a long track record of successful combat missions. So please do not worry for me." I said sternly and there was an audible snort of laughter that came from someone. I narrowed my eyes at Scathach out of the corner of my eye before returning my gaze to Nero. "Besides that is why my team and I were sent here." I added.

"Very well! Nero Claudius will honor your request then!" Nero exclaimed as she placed her hand on her chest. "I shall pray to the gods and divine ancestors of Rome that our enemies be defeated." Nero said and I saw someone's brow rise from the corner of the eye at the mention of "gods".

"Thank you Empress." I nodded my head.

"Well then. Let us have a banquet before we rest!" Nero said with a clap of her hands. Her servants that had been waiting off to the sides of the room immediately took off and headed out the door. Nero made her way around the war table and followed after them, beckoning us to follow her in the process. I took after her and the others followed my lead as Nero led us out the room. "It won't be as grand as per usual due to the war, but it will still be a feast where I spare no efforts!" Nero said, looking over her shoulder. "Say, do any of you drink? We have something special imported from the Orient!" Nero inquired. "What about you Mashu?" Nero asked, beaming at her.

"Oh, n-no, alcohol is..." Mashu murmured shyly and I stepped in.

"No Alcohol for Mashu, she's umm...not old enough to drink…" I said, although I wasn't actually sure if there was such a thing as an age limit for drinking in Ancient Rome. Either way I knew Roman would kill me if I let Mashu drink any alcohol.

"Mm then what about you Chris?" Nero inquired and I ruffled my eyebrows in response.

"Oh, err; I stopped drinking years ago…."

Thank you for taking time to read the latest Fated Destiny Chapter, I know it's been a few weeks since the last chapter. If you want to know when the newest chapters come out, make sure you follow Fated Destiny on Fanfiction to know when its updated and hop on over to my Discord. Anyway, Thank you for reading and for your continued support! If you enjoyed the chapter, please consider leaving a favorite/like. Feel free to leave constructive feedback and reviews in the comments below or tell me what you think I need to improve on. Just a reminder that new chapters of Book Three release every two weeks on Friday or Saturday. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and look forward to seeing you next time.

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