"Welcome home Lady Emilia!"

After the long flight to Gudenberg, the first person Artorian and Emilia were greeted by in the open runway was none other than Claudia Lowetti. The Gudenberg Slayer was alone in uniform, and once the pair was close enough was already hugging the white-haired girl.

"I was so excited when they said you were coming, I knew you'd come to visit at least once!"

"H-Hey Claudia, take it easy! I just got off a ten-hour flight!" Emilia tried to squirm free, but was unable to as Claudia was fresh and ready while she was still tired from the ride. "Artorian, help!"

"Hey, you said you wanted to handle this yourself." Artorian shrugged, a hurtful croak coming from the princess as he winked. "I'm just moral support. And morally I say accepting a hug is quite supportive."

"Come oooonnnnnn!"

"Oh, Sire Artorian is here?" Claudia said, her hug loosening and Emilia scrambled free, getting some needed air before stepping back to the mentioned Slayer.

"Yes, and do well to be respectful otherwise I'll leave now and… wait, Sire?" Emilia was about to scold Claudia, having been used to her rude comments from the Qin operation. But what instead came was a leveled and even respectful response. Even Artorian was surprised, although more composed as all he did was raise an eyebrow.

"I'll admit, that's a new one to me too."

"Sire Artorian is the one Lady Emilia picked… who am I to try and get between her and her happiness." Claudia said, although a bit of pain was in her voice as she looked to the side in defeat.

Ever since their fight with the Hunters, Claudia has tried to come to terms and swallow the bitter pill that was her relationship with Emilia. She revered her, forever thankful for the time she gave her to help raise her to the caliber of Slayer she is now. But for all that favor and reverence, Emilia simply didn't return any of the feelings she laid bare for her. The person she loved wasn't her, and it hurt her to her lashing out.

"I am… deeply sorry for how I treated you back at the Qin Forest." Claudia then gave a full bow, lowering her head before the two as she directly addressed Artorian. "Not only had I been incredibly hostile towards you for your relationship with Lady Emilia, I had also insulted you far deeper than I had intended." She was of course referring to her use of his last name, as her ignorance had made her refer to the man in a derogatory manner far harsher than just the venom of jealousy. After the mission she researched Lord customs further and saw where the harshness of the term sparked from, and understood why his own cutting response came from.

"It is beyond me to ask for forgiveness, but I deeply regret what my ignorance had caused me to say." She continued, before rising back up with a saddened stare. "I wish to make my penance known, and am willing whatever punishment Lords would find appropriate for such a crime."

"Ah… shit you put me on the spot huh Gremlin?" Artorian sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Don't let that whole thing eat you up too much, the term is bad but it's also fair to understand your confusion. I grew up in Yamato, last name amidst new faces is normally expected."

"Even then, I should have known better since other Lords were present."

"Tell you what, let's make it a double deal." Artorian then approached Claudia, holding his mechanical hand out to her as he smiled. "I'll forgive you for the usage of my last name, and you forgive me for my response. You were unaware, I was angry at something else, and we both let our emotions get the best of us that mission."

"I… but after what happened…" Claudia was surprised, shocked at the appearance of the Lord as he offered peace. It was then she properly looked to his face. Aside from the scars she didn't recall, the expression he had was far more relaxed and calmer than what she remembered. The matching venom from their first meeting was gone, nothing but genuine desire for peace giving presence.

"We both lost our heads, it wouldn't be right to stay mad over a slur and an insult." Artorian spoke. "And besides, at the end of the day we both want Emilia to be happy. I doubt it'd go well with a friend of her past and her boyfriend to be at each other's throats, would it?"

"I… thank you." Claudia had expected this to be a moment of ridicule, every time she imagined how the Lord would react she predicted he'd hold venom in his tongue. She even expected him to mock her over the clear knowledge that her Lady Emilia chose him and not her. But as she accepted his handshake there was no sense of malice.

'Would I have done this if I won?' It was a new thought to her as they released their hands, pondering it as she looked to her hand. She didn't have to think long to know she wouldn't have, and it was a bitter thought at knowing how she's been acting. Losing helped open her eyes, but Artorian's response was the sign on where she had to start changing.

"It's good to see you two are on better terms." A new voice caught the group's attention, Emilia showing surprise while Claudia immediately stepped back, turned and snapped to attention.

"Lord Praetorian Sigmund! My apologies for going ahead of the transport!" Claudia spoke, purely in code to Gudenberg's military conduct. "I wished to amend my past transgressions, as well as inform Lady Emilia that-"

"It's okay Claudia, I understand your excitement." Sigmund stepped ahead as he adjusted his uniform. Sigmund Gudenberg, first born of Granald and Mairead Gudenberg and Lord Praetorian of Gudenberg's royal guard. In terms of security of the Gudenberg Empire, he was the most informed person of dealings alongside the Prime Minister.

Artorian looked head to toe on the man, and saw nothing but stark contrasts between him and Emilia. Where Emilia took after entirely from her mother, Sigmund possessed an entire different presence. With slicked back shiny black hair, emerald green eyes, and a lighter skin tone bordering on snow white, you'd be forgiven for seeing no family resemblance. He wore an elegant military uniform, with a sleeveless vest over top the blue and white fabric he almost appeared to be a butler.

"It was good you came ahead anyways, traffic nearly had us late to pick up our guests." Sigmund noted, pulling out a pocket watch attached to his vest's front pocket by a small silver chain to see the time before putting it back away. "It would have made for a poor return of family… and a bad first impression on such a renowned guest."

"Eh." Was all Artorian responded with, catching no hostility from the man at his reference to him.

"Hey… Sigmund…" Emilia seemed to shrink in the presence of the man, trying to keep eye contact but flinching and looking away every time she tried to match his gaze. Sigmund was the head authority of the safety of the royal family, and while she was technically a secret that included her too.

And she ran on his watch, leaving with Charlotte when her father hadn't given permission.

She was afraid of having Sigmund be the first one she saw again, of her family he was the only one she originally felt somewhat comfortable around. But two years apart could mean more than she could predict. Were they still on good terms? Did he take offence to her running away? Was he punished for his inability to stop her?

Did he hate her?

"Emilia."

All of the thoughts kept going through her head until she heard him address her. She looked up and saw no scorn, no annoyance, not even a trace of bother. What she saw instead was a small, relieved smile as he held one arm to his side, an open gesture as he relaxed his entire posture from the pristine focus that was expected of the Lord Praetorian.

That simple openness from him was enough to get her to run up and hug him, the tension in her body resting as he returned the hug carefully.

"I was so worried for you, you never wrote a letter."

"I'm… I'm sorry I just… I had to leave." Emilia responded, trace signs of tears present as she hugged her brother.

"I know… I know." Was Sigmund's response, his own sadness present as he comforted his sister.

The hug remained for a minute before Emilia found the strength to let go and step back, sniffing as she tried to rub her tears away. Sigmund pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to the girl, getting a silent thanks to clean her face before Sigmund approached Artorian.

"Artorian Abyssal I presume?" Sigmund questioned, aware of the answer but making sure to make the effort.

"Yep. Sigmund Gudenberg?"

"Correct." Sigmund responded, the two men shaking hands as they kept a solid gaze to one another. Emilia and Claudia were almost thinking the two were measuring one another up had it not been for the calmness between them, no sense of tension.

"There's been a lot of reports about Little Garden's Selections, you've held your own well for having wielded a Hundred for less than a year." Sigmund congratulated, Artorian shrugging in response.

"Eh, sink or swim and all that. With a first day like mine I had to figure things out quick."

"Yes, I recall that match with Claire Harvey being all over the news." Sigmund couldn't help but chuckle, thinking back to how ridiculous it was that the Perfect Queen challenged a recently recruited Slayer to a duel. He did well, but to say it was a contest was far too generous. "Tell me, how has Claire been? I haven't seen her since last year's Combat Nexus tournament."

"Eh, alright. Buried in work."

"Ah, the burden of leadership."

It certainly wasn't the meeting Emilia was expecting, both on the front that her brother held no ill will towards her and Artorian's surprising level of compatibility with him. A part of her couldn't help but chuckle, and imagining how different this interaction would have gone a few months ago.

"Come, His Majesty is awaiting you both." Sigmund said, motioning to the limo. For everyone it was a pretty lavish experience, even Artorian was comfortable with the size accommodating his taller stature.

'Makes sense, Sigmund's almost as tall as me.' Artorian thought, figuring he only had a few inches over the man.

*Bzzzzzt! Bzzzzzt! Bzzzzzt!*

Feeling his PDA go off, Artorian reached into his pocket and saw that Sakura was calling.

"Is it important?"

"For me, yes." Artorian responded before answering the call. "Hello hello."

"Hey, saw you were finally on call again. I'm guessing you're in Gudenberg?" Sakura asked.

"Yep, just landed not that long ago. How're you doing? Found a momentary break in your schedule?"

"Souffle's working me to the bone, but since I got a song done she gave me the rest of the day off." Sakura explained, shuffling a bit given the sound of her chair over the call. "Although I learned I got set up for a tour."

"Oh wow, did the gig just pop up?"

"This is important?" Sigmund asked Emilia, getting a laugh from her.

"For him, yes."

"Yeah, looks like Britannia wanted a full experience. I'm actually going to be in Gudenberg for a day."

"Hey, this wasn't some elaborate scheme to jump in this trip is it?" Emilia questioned, pushing Artorian away from his PDA so her voice picked up for Sakura.

'Seems it is for both of them.' Sigmund thought with his own laugh, seeing how energetic Emilia suddenly got.

"N-No! I said I was honoring your wish! This really just came up, honest!" Sakura said on the other end. "I get there in three days, so you shouldn't even be there by the time I arrive. I swear Emilia, this isn't some scheme!"

"A-Ah, sorry for the accusation." Emilia suddenly went shy, sitting back down and lowering her head while Artorian groaned as he was now able to move his neck freely again.

"Well, we'll be sure to catch one of your concerts on tv." The Lord promised. "Hey, how about I call you back when we get to Emilia's home and we're all settled? We have a bit of a crowd here."

"Okay, I just wanted to check on you two since you landed." Sakura said, her tone having the Lord practically feel her smile. "See you two later, love you!"

"Love you too." Artorian finished, before the two hung up and put his PDA away.

"So, your girlfriend's call was important?" Sigmund asked, although with an amused smile.

"Hey, you try leaving an idol on voice mail." Artorian responded. "I did once, and suddenly I had twenty missed calls."

"Wait… idol? You're dating Sakura Kirishima?" Sigmund wasn't one for pop music, personally he preferred classical when he worked. But to not know the Oriental Wizard would require burying your head and cutting off your ears. "Alright, I'll admit you've surprised me."

"Hehe, it's a gift."

"Holy…" Artorian had to admit, it was a rare instance where he was at a loss for words. The palace that the Gudenberg royal family stayed at was definitely one of those instances, the scale of it surprising him. It reflected the old tales of human kings, hell it seemed to be scaled that had the corridors been bigger he would have thought he was walking in Lordran.

'I guess there's perks to being one of the wealthier countries in Britannia.'

"I take it this is your first time in a palace?" Sigmund asked, looking back to the Lord as he took his first step into the structure.

"Yeah." Artorian admitted.

"With how big Lords are, I'm surprised this seems big to you." Claudia stated, recalling some of the photos she'd seen of Lordran's city.

"Claire's manor on Little Garden was the biggest building I saw up until now, I basically grew up in a dojo the same size where we dueled." Artorian explained.

"It is a lot though… it doesn't feel any smaller since I left." Emilia noted, her pace slowing as she looked at a portrait of the full family. Artorian paused beside her and took a look at the painting.

It was his best look at Emilia's family before meeting the rest of them, and it'd be a little too on the nose to say it didn't paint a pretty picture. Sigmund was as business as he was today, but both of Emilia's half-sisters certainly looked far more uninterested in the whole process. To a lesser eye, you'd mistaken it for the projection of a serious family focused on the future of their country. But Artorian saw past the adjustments of a master artist, and practically felt the ire present from the daughters and their mother.

He didn't even bother looking at Granald as his gaze went down to the younger visage of Emilia. It felt like a dagger was plunged into his chest when he saw her expression, the barely contained sadness as she presented herself, the black sheep and clear as day the focus of the ire of half her family.

"This was painted a year or two after the Second Attack… I guess I wasn't exactly great at sitting still for a long time huh?" Emilia tried to lighten the mood, letting out a forced laugh before Artorian gently pulled her to his side in a half hug.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Artorian asked, feeling her tense for a moment. "They're going to throw a lot at you no doubt, and that's without mentioning your fiancé."

"It has to be done at some point… I won't run from them anymore."

"Do you two need a moment?" Sigmund asked, getting the two's attention. "I can give you a few minutes, go ahead and explain that Emilia's looking through the old gallery."

"Thank you Sigmund… I'd appreciate it." Emilia said, getting a courteous nod from her half-brother.

"I'll send someone to collect you." Sigmund stated before walking ahead, motioning Claudia to follow. It was begrudging, but the Slayer went along with him, giving her own sympathetic look to Emilia before flashing a single look to the Lord that gave a single statement that didn't need saying.

Neither Slayer spoke after being given their privacy, no words felt quite right on either side as they remained in front of the portrait. There never seemed to be a more difficult discussion then family with the two. But that also made it easier to know to just stay quiet. They didn't need to talk to know how the other was feeling, Artorian feeling the turmoil and fear in Emilia's soul while she saw the barely contained anger the Lord had.

It was the same feelings the two would feel in the other's position, a fact they didn't even need to think about to know. It was a form of solace for Emilia, but it also further had her thoughts dwell on the belief on how their bond was formed. That it wasn't their shared experience in the field or their desperation to survive on the Second Attack. That all of this time, her feelings for him was dictated not by affection, but by their shared Variant Virus. That none of this was real, and just a reaction of alien biology.

A gentle squeeze on her shoulder grounded her back out of those thoughts, the theory given to her years ago melting away the second she was reminded of the Lord's proximity. He never released the half hug he gave her, keeping her close as he felt her own conflictions and concerns racking at her brain. The coolness of his body calmed her nerves, the momentary reaction of her virus receding with his embrace.

"Feeling better?"

"No, but I suppose that's the challenge confronting family when you don't know where you stand."

"I'll be there every step of the way."

"I know."

"Ah, perhaps I should have waited another minute?" The two turned at the hearing of a new voice, Emilia looking in surprise while Artorian raise dan eyebrow.

"Kate? You're still here?"

"Who?"

"This is Kate, she was my maid when I lived here." Emilia responded, separating from Artorian before walking up to her.

Kate Gramanshe was roughly the same age as Emilia. She had short black hair tied back in a bob with freckles across her nose. She wore a maid uniform as expected, although a far more proper and legitimate one in comparison to Mei Mei's. Her accent was hidden well, but a bit of Scotia was heard from it, which would explain her pale complexion.

"It's been awhile Princess, I see you've kept yourself healthy in that time." Kate said, giving a soft smile to Emilia. Her attention then turned to Artorian, and the maid gave a light bow to him. "And you must be Sire Artorian Abyssal. You've been quite the talk amidst the palace."

"Ouch, that bad huh?" Artorian shrugged, Kate's eyes darting to the side for a second being the confirmation he needed. "Lords above, I hope he hasn't thrashed my reputation in the mud too harshly."

"He was a lot crueler in the past, but that might be because you're here now." Kate admitted, her response giving enough thought into it to show it wasn't something she agreed with. "Princess, did you bring a change of clothes?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, I got a couple shirts and shorts in my bag." Emilia answered, getting a disappointed sigh from Kate.

"No Princess, I mean a dress. Something proper for you to wear. Regardless of your plans, you are still royalty, and should at least wear proper attire when in audience with the King."

"Th-that's not necessary. Really, I'm a soldier now, no need for the stuffy dresses."

"Nonsense, at the very least it will help show your father you are taking this seriously." Kate said, taking Emilia's hand and started to pull her along. "Sire Artorian, there is a waiting room, please meet us there while we prepare."

"W-Wait! Why doesn't Artorian have to dress up!?"

"Sire Artorian is only a soldier, no offense but he lacks royal blood to require formalities."

"You heard the maid Emilia, go pretty up." Artorian said with a smirk, Emilia's wails being heard as he followed.

"Artorian! Save me!"

"Royalty never cuts corners, huh?" Artorian thought as he sat alone. Emilia was in the process of changing, and Kate offered a cart and poured him a cup of water. He accepted it, but had only been sipping it down, his latest taste getting a cringe. Carbonated water left a bad taste in his mouth, but he drank what he could to at least play along.

And it was Kate who gave him it, so he'd at least tolerate it.

"Sorry for the wait." The door the two disappeared to opened, with Kate entering first before looking to the hallway.

"Princess."

"O-Okay…" Emilia's voice came out embarrassed even before she came into view.

The Lord was prepared to be amused at her fluster, but as he was about to take another sip from his cup he found himself stunned when he saw her. A brilliant, pure white dress adorned her; far more elegant than anything he saw her in. With her hair let down it seemed to almost blend in, turning what was a common attire for royalty into the dazzling reflection of purity, a veil of snow perfect for the Slayer.

"Well, how does it look Sire Artorian?" Kate asked, a pleased smile on her face as she witnessed the Lord's pause. "Are you utterly dumbfounded at Princess' beauty?"

"…I um… that's putting it one way." He was able to snap his attention back, trying his best to remain composed and stand, ignoring the wet spot on his uniform after he let his cup hang for too long. "Royal beauty definitely has a new meaning to it."

"Oooohhhh…" Emilia's face burned red as she hung her head, embarrassed at the dress. "Do I really have to wear this? It isn't comfortable at all."

"Of course, it's important to keep up appearances, even amidst family." Kate stated.

"Uh… then I guess its best to do it this way. Saves any excuses he might have." Emilia groaned, trying to adjust it the dress. She hated this thing, but knew it would help put the message home when she told her father she wasn't going to return. She'd do things his way, dress the way they wanted her to, behave in a manner that befit a princess, and then reject it all at once.

"Very good, I suppose then you're ready to meet King Granald?" Kate asked, just keeping up formalities more than anything else.

"Yes, I'm ready."

"Then please, follow me."

"Remember, please let me handle things." Emilia whispered to Artorian, the two keeping a pace behind Kate as she guided them through the palace.

"I know, I know. I'll be on my best behavior." Artorian brushed off her concern. "If it's the order of my Princess, I'll have to follow them. I am a knight after all."

"Cut it out." Emilia punched Artorian's shoulder, but a small smile showed the relief she had that he was letting her take the lead. It had to be her after all, to say there was bad blood in the Gudenberg royal family for the Abyssal family would be an understatement. Her father wouldn't listen to him, not in regards to her own wishes.

"After you meet with your majesty, do you intend to meet with your sisters?" Kate questioned, and Artorian swears he never saw Emilia respond quicker.

"No, I don't intend to seek them out if I can."

When they came to the grand doors to the palace's courtroom, Emilia felt a sudden surge of weight on her shoulders. It was a lot in that moment, as Kate began to open the doors for the two she wondered if she was ready. A supportive squeeze on her hand from Artorian helped relax her a bit, looking to see the Lord smile down to her with a wordless level of trust.

When the doors finally opened, the trio stepped into the courtroom, stopping a few meters away from the thrones housing King Granald and Queen Mairead. At a first glance Granald did look close to Emilia, but the matching white hair came from his advance age rather than the natural trait for her. In comparison, Mairead Scotia matched closer to their firstborn son, with incredibly pale skin, long black hair with traces of grey, and vibrant green eyes. Eyes that glared daggers not only at the Lord, but at Emilia herself.

At the side of the thrones stood Sigmund, Claudia flanking him as they stood at the Queen's side. At Granald's side was a younger man, but still a few years older than Artorian given his face. Prime Minister Bratt, head of political affairs for Gudenberg.

"Emilia, it's been too long." Granald spoke first, his voice calm and relieved at seeing his daughter. But his eyes also kept a glance at Artorian, an unspoken warning that the Lord didn't take the bait to. Both Slayers were the ire of one member of the family, but Artorian swore and would uphold his vow to not interfere.

"Yes father, it has been." Emilia responded, stepping forward while Kate moved to go to Bratt's side. "I apologize for being away for so long, but I didn't feel I could find myself in here."

"I recognize you wished to prove yourself, I would have gladly let you enlist in our military if that was the case."

"It wasn't. I wouldn't have been able to separate myself from the family name, as well as the shadow of our General. I had to leave Gudenberg, it was the best for everyone."

"So you say, and yet you ran into the arms of Warslran, and giving Judal political pull even further in Europe then he had before." Mairead stated, her tone cold as she called out the scandal that would come from her identity.

"Warslran has made no statement of my identity, after all I'm not even officially a part of the royal family." Emilia stated back, giving her stepmother a composed stare. "Judal has made no public statement either, whatever reach he's gained came from himself, not me."

"At face value, but behind closed doors…"

"Please Mairead, we're not to interrogate her." Granald interrupted, getting a stinging glare from Mairead. But the Queen relented, allowing the King to speak. "It is good to see you again my daughter, I wish you'd have written or given a call these past years."

"I didn't feel ready yet… I'm sorry for leaving the way I did."

"I suppose I shouldn't have been too surprised, Dr. Dimandias was always one to pull up those in a precarious position. Much like Meiko had been raised."

'Keep her name out of your mouth bastard.' Was the only thought that went through Artorian's head, far from ignorant at the statement and its placement so soon into the talk.

"It was my decision to leave, Char only gave me the opportunity to make that choice." Emilia argued. "I wasn't convinced to leave, I left because it was my choice and I felt it was the best thing I could do for myself."

"Whatever the case, even you must realize how reckless that decision was." Bratt spoke up. "I mean no offense Lady Emilia, however your identity is a very delicate one. An illegitimate child not only gifted with incredible abilities, but you had decided to run into the arms of Warslran. Judal's influence is growing by the day, and your involvement could cripple Gudenberg's standing in Europe."

"Then why set up an arranged marriage?" Emilia countered. "If my identity is so important to stay secret, then why try setting me up with Douglas? That would put me upfront without question. And then everything would be out."

"A rather simplified look into the matter." Bratt responded. "The Wenz family recognized an opportunity to help mend old wounds caused by the growing divide in our resources. An alliance through marriage was the proper pick, and thanks to your roots it seemed as the best pick. Instead of the illegitimate child of Granald and a commoner-"

"Her name was Remilia Hermit." Emilia had no patience in her voice at the Prime Minister's words, she wouldn't let him say anything less of her mother past that. Artorian had also seen that her father was prepared to speak up as well, but she had beaten him to it. As well as the harsh stare from Mairead.

"…Of course, I meant no offense." Bratt corrected himself, registering the animosity. "What I meant was that your mother was a citizen of Wenz, which gives you a history the rest of the royal family lack with the country."

Artorian's tongue suddenly felt sour, and he clicked it to himself as he knew a schemer when he saw one. His soul was less contained, the Abyss in him festering on his mere existence in a way most people didn't show. It was similar to Judal, which might explain why he was able to pick up on the trait so soon. That made it difficult however, even though Granald knew he had the Abyss, as if he'd take his word over the Prime Minister. Granald was hostile at his family with knowledge, not ignorance.

"Emilia's mother isn't the grounds you picked her for the marriage with Douglas, this is an attempt to set up someone with the Variant Virus and a Slayer capable of using Dual Act." Sigmund spoke up, getting the attention of the room at his casual statement.

"Lord Praetorian! Such a statement is unfounded!" Bratt was genuinely insulted by that, everyone saw that in his immediate snap back to the royal protector. "If the concerns were to produce a stronger offspring, Douglas would not be the first candidate. Even Warslran's Master Chief would be a better candidate, given he possesses the virus as well."

That got Artorian's attention faster, his eyes snapping to Granald while his body remained still. Whether Granald was avoiding his gaze or simply uninterested wasn't important, what might have been a slip up may have cracked open a lot of doors. And to say the Abysswalker was pissed put it lightly.

'He could only have guessed I was also a Variant, I had no clue for ten years and Emilia was unconscious when I tried to suck out the Savage fluids.' It racked in his head as he wondered what the hell Granald was thinking making the statement that he was Variant in the past. Of course he had an idea, it fit in line with the rest of his efforts before.

"Neither reason is going to be the case." Emilia spoke out, stopping an argument that was likely going to happen.

It appears the Prime Minister and Lord Praetorian have some bad blood. Perhaps from this whole discussion revolving around Emilia? No, Artorian could sense there was something more going on than just that. Sigmund cared for Emilia, that accusation came out of nowhere. It was something else, something they weren't yet aware of.

"I have no intention of marrying Douglas Wenz, nor do I have any intention of remaining affiliated with Gudenberg. I came here to make that stance clear, so that you both stop harassing Claire with your acquisition orders."

"Lady Emilia, has your record not given you any insight to the importance of one's duty?"

"I have no duty to Gudenberg, I wasn't born here. I lived here when I had nowhere else to go, and I refused to serve. I have no loyalties here, because I have never been given a reason to have it."

"Lady Emilia-"

"Prime Minister Bratt, please keep some form of composure here." A new voice nearly turned Emilia's blood cold, Artorian's shoulders tensing as he looked to see a lone woman enter behind them.

Gertrude Gudenberg was a tall woman, reaching six feet on the dot even without boots. She wore a decorated military uniform, appearing more combat focused compared to her brother's butler attire. She bore the country's emblem over her heart, signifying a soldier's duty to give their heart in service to the people.

In fact she looked far contrasting to even her brother, possessing her father's eyes and original blonde hair. She looked closer to being Emilia's family then the rest of the siblings, and yet a glance of her gaze nearly had Emilia step back.

"…I see you still let them walk over you with their rules."

"G-Gertrude…" Emilia did her best to put down her worries, nearly succeeding but doing well enough to speak clearer. "I'm surprised you weren't here from the start, I'm sure you have a lot to say about this."

"Not really, the Prime Minister wished me to stay absent believing I'd let my personal views get in the way." Gertrude responded, looking Emilia up and down in her dress.

Artorian noticed the harsh stare but kept his mouth shut. He was more focused on the decorated stars going down the woman's right arm. Embroidered gold lined with silver, and a obsidian capsule on her cap. Gertrude was not just a member of Gudenberg's military, she was their god damn highest ranking general. The capsule signaled she was a field operative, and more pieces were fitting together in Artorian's head.

'Sigmund, the oldest and only son, is the Lord Praetorian. Such a role makes him incapable of inheriting the throne. Gertrude, the eldest daughter, is a general in Gudenberg's military and a field operative. Her position makes her incapable of inheriting the throne. Emilia and her last sister are the only two capable of inheriting their father's role due to the doctrine their country has survived on.'

It made perfect sense when Artorian had the critical piece of information that was Sigmund and Gertrude's positions in Gudenberg. In order to take up such pivotal roles, both had to relinquish their familial privileges, surrendering their claim to the throne to the next in line. Sigmund to Gertrude, then Gertrude to the last of the family. Emilia had claim to the throne as well, even as a younger sibling. Especially with her abilities Gudenberg's court could view her as the superior option to become the next Queen.

'Rat bastard, I see your game now.'

Gertrude then turned her attention to Artorian, taking time to measure him out like she was about to tear into him over some unseen error with his uniform. Ice Queen wouldn't fit the identification of someone like her, given the clear fire in her eyes. It was when the Lord finally acknowledged her staring that she looked away.

"I see we have a guest, I'm surprised he's been rather non-vocal so far."

"Emilia wanted to handle this, I'm keeping to myself because of that." Artorian answered.

"It helps you don't need introductions, but its still common decency to introduce yourself to people you've met for the first time. Especially with your rank."

Artorian looked over to Emilia, wordlessly asking the question on whether he should involve himself now. It was simple nod, but Emilia knew they had to at the least acknowledge Gertrude's point. This conversation would eventually involve him anyways, but just a little statement isn't much.

"My name is Artorian Abyssal, I am the Master Chief Petty Officer of Warslran and captain of Little Garden's Rejection operations." He kept it simple and to the point, not bothering to bow as he returned to his place at one of the columns.

"Gertrude, is there a reason you chose to interrupt this meeting?" Granald questioned. He was surprised to see his daughter, having only seen her at the occasional ceremony since her acceptance of her rank.

"General Gertrude, your excellence." Gertrude reminded, putting their positions on. "I am not like the Lord Praetorian and allowed to be on such a basis. I am a soldier first, serving her country."

A lot had apparently changed in the years Emilia was gone, aware of the apparent tension between her sister and father that wasn't there before. Even after becoming a general Gertrude always was respectful but composed with their dad, a calm but still familial bond. This was different, a similar but different tension that Sigmund had with Bratt.

'And always, I'm the one caught in the middle.' Emilia was aware now that her involvement in all of this was circumstantial. Everyone in this room had a motive, each conflicting with one another and was reaching a boiling point.

"General Gertrude, you seem to be inclined to make a scene, has something come up?" Miarad asked, to which Gertrude nodded.

"Yes, we have an additional pair of guests that we were not informed of until recently." Gertrude stated. "The Wenz family felt inclined to send Douglas here. Apparently my sister's arrival was leaked to them and they wished for them to meet in preparation for their marriage."

"I have already made it clear I have no intention of marrying him." Emilia stated, Gertrude looking to her for a moment.

"Your interest in the marriage isn't the concern." Gertrude stated simply, genuinely having no interest in Emilia's side of the affair. "My issue is that someone informed the Wenz family without going through the proper chain, Prime Minister? You wouldn't happen to know anything about this?"

"I am as in the dark as you are." Bratt stated, and there wasn't a single person who believed that.

"Bratt, we will discuss this breach with the general later." Granald stated, putting authority into his words before regarding Emilia. "Emilia… I would request that we discuss this further in private. Perhaps after dinner?"

"Why, so that I can meet Douglas and you can hope to change my mind?"

"My daughter, there is a lot you still have yet to see reason on. But I am genuinely only wishing to talk to you in private." It was a simple response, but the undertone behind it was clear as day to everyone else. He wanted to speak to her alone because all the contrasting voices was causing a loss in focus. This ordeal of marriage was between them above all else, and the growing tension was only dividing the goal of this meeting.

'Dinner's going to be hell.' Was all Artorian could think to himself. The day was young and there was plenty of drama to come to pass. He only hoped they could go through it without a fight. Not for his own sake, but to salvage whatever relationships Emilia could have.

Not to mention they were going to have to meet her fiancé.

'Please don't throw the first punch.' It was Emilia's own thoughts, tense at Artorian's record and fearing that someone was going to push him too far. She'd stand by him regardless, she just hopes it doesn't come to that.

"General Gertrude, it's been some time." Prior to meeting for dinner, Emilia was required to meet with Douglas. Gertrude was there to oversee the meeting, given the security issue his arrival has caused. With well kept silver hair and piercing green eyes, the man practically exuded royalty similar to how Emilia had.

Artorian didn't know why, but he was suddenly self-conscious as he stood by the entrance, leaning against a wall.

"My apologies Prince Douglas, we were unaware you were going to visit." Gertrude stated. The prince had been left to wait for almost twenty minutes before Emilia was willing to meet him.

"Really? We were invited and the royal sigil was used for the letter." Douglas noted, confused at the statement of his arrival being a surprise. Everything was official, but the family themselves were unaware of him coming.

"We're investigating that, but we recognize it has nothing on the Wenz family's side. This is a fault of communication on our front."

"Of course, if there's any way my family can help please don't hesitate to ask. Gudenberg's security is important to me and my country as well." Douglas gave a small bow of his head, before he turned to see Emilia. "Princess Emilia, it's been a long time."

"Prince Douglas." Emilia gave her own form of a respectful notion, although there was a clear disinterest that even Douglas caught immediately.

"I see that I have come at an inopportune time?"

"It wasn't expected you'd come, I simply wished to come home to speak with my father before returning home. This is a bit of a… complication."

"Ah, I see." Douglas said with a smile, placing a hand over his chest as he laughed to himself. "So it seems I was made the fool of someone's schemes. My deepest apologies."

"It's… it's not your fault."

"Still, this whole situation may have been going on for far too long." Douglas stated, looking down to Emilia. "Truth be told, when I met you two years ago, I saw the disinterest and even the active effort to get away from me. I should have spoken up about the marriage when I noticed it first."

"Wait, you knew?" Emilia asked, caught off guard at that statement.

"A little bit, at the least I could tell you sidestepped me when you could." Douglas laughed. "Truth be told, I didn't speak out both in wishing to help my country and make my family happy with an alliance with Gudenberg. Perhaps I had a little too much thoughts on that… and not what was expected of you."

"Douglas I… sorry to not say it myself either." Emilia apologized, the prince holding a hand up to stop any such thoughts.

"Princess Emilia, there is no such thing to apologize for. Given your current stance, it's clear this whole arrangement was made without your own say. You don't have anything to apologize for, not when it was our parents' decisions and not our own."

"I'm… I admit this is going a little better then I thought it would." Emilia admitted. She wasn't versed in politics, and was far from familiar with Douglas as a person, but she figured attempting to break an arranged marriage would be more difficult to break off with the person themselves rather then her father.

"Truthfully, I'm a bit relieved myself." Douglas laughed to himself. "It's not entirely a good start to a relationship if we only met once before any marriage."

"Well I'll be damned, it's that easy?" Artorian said to himself, flinching when he saw the trio look to him after realizing he didn't whisper it. "…Fuck."

"Ah, I hadn't realized there were other guests too." Douglas said, looking to Emilia. "Is this a friend of yours?"

"Yes, actually it's a bit more than that." Emilia admitted, before walking over to Artorian before hugging his arm, pulling him over against his will.

"Hey, cut it!"

"This is Artorian Abyssal, he's a fellow Slayer on Little Garden." Emilia introduced, smiling as she continued. "He's also my boyfriend, and the man I intend to marry."

"He just said he wouldn't marry you, this isn't something you just throw immediately after!"

"Haha, it looks like I lost before even being able to compete." Douglas laughed, collecting himself before offering his hand. "Douglas Wenz, it's an honor to make your acquaintance Sire Artorian."

"Um… feeling's mutual." Artorian responded, although awkwardly at being dragged into the conversation.

"There's no need to feel awkward, it might be strange but if Emilia chose you then there's no point in arguing about it." Douglas explained. "I suppose that's also why you're here too, to help Emilia settle everything?"

"That's all her actually, I'm just moral support."

"They've made it known, however the king is still against canceling it so abruptly." Gertrude informed, Douglas looking to her confused.

"Why would he? I went along with this on the pretenses that it was mutually agreed before anything was official. If Emilia is against it, everything is cleared to cancel the marriage."

"It's because of him." Gertrude answered, pointing to Artorian. "The king does not trust him, and was hoping the engagement would put a wedge and stifle Emilia's interest in him."

"This is ridiculous, I will not be used as a pawn in a political scheme like this." Douglas objected, attempting to head for the king's courtroom but was stopped when Gertrude grasped his arm. "General?"

"Your objection may help, but it will fall on deaf ears. If you object now, you'll only embolden the king to communicate with your parents to solidify it, likely with better terms for your country to go through it." Gertrude explained, releasing the prince when it was clear he wasn't going to leave.

"Unbelievable, what could you have done to get such a response from king Granald?" Douglas questioned.

"I was born." Artorian stated simply.

"…Then what do we do?"

"You let the princess handle her own affair." Gertrude stated, pointing a cold stare at Emilia in emphasis. "This is her ordeal to go through, you're just the attempted scapegoat of a paranoid father and a scheming parasite."

That part caught the group's attention, Artorian putting together that the general was just as aware of whatever Bratt was planning as he was. Likely more, if his theory about the Prime Minister's scheme involving the Gudenberg family line of succession. There was a daughter yet to be seen, and there was more than some indications to what might be in the shadows.

Emilia was concerned to see how Gertrude would respond to her, so much that she wanted to avoid her eldest sister at any chance. But she could tell that as harsh as Gertrude stared her down every time, there was a mixture of desperation and indignation deep in her eyes. They would have to talk in private, she could see that clear as day. But given that this worried not only Gertrude, but even Sigmund if his objection was anything to go by, a general of Gudenberg's military would keep a member of Warslran as far as possible.

"The king intends to hold a banquet for Emilia's return and your arrival." Gertrude suddenly brought up, looking to Douglas. "It's a few hours before dinner, so I recommend you and Master Chief Artorian be brought to the rooms you'll be staying in. I'll be sure to send someone to collect you if that's alright. Princess Emilia, I would like a word with you."

That was the final nail struck into place to let Emilia know something was truly wrong. If Gertrude wanted a word with her, then this was beyond whatever past animosity the general once felt for her. Family affairs were going a different direction then expected, and now she was concerned for a completely different reason.

Emilia felt a light squeeze on her shoulder as Artorian looked to her with concern. There wasn't a word between them, but Emilia knew the exact thought that was running through his head. All her concerns was likely swimming in his mind too, and he was worried if she was going to be okay around the sister she was most worried to see.

Emilia smiled, Artorian through this all was respecting her wishes and never taking a step past what he would normally do. He was letting her take the lead, and even now with his worries he was asking her thoughts and making sure if this would be alright.

She placed her hand over his, a gentle but firm gesture that informed him exactly what he needed to know.

She could handle this.

She would handle this.