Here we are at Chapter 32. Time for Yuki to meet her parents' former adversary. I do not own Code Vein. They belong to Bandai Namco. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 32. Enjoy.
Chapter 32: The Empress of Gravlon
In the room, everyone take their seats, with Yuki's family sitting opposite of Empress Philine, while the king, queen, and Princess Iris sit at another table adjacent to them. Yuki watches as the empress sips her tea. She remembers the stories her mother Fuyumi told her about Philine Hawke. She was instrumental in forging a strong pace between Anatolia and the Gravlon Empire. But, more importantly, how fierce she was as a warrior and enemy general on the battlefield during the war. Fuyumi told her about the one time they fought in a duel during a key battle. Mother Iris and Aunt Elane also told her about the time the two of them fought her when they infiltrated the empire's capital. How despite the fact that it was two-on-one, Philine Hawke had both of them on the defensive. What made those stories even scarier is the fact that Philine possesses no affinity for magic. Her entire strength came from her swordsmanship alone. Seeing her now, Yuki can believe those stories. Despite the fact that she is now an empress and not a general, Empress Philine carries an aura around her that screams 'warrior', and it's not just because of her armor. Yuki wouldn't be surprised if she still practiced her sword skills to keep the rust off even as she works as a politician now.
Empress Philine finishes her tea, "Not bad. Though I admit the tension in the room doesn't help with the flavor,"
"You'll have to forgive us in that, Empress Philine. While I know that you came personally to see me to discuss new trade agreements between our two countries, I admit I am confused as to why you wanted to see Ser Fuyumi and Lady Emilia's family," King Mikhail notes.
"It is so strange to want to meet with an old adversary of mine after so long? Besides, you were key in ensuring my country wasn't completely destroyed and even showed us some mercy during the peace negotiations. I can tell just by looking at you that you haven't lost your edge. I'd be upset if the only individual whom I've fought against but did not defeat would grow rusty due to complacency," Empress Philine notes.
"Okay. Forgive me, but while I can understand that sentiment, that doesn't explain why you wanted to meet my daughter. If this is about trade for our two countries, then there's no need for her or her fiances to be here," Emilia says.
"Well, it's not as complicated as you might think. I called for her here because I wanted to genuinely meet her. The daughter adopted by the Hero of Anatolia. Even in the far-off country of the empire, word of your existence and some of your exploits have reached my ears. How you're exceptionally skilled in ice magic, an excellent student at the royal academy, how your beauty outshines most others. Though, the stories said you had black hair and white undertones. I wasn't expecting your hair to by all white in our first meeting, though it does suit you. Makes you look more like your mother Fuyumi," Empress Philine explains.
Yuki bows her head, "Your words honor me, Your Majesty,"
"I also heard about your recent engagements, and so I wanted to meet your future spouses as well. Ladies Hiei Mamoriko and Hanazuki Kawakaze, a pleasure," Philine looks to the two girls sitting on Yuki's sides.
"An honor to meet you, Your Majesty," Hiei and Hana bow their heads together.
They're careful to show proper respect and decorum. Even if they are allies now, relations between their countries can go downhill at any time if something bad happens. And that is something they all want to avoid.
"When I heard about you, Yukitsuki, and your many accolades, it almost gave me an idea. I thought to see if I could forge a greater alliance between our two countries by proposing an engagement between you and my son after he got a little older. However, when I learned you were following in your mothers' footsteps and got engaged to not one, but two young women, I saw that those plans had failed before they even began," Empress Philine notes.
"You have a son now? Forgive us, for we did not know," Lady Emilia was mildly surprised.
"Yes, one son. Born from the union between me and a consort I chose. However, we are not automatically making him my successor unless he proves himself. I don't want to leave the throne in the hands of someone who proves to be unworthy of it and puts my country in peril, even if they are my own flesh and blood. If that ends up being the case, then I will choose from among the children of the nobility and decide who is worthy of becoming my successor. I will choose based on merit, achievements, and talents rather than bloodline or social status alone," Empress Philine explains.
"I see, but what if there are those who do not agree with your choice and prefer to use older traditions such as rank or bloodline?' King Mikhail asks.
"Then they will be dealt with," Empress Philine says without any hesitation, stunning them. "Let me be clear. I want to ensure that my country may rise to become a strong nation again, free from the greed and stupidity of my predecessors. We have a long way to go, and so I cannot hesitate. When I assumed control of the empire at the end of the war, there were many who opposed me and either wanted to keep the war going or worse. I could not allow that to happen, but to deal with them the diplomatic way would take far too long and only lead to more chaos. I had no choice but to deal with them swiftly and seize total control in order to stabilize my home before it fell beyond repair. The war took much from us. Sometimes, swift justice is the best justice, even if it gets bloody. You rule your kingdom your way, King Mikhail, and I will rule mine my way," Empress Philine explains.
King Mikhail sighs, "I see. I can sort of understand. Sometimes, the wheels of diplomacy move too slowly. Sometimes, fortune favors haste over caution,"
"But, back onto the main topic. I thought about possibly making a proposal of marriage between you and my son after he got older, but then I learned you prefer those of the fairer sex, so those plans derailed. I heard about the fiances you chose and wanted to see them for myself," Empress Philine inspects Hiei and Hanazuki. "Just like your mother, you have interesting tastes. Tell me, has your mother ever talked about me back home?"
"Your Majesty, I'm not sure that's appropriate, given our history together," Fuyumi says, getting nervous.
"Oh don't worry, I'm not going to turn this into some kind of diplomatic incident. I just want to satisfy my curiosity," the empress waves it off, but doesn't make Fuyumi any less nervous.
"Mother Fuyumi said you were a fierce warrior on the battlefield. She said that if it was just a duel of pure swordsmanship, then she'd be hard-pressed to defeat you. Mother Iris and Aunt Elane said the same thing when they fought against you. They also said you were very competent as a commanding officer during the war, but you did have some honor when you aided them against the former chancellor in the final battle," Yukitsuki says.
"My, my, to be given such praise by the hero of Anatolia who was key in ending the war. I'll take that as a high compliment. You know, I might be tempted to duel with you again after all this time, Fuyumi Kusanagi. You are one of the very few, maybe the only one nowadays, that can give me a decent challenge. I certainly don't want to grow rusty with my blade even as I handle my duties as empress now," Empress Philine says.
Fuyumi sags her shoulders, "Did you come all this way just to pick a fight with me?"
"No, but the offer to duel still stands. However, I'm afraid that will have to be for another time. I didn't come all this way just to speak with you and your family, Ser Fuyumi. I do have other matters to attend to with your king. I just wanted to meet with an old rival and meet her daughter. That is all," Empress Philine says.
"Well, if that is all... Thank you, Ser Fuyumi, for you and your family extending some of your time to meet with us today. I know it was on short notice. You may all go now," King Mikhail says.
"Your Majesty," Fuyumi bows her head while the rest of her family curtsy.
"Lady Yukitsuki, I will see you again back at school," Princess Iris says.
"I look forward to it, Your Highness," Yukitsuki replies.
Just before they exit the room, the empress calls out to them, "One more thing, Ser Fuyumi. I noticed that May was not in your party for this meeting,"
"No, she is not, Your Majesty. She has other matters to attend to back home. I'm sorry that she couldn't be here today to meet with you," Fuyumi explains.
"I see. Tell me... how has she been doing?" Empress Philine asks, her expression softer now.
Fuyumi smiles, "She's been doing fine. And we have not been mistreating her. I'm come to trust and care for her a great deal, the same I do with everyone else in my family,"
Empress Philine shows a small smile, "Good. I'm glad to hear that. Please, give her my regards,"
With that, Fuyumi's family finally leaves the room.
"Well, that was unexpected," Emilia notes.
"Indeed. I wasn't expecting Empress Philine to be the one who summoned us for a special meeting. Nor that the reason for said meeting was just so she could meet our daughter. Sometimes I just wish we could have one relaxing week where nothing unknown happens," Fuyumi says.
"I'm pretty sure those weeks ended the day I met you," Emilia giggles.
"So, what do we do now?" Yuki asks.
"We return home and wait until we hear news from Veronica and May. Sometimes, waiting may be hard, but it's all one can do," Emilia says.
"Let's hope they get back, safe and sound soon. I'm worried about Sophia," Yuki mutters.
...
Meanwhile, at Count Valmeck's estate in the capital, May and Veronica move through the shadows as they look for a way inside. Normally, there wouldn't be too much security for a count's home, even in the capital. However, this place had more guards around than what was expected.
"The guy must have quite the pile of cash lying around if he can afford to higher this many guards," Veronica mutters as she glances around a corner.
"Most of them are mercenaries while a few are soldiers. Either he has this many around to flaunt his wealth..." May begins.
"Or he has something to hide. Well, let's get inside then," Veronica says, raising her hand to May. "Illusion," May turns May invisible to everyone but her.
"An invisibility spell? Impressive," May notes.
"It's not full proof. No one can see us, but they can still feel and hear us. So, we'll still need to be careful. Let's get in through the window above us," Veronica explains before casting the same spell on herself.
They climb or fly up to the second-floor window above them. May peaks through the window to make sure the room is empty. Once the coast is clear, May uses a few small tools she brought with her to help open the window, allowing them entry inside. Inside, they find a large bed, dressers, and other flashy furniture. It seems this would be Count Valmeck's bedroom. Good thing he wasn't there when they made their way inside.
"Think we'll find anything in here?" Veronica asks.
"Maybe. If not here, then perhaps his study. Any place he spends a lot of time in where he might handle his business. We need to looks for documents, transactional records, letters. Anything that could implicate him in something illegal. Anything that would force Duke Ramona to cancel the engagement in order to keep himself from going down with Valmeck's ship," May explains while looking around.
"Welp, let's get started then," Veronica starts looking around the furniture by the bed.
The two start looking around, hoping to find something that can help them with their mission. They check the dresser, the drawers, under the bed, all over the room. Unfortunately, they don't find anything useful.
"No such luck here. Guess we'll have no choice but to check other rooms in the estate," May says.
"Then, let's check his study or wherever he does his business. There must be something there," Veronica nods.
They slowly open the door, checking to make sure there are no servants or guards around. Thankfully, there are none. They move through the mansion, hiding on the walls whenever a maid or servant walk past and keeping silent.
"Wait, which room is his study again?" Veronica whispers.
"Follow me. I dug up on that before we came here," May leads the way.
They move up to a room towards the rear of the estate on the second floor. Once more, May uses her tools to unlock the door and sneak inside. They find an office space with a fancy desk, couches and a table at the center, along with a few small bookshelves on the sides.
"The guy sure likes to buy some fancy and expensive-looking furniture," Veronica notes, inspecting the room.
"Look around, we need to find something that will help us," May says.
The demon princess checks around the bookshelves while May checks the desk. The drawers are all under lock and key, but that does little to stop her. Once she opens them up, she finds documents inside.
"Let's see... jewels... artwork... furniture... more jewels... ugh, nothing here but legitimate business garbage," May mutters, getting irritated.
"Please, you really think he'll hide anything incriminating on him in his desk drawer. I doubt even he could be that stupid. We need to get a little- someone's coming. Hide!" Veronica says, sensing something approaching.
May quickly puts the papers back as she found them and closes and locks the desk drawers while Veronica fixes up the books. They then move to a corner of the room. A moment later, the door opens after being unlocked again and in walks a middle-aged man. He has a mustache that curls at the end and graying hair that's balding in the center. He's wearing a fancy dark purple suit for a noble. Veronica was expecting him to be fat. While he's a little plump, he's not the fat slob the demon girl was expecting.
"Make sure they focus on items 34 and 56 at the auction. Those are rare finds that will fetch an excellent price on the local market here. Don't screw it up," the man says to a butler walking behind him.
"Understood, Lord Valmeck. I'll see to it that the preparations are completed," the butler bows his head before taking a few documents away and exits the room.
The ladies watch as the man, Count Valmeck walks back and sits behind his desk. He pulls out a few papers from his desk and writes some numbers on him. As they watch, all he seems to be doing is regular business work. Just when Veronica is about to lose her patience, Count Valmeck stands up and walks over to one of the bookshelves. Pulling out a book, he opens it up and flips through the pages until he pulls out a few that were not attached to the book itself. Heading back to his desk, he writes on the documents and then leaves the room after his work is done. Once the girls are sure he's gone, they retrieve that same book and pull out the hidden pages.
"What do we got?" Veronica asks.
"These are numbers on transactions and deliveries to... the Gravlon Empire," May notes, her eyes widening.
"Transactions for what?" Veronica asks.
"Transactions for Willow's Wale, a very potent and addictive drug sold on the streets. When people use it, usually through smoking it, it can cause intense levels of euphoria. However, if they smoke too much of it, it can lead to collapsing one's mind and even worse, death," May explains.
"How does it 'collapse' one's mind?" Veronica asks.
"It breaks the mind. The feelings of euphoria are so intense that the one taking the drug falls apart mentally. They become shadows of their former selves. I've seen it used on slaves to make them easier to manipulate and control. When they're out of their minds, but not moving around like a maniac, they become better products for the slavers to sell. Many died because of that garbage. At first, before the war, the empire was using it in their slave trade. But, when the bodies kept falling because of it, they shut the drug trade down. I wonder if the former chancellor had a hand in both sides of that," May explains.
"Wait, so this guy is selling drugs to the empire? Is that how he's making all that extra money?" Veronica asks.
"I believe so. This shows he's been selling that drug to someone in the empire. However, it doesn't say who he's selling to and where he's getting or making the drug. Even if we use this to take him down, whoever he's working for could continue the operation after taking over his part of it or find someone else to do the deed," May says.
Veronica rubs her forehead, "Well, this just got a lot more complicated,"
"Maybe, but we still managed to find some incriminating evidence on him. I doubt Duke Ramona is involved in this operation, but if we make this known to him and maybe even say that we reveal this to everyone in the kingdom and say he's selling out his daughter to this criminal as part of a business deal in their crimes, it would force him to cancel the engagement so he doesn't get branded as a criminal. That would save Sophia from this sham marriage engagement," May says.
"But what about the empire? Think Philine Hawke is involved?" Veronica asks.
"No, despite being from the empire, the Hawke family has always held a code of honor. I know she wouldn't be involved in something like this. We'll figure it out later. For now, let's find anything else and then leave before we're found," May says.
It seems this little mission they're doing for Yuki just got a lot bigger.
And that's the chapter. Yuki meets Empress Philine Hawke. Meanwhile, May and Veronica find some serious discoveries in their mission. What will happen next? Until then, please Read and Review.