Interlude: Homefront

Interlude: Homefront

At the Belkan capital, Berlin, life goes on harmoniously. People of varied origins interact with each other on a friendly basis. At a corner cafe, a pair of dwarves read a newspaper while being served coffee by a dog beastkin. Opposite the cafe is a large park, full of lush green trees with families hanging about in a joyous atmosphere. Some children there play mock battle, a few take up the role of the now-famous Ghost Division soldiers, while others have the bad luck to be the Ustians.

Elsewhere, beneath the shade of an ancient oak, an intense game of Chinese Chess is unfolding between a bald old man with a long white beard and, surprisingly, an elf. The game is under deep scrutiny by a small group of spectators, who tries to garner insight into their playstyle and learn from them.

After minutes of silence mulling, the old man finally makes his move. Placing his Red Chariot down, he mentally pats himself on the back for a well-thought move. The Chariot has effectively sealed the fate of the Red General.

" ... Sigh. As expected, Master Zhou's wisdom is unmatched. This Junior accepts his defeat." Even though the game is not yet over, the elf can still perform a few more moves. He knows to accept his failure with grace.

Standing up and cupping his hand with his head slightly bowed, he pays respects to the old human. The man is a true Master. " Please accept this bow from Junior, Master."

Quickly standing up with a swiftness unheard of for a man well-past his nineties, Master Zhou generously says. " Aiya, I accept your courtesy but please, no need for such formality from now on. I'm old now and there's no use in wasting time on such a thing. Time is what should be spent on battles of wit with chess, no? Hahaha."

The elf smiles, he pours a cup of green tea for the Master and himself. They sit down and then discuss the tactics employed in the match with the spectators. As they all hailed from a small chess community, the conversation is swift but very informative for each of them. Suddenly, they notice the traffics on the road make way for a military motorbike with a sidecar.

" Come on! Drive faster, Klaus!" The occupant in the sidecar urged, seems like whatever got them running is important.

" This is the fastest I can go without killing someone, Franco! Any faster and I will have you pushed this thing from behind!" The driver screamed back as they speed away to the Reich Palace.

Looking at the sight with a hand on his beard, Master Zhou says. " This makes the third one today, isn't it?"

With his eyes staring at the obsidian black palace beneath a gigantic tree that pierces the Heaven, the elf replies. " Yes, Master, from their haste it seems like more news has arrived from the Western Front."

" I see..." The Master directs his thoughtful gaze back to the chessboard. " I hope it will be good news."

Knowing that the old master is pondering something, the elf can't stop himself from asking. " Master Zhou, your nephew is stationed on the frontline, right?"

" Yes, and it would seem he got roped into the now-famous Division... What's the name of that one again?"

" I believe it's the 404th Mechanized Infantry Division, their nickname is the Ghost Division due to the unprecedented progress they made on Ustian soils. Last I checked they when past the river Reno."

" Yeah, it's that one. Sigh, I can't help but be afraid for her well-being, considering that her division is way deep in the thick of things... That's if what the papers said is true."

" I would like to say that the situation is not as bad as you would think." Glancing around to make sure that the people here can keep their mouths shut, at least for a while, the elf continues in a low voice. " I overheard this when I went past the room of my wife and child. Apparently, the progress of your niece's division is too ridiculous, they are currently sieging White Rock Fortress with a very favorable position at that. My wife can't believe how the Princess managed to do what we failed all those years ago. I won't be surprised if news about the Princess's triumph over the fortress that caused us so much bloodshed before, reaches our ears by the end of the day."

Master Zhou is old, but he is not stupid, knowing that his friend is about to say something important, he activated a privacy formation hidden inside the chess board before the elf starts speaking.

" Is that true?"

" Positive, if my wife's vexed expression counts as something, she really hasn't been acting like usual ever since the Princess takes up arms, however."

Master Zhou falls into a silence musing. He absently strokes his beard before speaking. " I hope that the Princess can wash away the shame we incurred all that time ago, and I dearly wish my niece will be ok after the fact. I thank you for your information, my dear friend. You've made for a good conversational partner and a respectable foe on the board."

" Aiya, no need for such words on myself, Master. I do wish that only others of my kind could be like me, my wife in particular." The elf smiles with his head shaking left and right, his smile contains a sad undertone.

Master Zhou eyes narrow as his head just come up with something. " Speaking of your wife, I can't help but wonder about her stance against the Princess. Can you elaborate further on that?"

With a nod, the elf slowly explains. " I've been with her before Ragnarok, we're one of the first few to set foot on Belkan soil. During the early period of the Reich, she has always taken the stance of elven supremacy, especially us wood elves as we are the closest ones to nature, hence Yggdrasil. In her mind, it's the elf that should be leading the other races, not cooperating with them. So imagine her maddening expression when our daughter, fortunately, she's a high elf, failed to make the cut to be Yggdrasil's Avatar. The current Princess, the adopted daughter of our Empresses and a human, is the one that is chosen to bear the banner of Iron and Blood instead. Ever since then, she has stood in opposition to every decision the young Princess makes."

The elf heaves a sigh before continuing. " When the decision was made to put the Princess in command of a military division, she blew her top off. While my daughter is a genius and I'm proud of her, she doesn't have any military experience so imagine my surprise when my wife argued to put her in charge instead of the Princess. Thankfully, her political clout fell short when her faction members kept getting thrown into jail, the Princess got her new job while I'm left to deal with a very piss-off elf. Spoiler, it's not fun. Since then, she has been doing everything she can to try and hinder the Princess but failed in every single attempt be it logistical requisition or transfer orders. Recently, she filed a complaint about the complete lack of wood elves in the division, citing that the division is being racist which is, by far, the most ironic thing I've ever heard coming out of her mouth. Truly, if I have the strength to do so, I would have brought my daughter somewhere far away from her clutch."

" I see..." Master Zhou calmly commented. " You've had it hard."

The elf let out a pained smile. " I just hope she won't do anything that's irredeemable otherwise, it will be our daughter that has to pay the price."

They then move on to discuss different subjects, unknowing that such a thing had already happened, and ironically enough, it will happen again in the future.

But ignorance is bliss. Should the elf knew what was about to come, he would have shot his wife in a heartbeat.

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Reich Palace, court hall.

Gathering inside a lavishly decorated hall, mainly in the color of black, red, and gold, are officials dressed in a variety of formal wears of varying ethnicities. They, sitting at a large oval-shaped oak table, are informing their Empresses, who are sitting upon their thrones, of the latest information about their society. Some give acknowledgment about the increase in yields of crops, while others stated concern about a possible lack of fuel to serve the country's needs. A few issues are easy enough that the Empresses can quickly solve after speaking a few words though some still need an in-depth discussion with the ministers at hand.

It's in the middle of such conversation when the court is rudely interrupted by a messenger, his haste alarms a few present in the room.

" Halt! What's the reason for you to interrupt Her Majesties?" The Valkyries, flanking either side of the hall and are in charge of the safety of the royalties, intercept the messenger. With dept movement, the bearer of news kneels and reports.

" Your Majesties the Empresses and ministers. I've come bearing joyous news! Please allows me to say it."

The announcement causes murmurs to spread across the table. Some ministers turn to their compatriots to fish out more information but the room is quick to silence with a clap of hands. The clap was made by none other than Lu, and to be more precise, Empress Lucifer Rosetta de Venusia. She is looking forward to what the messenger has to say. " Well then, say it loud and clear, we don't want to miss out on any detail, am I right? You can be at ease, by the way."

" Yes, your Majesty!" Standing up and taking a prim and proper posture, the messenger continues by pulling out a parchment and reading it aloud. " Urgent report from the Western Front! Last night, at 7:17 pm, after a day-long siege the White Rock fortress is now under the control of the Belka Reich!"

" WHAT!?"

Not just a few but the entire hall explodes into a commotion. Many are confused and it's to be expected considering the matter surrounding White Rock was kept under wraps. It takes a while but eventually the shock dies down when Hel, another Empress of Belka, sends out a pulse of cold energy.

" It's unbecoming of you officials to lose yourself with just a piece of news. Calm yourself, listen to the rest of the report, only then you can post your query."

" Yes, your Majesty! Hail Belka!" Finally registering the joyous news, the hall erupts into a salute.

" Carry on, I want to hear the rest of this in peace." Hel gracefully motions her hand, and the messenger bows and resumes.

" The 404th Division, led by her Highness the Princess, crossed the river of Reno on the 25th of July. On the same day and two days after, the division ambushed and took out a 4000-men strong detachment from White Rock with many other enemy outposts destroyed. Early morning of the 29th, the Princess ordered a siege on the now weakened White Rock fortress. After an intense day of fighting, the White Rock fortress wave the white flag on the evening of the same day. Due to the talented commands from the Princess herself, her division only received light losses. As of now, the Princess is having her division refortify White Rock and is awaiting a handover of the fortress to friendly elements. A letter from her Highness the Princess is also here, your Majesty." The messenger takes out a letter and then promptly gives it to a nearby Valkyrie. She, in turn, brings the letter forward to Lu and Hel.

Jurgen quirked an eyebrow at that. " I'm not sure whether you've inhaled too much Carbon Oxide in those subs or not when you ask a stupid question like that. In case you forget, we're all good friends here no? You, me, Hartmann, and Belladonna, sadly she's not here but that's beside the point. Friends, help each other, especially when the situation is salvageable."

Hartmann interjects with his lips curved up. " So if it's not salvageable we would have ditched you, Donitz... At least, that's what I think Belladonna would say."

" What he said. Anyway, the power of bloody friendship aside, your plan has merit. It will increase the chance of success if we can work together on this one. I have spared bomber crews, fresh out of the academy, I can send them to help you alongside a few vets to keep them in line. I can also set up some air patrols to help you achieve air superiority, and effectively disable Bearn air wings." Jurgen looks at Donitz. " You need only focus on protecting the transports and sinking the surface combatants. Though if my boys and girls score a kill, make sure to credit them in the after-action report."

A smile ghosted Donitz's face. " If they really pull that off, I will offer them a medal, personally. As for you, make sure you Arash still stand till my ships arrive."

" Don't worry about us just yet. Maybe we'll be bombing Paris by the time you touch the sand."

Hartmann shakes his head at their banter. Putting on his cap, he says. " Anyway, you boys can go kill and blow stuff. I will be coordinating the logistic effort to keep you boys running and gunning. I will also send a word to Bella, urging her to push faster toward Arash in case you guys fail. It's the Princess's life at stake here so I expect you two to be at your A-game. The last thing I need is to handle your post-mortems as my paperwork has a backlog of ten years already." Arriving at the Palace gate, right beside their respective cars, Hartmann salutes. " To Victory!"

" To Victory!" The other two saluted back before they part ways. Each heading in a separate direction to uphold their duty.

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Elsewhere.

*CRASH*

In a lavishly decorated study, mainly adorned with emeralds, a very pissed-off elf is trashing the place. Nothing escapes her wrath, saved for a few items that hold immense material value or are one of a kind. As for others, more replaceable stuff... Either they went out the windows or the carpeted floor will be their demise.

" Damn it all! The shame! The disgrace! That whore humiliated me in front of the court!" You guessed it correctly, this is Avera Everwood, former Head of Intelligence of the Belkan Military.

True to her last name, the room denotes her association with nature ( being a wood elf), hence the heavy emphasis on green-colored gems and ornaments. The decoration style tried to bring peace and harmony to the occupants, but sadly, it failed miserably.

" What does that little slut has to offer!? Why is it that a lowly human attained the rank of the Chosen One but not my daughter, a High Elf!?"

Throwing a flower vase hailed from Ancient Japan onto the ground, she stained the carpet with remnants of a special Sakura branch.

" Huff... Huff... I see, this is the test of the Mother Goddess. I must not be deterred, my patience and perseverance will be rewarded and finally, I will see my daughter sit rightfully on that throne!"

Growing increasingly delusional, hoarse laughter escape Avera's mouth. She fails to notice the look of pity she receives from a maid at the doorstep of her study. The maid stealthily puts on her poker face when Avera is about to address her.

" Tell me, are we still able to contact our operatives?" Sitting on a chair, Avera lets her maid pour herself a shot of whiskey.

The maid replies. " Yes, mistress. While you're not allowed to leave the premise, I can still serve as your middlewoman should you have any instruction you want to pass on."

Without a word, Avera downs her glass. She let the maid wipe her lips before she says. " Pass my words. That slut-of-a-Princess must die before the battle for Arash ends... You know what, send in the Converted so we won't be traced."

If the maid was stunned, she doesn't show it on her face, though she does request clarification. " Are you sure, Mistress? The Converted is a force you have been training as an Ace in your sleeve. Sending them out this early could prove to be less effective."

" I know they're unproven, damn it! But they're humans and having them kill the Princess is a much better choice than sending out elves! We don't have time anymore as that Princess has been racking up too much influence, if she returns we would be dead! So dead she must!" Avera rants. " Why, why can't they see that the lowly human will be the demised to our blessed races!?"

The rant goes on for a few more minutes with the only listener being the maid, still dutifully serving her Mistress. As the clock ticks to 4 pm, Avera is reminded that she must go see her daughter by the maid. This prompts her out of her trance.

" ... I need to get myself ready, help me."

" As you wish, Mistress." The maid leads Avera to a changing room.

Standing in front of a full-body mirror, Avera has the maid remove her attire. Seeing her hourglass body reflected in the mirror, Avera admires herself as the maid starts doing her emerald hair. She combs the hair to make it less messy before braiding the hair to let it flows down to Avera's waist. The maid then helps Avera put on a green robe and golden accessories. Finally, an emerald crown is placed on top of her head.

" You look as gorgeous as ever, my Mistress." The maid accompanies her compliment with a bow.

" You surely know how to serve me well, my dear." Twirling slightly to get a better glimpse at herself, Avera says. " If you keep on helping me like this, I have no idea what position to give you after all this is done."

" Perhaps being the head of your maids is a better job for me." The maid interjected, earning a snicker from Avera.

" You jest, your talent is better suited to be my personal agent, rather than a lowly maid. Marks my word, I will reward you handsomely for your dedication to my cause!"

After saying her words and a few more instructions, Avera and the maid depart for Avera's daughter. Standing on the precipe of her daughter's room, Avera says. " Go perform your duty, I will ring for you when we're done. Serve us the usual meal."

" It will be done, Mistress." The maid bowed, her sight caught a glimpse of golden hair when Avera pushed the door inward and head in.

Letting out a muted sigh, the maid move away from the room, leaving the pair of mother and daughter to their bonding time. While there are a few screws loose in her head, Avera is a loving mother, that she can't deny. Unfortunately, she picks the wrong side in this conflict.

Suddenly, she is interrupted by another elf. It's the husband of Avera.

" Master, you have returned."

" I run back at soon as I heard the news. I presume the additional soldiers outside are to keep my wife in check?" The elf, master of the house, scratches his scrawny brown hair before pointing outside.

" It appears so, Master."

" She really did it huh..." Sighing, the elf says. " You go on ahead, I will be in the library, bring me a cup of cappucino, would you kindly?"

" At once, Master." The maid did her curtsy before heading for the kitchen, leaving the Master to his device.

Midway through, she goes into an unoccupied room and deploys a privacy ward. Conjuring up a voice transmission spell, she reports her recent activity and finding to her true master. Everything was reported with not a single thing falsified or missing. Oh boy, little did Avera know she has been nurturing one deadly Agent.

" ... That concluded my report. I will send you my memory orb, Master. This will serve as further proof of the wood elves' crimes. If you have any more requests, please inform me."

She then conjures a white orb before sending it through an orange portal. Cutting the mana supply to her magic, the orange portal then fizzles out of existence. Now then, back to being a good maid.

" A serving of meal and a cup of cappucino. Let's make haste."

This is the daily life of Agent, the best maid there is.