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Mein Krieg (Youjo Senki/Tanya the Evil OC)

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Chapter 69: The First Duty of Society is to Deliver Justice
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    • Chapter 69: The First Duty of Society is to Deliver Justice​


    The Civil Justice Palace of Berun did not reach the grandeur and majesty of the Imperial Court or those buildings meant for the exclusive use and benefit of the Army. It was, in fact, located in a medium-sized building between the Kaiserlichendamm and Ritter-Allee boulevards, of common rectangular shape and with rather modest decorations and friezes.

    The first thing I noticed, when I saw the building, were the two lion statues at the entrance, casting their dark gaze at passers by. They seemed almost ready to jump on you and tear your jugular like real lions. But the statues stood still and motionless, watching, even as I approached to touch one: Cold as the stone they were made of, which reassured me.

    A shield with the Imperial two-headed dragon engraved on it appeared just above the entrance door. Finally, on the four sides of the building, the flags of the Empire. The whole building gave an idea of functional and spartan practicality, avoiding useless pomp and decoration without real value.

    "Cute." I quipped while looking at it.

    "What's cute, Frederick?" Tanya's voice echoed on my left. "I hope for your sake you're not talking about me!"

    "Pfft. Of course not." I scoffed. "Hell will freeze over before I can find you cute. I was talking about the building. It is elegant, but functional; beautiful, but efficient; great, but not too much. Too anonymous to be a target for enemy bombers, but at the same time impossible not to notice if you are a citizen and walk past it. I'd love to know the architectural style!"

    "This is no time for architectural studies, Frederick!" Tanya scolded me, shaking her arm as if to strike me with an invisible stick. "We have to get to court first!"

    "Why?" I asked, looking at her. "The trial doesn't start for another hour. If we go now, we will find the room empty…"

    Suddenly, she grabbed me and yanked me to eye level.

    "That's exactly why we have to go in now, you idiot." She hissed, without leaving me or weakening her grip. "If we show up late, or at the last minute, we risk giving the judge or judges a bad impression. We risk alienating possible sympathies, and giving strength to the accusations of our enemies. However, if we get to court well in advance, we have a good chance of impressing, in a positive sense, the judges, our allies, and our enemies. And appearances are everything in situations like these!"

    What she said made sense. However, that did not make it any more acceptable.

    "So, you're trying to win the sympathy of judges with zealous behavior?"

    "Yes. Now move, maggot, we have to get there now, as long as there's no one there!"




    Tanya was wrong to consider the situation. Or maybe she made assumptions based on her own preconceptions. Or maybe Being X had something to do with it. The fact is that, when we finally arrived at the courtroom where the first hearing for the trial against us was to be held, we did not find it empty.

    The courtroom was a square, about fifteen by fifteen meters, illuminated by two glass or crystal chandeliers, which emitted a warm yellow light. On the right, a triple row of wooden benches, most likely intended for the public who would attend the trial. On the left, a high bench, where the judge would sit. Between them, two other benches, each with at least three chairs, and intended to accommodate representatives of the prosecution and defense. Behind one of them, a closed stage, with only one entrance and one bench, which was to be the defendant's bench. Finally, in the middle of the room, placed so that it looked directly in the direction of the judge, a solitary chair.

    The witness stand.

    The judge's and witness' seats were empty. However, the prosecution, defense and public stands, were not.

    I took a look in the direction of the benches for the public. There were many men (and among them, some women), all in elegant and high-class clothes. Some had papers and pens to take notes of the trial and seemed anxious to use them, while others were fixed and motionless, except their eyes, which looked at us with curiosity. I could easily have imagined that the men with the notebook were journalists, interested in telling the progress and outcome of the trial, but the others? What reason could there be for such a large audience to be interested in our hearing?

    For a moment, my gaze focused on a plump and elegantly dressed woman, who stood out in the audience like a daisy in the coal. She didn't seem to have any possible connection to us, so why was she here? Was she a friend of Erika's? Another "girlfriend" of Bernhardt's? Albin's nanny? On the other hand, maybe she had another reason to be here? Maybe she had no reason at all, and wanted to attend our hearing out of self-interest?

    I looked at her again, and that is when she noticed it. She blushed, and she looked away, as if not to give any weight to the fact that I was looking at her.

    I looked away too, and focused at the prosecutor's bench. Erika was there, along with Albin and Bernhardt. Each of them was accompanied by a man in a gray-black suit, who was to be their personal attorney. Bernhardt barely looked at us, while Erika kept staring at us smugly. As for Albin, he was only looking at Tanya.

    However, I noticed one thing: none of Gegenbauer's three relatives seemed to be aware of the others. On the contrary, each of them was as far away from each other as possible, and they did not speak to each other.

    I smiled. The strategy of dividing their legal action by spreading rumors and pitting them against each other seemed to have paid off, at least for the time being.

    On the opposite table were only two individuals. From their uniforms and their behavior, I understood that they had to be the Special Ops from Strategic Headquarters. Although they did not have the rank of general or higher, the mere fact that they came from the beating heart of the Imperial Army reassured me.

    "Sirs!" said Tanya, approaching them and saluting. "We are here."

    One of the two men, a man with a black mustache looked up from his papers and smiled at us.

    "Lieutenants Degurechaff and König." he remarked. "You are quite early."

    "We didn't want to run the risk of being late, sir." Tanya said, her tone of voice somber than the usual. "We are ready to face the challenge of today!"

    "Very well!" the officer said, pointing at the closed stage behind the defense's stand. "Please sit down on the defendant's bench. We have some time before the judges arrives."

    We saluted him. "Yes, sir!"




    "Tanya?"

    "What is it, Frederick?" she asked me, her gaze not moving from the accusers in front of us.

    "There is a question I would like to ask you. I wanted to ask earlier, but I only remembered it just now…"

    "What is it?" she asked, suspiciously.

    "I wanted to ask you… what's the plan if we lose the case? I mean, what do we do if the judge rules that-"

    "We will not lose!" she replied, cutting me short. "Don't get paranoid-"

    "But what if the judge rules that, as children, we cannot serve in the army? And that, as a result, our entire military career is technically a legal violation? We will have to leave the army and everything we worked so hard to build! And then-"

    "Listen to me, you fool!" Tanya said, hissing me in her most poisonous tone of voice. "I know that a weak mind like yours can worry unnecessarily, but it's time you sharpen your ears and listen to me, because I have no intention of repeating myself. I refuse to consider giving up my military career and going back to being a child! I absolutely refuse! I do not intend to go back to fighting with other children for an extra piece of bread, smiling every minute of the damn day, taking punishment from men and women who think they are better than I am just because they are older. My career is too valuable and I am not going to let a gold-digging whorw who thinks she can get her hands on my- I mean our fortune by exploiting the law take it away from me! Don't you ever say the words "precaution", "defeat" and "if", at least until this story is over and we can get our lives back on track. Because defeat is not allowed."

    Brave words, my friend. I instantly thought. Very brave words indeed. However, will you live up to them even when the judge will say the children cannot be soldiers?

    "Excuse me; are you the first lieutenants Frederick König and Tanya Degurechaff?" a voice said suddenly.

    I turned around, and immediately found myself face to face with the plump woman from before, who was blushing when she noticed I was looking at her. Judging by the look on her face, she was very worried.

    "Yes, we are." Tanya responded. "And you are?"

    "My name is Frau Melina Fischler, chairwoman and spokeswoman of the Anti-Juvenile Labor League. I came directly from Madburg to attend this trial, and I must admit that, until I saw you, I did not want to believe it. I am here to save you!"

    Save us? I thought. What is she talking about?

    "Thank you for the consideration," Tanya responded. "but we are here to be brought to a fair trial by the judicial authorities of the Empire. However, if you would support our position by supporting the Army's motion, we would appreciate it."

    "You misunderstand me, Mein Fraulein." Miss Fischler said, attempting to smile. "I have come to free you from your dreadful imprisonment at the hands of the Imperial Army. You see, I have a small school for orphaned children, in Madburg, where I give accommodation, food and the opportunity to study to many children whose only fault is that they have no one to look after them. A beautiful place, where you could live safely from the clutches of those brutish soldiers." She said, pointing at our defenders in the row ahead of us.

    I mentally groaned. Was she serious, or was she sent by Being X just to troll us?

    "Thank you for you offer, Miss..." I said looking at her. "But that won't be necessary. We were not conscripted. We are volunteers, patriots who have decided to contribute to their nation of their own free will. Nobody forced us to enlist, we insisted on being sent to the front. And we do not stay because we are being forced against our will, threatened or intimidated: we stay because fighting for our nation is our duty, the task for which we volunteered. We have never suffered any conscription to our detriment: we feel good in the army, and we do not want to leave our place in the service of the emperor. Your fears are understandable, but unfounded: we are quite happy serving in the Imperial Army."

    Miss Fischler looked at us for a couple more of seconds, then she focused on the men of the Army in front of us, then again, she looked at Tanya and me. Maybe she has understood what I wanted to tell her?

    "Oh my Lord!" she said, putting her hands over her mouth. "These brutes. They… they have manipulated you!"

    Maybe not. My mind was quick to realize.

    "Excuse me, miss, but I can assure you..."

    "Oh, now I know! It is the proof I was looking for. There is no way two children so beautiful could possibly desire to join the Army, and being sent to die in the Rhine front. I knew there was something wrong! These brutes have manipulated you, and programmed you to be their child soldiers. Do not worry: I'll make sure you'll be free soon!"

    "We are not being held against our will!"

    "Of course you are! Do not be afraid: you can tell me the truth! And I can assure you I will do everything I can to get you out of those gorillas' hands!"

    "B-but we are not ill-treated!" Tanya joined me. "This is our decision, to join the Army and help it protect the sacred borders of the Empire."

    "Oh, you're too afraid of them to tell the truth? No worry: The truth will be revealed!"

    And with these words, she walked away, returning to her place in the public, without having realized that she was actually damaging us instead of helping.

    "What a dense woman…" I murmured.

    "I agree." Tanya rejoiced. "How could someone be so stupid not to understand the reality around her?"

    "Believe me, there are two things that are limitless: the Universe and Humanity's stupidity. But they are not sure about the former…"

    She smirked. "I guess we will have to add her to the list of the people who get in our way. And treat her as such…"

    "What do you mean?" I asked her

    "Quite simple: I'm not someone who forgets and forgives easily. On the contrary, I'm quite vindictive..."




    A few minutes later, two men in uniform, who must have been local police officers, closed the courtroom door and took position near it. If anyone tried to escape from the room, they would restrain them.

    "The judge is entering!" a voice announced. "Please stand!"

    We stood up up quickly. The others in the hall got up in a hurry, too.

    "Presiding the honorable Judge Denis Schilder!"

    The judge was definitely not a young man. Judging by his physical appearance, he must have been over fifty since before Tanya and I were reincarnated in these new bodies that housed us. He had a conspicuous scar on his forehead, which made me think he might had a past in the Imperial Army."

    "Good morning!" he finally said, after placing himself on his seat. "Are all parties present?"

    The defense's and the prosecution's member quickly nodded. We did it too.

    "Very well. Before we officially begin, I need to confirm everyone's indentities. The first papers were filed by Miss Erika Gegenbauer…"

    One of the men on the prosecution's table (the one closer to Erika) jumped on his feet. "Your Honor, My name is Udo Holweck and I represent Miss Erika Gegenbauer!"

    "Thank you. You may take your seat."

    The judge looked at the prosecutor's table, taking the names of the other heirs and their lawyers. The process was slow and difficult to follow, but I had to stay alert. I did not know what would happen otherwise.

    "Are the defendants present?"

    "Your honor, we are!" Tanya jumped on her feet. "First Lieutenants Tanya Degurechaff and Frederick König, present!"

    "Very well." the judge said. "Then the trial can officially begin. Defense, prosecution, your opening statements."

    "Your Honor!" Udo Holweck immediatly started to speak. "My client is the sister of August Gegenbauer, who, dying, left a will in which he left a large part of his land possessions to the accused: Frederick König!" he said, casting a wicked glance my way. "who, however, according to the personal data we report, is under 21 years of age, and as such, is not of legal age under the law to possess and administer monetary, land or private bequests. For this reason, I request that Herr Gegenbauer's testamentary be transferred to my client, as well as the immediate leave for obvious reasons of the defendants. My client has in fact expressed her intention to adopt the two children and care for them as if they were her own, but has been rejected several times by representatives of the Army."

    "Lawyers Ehmann and Brandstätter, do you support your colleague's statement?"

    "Your Honor, of course we don't!" said Brandstätter, Bernhardt's lawyer. "It is true that Herr Gegenbauer was not allowed to leave his estate to two children, but I stress that it is equally clear that there was no apparent link between the defendants and the relative of my client before his death. It is therefore clear and evident that, in order to have left such a substantial part of his inheritance to them, Herr Gegenbauer must have been held under coercion by the defendants, if not from their protector, the Imperial Army. For this reason, I appeal to this court to do justice and return the estate in question to its rightful owners, while at the same time prohibiting the defendants from any legal recourse! In fact, Frau Erika Gegenbauer, wishing to acquire maternity leave over the defendants, in fact acknowledges the attempt at coercion. Therefore-"

    "Your Honor, my client just wants to think to the wellbeing of the two children!" Udo Holweck tried to defend his own words. "This is not a cowardly attempt to take over the estate exclusively!"

    "Then how do you explain the fact that your client make contact with the defendants without regard to Mr. Bernhardt, my client, and Mr. Albin, assisted by my colleague Julius Ehmann? Did she not propose an asset-sharing agreement that would exclude her relatives? Didn't she…"

    The three prosecution lawyers bickered with each other in a thunderstorm of words, or perhaps a wrestling ring of Law. In one corner, Erika's lawyer, who was trying so hard to express how charitable and generous her client was to take responsibility for us. In the opposite corner, Bernhardt and Albin's lawyers did everything they could to show how Erika's actions were just a way to take over the inheritance without having to share with them.

    "Order! Order!" thundered the judge thundering with his gavel. "The representatives of the prosecution are ordered to compose themselves. This is a court, not a circus!"

    I, as far as I was concerned, was desperately trying not to laugh. Tanya too.

    "Now, let's get on with it. The defense can give their opening statement…."
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter 70: Truth
  • Threadmarks

    • Chapter 70: Truth    ​




    "The prosecution calls Frau Melina Fischler, chairwoman of the Anti-Juvenile Labor League, to the stand."

    I grumbled. It had been just under half an hour since the trial had officially begun, but it already seemed like an eternity had passed from my point of view. And even Tanya, judging by her appearance, did not like the long process of lawmaking.

    The process in itself was much like I figured. On the one hand there were two competing parties, each trying in every way to prove their cases and at the same time discredit the other by trying to put this in contradiction with themselves. Both prepared their defenses, trying to block and parry the opponent attacks, and waited for their counterparts to make a fatal mistake in order to unleash their decisive attack. Neither of them wanted to give up a palm of the ground, and they both wanted to win.

    In a way, it was very similar to the Rhine...

    For the time being, the prosecution had brought a number of so-called experts on stage to substantiate and give credence to their claims.

    The first had been a fat man with an impressive mustache dressed in a white waistcoat, claiming to be Karsten Brestrich, who, according to the prosecution, was the director and owner of an important school in the capital. He had sat down with obvious embarrassment, a sign that he was not used to appearing in court, and fearfully he was questioned by the prosecution's lawyers. No, an individual whose age was under 21 was not legally an adult. Yes, only adults have full rights. Yes, these rights include the right to own property, to administer money, to serve in the army, and to hold public office. No, a child does not have sufficient maturity to do any of these things. No, the Army itself cannot be placed above the law. I listened to him as he spoke, and I realized from the way he spoke and expressed himself that he did not pay attention to his words. A factor that we and the defense could use to defend ourselves.

    After him came another man, thinner and less elegantly dressed, a clear sign that his economic conditions were less stable than those of his predecessor. He stated that his name was Fritz Aigner, and that he was the representative of an imperial association for the protection of minors, the Berun-Jugendamt. He, appealing to the statute of the association, stated that although he recognized the right of minors to own property, they could not have any management power over it because of their age, and that consequently they could only be administered and protected by parental or substitute figures who could educate these children in the development of their own administrative capacity. He also added that he deplored the use of child soldiers, and appealed for this scourge to be eradicated.

    Finally, even our self-proclaimed savior, Melina Fischler, was called to the bar.

    "Frau, do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, nothing but the truth, the whole truth?"

    "Your honor, I do." she said, looking at me and Tanya.

    The prosecution's questions were, once again, too detailed and unequivocal, which made me think that they had probably been agreed upon beforehand. Frau Melina spent most of her speech to describe what a beautiful place the workshop she created was, where children could fully dedicate themselves to their dreams and aspirations without fear of ending up in the hands of the arrivists and profiteers, before dedicating her attention to us. Choked with emotion, Melina told how tragic it was that two beautiful and certainly talented children like us had been misled by the Army to turn us into terrible weapons of destruction, and how it was her duty to help us regain our freedom. More than once the defense called objection, claiming that Melina's claims were not supported by evidence and could therefore only be gossip, and more than once the judge forced her to go back to the original speech. In my opinion, it seemed to me that our self-proclaimed savior did more damage to her cause than it did to ours. Yet when she finished and returned to her place in the audience, she still smiled triumphantly, as if the judge had been moved by her words.

    However, he was not.

    "Your honor." one of the lawyer-officers of the defense said, looking to the judge. "The defense would like to call the defendant Frederick König to the stand."

    Tanya squeezed my hand, looking at me with deadly eyes.

    "Do not ever try to mess this up!" she hissed menacingly.

    "Don't worry. I won't!" I replied, in the same tone.

    I stood and walked up to the chair in the middle of the room. Every step carried its own echo. People's stares made each a little heavier until, despite my best efforts, I felt a little nervous. And the fact that the chair where I was now sitting was positioned right in front of the judge's bench didn't help.

    "Herr Frederick Konig," the judge began, looking directly in my eyes. "Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, nothing but the truth, the whole truth?"

    "Your honor, I do!" I said, putting my hand over the chest, where my hearts should have been.

    "Very well!" the judge replied. "Please state your name and occupation for the records."

    "Frederick König." I said, "First Lieutenant, Magical Corps of the Imperial Army."

    "Is that your real name?" the defense attorney asked.

    "It's the name people used to call me since the day I was born, sir. The answer is quite obvious."

    The officer lawyer smiled. Had my answer managed to impress him? I would have never known…

    "Very well. Let us proceed normally. Could you describe the events leading up to the confrontation with the prosecuting party?"

    "How far back do you want me to go?" I asked.

    "As far as you deem relevant. In particular, we would like to know how you came to know Herr August Gegenbauer."

    "Very well. I... met August Gegenbauer in a hospital in Norden, where my colleague Tanya Degurechaff and I were recovering faftermath an aerial battle with Entente mages. He…"

    "Hold it!" one of the prosecutors called out, jumping to his feet. "Are you claiming that you met Herr Gegenbauer much earlier than assumed?"

    "I don't know what do you mean by 'assumed', sir." I said, looking at him. "I remember meeting Herr Gegenbauer while I was being treated in a military hospital, following a combat action in the skies of Norden. As far as I know, I have no idea when you thought I met him."

    The lawyer sat down, and the judge smiled.

    "Please continue, Lieutenant."

    "Very well. Degurechaff and I were hospitalized for the time being, unable to fly or even walk. One day, while a nurse was taking my wheelchair-bound self outside for some fresh air, she took me instead to a seemingly empty room, and he was there. Then…"

    "What?" one of the defense lawyers asked incredulously. "Are you telling us, that the late August Gegenbauer had managed to enter a military hospital in order to meet you?"

    "Indeed. In fact, I was surprised to find him there too. Still, I have no idea how he managed to gain access."

    "And… what did he do, while you and he were together in the room?"

    "We talked. He asked me some personal question, and I answered."

    "What kind of questions did he ask you?"

    "Question mostly about myself. Where I was born, the orphanage where I grew up. In particular, he was very interested into asking about a couple who wanted to take me on adoption."

    "Do you have any idea about why he asked this?"

    "Well, as a matter of fact, I do, sir. He said to me that the man who wanted to adopt me, along with his wife, was named Karl Gegenbauer, and that he was his son. And that made me his adopted nephew. I asked him if he wanted to take me away, and he said no, but that thanks to him his life's work would not go to waste. And then, he walked away."

    "Did you tell anyone about this?"

    "No. I was going to, but first I wanted to surprise someone I knew. But after a few days, when I realized he wouldn't return, I gave up hope…"

    "And this is the only meeting you had with Herr Gegenbauer before his death?"

    "Well, no. I had another chance to meet with him. While I was on the Rhine front."

    "Can you… tell us more about it?"

    "Of course…"




    The interrogation by the defense was lengthy and extensive. The lawyers were very careful to ensure that they had all the answers they needed. They wanted to make sure there were no possible interpretations or double entendres that the prosecution could exploit. And I was more than eager to give exact and complete answers.

    At first they asked me questions about my relationship with Herr Gegenabuer. The purpose was clear: they wanted to show that there was no way I could have coerced him or forced him to alter the will against his will. Fortunately for me, the Army had sent over my medical records from Norden, so it was not difficult to prove that in our first meeting, because of my injuries, I was unable to exert any pressure.

    For the second meeting... it was more difficult. The defense had a certificate written by my former Superior Schoenauer (who I discovered had died a few days earlier) in which he claimed not to have heard any threats or coercion from me, but also claimed not being present during our meeting. As a result, his testimony could not be considered valid. Of course, I was questioned again by both the defense and the prosecution. I held on to my side of the story, but I wasn't sure if that would be enough.

    And then, came the most important questions. The ones on which my entire military career could depend.

    "You claim to be happy in the army?

    "Yes. I am doing my duty as a citizen of the Empire, defending its sacred borders against the enemies, and keeping our people safe. I have more than enough to eat, and the loyalty of my comrades."

    "What is your opinion on your superiors? How can you reassume all the superior officers you have referred to?"

    "Hard but fair."

    "And your opinion on the Army?"

    "The army is the men's forge. And women's too."

    The public laughed, for the most part.

    "I have no further question." The defense attorney said, sitting back on its place.

    "Cross-examination!" immediately jumped Udo Holweck.

    "Granted."

    "Herr Frederick, you affirm that the life in the Imperial Army is the life you have always dreamt of? The life you would choose regardless of the possibilities?"

    "Well..." I gazed toward Tanya. "I wouldn't go so far as to say that, but joining the Army was a great opportunity for me. I owe my success to that decision."

    "And you like the mud and the blood of the front line?"

    I gulped. "I… I endure it. If the Army orders me to fight on the front line... I would fight."

    "But do you like it? The blood, the mud, the threat of death, the hunger, the-"

    "Objection, Your Honor! The accusation is trying to paint serving the Fatherland as something horrible."

    "Granted." The judge said. "I invite you to moderate your terms, attorney."

    "Very well." Udo Holweck said. "Then I'll ask a very different question: Why have you not accepted the generous offer of my client, Erika Gegenbauer, yet?"

    "Because I do not want to accept it."

    "And… why you do not want to accept it?"

    "Because, if I would have to accept her offer, I would have to renounce to everything I have worked for so far. My career, my friend, my dreams. I have fought with courage and determination on many fronts so far. Was it hard? Yes! Was it painful? For God's sake, yes it was! However, it was also necessary, in order to give our people and our country the chance of keep existing and living their own life. I have no regrets."

    I looked around to gauge the effect of my words. The defense attorneys seemed to be pleasantly impressed by my words, as did the public. Except for a few, of course.

    "So…" attorney Udo said, trying to find a foothold on my words "You are saying that… you do not want to accept my client's offer out of patriotism?"

    "Of course. Tell me, lawyer: Have you served?"

    Udo, taken back by the sudden question, took a step back "What are you-"

    "Have. You. Served?!" I repeated more loudly.

    "Well, I- I did not" the lawyer said. Judging from the expression of the public it gained him little sympathy.

    "So, you admit to not having done your duty for our Fatherland? You prefer to live here, in the safety of the rear, rather than go to battle to defend your home country and your people. Have you ever seen the suffering of the people of the Rhine, whose lands and life were stolen when the Francois marched on us? Have you seen the pain families torn apart by war, of the parents forced to bury their sons and daughters? Do you know the horror the Francois want to bring to our blessed land?"

    "Well, no, but-"

    "I do!" I finally said, looking at him with a cold glaze. "So, please, do not try to lecture me about war and horror. I have ample opportunity to see it firsthand!"

    I stopped, letting the silence take over and sink my words in the hearts of every one who has listened. Then, after I was sure that they have understood, I spoke up again.

    "Your honor." I said, looking to the judge. "May I return to my place? I believe I have said everything I needed to say."

    "Well, of-"

    "Excuse me, Lieutenant König!" Bernhardt's lawyer said, taking the place of the now almost speechless Udo. "I still have some questions I would like to ask to you. Can I?"

    "Of course." I replied, grumbling on the inside. "What else do you want to know?"

    "Well, I would like know: if you claim that the Army is treating you well and that fighting on the frontline is the just duty of a soldier, why are you not on the Rhine front right now?"

    He smirked. I knew where he wanted to hit: He wanted to hit me with my own words, trying to make me look like a hypocrite who speaks for the war and then stays away from the real fighting.

    Unfortunately for him I had the answer ready.

    "The answer to your question is very simple: for my actions on the Rhine Front, the Imperial Army has decided that I have much untapped potential. As such, I have been reassigned to the capital temporarily, as part of my training in strategy and tactis at the Imperial Military Academy. When my course of study will be over, I will be ready to be sent whenever the Army wants me to be. If the Army decides to send me back to the front line, I will only be happy about it!"

    "Oh, well, okay then, I have no more questions."

    "May I return to my seat now?"

    "Of course." the judge said. "Now, I would like to hear the other defendant: First lieutenant Tanya Degurechaff, please take your seat."

    I walked to the bench, while Tanya took my place. As we passed near each other, I realized there was something wrong with her. Why did she look so... angry?

    What did I say wrong?

    "Lieutenant." said the defence lawyer from before, looking at me. "You were good."

    "Was I?" I asked, still thinking what I could have said that Tanya found wrong.

    "Yes. I especially liked the part where you said that fight on the front lines is the best duty a soldier can offer for his Fatherland. I will make sure that even our higher-up at Strategic Headquarters know you said it…"

    Oh, that's what I said wrong. I realized, now comprehending just why Tanya was trying to drill a pair of holes in my skull with her glare. Please tell me I have not accidentally sabotaged our plans to get a safe place in the rear…

    "I am sure now the top brass will be more inclined than ever to send you back into action, along with your friend!"

    Dammit!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter 71: Forgiving
  • Threadmarks

    • Chapter 71: Forgiving    ​


    "Tanya, please, I'm sorry…"

    "I said shut up, you thick moron!" she scolded me. "You've done enough for today!"

    I stopped, looking regretfully to the unopened box of pastries I had put between her and me in a fruitless attempt to make peace.

    "I know I spoke out of turn, but..."

    "Spoke out of turn?" her glare was positively acidic. "You didn't speak out of turn; you practically destroyed the whole strategy I've been carefully developing for years, with one sentence!"

    "Hey!" I replied, starting to get angry in turn. "I didn't destroy it entirely. I just said that Imperial soldiers are not afraid to fight on the front line!"

    "Yeah, and you were so convincing and charismatic into doing it that our defense officers actually decided to recommend us back to the frontline, where it is very easy to get killed!"

    "That's what a brave officer would have said, under any circumstances. What did you want me to say, that our real desire is to find a safe place in the rear and live safe from war for the rest of our lives? It would have cost us a lot, and you know it!"

    "Well, point." she said, trying to find a new weakness in my defense line where to unleash her Ragekrieg. "However, you could have just said you're not afraid to serve your country, without specifying where."

    "How did I do that? Everybody was looking at me, and that lawyer was being aggressive. Besides, I would need to ask you: Why, when they called you to the bar, did you say you agreed what I said and that your only desire was to contribute to the destruction of the enemies of the Fatherland? In doing so, you basically said the same things I did!"

    "You dumbass!" she raised her voice once again "After you came out with that sentence, I couldn't disapprove of what you said, especially in light of how effective it had been. The army hates cowards!"

    "But then it's your fault too!" I said. "I didn't trap you. You trapped yourself!"

    "Only because of what you said!" she yelled once again. "If you hadn't, we wouldn't be in this situation."

    I took my eyes off her, looking instead at a near streetlight that happened to have a clock hanging from it. We still had a good ten minutes before we had to go back to court.

    "How do you think they're doing in there?" I said, hinting at the figure of the Tribunal where, inside one of its rooms, uncontrollable forces were now deciding our fate. I had a very strong desire to change the subject.

    "No idea." she replied coldly. "We'll only know when we get back. For now we can only hope."

    "What about these?" I said, pointing at the pastries I had bought just a few minutes ago.

    "What about them?"

    "As you can probably remember, it is forbidden to bring food or drinks inside a courtroom. This means we will have to trash them away. And I think it would a terrible waste to throw away such well-made pastries, especially considering that the hearing could continue for a long time still, and we have not managed to eat or drink anything since it started…"

    Tanya nodded. Then, slowly, one of her hands moved toward the pastries, grabbing one and bringing it to her mouth

    "How is it?" I asked, taking one of them myself.

    "Very good. I mean… it is good enough. Of course, you realize that this does not mean that I owe you anything."

    "Worry not!" I replied, putting my hand between her and myself, as to dismiss the idea. "I know you too well to still believe we can bargain for something this easily. And just so you know, I am not trying to bribe you with sweets."

    "Good." she took more pastries. "Because these would not be sufficient to buy me a new life, let alone my trust."

    "What about your heart?" I joked.

    She hit me hard on the shoulder. I was expecting it, but the joke was worth it.

    "Idiot!" she hissed "How many times I need to hit you before you realize that keeping this tone will only give you more and more pain?"

    "I believe you need better weapons that your fists. How about your magic?"

    "I am not going to violate the law just to give you a lesson. Although it is quite a tempting thought…" she smirked. I knew that, in her mind, she has already thought up at least fifty different ways to murder me.

    "You think the judge will side with us? Will he rule that two children, just because they are extreme powerful on magical terms, and are career officers, can fight in a real war?"

    "Well, there's a precedent..." she said, taking more pastries from the box until it was half-empty. "The Imperial Court has repeatedly decreed that every individual has a duty to serve his or her country in the manner deemed most appropriate. No age limit has ever been legally established. Let me remind you that the Empire has never outlawed child soldiers..."

    I nodded, remembering the defense that our allies' lawyer-officers had said in front of the judge and the prosecution: the use of child soldiers was prohibited and denied to all nations that had signed the Londinium Treaty of 1908, which had, among other things, prohibited slave trade and regulated child labor. However, the Empire had never technically signed this treaty (even though it had sent its own representatives) and consequently, in the face of national and international laws, was exempt from such obligations.

    The very history of the Empire counted many child-heroes: among them, the defense had brought up the figure of Gerda Kaufmann, a little girl who had fought alongside the Imperial army against Norden in the First Ansenatica War. Gerda had, in fact, acted mainly as a carrier of ammunition, water and food supplies, yet she had been officially enlisted as a fighter.

    If her service was legal, then so could Tanya and I. Nevertheless, it was a very gray area.

    "It's true. But just because something is not forbidden doesn't mean the court finds it lawful."

    "What are you trying to say, Frederick?" Tanya replied, giving me an inquisitive look.

    I took a breath of fresh air before continuing. "Well, the fact is that-" but before I was able to continue, I realized something.

    The people around us… They stopped moving.

    "Frederick?" Tanya asked. "Why have you stopped?"

    "Tanya… nothing is moving anymore."

    She looked around, and realized what I was saying. Immediately, she grabbed her own rifle and started to look around nervously.

    "Being X!" Tanya shouted once again, ready to fire at the slightest hint of the false God's presence. "Show yourself? Don't try to hide, you coward!"

    I looked around in turn, trying to realize what was happening. Was it really Being X? Or, had General War decided to reveal himself to Tanya? How could I break it to her?

    "You two really are a constant disappointment." Being X's voice echoed from above us. "Even after I gave you my blessings, you continue to refuse to return to your God's flock, and you venture further and further from His will."

    I looked up, Tanya did the same. It was then we saw him. Or rather, how "he" wanted to appear us.

    "Being X!" Tanya yelled, pointing his rifle toward him. "You vile piece of shit. I am going to…"

    "Calm down." he replied, gaze unmoving. "If you try to shoot me, you would deal less damage than an insect could to you. All you would achieve is wasting bullets."

    Tanya did not shoot, but she kept her rifle pointed, ready to fire. I knew she wanted to hurt him as bad as I, but shooting him would have no effect.

    I walked toward Tanya, keeping my eyes focused on being X. My mind was desperate to find some way to hit him, maybe to hurt him, but I could not think of anything.

    "So, you false God" I said, letting my anger shine trought my face "Why are you here today? Did you still want us to try and have faith in yourself? Forget about it!"

    Being X stood still for quite a few seconds, before speaking again.

    "Every sheep returns to its herd, to follow its shepherd. Otherwise, it becomes prey to the wolf."

    "Condolences for the wolf." I replied, without taking my gaze off of him. "Besides, what kind of shepherd do you think you are, the way you act around your sheep? You almost seem to take pleasure in getting us into trouble!"

    "Indeed. It is my job to put you in such a situation that your faith will flourish again. Only through adversity and pain does the Creed grow again. Besides, it's quite funny…"

    Two rifle shots, followed by others, made me realize that Tanya had not resisted, and was firing at will on Being X, who seemed to suffer no damage.

    "You piece of shit!" Tanya roared, keeping shooting. "You bastard! You enjoyed putting us into a war-torn world with little chance of survival?"

    "Indeed." He replied, his gaze still unmoving.

    Tanya kept shooting until her ammunitions were over, at which point she was unable to keep on her attack.

    "Auurgh!" she yelled in pure rage. "You monster! You…"

    "Wait a second!" I exclaimed, realizing something. "This is your doing, right? Herr's Gegenbauer's death, his will, and the ferocity of his passed-over relatives… this is all your doing!"

    My rage was already growing. I swear I was ging to start shooting too once he spoke up again.

    "No." he said, stopping my rage for a couple of seconds. "As much as I'd like to say otherwise, what happened to August Gegenbauer and what he did about you is not my doing. Quite amusing to watch, however."

    "What?" I said. "W-what are you trying to say?"

    That's when I realized that Being X's expression had changed, and now he was sneering. A smug, pompous grin of victory.

    "That's what I like about human beings: they are selfish, greedy creatures with no real feelings. For the sake of personal gain they will attach themselves to anything. They are like sheep, easy to lead and control."

    "W-what is he saying?" Tanya yelled, looking both at him… and me.

    "He is saying that what we are suffering right now is not his doing, but the doing of other humans like us." I responded, having realized what he wanted to say. "He is also implying that all humans need him as a lamb needs a shepherd. Frankly, I take offense at the comparison."

    "That makes two of us!" Tanya replied, her rage resurfacing. "What do you want from us, you abomination?"

    "I want to give you two a last-chance ultimatum: renounce the evil inside of you, embrace your faith and return in my flock of faithful followers. I promise you the chance of another reincarnation, where you will live freely and able to wash away your sins. Should you refuse, however, I will redouble my efforts and increase your punishment…"

    I stopped and looked at Tanya. Was he serious? No matter, I already knew my answer.

    "Here is our answer, you pig!" Tanya yelled, raising her fist toward Being X. "Take your offer and shove it right up your divine ass!"

    "Yeah!" I replied, looking at him with pure rage and hate, fused together so I was unable to divide one felling from another "You still may think you are some kind of good boy-scout God, but we now know that you are… pure Evil!"

    "As you wish" Being X looked back at us. "I didn't want to have to do this, but you have forced my hand. I will not be so gracious in our next meeting."

    "You never were." I was going to say, before I realized we were no more in feet.

    I looked around. Tanya and I were still sitting like we never got up. Like Being X never appeared. As if nothing had happened.

    "What the-?"

    "Like nothing ever happened." I murmured, looking at the people blissful ignorant of what had just happened "Just like him."

    "That bastard!" Tanya groaned, looking around us in the hope of still seeing him. "I should have used my magic against him."

    "I doubt it would have any effect on him, as your bullet did. However, if the next time you want to try, I will not stop you!"

    And neither will I. the General's voice echoed in my mind. Neither will I…

     
  • Threadmarks
    • Is Frederick going to tell the military about the spells he has been inventing, a spell to cure mental fatigue would be a lot of help to the military.
     
    Binge read the last three chapters , the court scene was extremely fun to read and that quote from Frederick at the Stand was amazing
     
    Chapter 72: The Verdict
  • Threadmarks

    • Chapter 72: The Verdict    ​



    When Tanya and I returned to court, we were expecting the defense and the prosecution to bombard us with new questions. No such thing happened. We were ushered back to our places in the dock while both sides made their final appeals. Maybe that was good thing, because I didn't know how I would react if they asked me any more questions. I was still shaken by what had happened when Being X had shown himself, and I was desperately trying to remain calm without really succeeding. Inside, my mind was like a raging sea.

    And Tanya, judging by her expression, was in a similar condition.

    "Have both parties concluded their statements?" The judge asked, casting his gaze around the courtroom.

    "Yes, your honor." the defense and prosecution said.

    "Very well. Now, I will retire to consider both sides' arguments very carefully. I urge both the prosecution and the defense to remain in their seats, as well as the plaintiffs and defendants not to leave the courtroom for as long as necessary."

    The judge then stood up on his feet, and walked toward a small door watched by a uniformed policeman. The policeman moved as soon as the judge came through the door to stop anyone from getting out.

    "It is done." I murmured, looking at the closed door that the judge had just passed through. "Now our fate lies in his hands."

    "Let's hope he doesn't take too long." Tanya huffed. "I don't want to stay here all day!"

    "Are you sure?" I responded. "What if he decides that we have no right to be considered soldiers of the Empire, and our military service is unlawful? Or Being X influences his mind to decide that? I'd rather have him to decide calmly, studying the situation carefully, rather than making a hasty decision…"

    Tanya glared. Clearly, she didn't like it. Yet, it did not hit me. Maybe because we were in a courtroom, and it would not make a good impression on the public. On the other hand, maybe because she did not like it. Either way, the punch I expected did not happen.




    We kept silent, waiting. Waiting for the judge to come back and proclaim the verdict that would finally decide on our lives. Time passed at a snail's pace, while the prosecution and the defense came to a short armistice in the wake of their battle. Some prosecutors had approached the defense representatives, and started exchanging words, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. Some of the audience yawned, others chatted with their neighbors. In any case, they were much more relaxed and calm than we were.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door swung open and the judge returned to the room. He reached his bench again, and...

    "After careful analysis and study of previous cases, legislative implementation and the current situation, the judgment is thus: the defense motion is granted that children are unable to administer personal property or serve in war-"

    "Justice is done!" Bernhardt yelled, almost grabbing Albin to hug him.

    "However!" the judge continued with a smirk. "It must also taken into account that the defendants Frederick König and Tanya Degurechaff have served with distinction and valor in a period of proven necessity for war in our nation, and have on several occasions demonstrated a high level of understanding and maturity, shown a degree of patriotism and dedication to the Imperial cause and have contributed, in an exemplary manner, to the war effort of our great nation. Moreover, in the Imperial code of laws, it is established that an individual is recognized as a conscious citizen and capable of informed decisions when he or she demonstrates the necessary maturity to be considered as such. Normally, such ability is recognized because of one's age and level of education; however, in this case, the court accepts the defense motion that active military service, for a period of more than one month, is to be considered as proof of ability. For this reason, the Defendants are granted, by order of the court, the rank of free and emancipated citizens, fully responsible for their actions and able to make their own choices. With this recognition, they are given the right to be able to continue their military service; to own and administer estates or landed estates; to make their own choices independently of the will of others and to refuse proposals from others if they believe that they will be harmful to themselves. This court therefore establishes the legitimacy of the will of the deceased August Gegenabuer, and the possibility of its immediate execution…"

    When I finally heard the closing words of the Judge, I was almost unable to think. Then, my body took over, and a new sentiment of joy erupted inside me.

    We had won. Tanya had won. I had won. The court has just confirmed that we had the status to be considered emancipated from a legal point of view, which allowed us to own and administer what we owned of our own. However, most of all, it established that our military careers... were safe.

    "What?!" asked Bernhardt, his joy turning into shock as he realized what has really happened.

    "Hey! This is not right!" Albin spoke in turn

    "You honor!" one of the prosecutors tried to speak up. "This is not justice. This is a mockery of justice!"

    "This is the law, attorney." The judge spoke up again. "In addition, the Imperial Army maintains the right to enlist and employ any citizen volunteering to perform military service, regardless of age, gender or region of origin…"

    "Thank you, your honor." one of the defense attorney said, doing a little bow. "I'm sure Strategic Headquarters will be pleased about this…"

    "This is not right! This is not right! She was supposed to be mine!" Albin cried once more, maybe in an attempt to sway the judge into reconsidering his judgement. However, he only managed to make himself more pitiful in my eyes.

    "I order you to remain silent. The trial is over and this is the verdict." the judge scolded Albin.

    "This is still not fair!" Albin started to cry. "I was supposed to get everything. I was supposed to take whatever I wanted to, I was supposed to…"

    One of the lawyers rushed to Albin's side, as to attempt to calm him down and make him feel safe. Nevertheless, it was clear that he was unable to.

    Tanya grinned, quite happy that the spoiled brat got what he surely deserved. I, for my part, could do nothing but think. There was still a mystery to be solved.

    Which of them was August Gegenbauer's murderer?




    As we left the courtroom, the audience who had witnessed the trial gathered around us to bombard us with questions. The questions ranged from those of the journalists present, begging for a statement, to those of concerned citizens, who insisted that we ask the judge to review the sentence. In particular, Frau Melina tried in every way to come forward, shouting loudly that she would save us.

    We refused them all, glad that this story was finally over. At least for the time being.

    "I cannot believe we are actually outside!" I said, looking at the city's buildings around us. "I was beginning to think this was going to drag on for a long time…"

    "It will..." Tanya replied, her words cold as frozen ice. "No man or woman gives up so much money so easily. Probably, they will appeal and try to get a more favorable ruling. But it will take time for them to be able to prepare a new lawsuit, time that we will use to the fullest to strengthen our position and increase our value as resources within the Army."

    "Can't we just be happy we made it?" I asked. "After all, I had some doubts we would have managed to get us clear…"

    "That is why I am the mind and you are the arm, my willing henchman: Never doubt my ability to win."

    I grinned, trying to suppress my anger. "What do we do now? I say we go back to..."

    "An amazing victory, I can say." a voice from behind. "You defended your honor and the cause of the Imperial Army, and you have dashed many rumors that have been creating havoc for so long. You are very clever, indeed!"

    I turned around, ready to face another journalist, and went almost face to face with a man with gray hair and smart looks, looking at us with a smile. He almost looked like a grandfather, and he might have looked like one if it was not for the black uniform he was wearing. It took me a few seconds to locate the epaulettes, less than an instant to recognize their degree and several moments for my mind to understand what was in front of me. The man was wearing the rank of General!

    "W-we are sorry general!" I moved my arm to salute him. "First Lieutenant Frederick König, Magical Corps of the Imperial Army, at your service!"

    "First Lieutenant Tanya Degurechaff, ready to serve you as well!" Tanya shouted almost at the same time.

    "At ease, soldiers." the general said, "I'm Strategy and Operations Vice Direction General Zettour. Happy to have the chance of meeting you personally."

    My mind rushed as I realized our luck. We have just met a general director of strategy, the top position in the rear echelon of an active compacting army. In a company like the one where both "Tanya" and I used to work in our previous lives, the equal correspondent would have been a business strategy leader. A very important man in a very powerful position.

    "W-we are honored to meet you, sir!" I said, looking at him. "I assume you're here on a very important matter?"

    Zettour smiled "Actually, I came to attend the trial, as well as to persuade the judge to issue a judgment that was as favourable as possible to the Imperial Army and our interests. I have heard a lot about you, and I wanted to see for myself how you were doing in such a situation."

    I stopped cold. Did he talk to the judge? Did he convince him to choose a sentence? Was he the reason the judge agreed with us and not the others? My heart skipped a beat. This was an influential and powerful man. One word from him could destroy my entire career. I had to be careful what I said.

    "You two have been quite busy lately." the General continued "As a matter of fact, I can say you two are the most hard-working and responsible soldiers I've met…"

    "Your words honor us, sir." Tanya replied, her tone one of admiration. "We are just two soldiers doing as much as they can for their fatherland."

    The general smiled again. "If you two are not in a hurry, could you come with me at the Academy? There are some things I would like to discuss with you…"

    "Well, we…"

    "Yes!" Tanya shouted. "With pleasure."


    After reaching the Academy, Zettour guided both Tanya and I in a small office, whose walls were almost completely covered with bookshelves and books, with a large glass window that lit the room. In front of the window, a table with some chairs around it, and illuminated by some oil lamps hanging from the ceiling.

    Zettour had his back to us while looking out the window, bathed in his thoughts. Tanya and I, on the other hand, were standing at attention, waiting for him to speak.

    "Please, take a seat." the general ordered to us

    "Yes, sir."

    "Excuse us."

    We sat in our chairs, but I could not calm down. Actually, my nerves were fraying. An opportunity like this would hardly occur again.

    "Sir?" I said. "You wanted to discuss something with us?"

    "Actually, I wanted to ask you something." the general said, his eyes unmoving for the window. "What are your thoughts on the war?"

    I stopped, trying to think the best answer I could. As I had learned both at the Academy and on the Rhine front, the Imperial soldiers were very attentive and precise, with an appreciation of precision that almost became an obsession. Therefore, I could afford to ask for specifications without arousing suspicion.

    "Sir, I think that…"

    "We are sorry, but you question is too broad, sir." Tanya beat me to the punch.

    The general turned around to face us directly "Let me change it, then. What are your impressions on the next development of the war? In particular, what do you think could happen, in the most likely events?"

    "We are… afraid." I spoke up once again. "That neither I nor Lieutenant Degurechaff are in position to say."

    Tanya glared at me, and I smiled at her. One even.

    "Relax, Lieutenant." General Zettour said, sitting on his chair. "This is not an inquiry." he smiled. "I just want to hear your personal perspective…"

    My eyes stayed fixed while billions of thoughts crowded inside my head. I knew there was no way to avoid this conversation: further attempts to deflect the conversation might appear rude, perhaps even insulting. And if there's one thing you should never do, in any organization, it is to insult your superior when he's within earshot.

    Luckily for me, someone more impatient than me took the floor first.

    "Then, with your permission to speak freely?" said Tanya. "I am pretty sure that this local war between the Empire, the Republic and its ally the Entente will grow into a bigger war, a World War."

    "A World War?" said the general, unaccustomed to hear such a sentence for the first time.

    "A war on a global scale, involving the majority of the world's most powerful countries." She continued. "That is a World War"

    The general looked at her, inscrutable as a granite statue. I wondered what he was thinking.

    "And what makes you think so?" the General asked.

    "The Empire is a relatively new addition to the ranks of the world powers, but it maintains military superiority. Its military power is incredible, and in a one-to-one fight, it could surely defeat the Republic. If we defeat the Republic and restore peace, our country will be then in the position of continental hegemony. However, it is quite improbable that the other major powers, the Allied Kigdom and the Russy Federation, will ever be willing to ignore that. In the end, they will be forced to make a choice: will they allow a new ruling country's birth, or will they reject it?"

    "Ah, I see." Zettour said, visibly impressed. "An intellectual conversation spent establishing a common understanding. Do you share this view, Lieutenant König?"

    "I do, sir." I replied. "I, too, am convinced that both the Allied Kingdom and the Russy Federation will not easily accept imperial dominance over the continent. After all, they are practically ancient compared to us, and have had numerous phasess of political dominance over the continent, and as such, they may be jealous of the emergence of the Empire."

    "Indeed." the General said, smiling once again. "This is wonderful."

    "Thus," Tanya continued. "the interference of other countries is inevitable. It may begin with monetary loans to the Republic, and eventually it will evolve and lead to the lending of weapons or volunteer forces."

    "An interesting opinion." the General said. "How would you handle it?"

    "I would try to start talks at a very early stage." said Tanta, now more confident than before. "If that fails, I would focus on limiting our own resource expenditure as well as increasing our harvesting and processing capacities." she said, smirking toward me.

    She genuinely impressed me. She had managed to talk about it very well, in a true professional way of doing. On the other hand, so I thought, until the general said a brief, but terrible phrase.

    "In other words." the general said. "You would not try to win, right?"

    Damn it, Tanya! my mind yelled.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter 73: Open Mouth, Insert Foot
  • Threadmarks
    • Chapter 73: Open Mouth, Insert Foot​


    This is not good, this is not good at all! I kept thinking. This is a disaster! An apocalypse! A complete ruin! I ought to shoot myself in the head...

    After I kill Tanya of course.

    Tanya made a big mistake, and it may have given the general idea that she and I were cowards. That was not a good thing at all. Cowards, or those labeled as such, had no chance of a career in the Imperial Army.

    "S-sir!" Tanya started to speak up once again. "That may be what I said, but…"

    God damn it Tanya, shut your damn mouth! I mentally yelled at her.

    "Sir," I said, taking the chance to speak up and try to fix this mess. "I'm sure Tanya's not afraid of the front lines, just like me. In fact, I think her only fault is that she misspoke. If you'll allow me, I'd like to explain."

    "Go ahead." the general ordered.

    "First, I would like to assure you that we absolutely believe that the Empire will be victorious in this conflict. However, that would require many years of considerable economic and political effort, as well as the expenditure of considerable material and human resources. Instead, by using a strategy appropriate to the situation, limiting our losses and at the same time spilling the blood of our enemies, the Empire could end the war in the position ahead of the other combatants in less time and with much less expenditure of resources and human lives, potentially valuable in the post-war scenario."

    "Hm." the general said, looking at us. "Do you two already have a practical plan?"

    It is time to try everything and erase the impression of cowardice. I thought nervously. I have to. Cowards always get the worst frontline jobs, we need to say something as brave and daring as soon as possible!

    "Sir," Tanya said, almost jumping into feet. "I… I mean… We would propose a combination of defensive infantry tactics and offensive strategies that utilize motorized forces and aerial mages in a combined fashion."

    "Mages are powerful, I must admit." Zettour mused. "However, there are not many of them. Even with the mandatory conscription of women… and minors," the gazed over us "we always have too few of them to use them in non-essential operations. In addition, they are not suited for capturing enemy bases, and the high number of casualties could seriously compromise our defensive capabilities."

    "Sir." I took once again the chance to speak. "We agree with you. However, mages excel in firepower and agility, as well as in adaptability. Therefore, they are ideal for rapid raids to destroy high-level enemy targets, lead rapid-response counteroffensives against slower enemy attacking forces, and pursue enemy troops."

    This is it! I thought once again. Time to show all our aggression and ruthlessness, as well as our determination!

    "As you already know, general," I continued. "there are two things that allow a nation to wage war: national power and human resources. Without them, no country can maintain an ongoing war. Under this aspect, sir, winning a battle depends mostly on limiting your losses, and doing as much damage to the enemy as possible to destroy their human and material resources, as well as their morale. You could call this a loss-restriction doctrine. Lieutenant Degurechaff and I," I looked at Tanya, who was looking at me. "believe that this may be the best possible use of mages."

    "Interesting." General Zettour said, putting his left hand under his chin as to keep his mind while he thought about our words. "Lieutenant Degurechaff, tell me: do you agree with what Lieutenant König has just said?"

    "Yes, sir." she happily said. "I do, and I want to thank him for clearing up this misunderstanding a few moments ago. I believe his arguments have many merits."

    I did it! I thought happily. I made an effective speech. Even I'm surprised at how good it was, but I did not have to let him know about it. Maybe once that this war ends, Tanya and I could try to run some kind of legal office, or even go into politics…

    "And, if we wanted to put this in practice..." the general continued. "How large a force of mages do you believe would be needed?"

    "S-sir." Tanya started to speak once again. "We… we believe a battalion should be sufficient. This would strain resources less and meet the minimum for combat value. If you wanted a trial run, this would be the best option in our opinion."

    "I see," Zettour spoke back, crossing his arms. "I will look into it. I strongly suggest you both to write and put a coordinated, formal proposal."

    "Yes sir!" we replied at almost the same time, jumping on our feet.

    "We will do that, sir!" I said.

    "Excuse us, sir," Tanya replied, starting to walk outside of the room.

    I was going to follow her, but suddenly, Zettour's voice stopped me.

    "One more second. Lieutenant König?"

    "Yes sir?"

    "This conversation never happened; you were never into this room and… I was never here. Do you understand me?"

    "Yes sir!" I smiled. Was he trying to set up the bases in order to steal this idea? As far as I was concerned, he could take full responsibility if he allowed us to continue our lives.

    "Very well, you can go."

    I nodded, walking to the door and closing it behind me, leaving the general alone in the now silent room…




    "Damn it!" I said once Tanya and I were far enough. "I thought I was going to have a heart attack!"

    "If only..." Tanya replied acidly. "At least I would be forever free of your presence."

    "Oi!" I replied to her. "I just saved your hide back there! If I hadn't stepped in, you might as well have been literally branded 'Coward'!" I barked.

    She glared at me. For a second, we kept looking at each other, like a lion and a tiger ready to maul each other over a piece of meat, territory or even just because they stood in front of each other and could do nothing but attack each other.

    Then, she did something that I was totally not expecting her to do.

    She smiled, and laughed.

    "Good point, Frederick." she chuckled. "As much as I wanted to correct my mistake myself, you actually managed to beat me to the punch and clean up the damage my mouth might have done. Thank you for that."

    "Uh… you're welcome?" I said, quite puzzled by this strange show of generosity.

    "However," she said, grabbing my neckband and reverting instantly to her true personality. "next time you'll have to let me speak and make myself look good. Let me remind you, you're my henchman, not my partner. Do we understand each other?"

    "Yes." I said, trying desperately to free myself. "Crystal clear."

    "Good!" she beamed, letting me go. "Now, I believe it would be a good idea to get out of here as soon as possible."

    "Why?" I asked. "Can we just stick around a little more? I mean, General Weitz's office is right that way. Could we not go to greet him, and inform him of the results?"

    "Absolutely not!" she ordered. "We can't risk disturbing him. Besides, we would theoretically have no authorization to be here."

    "Tanya, what are you saying?" I asked, "We are officers of the Empire: we are more than allowed to be here!"

    "Not yet, you dork: have you forgotten that our active status as officers was put on hold due to the process?"

    "Yes, I remember. However, we have won the process, didn't we? This means that our active status as officers has been reactivated, so we are again legally entitled to be here."

    "Frederick, stop acting like a brainless doll!" she scolded me. "We no longer live in a world of computers and mobile phones. Even if the process has ended in our favor, it may take some time before our status as officers is officially reactivated. And until then, it's best to keep a low profile…"

    I nodded, understanding her point of view. "Very good. So, where do you want us to go?"

    She gleamed. "Obliviously, we have to return to our home. Our new home…"

    "My new home," I replied, frustrated. "The old man Gegenabuer did not mention you in the will!"

    "But how?" Tanya said, starting to sweeten her expression. "Don't you want to share with your sweet, pretty childhood sweetheart?"

    "Tanya, in other circumstances I would have liked the fact that you are making eyes at me; however, it is clear that you have no interest in me, but just in what I now possess…"

    In layman's terms, you're a sociopathic, gold-digging bitch.

    "And what is the big deal?" she replied, approaching her face to mine. "If I were the rich heiress and you were my childhood friend, I would not hesitate to share my fortune with you."

    "Uh-huh." I was not convinced. "Wouldn't you rather leave me to myself and enjoy your fortune? Knowing you, that's exactly what you'd do."

    She smiled. "You know me too well: as a matter of fact, I was lying a moment before."

    "Then would you care to tell me the real reason why you think I should stay close any longer than I have to, you doll-sized trophy Barbie?"

    "You already know..." she replied, approaching her face a little more. "And if you do not want me to turn against you, you'd better remember…"

    I clenched my teeth. I hated when Tanya used to blackmail, especially when it involved me.

    "Okay, okay!" I said, admitting defeat. "You can stay. But don't expect me to fall in love with you."

    "Of course I don't: you are my servant, not my fiancée. And you have to remember that I am still a man inside."

    She turned around, and started to walk away, looking for the Academy's exit. I followed her, taking care that she didn't notice my mocking smile that, in a moment of weakness, had appeared on my face.

    You keep thinking you're in charge. I said to myself as Tanya and I proceeded out into the hallway. But you didn't even notice the trap I'm setting for you. And when it will finally close around you... the manipulator will become... the manipulated.




    We left the academy at a fast pace. As we walked down the corridors, no one dared stop us or ask us for information: we were in uniform and behaving like soldiers. To the other students at the Academy we were officers on duty, like them. And the medals we wore on our chests, silent witnesses of our actions on the Rhine front, put everyone in awe.

    It was not difficult to find a vehicle to reach the mansion. The Academy was a very busy place, and there were many officers (teachers and others) who lived too far away or were too well off to walk all the way. As a direct consequence, private pay vehicles were not lacking. The taxi that Tanya and I took was a black and yellow cab, with the front in black, as well as a fixed top, from where several glass windows allowed the driver and any passengers to see the outside.

    The driver wore a black uniform, who was looking through a newspaper with ill-concealed weariness, reading the news with glassy eyes. When he saw us coming, he signaled us away, maybe thinking we just wanted to disturb him. It was not until I told him I had enough money to pay him that he changed his tune.

    The trip was quite pleasant. Would you have expected Tanya and me to chat? We did not. We remained silent, her thinking and me watching the city out of the car window as the vehicle drove along the road to the house that had been Gegenbauer's.

    "Mister Frederick!" said Matthias seeing us arrive. "Frau Degurechaff, you are back!" he said, joyfully surprised. "How did your trial go?"

    "Quite well, Mathias." I gave myself the luxury of a smile. "Looks like you are still going to be my servant, at least for now. The court ruled that the will of August Gegenbauer is lawful and has to be executed, so unless Erika or the others actually manage to overturn this, I still have what I was entrusted with."

    "This is very good news, sir!" he said, giving that wise look. "I was preparing myself to find new employment, as both Frau Erika and Herr Bernhardt said if they managed to get the house, I'd be fired immediately. I suppose that's reason enough to be happy?"

    "Of course it is!" I replied. "Just to know, I was wondering if you could make us something hot to drink, and if possible, something to nibble on…"

    "Yes sir!" he replied. "Of course, I'll ask the cook to prepare hot tea for you and your friend."

    "Thanks," said Tanya at my side, assuming a very cheerful expression. "Just to know, Matthias, can you also bring me something I believe I have to give a look to?"

    "Of course, Madame," Mathias replied. "What would you like me to bring you?"

    "All the ledgers on the economic and financial activities of the late Herr Gegenbauer in the months before his death, as well as a detailed report on the economic situation of the estate and its commercial and industrial activities. I believe I have some, inspections to do…"
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Trunko said:
    You keep thinking you're in charge. I said to myself as Tanya and I proceeded out into the hallway. But you didn't even notice the trap I'm setting for you. And when it will finally close around you... the manipulator will become... the manipulated.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    I'm not seeing the trap...
    Though, well, I also have no idea what his third wish for General War was. Maybe that has to do with it.
     
    Put it to Tanya in a way she understands.

    "In the 'Future' when old enough, I will need to produce an Heir."

    Let her draw her own misunderstandings?
     
    TerraBull said:
    Put it to Tanya in a way she understands.

    "In the 'Future' when old enough, I will need to produce an Heir."

    Let her draw her own misunderstandings?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    I believe that, If Frederick should say something like this, Tanya would respond with something along the lines of "I am a man inside of this body"
     
    That and I doubt Frederick would seriously consider that even as a joke.

    His antipathy for Tanya is apparent, even in the raw text.
     
    NuclearBird said:
    His antipathy for Tanya is apparent, even in the raw text.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Really? Because his awfully specific(and out of nowhere) denial sings another tune. "don't expect me to fall in love with you b-baka."

    I'm fully expecting something petty and silly like making Tanya fall in love, in a misguided plan to reject "her" and show his superiority.

    In other news, making a pact with an entity that desires an eternal war when you want to relax is about as stupid as keeping a grudge with/pretending you can take revenge on god as a mortal.
     
    Chapter 74: Downsizing
  • Threadmarks

    • Chapter 74: Downsizing    ​


    There were undoubtedly some advantages to owning your own home. First, if you were the property owner yourself, it meant that you did not have to pay rent every month, resulting in more stable finances and peace of mind since you do not have a rent or a mortgage hanging over your head like a sword of Damocles. Secondly, a home of your own was something of value, a strategic reserve that you could keep. If things went wrong, you could at least have the consolation of having a roof over your head, rather than being out in the rain and cold. Finally, the third undeniable advantage was that if you were the owner of the house, you decided on the rules.

    Mathias retired for the night after warning me that the next day he would introduce me to the rest of the servants (whom I had hardly seen so far, and whose control I had delegated to Mathias himself) and remained in the company of Tanya, a cup of hot tea and a newly opened box of biscuits. Tanya was bent over a long list of documents and papers, which Mathias had brought her from Gegenbauer's former office, and which he said were a brief summary of all the family's economic activities before the old man died. She read without blinking, focused on the contents of those documents while taking notes on a sheet of paper to her right.

    As you can imagine, I was very bored.

    "Uhm, Tanya?" I said, trying to make myself noticed.

    She did not answer me and kept reading.

    "Tanya?" I repeated, this time louder.

    Still no answer.

    "Alrighty then!" I said. "Since you refuse to answer, I will go to bed. And tomorrow I will leave all of this to the Church since I now think that Being X was right about y-"

    "What did you just say?!" she growled, facing me.

    "Hey, I had to snap you out of what you were you doing somehow…"

    "I was not that out of it!" she protested the blatant effectiveness of my ploy. "It seems to me that you were trying to get my attention and focus. Somehow it worked, so why don't you tell me what you wanted, before I start dissecting you?"

    "I want to ask you if I can go to bed. You told me before that you needed me, so I was by your side the whole time. All this time, however, you have hardly given me any attention, preferring to focus on the papers Mathias gave you. Since I'm feeling a little useless, I wanted to ask you if you really need me or not. If the answer is no, I am going to bed, and I will let you continue reading all night if you want. If you do need me, and I mean really need me, I want to know what for."

    Tanya looked at me for a few seconds before she closed her eyes and emitted an annoyed puff. "I need you to approve what I am actually doing for your own sake!"

    "For my own sake?" I asked. "And… what are you doing?"

    "I am trying to get a clear picture of the estate's finances," she replied with a stern look. "This way, I will be able to establish a financial plan to promote efficiency and increase the productive industrial scale."

    "Oh," I said. "And… How are you doing on that front?"

    "It is still too early to say anything." she looked at the pile of documents. "However, I have already found a number of wastage and inefficiencies that I think should be corrected. I was hoping to have a full report for you to see in the morning…"

    "In the morning?" I asked. "When are you planning to sleep?"

    She smiled. "Frederick, Frederick, Frederick, you were not the only who practiced new spells while you were on the Rhine or before..." she said.

    As she said those words, I noticed something happened. His irises were turning a creepy orange.

    "T-Tanya!" I said, alarmed. "You are…"

    "Relax, dull boy!" she replied, glazing at me. "This is just a little enhancement spell I worked on while we were at the Academy for the first time. It suppresses the need for sleep and allows a mage's mind to operate at maximum efficiency, thus allowing those who use it to stay awake and active for days without needing to sleep. Useful, if you have some very important work to do and you need more time…"

    "H-have you used it before?" I asked, suddenly alarmed.

    "Of course!" she declared with all the pride she could muster. "It's very useful for studying, or writing commendable reports without having to slash time from your other duties."

    "You realize that, if you use magic on yourself too much, you risk permanent mental harm, right?"

    "Don't worry about that!" she said firmly. "The localized risk is minimal, but the benefits are much greater. And it's better self-made magic than your pathetic attempts…"

    "My what?" I asked, quite surprised. "You know about my experiments? The ones I performed while we were both on the Rhine front?"

    "Of course I know. I would have to be blind and deaf not to notice. And… I had some people keeping a look at you about them…"

    "People? Who?" I growled.

    "No one that you know." she smiled. "Just a couple of soldiers that I've managed to pay in exchange for them keeping an eye on you and report to me about them. Not one of them was a mage in your unit."

    "Oh, so you are admitting that you recruited some spies to keep a look on my experiments. But… why?"

    "Why?" she almost laughed in her usually creepy manner. "Because I wanted to be constantly updated on your progress. As you probably have already learned from your little experiments, creating a new spell is not easy: it requires time, resources, and planning, and often the resulting spells are volatile, too difficult to replicate on an industrial scale or otherwise useless. Of course, I knew you would not give up, and that you would persist with your research even if the commander ordered you otherwise. That's why I decided to keep an eye on you: if your research had had negative results, such as explosions or magical distortions, I could have avoided the consequences by cutting all ties with you. But if your little research had culminated in success..."

    "...you'd come forward to take credit and the rewards, saying it was your entire plan!" I said with rage. "Who knows why, I don't know if I'm more surprised that you would abandon me in case of failure, or that you would steal my achievements in case of victory. That's low, even for you!"

    "We live in a cruel world, baby. The rule is simple: to eat, or be eaten." She said almost proudly.

    "Or steal," I concluded, with a bitter taste on my mouth. "You know, sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn't tried to save you that day in Tokyo…."

    "It's too late to regret the choices you've made, kiddo," she said, writing something in her notes. "You chose to stand by my side and be condemned with me to live in these childish bodies, so stop complaining. Rather, I would like to show you a few things that I would like you to see…"

    "What is it?" I asked, coming closer.

    "Just a complete list of all the unnecessary and frivolous expenses and losses of your benefactor's company, the late August Gegenbauer. Look at these accounts."

    I brought the papers closer to my eyes, and it did not take me long for Tanya, at least on this point, to be right. There were many potential cutbacks. One above the others.

    "Tanya?" I said, looking at her. "Why did you write thirty thousand marks here in red?"

    "That," she said in a scolding tone. "is just how much your dear relatives cost old Gegenbauer, and how much they would have cost us if they hadn't tried to take over what wasn't theirs. Apparently, the old man was covering their expenses with part of his company's profits…"

    I took another glance at the accounts. Judging by what I saw, my dear ex-parents must have had a lifestyle that was nothing short of wealth and luxury.

    "Well, since we are not legally obligated to pay them anymore, we could reinvest the money into the industrial plants, to improve efficiency and enhance the quality of products."

    "What?" asked Tanya, drawing close. "And why-"

    "Because we are still soldiers, Tanya!" I looked at her. "Both of us will be back on duty, within a few days at most; officers inactive status in the Imperial Army's Mage Corps. We have medals on our chests, as a testament to our excellence in war. Why shouldn't we continue to contribute to the nation's cause?"

    "Frederick, what are you…" but she was stopped as soon as I put my hand over her mouth.

    "Listen, Tanya," I said, looking around as to make sure nobody was listening. "If the upper echelons of the army helped us, it is likely that they did not do it out of pure selflessness. They did it so as not to lose us as soldiers, but also because the idea of an officer indirectly putting a factory of vital importance for the war effort under Army control would be nothing short of a dream come true for them…"

    "Yes, I remember speaking about this to the general. Your point?" Tanya asked.

    I grinned. "Probably, the senior officers of the army think that, now that a talented and initiative-filled young officer is in charge of the deceased's factory and not August Gegenbauer, the new owner will be able to promote the expansion and efficiency of the factory, reducing costs and increasing the production capacity of articles for military use…."

    "You have my attention. Continue."

    "Now, if we start reducing waste and inefficiency, as you already wanted to do, but without making any effort to strengthen the facilities by reinvesting when we save money in the factory, we might give the wrong impression to our senior officers. If, on the other hand, we make an effort to ensure that the equipment we produce is in large numbers and of good quality..."

    "…we could not only save face, which we could then use to gain more personal prestige within the army and to find a solid and secure position in the hierarchy, in the rear! Frederick, you are a genius!" she said, before correcting herself. "I mean, an idiot savant!"

    "Thank you, Tanya." I said, looking at her with understanding and sympathy. "it's nice to see that, at least every once in awhile, you're not stealing other people's talent."

    "I have no need to steal credit for this because this is something I know you cannot do without me." she smiled smugly. "And of course this means that unless you find someone better than me at improving efficiency and cutting losses, and whom you can completely trust, you will still need my help. And you know what this means?"

    "No, what?"

    "That, from now on, you belong to me, doll-boy. You'll have to be careful not to irritate me, and satisfy all my whims."

    "All your whims?" I asked, raising my eyebrow. "And what are 'your whims'?"

    "Well, for example, since money will no longer be an issue now, I would very much like to have breakfast in an elegant bakery, with hot tea and pastries. Of course, you're paying…"

    "Is that your way of asking someone out on a date?" I joked.

    She punched me. "Stop joking about. I am not insane enough to consider you an enjoyable life partner!"

    "Honey, no one would be a suitable life partner for you!" I replied coldly. "In fact, I believe you are incompatible with any human being because no one is as heartless and cruel as you!"

    "Better than being an incurable optimist, convinced that he can be respected by treating his soldiers well!"

    "Maybe you are right," I replied, getting up and starting to walk away. "But unlike you, I don't see my subordinates as resources to be exploited."

    "Frederick, where are you going?" Tanya asked, still sitting with the documents in front of her.

    "I'm going to change and put on some clothes for the night. Then I'll probably go to bed."

    "Wait, you can't!" Tanya yelled, pointing at the papers. "I have so many things I need to bring to your attention!"

    "I am sure that all those papers can wait until morning, Mein Fraulein. Time for bed, rest and a nice breakfast tomorrow morning."

    "B-but…"

    "Of course, if you want to use that spell of yours and stay awake all night, I have no objections. Your bed is where it belongs. I'll go to mine..."

    "Frederick, stop right where you are!" she yelled again.

    "Why, do you fear that…"

    But all I could say was that I felt a sudden pain and lost consciousness.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • What? Is the author losing motivation, or does he simply not want to write an eternal war scenario?

    Well, I am not being interested in an eternal war either.
     
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