Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Is there something worse facing than a woman scorned?
Mein Krieg (Youjo Senki/Tanya the Evil OC)
- Thread starter Trunko
- Start date
-
- Tags
- youjo senki
Is there something worse facing than a woman scorned?
Chapter 230 – The Resistance and the Crown
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Chapter 230 – The Resistance and the Crown
Apparently, even when my plans fail, I never do things halfway.
"... he Federation troops to the north and the west hastily retreated, just like their river flotilla to avoid being intercepted by our own magical units. Meanwhile, the troops to the south, after realizing their retreat path had been cut and they were trapped between Volgaria and the border with Turkman Principalities, mostly decided to surrender to our troops and got better imprisonment treatment, while some divisions ended up refusing and decided to violate the border."
"We already know of the latter," the unspoken officer on the other end, the 'new' representative of the Strategic Headquarter (since apparently the previous one had disappeared without warning), replied. "Our ambassador among the Turks already got summoned by several representatives of their government that wanted to know why suddenly Federation troops decided it was a good idea to violate their border and got into armed confrontation with their own patrol units."
"Then, let me apologize again, sir." I felt my heart sink, realizing that 'diplomatic incident with neutral nation' could now be added to my own accusations. "While I am sure-"
"There is no need for you to apologize, commander König." The officer suddenly spoke, surprising me. "In fact, this little incident was not detrimental for the Empire's diplomatic efforts in the area: on the contrary; it ended up useful to us."
"U-useful?"
"The Turkmen Principalities were already at odds with the Federation but couldn't retaliate in any meaningful manner due to the Federation's disproportionate military power. Nonetheless, commander Degurechaff's heroic operation, the surrender of what our experts think it was a fifth of the best troops the Federation still all available on the whole front and the unsanctioned violation of their borders by the runaway of the Federates convinced them to join our ambassador proposal's for a non-aggression pact between our nations and to be added in the economical plan for the development of their infrastructures and opening the Black Sea route to Imperial-aligned ships."
"In other words, the Turks are going to become a protectorate of the Empire, while still 'officially' maintaining their own independence." I summarized with a shrug. It was good news, after all, and yet... it all came out of me.
My plan to get rid of Tanya, to have her act in direct violation of the Strategic Headquarters' decision, had utterly failed. Not only Tanya's direct actions and our subordinate bumbling interference had turned what was supposed to be a small defeat into a glorious victory for the Empire, forging a stronger spirit of comradeship between the Empire and the Russy Liberation Army, but she also had found out about my intentions, and proved to me all of her... disappointment with my decision.
I shivered, as I still remembered those cold, harsh minutes I spent with her, her nails cutting into my flesh, her poison-filled words filling my brain and my soul with dread. Even after so much time we had spent together, when Tanya was very pissed, she was scariest than any demon.
And as she didn't forget to remind me since my plan had failed. We would spend a lot of time together still.
"General Zettour had been quite pleased by the result of your actions. Someone with less guts would have backed down, yet not only you and commander Degurechaff decided to violate your standing orders, but you managed to plan and synchronize everything so well, people are calling Volgaria 'the graveyard of the Federation' already."
"You... you approve that we disobeyed?" I asked, doing the best I could to sound legitimately surprised, and not horribly horrified. "I thought the Empire's way to punish officers that were guilty of insubordination was death by firing squad."
"Under the traditional viewpoint, it still is. But not only General Zettour and his allies have still great interest in you and commander Degurechaf''s actions, but also the emperor himself was quite pleased of your success, enough to give Zettour the politic coverage he needed to out all those officers who refused to oppose him."
"So, this is why... our previous liaison... "
"He was one of them, yeah. This is why he was so hell-bent to refuse any suggestion and tried to suppress your plan for a sortie. Don't worry about him anymore: Zettour had him redeployed on Dakia, where he will be acting as an 'Imperial instructor' for the new army."
"I... I guess I should thank my subordinate, as well as Tanya, if our plan ended up like this." I replied, telling the truth about the fact but still lying about my feelings over that. "And Baron Von Ungern-Sternberg, while I am not going to deny he has an... odd personality, he managed to lead the Volgaria militia into a full-blown assault that managed to rout the enemy after commander Degurechaff already broke trough them. They deserve to be awarded for this victory, more than myself!"
"You're referring to Miss Viktoriya and Herr Tragen, right?" The voice of the other officer sound thoughtful, and I could hear some paper being flapped, like he was checking on some folders. "Oh, I see... she's the heir of the Serebryakov family, who once ruled over Volgaria, right?"
"Indeed. It was her, and the trust the people of this city put into her that allowed us to resist this long, and to score such a victory. I hope the Empire won't forget about her... contributions."
"Oh, there is no danger about that." The voice spoke once again, and I realized they knew something that I didn't. "Apparently, the victory you scored was noticed not just by the Emperor, but by the Russy Liberation forces as well. There is news the Admiral himself want to come and visit the city once the area will be officially declared 'secure'."
"T-The Admiral is coming to inspect the city?" I asked, surprised by this news. "Why?"
"We don't know the full details, commander, only that apparently is for some important stuff. I guess the fact that the Russy Liberation Army played a huge part in your victory means the Admiral plans to turn all of this into a big propaganda event for his cause, maybe? Anyway, you'll be able to ask him, once he arrives... ."
"Wait, once he arrives? And when he is supposed to arrive?"
"Oh, one week, ten days at most... "
The Militia, dressed in their mud- and bloodstained uniforms, but stiff and proud as if at a parade, waited expectantly, their rifles and machine guns in their hands, the mounted soldiers to their left, sabers in their hands or at their waists. To their left, the wizards of the 203rd Battalion, their uniforms arranged as best they could, only Tanya in the front row in shiny, neat uniform, as if we were still in Berun and not in the middle of the Federation, miles and miles from home.
My mages and I were to their right, Tragen just behind me, the team leaders in the front line and the 'common' mages behind. Even among my soldiers, although those among them were taking care and attention to their clothing, almost no one was in top condition: large stains of dirt and congealed blood, the remnants of the long siege and battles we had faced, littered our uniforms and boots; many wizards had unkempt hair and, if male, large, unkempt beards as well; even those who had joined us recently, the 'recruits,' had changed a great deal, and in their eyes the idealism and big dreams had been by a massive, granitic will typical of those who, having escaped death on numerous occasions, had now become veterans.
All around us, another small group of militia soldiers, light artillery and anti-aircraft artillery (in case the Federation attempted one last retaliatory attack) separated us from the civilians, a mass of men, women, children and the elderly who watched, with great interest, their 'defenders' gathered in the central town square, waiting. Whose, they wondered?
Well, even we did not know for sure.
"Sir, do you really believe that this is possible? The Admiral... here?"
"It is strange, but it would not be so irregular. It is common way among great leaders, especially for those who come from the military or have been brought up on such principles, to personally appear in places where sensational events have taken place or where major battles have just taken place, in order to prove their 'solidity' but more importantly to gain considerable personal gain in terms of popularity and propaganda. And the Admiral needs this if he hopes to establish himself as a representative of an 'alternative' to the Federation."
"Don't they already have a new Czarina?" One of the wizards back said. "I mean, isn't she the leader?"
"In theory, yes." Said Tragen, looking at the wizard with an authoritative look. "But in practice, the new ruler of Russy is still a child, and there are not a few who hope to take advantage of her young age to take her under their wing and 'influence' her so to speak."
"Ah, like Cardinal Mazarin with the Sun King?"
"Hear hear, you learn a lot of good things at Berun University."
"Keep order in the ranks!" I hissed, annoyed by their chat. "Also, Tragen, I am quite surprised you have such knowledge of how royal politics and intrigue works."
"Oh, I had a chat with Viktoriya a couple of days ago. She told me this is a scheme that often repeats with monarchs who are underage at the start of their reign. There is a story about a prince once that-"
"Armored convoy in sight!" One of the civilians among the crowd shouted, gaining everyone's attention in the process. Immediately, we all straightened ourselves up, the chat died as everyone stood in attention. And then, they arrived.
The convoy consisted of several armored cars, some Federation-captured and converted models, but many of obvious Imperial production, with some trucks covered in the back. Soldiers in Russy Liberation Army uniforms manned the driving spots and their guns, rumbling trough the path to the center of the plaza before coming to a halt, the smaller ones forming an additional perimeter of defense while a large, grey armored car, with a small anti-air gun on the upper side and the flag of the previous Russy government, stopped right in front of us. Two soldiers jumped town and moved to the side of the large visible door on its flank, and after a few seconds, opened it, allowing for us to see the figure walking out of the vehicle.
"A-Admiral Kolčakyv!" I saluted, and so did Tragen and every Imperial of Volgaria Militia soldier standing in line with me, saluting the Supreme Commander of the Russy Liberation Army as he looked around, taking a deep breath of the air, the crowd all whispering in surprise, some citizen even shouting the Admiral's name.
"Ah! It's so good to be back home..." the Admiral said, before lowering his gaze, his eyes meeting mine. "Commander König, commander Degurechaff, I-I can't express how much joy you've brought to my heart with you and your units' doing. To see Volgaria freed from the Federation's tyranny, and be brought back to its ancient splendor... I must admit, I was quite afraid I'd never live enough to see this happen."
"Thank you for your appreciation." Tanya immediately replied, making sure to show off her clean uniform to try and 'steal' the spotlights. "Yet, we did nothing more than accomplish what the alliance between the Russy Liberation Army and the Empire entangled."
"Moreover," I intervened, determined not to let Tanya steal all the credit and trying to salvage something out of the mess I ended up creating on my own. "we couldn't accomplish this much without the cooperation of the people of this town, who were willing to stand with us in the fight to protect their city."
"I see... " the Admiral turned around, looking at the crowd who was now growing in numbers, as the news of his arrival reached the ears of those who hadn't been there already. The crowd cheered once again, and the Admiral saluted them in turn, apparently 'touched' by the warm welcome he was receiving.
"It is so good to see that the Federation has not been able to break the spirit of our people."
"The credit goes mainly to Serebryakov, sir." I added, pointing with my eyes to the young woman who was both an Imperial mage and a would-be noblewoman of Russy, the young, beautiful brown-haired girl stuttering for a second before regaining her composure. "As the surviving heir of her family and estate, who had watched over this city for generations, she only could summon the trust of the people into joining us and assisting us, as well as providing critical help and information to coordinate our defense of the city with your military advance."
"Indeed. Your... relative was quite eager to lead our magical forces against the besieging Federates." the Admiral said with a chuckle. "He is a good boy, and a true patriot. I think he's already earned all the new decorations we could come up for our new army."
"He is just driven by his desire to kick the Federates out of our nation and restore its rightful rules on her throne." Viktoriya replied, Tanya looking at her as she spoke. "Just like myself."
"I see... I see. Well, I guess we should thank you again, for freeing Volgaria and holding it against all odds, as well as driving away all the Federation armies surrounding it, you have provided us with the last piece we needed in order to secure the restauration of our true government."
"What does that means?"
"I think I can answer that." another voice came from the armored car, the Admiral turning around and bending on his knee as a small, petite female figure, dressed in a heavy white fur and with a small diadem on her head, stood before us. The Mages all gasped, the militia took steps back in shock, the crowd who had been watching us almost became apoplectic with the revelation. Once again silence laid upon the large square, everyone too shocked to find words to react.
Until someone did.
"N-no way!"
"Is that..."
"Our newest Czarina?"
"The lost daughter? She has returned?"
"Our newest monarch had decided to visit our city!" One of the old men, who had to be old enough to have lived under the previous czar's reign, yelled in celebration. "Truly we are blessed!"
"LONG LIVE OUR NEW CZARINA!"
"ETERNAL LOYALTY TO THE HOUSE OF NIKOLAYNA!"
As the people of Volgaria all cheered her, the young monarch turned around, and raised her hand, the crowd immediately shutting up to let her speak.
"My people," she said, taking the time to say every word correctly, her grace and movement clearly telling me she had good educators in the period ever since they found her and told her about her past. "it is with my greatest joy that today, I speak to you. To everyone of you. Up until not a long time ago, I too believed myself to be a commoner, just like you. I was barely a child, doing the best to survive, to study, to improve myself, to build myself a better life. When the men of the Empire came and took me in, and the Admiral told me about my true heritage, at first, I couldn't believe it myself. For me, to be the last surviving member of a House exiled and murdered, who had survived until now only thanks to luck and the protection that my old caretaker had provided me, like some kind of weird fable? It sounded crazy, and somedays, I still think this may only be a dream, an escape from the harsh reality of the days."
"And yet, as I began to see what the Federates had done to me, to my family, to my motherland, to the people who I was supposed to watch over as I grow... Fate had smiled upon me and tasked me with a mission. To avenge the fall of my family, to break the tyranny of the Federation upon my former homeland, and to care and nurture of the countless people, families, towns and villages, who they plundered of their wealth and provisions, oppress with their violence and cruelty, using their so-called 'Revolution' to justify the indiscriminate murders of hundreds, thousands of people whose main crime had been to have doubt in them. While grain and other commodities were exported to show off the supposed fertility of their 'socialite paradise' people were dying in the streets on the same nights their leaders caroused with luxury foods and alcoholics!"
"And yet, as justice and punishment as bested upon us by God, so even the Federation, with their foundation made up of lies, tyrannies and cruelty began to rust and crumble. And when they decided to move against the Empire, hoping to use their massive advantage to try and force other nations under their heel... that was when their downfall began. And now, with your great victory, you have proved, not just to yourself or to Russy, but to the whole world, that the Federation has lost. It's no more a matter or if, but when: weeks, maybe months still, but their final defeat has already been decided, and it has been decided not by great leader or foreign countries, but by you, my people."
"Hey, is she ignoring us?" Tanya protested. "No fair!"
"I guess she's just trying to rile them." I replied, as I analyzed the words in her speech, trying to understand her intentions.
"And to you, my people, I come today to announce that in this city who valiantly repelled the Federation goons, I will have my most important ceremony." She finally announced, as everyone around her (including Tanya, Tragen, Viktoriya and myself) realized.
"For it will be in this city, that I will be enthroned officially as your newest Czarina."
Last edited:
- Location
- canada
While there are no grammatical faults here, the line reads a bit too casual for what seems to be an formal declaration.
Something like:
"For it will be in this city, that I will be enthroned officially as your newest Czarina."
would be more fitting for a person of her status and the kind of statement she is making.
I wonder if the new Czarina will involve herself more directly and openly in the conflict with how she intends to announce her existence publicly in this way.
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Huh, her existence is public already, even to the Federation if you check previous chapters . She hadn't been officially enthroned...yet.
Also, thank you, fixed!
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
That depends on how long will she stays...
Sneguročka – Manipulating the Manipulators
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Sneguročka – Manipulating the Manipulators
"The new Czarina has reached the city and has already laid out her intentions to the population. Even the mages of the Empire, including König and Degurechaff, are now aware of the young ruler's plans."
"Very well." replied the skeleton in a general's uniform, a sound like an evil laugh echoing through his fleshed bones. "The song goes on, but the Federation's part has now come to an end. A few more notes, then what remains of their rule will fall and a new Czarina, progenitor of a reborn dynasty, will rule again over this land. And through her, an entire nation will once again be under my control, allowing me once again to grow in power."
"And all this, without your ancient enemy noticing?" Said the blond-haired girl, leaning against a sapling, a breath as cold as snowstorms coming out of her nostrils, tiny snowflakes falling from her hair and dress with every little movement.
"It's not hard to go unnoticed, snow child." General War chuckled. "But you should know that already, better than anyone else. Tell me, did Frederick not suspect anything?"
"If he did, he didn't show it. I did as you told me, I voluntarily let the patrol intercept me, knowing that they would inform him and he would come as soon as possible, so that I could gain his confidence and help him in great secrecy, knowing that he himself would provide for my hiding."
"What about the soldiers you met during that night, the soldiers of the Militia? Or anyone who may have seen you, by account?"
"Whoever may have seen me, it doesn't matter anymore." The child who was once a simple daughter, made by snow and whose love had given her life, replied. "By now, they'll have forgotten about me already. That is, except the one you favor."
General War didn't reply, at least not immediately, as he simply stood still, gazing upon the scenery in front of them. Russy, for many people, was a cold, still savage land whose people, above everyone else, knew the significance of 'sacrifice'. To work harder and eat less, to be able to pay the taxes of nobles or to reach the quota their 'political commissars' gave them; to be ready to lose many of their own in order to gain a victory against an enemy; to live through one oppressive regime to another, whose names and faces changed continuously yet the same suffering and tyrannies remained the same, from one generation to another.
To Sneguročka, it was home.
"Frederick... he is much more able and competent that people would assume of him. He is able to pull strategic plans, treacheries and cabal of unrivaled cruelty and coldness, yet at the same time he's still able to prove genuine emotions among his subordinates, even if he will deny it till the day of his death. Being X made a tragic mistake when he choose to send him and his 'friend' in our world."
"All because they refused to worship him," the blonde girl added. "While I can understand the feeling, I can't agree on the execution. Even if someone doesn't believe me, that's not a reason to punish them by sending them into another world, and in the bodies of little orphans too."
"What do you say about that fat merchant who lost his entire fortune thanks to someone's blizzard sinking the ships in which he decided to invest all his capitals?"
"He kept harassing all the young women of her village and threw garbage to kids who pleaded him for some food! He deserved it!"
"Yes, he did. Tell me, did you enjoy when the people that he shunned slammed their doors on his face, or when he was forced to eat his own prized horse, to try and stop his hunger?"
"It's one of the memories that makes my heart warm, even after two centuries."
"Hope not too warm, would be a pity if you melt down again."
"Hey!" Sneguročka jerked back, a humanlike blush appearing over her cheeks. "While I was born from snow, I am no more the frail, shy child who turned herself into steam after being challenged to jump over a wild fire! And I also experienced love and feelings many times!"
"So, you choose to date some of your own followers too?"
"In disguise! No one knew who I was, and they were cute!" The Russy spirit of winter and snow protested, teased and irritated by the skeleton. "You-you never did it before? I mean, before-"
"Before I was unjustly cast away by the one I called my own brother, locked away and forgotten, able to break free only through the interference of two souls?" General War summarized, "Yes. While I never enjoyed it too much, I did have my fair share of 'amusements' once. Sometimes, I can still feel my own essence running in the bodies of some of those descendants."
"And what about... the other? He never did in the first place?"
"Always been a straight arrow, never interested into becoming friendly with the people of any of the worlds we created together, never taking some time off for themselves, slowly eroding the connection he had with our 'followers' more and more... until he stopped seeing them on equal terms and started to treat them only as followers, or sinners."
"In short, he started to play God."
"No, there was never any 'playing' involved." General War stopped for a second, waving his hand as a lit cigarette appear on it, quickly bringing it to its boneless jaw and starting to puff out smoke. "I guess once I'll be able to give them the payback they utterly deserve, I'll use the first next million of years to do the same thing."
"You seem awfully interested in revenge, but... did your little wizard help you enough so you can achieve it in short time?"
"As a matter of fact, he did. The chaos and destruction he spread, the killings he did in name of his Empire or for his own survival, either alone or with his little friend in tow, the suffering he gifted to countless families... They may have broken my prison first, but now, every death he caused, either directly or indirectly, all the conflict he sowed, all the grieving families whose fathers and sons will never returns thank to him... I welcome it, for it allow me to return to my previous power, growing stronger with every second."
"And yet, he's not doing it for free, does he? No such things as a free lunch, that's the way common people usually express for such situations. What did you promise him, in exchange for his help?"
"Not much. Of course, our common enemy already did me a benefit when he choose to 'punish' them by sending them into this world just because they refused to have faith on him. IT didn't take long, once I identified myself as the enemy of his own enemy, to forge an alliance. In exchange for his help, I promised I'll take care of it once I'll be strong enough and prevent him from subjecting them to any of his crazy punishments. There were other details, of course."
"And you won't tell me, right?"
"He asked me to keep them a secret." General War nodded. "And unlike Being X, as they call him, I can keep my own word. Plus, I don't think you would like to know."
"That's right, maybe I don't." Sneguročka nodded, before looking in the distance once again. There was a time, after she was snow but before becoming a spirit, when she believed herself a mundane kid, when she liked to see the sun set or rise in the horizon. To her, the sun setting symbolized the end of the working day, a message for all people working that they could rest and relax now, while the sun rising meant a new day was beginning, with new hope and opportunities for anyone. Yet her parents, while loving with her, where extremely overprotective with her, always stopping her to go outside on the hottest days.
Once, she found it overbearing, but now, she knew they were trying to protect her body made of snow, as heat would have melt her.
"You know, after I... returned… I got a chance to meet my parents once again. Could you believe they were shocked when I strolled in through their door? They thought I was gone for sure!"
"Well, you turned into vapor in front of their eyes, that sounds pretty bad."
"In truth, I didn't notice it then. Only when I returned to their home, and they could tell me what happened, I understood. I told them I was granted a new chance at life, and that my body wouldn't melt anymore. They were sad when I told them I couldn't stay with them anymore, but... I promised them I would keep regularly visit them, every time they wished to see me."
"And you did?"
"Once every two years, for years. Until the day they both left this world, and their souls were sent into another. But I know they're still together."
"Souls who manage to create strong bonds, often ends up connected for eternity. Loving couples ends up finding each other and marrying in every dimension, just as enemies end up becoming archnemesis all over the multiverse. The stronger the bond, the most it will be sure the cycle will repeat, over and over again, no matter what world it may be next, what creatures they'll become, or what their life stories will be. Even with Being X in charge, this is something that didn't charge since when we shared the burden."
"Tell me, how did YOU become like this? What is your story? Or... Being X's?"
"Believe me, child, you do not want to know about that. So much time had passed, so many concepts and idea have changed, that should I tell you what my story is, at best it would result incomprehensible to you."
"And in the worst case-"
"-It would drive you mad."
"Okay, then I'll pass. Again."
"Rather, there is one thing I'd like to ask you: what do you plan to do, once Russy will be free from the Federation's control and the new Czarina will rule over it, her authority boosting my powers as it will do with yours."
"Probably? I'll take a vacation and incarnate into the body of a child of House Nykolayna. It's been quite some time since the last time I spend a life as a princess, and I miss it. Plus, from what info I was able to gather back in Volgaria, before I left, the new Czarina will find herself saddled with 'the responsibility' to revive her household's bloodline as soon as she comes to age, I don't envy her."
"Oh, will you keep your memories this time?"
"Of course I won't. I want to fully enjoy it, how could I if I remember that I am actually the Russy spirit of snow and ice under that flesh? Keeping memories may sound savvy, but in the long run, it turns out to be a curse!"
"A curse, of course!" General War nodded, smiling back at her (thought the smile was barely visible on his fleshless skull) with a wicked tone, some kind of unholy energy burning trough his eyeless orbits. "This is a good idea!"
"Huh... I'm happy that you like it?" Sneguročka commented, unsure of what General War could refer to. She had learned already that, whenever General War seemed to have an idea, it was better not to ask about them. Especially if it was an idea she ended up giving him unwittingly, through her own words.
"I'll need to do some reworking, of course, but I think is doable."
(...)
The sun was starting to set once again, and Sneguročka moved through the snow, the cold winter accompanying her and making her almost weightless as she continued her wandering trough the countryside, walking among large flats and wild woodlands, small cottages and farms that emerged here and there, many with small walls or fences to protect their crops or livestock from wild animals that might try to plunder them. The traveler who attempted, at his own peril, to seek hospitality at such houses would find himself, in most cases, 'greeted' by a rifle slinged by the head of the family and subjected to several questions. Centuries of partial or total anarchy in the territory, combined with a long list of governments that were in the habit of 'requisitioning' what they wanted from the population (in addition to food and precious, sometimes even young women or the buildings themselves), had led the population to be very cautious when a stranger showed up at their door: there were even fairy tales, which were actually true cautionary tales, in which an overly hospitable family would welcome under their roof a newcomer who claimed to seek only food and lodging for one night, only to betray the hospitality by opening the door to bandits or other criminals, or by taking advantage of the darkness to try to 'force' their way in with some young and beautiful daughter of the household.
Sneguročka did not need to seek shelter, nor did he need food to fill his stomach or fire to warm his limbs. The icy wind of the tundra did not bother her, in fact it almost seemed to lull her as she proceeded, step by step, the snow greeting her as she passed, the animals she passed on her way either ignoring her or letting her pass, knowing full well that there was no food her little body could offer them.
A pot-bellied bear with shining reddish fur was intent on devouring as much meat as he could from his latest victim when it heard footsteps and raised his head just in time to see Sneguročka walking in his direction, the spirit looking into its eyes as the bear looked back into hers. For half a minute, the two beings stood in front of each other, before the bear moved aside, as it had no reason to fight Sneguročka nor she represented any kind of threat to itself or their food. As soon as she would have left, the large animal would have resumed its feast, careful to fatten himself with as much meat as possible before any other contenders may arrive to try and steal it.
Sneguročka took another step forward, yet she stopped as her eyes fell on the body lying on the snow, dirtying it with its blood, and she noticed it wasn't a deer, a wild boar, or any other animal typical of the Russy's tundra.
Instead, it was a humanoid figure dressed in a deep green military outfit, and a rifle less than a meter from his right hand.
"A soldier of the Federation…" Sneguročka chuckled as she resumed her walk, the bear sitting silently as it watched her leave, before returning to its meal. The nature didn't care for which side a man fought or died, animals didn't care about human factions or the reasons they were fighting for. Nature's law was one, to survive. And for the bear who had been lucky enough to stumble into one of the Federation's soldiers, who had managed to leave the siege of Volgaria instead of being killed or captured by the Imperial mages of their allies of the Militia, survival meant he could now fill its stomach with enough meat to survive for several more days, and look out for new preys to satiate its hunger.
The snow child continued her journey until the sun disappeared behind the horizon, the red hues of sunset soon giving way to darkness and gloom, only the moon and the stars in the sky remaining to light her way. The moon, which had first blessed her many years ago and given her a chance to rise again; the stars, daughters of heaven and the future, each representing the hope of a new tomorrow and countless dreams, one for each of them, to guide and inspire the lives of mortals.
And on earth, it was Sneguročka, the spirit of frost, the child created from the snow of love, loving daughter, immortal guardian, friend to the lonely, ally to those fleeing bullying, and forever pilgrim, destined to walk every inch of Russy, day after day, until the end of time.
For a brief second, a question popped up in her mind: What if, instead of disappearing without a trace like she did, she had tried to talk with Herr Frederick first? Maybe, she could have told him who she was really, and she could have tried to convince him to come with him. He was cute, after all, and the girl he was with-
She stopped, shaking her head as she tried to push away the idea before it could make roots: General War had been categoric on that issue, Frederick was his, along with the petite, blonde, constantly angry brat he was always with. They were his instruments in the battle to regain its place and destroy his enemy. And she knew better than to interfere on a battle that wasn't hers.
I guess I'll have to wait for another of his lives. the daughter of the Russy Winter agreed, as she began to scout the area around her, noticing some small gleams of light coming from a small farm, the family living on it sharing their dinner. Their future looked bleak, yet they didn't seem to bother about it.
For the people of Russy were resistant, and no matter what they would be forced to endure, they would survive and thrive.
And as long as Russy and its people would live, Sneguročka would have watched over them, looked over them nurtured them, and whatever path they may undergo, she would have followed them.
"As spring always come after winter, so rebirth always come after death... " the girl chuckled once again, the wind around her becoming stronger. There was a flash, and then, she was gone.
Last edited:
- Location
- canada
through
X? I don't remember there was a Being DX, just a Being X, so is that a simple misspelling or someone else?
thanks
I think it's missing a 'think' between 'don't and 'you', like this:
Plus, I don't think you would like to know."
I think it's a repeated phrase that is unneeded, for something like this:
often ends up connected for eternity.
I think that should be 'as'
other
A more understandable phrase would be like this:
Frederick was his, along with the petite, blonde, constantly angry brat he was always with.
It's interesting to know that such spirits could possess the bodies of humans to live mortal lives with, and capable of manipulating people more directly than simply being voices in their heads. Because if she is one example, then it makes me wonder how many others could there be on the rest of the planet, potentially in disguise and subtly guiding humanity during the course of history to fulfill their own desires and purpose.
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Thank you for the edits fixed!
As for the rest, well...I can tell you that 'beings' like Jack Frost, the Tooth Fairy and Joulupukki are not just mere legends...
So... spirits that in life have a strong bond stick with each other even in the face of death?
...
Till death do you part apparently isn't actually true, sorry Fritz and Tanya.
...
Till death do you part apparently isn't actually true, sorry Fritz and Tanya.
Chapter 231 – Crowning under the Lord' Will
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Chapter 231 – Crowning under the Lord' Will
The end of the siege of Volgaria, and the establishment of regular safe land connections with the rest of Imperial territory meant that the city's inhabitants no longer had to fear starvation. As new troops came to 'secure' the city and reinforce the salient against the Federation, stores of food were redeployed from Imperial warehouses, demolished buildings were rebuilt and small luxuries started to become commonplace. A new large hospital was built from a reconverted factory, that before the war was used by the Federats to produce tractors, and new anti-air artilleries were deployed to protect the city from future threats coming from the sky.
Yet, nothing was better appreciated than the new radio communication tower that the Empire' s engineers had set up in the city's main square, and that allowed us to receive new information and development from the world.
"With the fall of Fort Liberté, the last African regions of the Free Republic were occupied by General Leprez's expeditionary corps, thus sanctioning the defeat and expulsion of the Free Republic from its last strongholds on African soil. Today, on the strength of the prestige gained because of the new government's recognition as the 'one and only representative of the people of the Republic,' the new Oligarchic Minister of Justice announced new punishments against armed rebel groups that even now refuse to recognize the authority of the new government. According to the judicial measure, within a month all rebels who refuse to surrender will be considered enemies of the state and will be subject to martial law, with punishments ranging from life imprisonment or forced labor in the Empire to capital punishment. All who provide support for them will be punished with fines of fifty thousand up to one and a half million francs, and six to twenty years in jail. At the same time, however, the minister remarked how the punishment will not be applied for those who can prove that they have been forcibly coerced to cooperate, and that those who surrender by the stipulated dates will suffer mild punishments, in most cases to be served in penal workhouses or under house arrest, if the accused is not in a condition suitable for labor. Following the announcement-"
"It appears that the new heads of the Oligarchy are trying a new approach, one that is less draconian and more open to forgiving than punishing." Said Tragen with a smile, amusing me with his naiveté.
"It's pure pragmatism, Tragen." said I, intent on wiping some dirt stains from my medals, Empire soldiers and Militia men intent on bringing in furniture after the brief 'relocation. "The iron fist is an efficient method of rooting out existing rebellions, but it is certainly not useful for winning the sympathy of the population, nor is it helpful in preventing new rebellions and forms of armed resistance from arising from the existing popular discontent. From what a friend who was left among the garrison in Parisee, even after the war with the Federation started, they had found three clandestine printers, two active resistance groups and seventeen former members of the Republican army who threw their uniforms after the surrender and tried to keep fighting on their own."
"Don't those rebels know that, by doing so, they won't receive any protection from the conventions?"
"I guess that for them, everything is allowed if it will allow them to 'free their own nations'... " I mused, remembering some Reddit post I saw once in my previous life, telling how heroes would blatantly commit acts of pure evilness in name of 'justice' or other ideals. The world wasn't white or black, the nameless goons had families and friends who would cry their massacre, the villains weren't evil 24/7, and the so-called heroes that rose to fight them weren't the paragon of human virtues narrators liked to paint them as.
In truth, they were revenge-moved psychos.
"-as for today, only 23 members of anti-Oligarchy and anti-Empire resistance groups decided to take the offer of the government, so it's unknown if these new judicial procedures will help stomp out the terror groups. Meanwhile, on the other end of the world, the Oceania government is discussing the possibility to assemble a small military force to occupy the former Republican colonies in the region, after the Oligarchy agreed to open diplomatic negotiations with the Allied Kingdom to sell them the same colonies currently occupied by what's left of the Free Republic government. Strong protest however came from the representative of the Akitsushima Dominion-"
Akitsushima. The closest thing this world has to Japan. Well, Japan how it was once, before World War 2, when it still was a fast-expanding and warmongering empire bent on taking over the whole Pacific Ocean area. From what Tanya and I had been able to learn about it so far, its history had seen some dramatic changes compared to the 'real' Japan: The Meji Restoration had happened at a much slower rate, so the title of 'Shogun' still existed and was still the Head of State, while the Emperor and his family had a more 'detached' role, mostly for show and spiritual tasks. Not only that, but many clans were still alive and thriving, but since the old era of samurai and hidden assassins was over, their rivalry and never-ending quest for power had turned to the world of industry and military advancement. One family had become a conglomerate that controlled the whole aircraft industry of the Dominion, another held so much control over this world's version of Korea they were basically a vassal state onto themselves, another one had strong ties with the Army while their rivals supported the Navy and each Household had their own goals they pushed for, sometimes trying to curry the favor of the Shogun (and by association, the Emperor) to start new wars and direct the Empire's expansion toward their own targets.
A cutthroat society where the only way to not get backstabbed was to backstab first.
"Looks like those fanatics of the Dominion are on the move again." one of the soldiers said, before walking out.
"Indeed. I feel like it was only the year before they convinced the Federation to renounce any claim on Vladyvostokyna."
"It doesn't matter who's going to own those islands, as long as the free Republic is ejected out of it."
"That's... strange, sir." Tragen murmured, looking at me once again. "There is barely any news coming about the war right now? What happened? The Empire suddenly lost all interest in the Federation?"
"Nah, I think that's because none of the two sides is going to do anything else for the short future." I replied, thinking how weird it was that the whole front had gone quiet after so much fighting and bloody offensive on both sides. "The Empire may be winning, but our supply lines are overstretched, the men are tired and unable to push further, many vehicles had been damaged by the battles and the harsh climate conditions of Russy. Moreover, while our allies are doing anything they can to support us, even they aren't tireless. Meanwhile, the Federation even on the verge of defeat is still standing, and now that they've definitively lost Volgaria, know that their only hope lies in holding what they still have as long as possible. If we were to advance further, we would end up risking what we've gained so far, and many lives would be lost, while the Federation lacks any manpower or resources to move further counterattacks on us. For this reason, both they and us are taking time to rebuild our forces and strengthen our positions before try new operations."
"Well, that's not too bad." My muscular subordinate agreed. "If we're not fighting them every day, it means there is more time to clear the rubbles, rebuild the infrastructure, get us real quarters to stay, comfortable beds, some real heating, and maybe some meal that doesn't has to be defrosted before ingest it."
"The small, simplest yet most pleasurable luxuries of military life." I smiled. "Moreover, we are going to be participants of an historical moment: the crowning of the next Czarina of Russy."
"I know, sir! Viktoriya has been... ecstatic, I guess this is a big deal for her. You know, I'm feeling guilty I'm here and not there with commander Degurechaff and the others helping."
"Well, she was the one that rejected your offer, and she said she would send someone to call for you should she need it. Plus, this is something she is really into, you're bound to give her the space to express herself."
"But I'm her future husband, I should be there and help even without her asking!"
"Oh, I'm sure you'll have quite enough time for that. After all, I remember you that she's the heir of the Serebryakov estate, the next Duchess, and that will make you a Duke by association. I'm sure the new Czarina will be quite pleased to meet you."
I turned around, just as Tragen once again fell in a self-feeding dip of paranoia and doubts as the reality of the situation hit him once again, and I walked up to the nearest window, looking out and taking a deep breath of fresh air at the same time. In the distance, I can see the large silhouette of Volgaria's cathedral, converted into the city's largest warehouse under the dominion of the Federation, now once again returned to its ancient glory thanks to the leadership of the returned lady of House Serebryakov... and the hardworking will of the city's inhabitants.
It was there, that the ceremony would take place in a few days at most, and the latest Czarina of Russy would officially be crowned. Beron Von Urgen had officially been invited, and so had been many important individuals who had played key roles in the defense of the city, both among the ranks of the Militia... or the Imperial Army.
Thus, Tanya and I, who had played the most decisive roles, would be the guest of honors.
I never thought I would get to see a coronation in this new life of mine. I thought while tuning out Tragen's voice from behind me, I wonder how it will play out...
A large crowd had gathered inside the cathedral and was barely restrained by a cordon of militia guards. They waited anxiously for the ceremony to begin, an even larger crowd waited anxiously at the entrance or outside the cathedral, for even the large building was not capacious enough to accommodate them all at its entrance. A small number of lucky ones, made up of those who by acts of valor or other merit had managed to get on the privileged list, had access to the main area, and waited in silence, seated in their finest robes (their Sunday best), surrounded by individuals in shiny, well-pulled uniforms, medals hanging on their chests. An old man with a long white beard, who according to Serebryakov was the old bishop of the city, and who had lived in exile for years after the Federation had begun to bloodily suppress all religion in its territory, waited in front of the altar, dressed in a black suit devoid of any frills or decoration, a small group of boys in white robes on either side. One of them, a boy with short black hair, who symbolically represented the 'youth' of the city (in contrast to the old guard represented by the bishop who had returned from exile) held in his hands a red-colored pillow, on which rested a silver and ivory crown with numerous precious stones set on it.
To the right of the altar, there were several rows on which the most important representatives of the Empire and the Liberation Army were seated, the Admiral in the front row, Viktoriya on the far left, Tragen immediately behind her. Tanya and I were at the opposite end, and with us were the wizards of our battalion, arranged in a position to provide an additional cordon of security. In one of the last rows, Elsie and her friends waited in excitement for the moment when the new ruler would walk through the doors.
In front of us, to the left of the altar, were representatives of the city's most important families, those who either remained when the Federation took over and had endured the same suffering and prevarications as the other or who had chosen the path of exile, and who had used every trick of the book (including substantial bribes) in order to get for them and their relatives a spot on Imperial planed directed to the city, BEFORE the ceremony took place. They were joined with other representative of the Russy Liberation Army and journalists of Imperial or international press. There weren't many, however, as the Empire had only a handful of spots available for the press, and decided to assign them to those reporters belonging to sources who had strong ties with the Imperial Government, or who would be the most well-disposed to talk well about the Empire and the Russy Liberation Army.
In other words, those who would paint the event under a positive light and turn the coronation into a massive propaganda boost for the Empire and its newest allies.
"You know, I'm surprised the Emperor's household didn't send one of their own, or at least one of their representatives to the ceremony." I murmured as I looked around. "You'd think the Kaiser would be more determined to establish a strong dynastic alliance with the newest Czarina and her household with how heavily he and command pushed for this."
"Who says they didn't send one?" Tanya scoffed, making me feel like I said something dumb. "I guess the Emperor sent someone smart enough not to expose himself but rather blend in with the crowd, and not to let anyone know but those he wanted to be informed. Maybe they're sitting here with us, or watching the scene hidden among the plebs."
"You know, you've been quite unenthusiastic about this, ever since our esteemed Czarina announced her decision. Considering how much your subordinate had been taken by this, I was actually thinking you cared."
"Of Viktoriya, I do care," she replied. "for she's my subordinate, my trusted right hand, the one who assisted me the most, even if sometimes she did... embarrass me with her own actions."
"You're still thinking about the time she gifted you some grown-up woman underclothes?" I chuckled. "She weas only trying to show her appreciation!"
"And need I remind you that I am a man underneath all this?!"
"She had no way of knowing! After all you didn't tell anyone but me. Plus, like I already told you, nobody's perfect."
"Moron."
"Witch."
"Doll-face!"
"Brat!"
"Enough!" She hissed, looking around as we both remembered we were among many influential people and it would be bad if someone had noticed the two top mage officers of the Empire, two 'childhood friends' who had grown up together through countless battles, to quarrel with each other. "We'll have time to quarrel... later, as soon as the ceremony is over and we can move somewhere more... private."
"Agreed." I replied, as the music coming from the other end of the building began to play louder, and I realize the time has come. "Look!"
The music continued to play alongside the choir, as the attention of everyone focused on the entrance. For a couple more of minutes, nothing happened, but then, the large doorframe started to open slowly, and the small girl that was Russy's new Czarina walked in, several soldiers in ceremonial garb walking in circle to protect her from any wannabe assassin hidden among the crowd, other petite female figures following her. The crowd cooed in admiration as it parted, opening a path for their newest sovereign to walk through, as the royal child walked beyond the cordon of guards and right in front of the altar, the Admiral walking out of his spot and next to her as the bishop looked over her with a kind expression.
"Lady Anyastasya Nikolayna Sneguročka Zakharovna!" the old Bishop spoke in a solemn tone of voice, talking slowly as to make sure everyone could listen and hear what she said. "Is your Majesty willing and ready to take the Oath?"
For a brief minute, she didn't spoke, as the crowd focused mor eon her, any leftover noise dying out as everyone was too busy trying to listen
"I am willing."
"Will you solemnly promise, "The bishop continued. "and swear to govern the Peoples of the Russy, and of your Possessions and the other Territories, according to the laws and customs of this land?"
"I solemnly promise so to do."
"Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgements?"
"I will."
"Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true purpose of our Kingdom? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in Russy Czardom established by law? Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established by God himself? And will you preserve unto us as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?"
"I swear, on my life and those of my future descendants, on my heart and the promise that I make today, to all the people living in the Russy lands, to all the people who I call my friends, such as my vow can be remembered forever and ever, that I'll do everything I can do, within the power given me as Czarina of Russy, that all the faith and belief of our people will fully come into support... our true and only Lord."
As she spoke, I felt an irk, as I felt like her words were not part of the ceremonial, but rather, a foreshadowing of future events incoming. Yet, I didn't feel Being X's energy behind it...
But again, which other Lord she may refer to?
Last edited:
- Location
- canada
Restoration
through
Is that an alternate spelling of 'Russy', which was used many times earlier? I don't know enough about the language to discern if this was truly a misspelling or not.
Looks like a period of quiet for the empire for the near future, even if only briefly, because I can't expect it to last for any significant length of time.
Not!Japan/Akitsushima Dominion being mentioned is interesting, since it provides it bit more detail into the similarities and differences between the settings Frederick is currently in vs the one can came from. I wonder when will that country get involved in events on a more global scale, because I have little doubts they'll be either starting or joining a war one way or another in the future.
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Thanks for the suggestions, text fixed, thank you!
As for the rest... I can tell you that new conflict is already brewing...oversea...
FDR's counterpart wouldn't enjoy Empire's hegemony on the Continent for long..
With Being X likely fueling them as well, buffing them to become a great challenge against them.
Wonder if the B-Plot (Friedrich's Company) would be re-continued in this quiet period (a bit sometime since I've heard of it.)
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
That's because Frederick had been far from Berun for a looong time...
Chapter 232 – The Road To Victory
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Chapter 232 – The Road To Victory
After the coronation ceremony of our esteemed new Czarina, and the consequential celebrations among the people of Volgaria to celebrate their new sovereign, the days passed. The city's airport was fully restructured and later expanded to accommodate the larger number of transport and passenger planes from Empire-held territories, the roads were also expanded and refitted top accommodate large traffic of convoys. Other buildings were rebuilt to provide shelter for the new arrivals, new warehouses were set down and now military equipment arrived to further reinforce the city who was now the Czarina's temporary residence, and de-facto, the provisory capital of her new government.
Two waves of Federation planes, both of them looking like dregs of the one who had survived the conflict so far, tried to attack the city in two different nights, but they never reached the city itself, for Volgaria now boosted powerful air defenses and its own fighter plane garrison, and the Federation bombers had no escort of any kind. Some of our men warily suggested that the Federation would soon launch new attacks toward the city, but we and the other Imperial officers knew better. The Federation wasn't going to senselessly waste what was left of her Army and Air force toward Volgaria, and rather, they were busy trying to build defenses surrounding Moskva, the old capital, waiting for our attack that they assumed it would come soon.
They were right to assume so.
"As you can see," the officer in front of us spoke, while Tanya and I, surrounded by other officers of the Imperial Armed Forces (most of them members of the Imperial Air Force, judging by their uniforms), listened in attention. "the Federation is really scraping the bottom of the barrel to fortify Moskva against our attack. According to our intelligence, here, here and here," he pointed over the map. "they have deployed the best of what they've left: four armored divisions, two motorized divisions and seven infantry divisions, either build from the survivors of the divisions who were sent to attack us at the beginning of the war or who were part of their strategic reserve. Don't expect them to run for themselves at the first shoot like many of their conscripts units do: these are veterans, hardened by battles and full of resolve. They have commissars among their ranks to root out any sign of defeatism and doubt, and they've indubitably assigning them the best they've left in term of supplies and equipment in order to guarantee their fighting level."
"I guess they are expecting our Army comrades to come rushing forward with their panzers, do they?" One of the Air Force officers, a pilot who had been promoted to squad leader after the death of his predecessor, spoke with an ironic, mocking tone, earning several gazes of scorn back from the Army officers. Even as the war was once again approaching its end, the never-ending rivalry among the various military branches was still strong between us.
"Their party leaders had used the image of Imperial soldiers and tanks marching to Moskva to commit untold atrocities for years, maybe even for decades," Tanya replied, "And they've been deployed on the fastest western routes in and out Moskva. I guess they know that those area the most likely areas where to expect our attacks and are taking all possible actions to repel us."
"That's... exactly what I was telling, commander Degurechaff," the officer in front of us nodded, grabbing a small sheet of paper and reading it aloud. "The report of our spies inform us that the enemy is digging trenches and anti-tank moats, as well as laying several mine fields and traps to protect their flanks. And that's not the only issue... "
"What do you mean, sir?"
"According to one of our best sources, a group of international socialist volunteers, most of them coming from the Allied Kingdom and the Unified States, arrived in Moskva in the last weeks with the intention of 'support the worker's revolution and assist the defense against the reactionary forces of the world'. Seems that many of such volunteers have been deployed in the frontline, alongside Federate troops."
"What?!" One of the other officers, sitting two chairs to my right, jumped on his feet, his face red with indignation. "This is an outrage! Who gives the Kingdm and the States authority to interfere?"
"This is not an action of their governments, commander." the first officer retorted back, "Our diplomats have already expressed their protest to the embassies of the two nations, and their response was that such people were volunteers, and determined to fight to the Federation's side against the Empire even against their own governments' decision. The only explanation we got so far is that such people left their respective nations for the Confederacy, and later managed to buy themselves a passage to Federation's held territory through unknown means. When they realized it, they put a block to stop even more people to join them, but it was too late to stop the over three thousand volunteers who had left already."
"But if their own governments disavowed their actions, doesn't that make terrorists? This means that we're allowed to consider them rightfully objectives in war and... treat them as such?"
"This is what our own diplomatic corp is trying to confirm, but regardless, we must be prepared for any situation. Thus, Strategic HQ had devised a strategy that, if successful, it will allow us to breach the Federation's defenses and advance steadily toward their capital and capture it."
"And by capturing it, ending the war," Tanya and I said almost verbatim, looking at each other. Unless of course Being X pulled another trick against us...
"Now, this is Operation Schachmatt." The officer put up a new map and began to draw over it. "It is itself divided in three operations, the first of which is called Wolftäuschung: The units of the 1st and 2nd Russy Front, supported by our aviation will launch artillery strikes on the Federation positions all over the front. This will create disarray among their ranks and make them believe the attack is coming from west, like they often assumed, and push them to move all their available reserves westward, leaving the other regions without readily-available reinforcements."
"Because I assume our attack will come from another direction sir, right?"
"Indeed! The Imperial Air Force will also launch strategic strikes all over the enemy's front to cause as much damage as possible to their defenses, in order to further reduce their ability to resist and remove any possible threat to our advance-"
"Huh, excuse me sir?" A young officer asked, raising his hand with a confused expression. "But where will we attack?"
The officer smirked, almost as he had been expecting that question and he looked forward to reply to it. "Here," the pointed on the map, his finger hitting a large dark green spot to the southern flank of the Federation's defense line, neatly cutting between the red lines of the Federation tranches and armed deployments, "the Forest of Saren."
"Saren, sir?!" Several officer stood up and gasped in surprise.
"Sir, we can't do that!"
"From what our allies of the Russy Liberation Army, Saren doesn't have a good reputation among the population. The forest is too thick, and the ground is uneven, making it almost impossible for any kind of vehicle, especially armored ones, to pass through! If our attack force was to pass through there, the terrain would severely damage our attack speed and stop our offensive without need for the Federation to get involved, making us sitting ducks for their own artillery!"
"We know, and Strategic HQ too! However, the Saren Forest also has some... remarkable advantages. First, thanks to its bad reputation, the Federation didn't move troops among its border, just limiting themselves to check it occasionally trough watchtowers. Second, the area isn't untraversable as it rumored, it's just not the ideal ground to move with vehicles. Third, since the Federation is expecting an attack to the West, their own troops in the area are mostly young recruits coscripted, sometimes with unsavory means in the villages of the region, many of them aren't even trained to use their own weapons. Fourth, according to our meteorological services, this area will be affected, in two weeks from now, of a powerful storm with winds that will severely reduce visibility and coordination among the Federation troops."
"A storm is coming?"
"But if that's true, shouldn't be more of a disadvantage for us, than for them? Our planes can't risk flying during a tempest, and without air support, we can't stop the enemy to intercept our troops. Especially since, without the possibility to use vehicles, they would have to move on foot, greatly reducing their movement speed-"
"They won't be on foot." the officer explained, a strangle glee on his lips. "Our friends of the Russy Liberation Army already showed us an alternative. As for our air support... we have specialized elite units who already successfully fought under such harsh conditions."
That's us. I realized at the same time Tanya did, as we felt the eyes of all the other officers focus onto us. The first time we did something like that was during the campaign against the Entente, on our mission to destroy all anti-ship artillery on the Orse Fjord, clearing the area to allow for our Fleet to bombard the shoreline and destroy any attempt by the Entente's survivors to try and stop our landing. An operation that had carried huge risks, both for us and for the Empire, but now, it was considered a masterstroke that clearly decided the course of the conflict and put the final nail in the Entente's coffin, and was considered one of the major successes of our battalions' history. Yet, this time there were clear differences, compared to then: at that time, the Entente had powerful mage forces that used against us, and we were forced to fight with the strength of a few squads against a whole battalion, in a race against the clock to destroy all the remaining artilleries before our fleet even arrived in the area; now, however? The enemy had no magical forces at their own disposal; their anti-air forces were poorly equipped and trained, mostly composed of static cannons that could be blown up with ease by our own explosive spells, and we weren't in a rush. Time was no more our enemy, but rather, merely an observer, favoring each side who would gain more by drawing out the conflict at some specific condition.
"We can do it." I jumped on my feet a split second before Tanya could do the same, ready to show off my eagerness and loyalty to the Empire. "Our mages are used to flying in harsh conditions, and the bad weather will help disguise our presence and delay the enemy's reaction. Thus, if we manage to coordinate our operation well enough, we could end up remove any Federate presence around the forest of Saren without their HQ even realizing it till the next morning."
"I know you won't disappoint us, commander." the officer replied with a smirk, while the other looked at Tanya and me with gazes full of envy and scorn, but also admiration, hope and happiness. "While both our elite mage battalions will strike and neutralize any position held by the Federation in the region, a medium-sided assault force of the Russy Liberation Army, under control of Baron Von Urgen, will move north from these positions-"
"So, the Russy Liberation Army will be once again active part of the offensive, sir?" Another officer asked.
"Of course they will, this is their land after all, and our presence in here is both to help them vanquish the last resistance of the Federation and assist them into reestablishing control over the whole nation. Moreover, as their own army keeps growing, both the Admiral and our government want that the soldiers of the Empire will move to more restricted roles, for this is their fight more than ours."
"But this is ridiculous! We were the one that allowed for their own movement to grow to such strength, and now they don't need us anymore they want to ditch us?"
"They're not ditching us," Tanya quickly replied, her tone of voice ice-cold and devoid of any emotion like usual. "they're offering us a way out. If their own soldiers will be fighting on the frontline that means that our own soldiers won't have to do that, and that means that many lives that would be otherwise lost could survive and will return home from their own parents and... families."
As she said those words, a small tear fell through her cheek and into the floor, the other officers taken back as they were reminded that both Tanya and I were orphans, and thus, we didn't have loving families or parents waiting for us. True, I had 'inherited' a big house, the business connected with it, but beside the servants and Mathias the mansion was empty and devoid of love.
I internally grinned as I realized that the tear Tanya had deliberately dropped had reached its objective, and the test thus had proved successful.
"I-I'm sorry, commander Degurechaff!" the Imperial Air Force officer of before spoke in apology, clearly believing he had hurt us without meaning it. "I wasn't-"
"Don't worry about us, officer." I replied, my face expression going into full 'little poor homeless boy' mode as I lowered my voice, my eyes widening. "Both Tanya a I are children of the Empire, for while we don't have a family on our own, we consider ourselves son and daughter of the nation that gave us a job, a duty and a chance to prove ourselves and help not only ourselves, but our people in the process. This is why to end this war as soon as possible, could be the best way to avoid further bloodshed.
Some officers in the back gritted, as the meaning of our words reached them. To want the war to end soon could be seen as 'unpatriotic' by some fringes of the military, especially by those officers who saw war as an opportunity to cover themselves with glory and get new medals to self-appoint to their chests no matter how much blood of their own soldiers and subordinates they had to spill and no matter how many mistakes they would have to cover either with bribes or connection or by scapegoating the result of their own actions onto those who couldn't even fight back. But now, Tanya and I had used our own natural cuteness advantage and some carefully-chosen sob story to paint our desire to see the war finished as 'the sooner the war is stopped, the less soldiers will still have to die in the process', they couldn't voice their opposition at the idea.
And while both of us feel a little disgusted that we still had to rely on these tricks, it was imperative now that the end of the war was on sight, to plant on everyone's minds the seeds to make sure it would end as soon as possible and, at the same time, make sure people would be less inclined to keep the conflict going.
"Let's focus back on the content of the mission, shall we?" The officer in front of us grunted, as everyone straightened themselves back on their chairs and we resumed listening. "Now, if Wolftäuschung proves itself to be a success, the Federation's defense perimeter will be broken and the Russy Liberation Army, alongside a few key armored division our Empire is willing to use to support our allies' advance, will have an open path that will allow us to proceed northward toward Moskva, separating the city from the rest of all other Federation-held territories and thus depriving what's left of their army of strategic direction and coordination. This part of the plan is the second phase, called Teileherrsche."
"But, there were three operations." one of the officers raised his hand once again, in curiosity. "What about the last one?"
"Schachmatt, as the name suggest, is nothing less what our best officers of Strategic HQ believes it will be the last battle of the conflict, if success can be achieved. Once Moskva is separated from the rest of the nation and our armies are besieging it to starve the enemy forces within, we will proceed inside the city slowly, cleaning each district and major district of enemy's resistance, capture what's left of the Federation leadership and reinstate the Czarina on the throne of her ancestors. Of course, all of you must maintain wariness, don't expect it to be a walk in the park: the Federation troops will benefit from total tactical advantage, every building could be a stronghold, the whole city may become a deadly trap and stall a whole army for a month or more. What's worse, the Federation know this and they're already setting up the defenses in the city to turn it into a nightmare for any attacking army that want to conquer it. This is why our alliance with the Russy Liberation Army had become so important, because 'liberation' of the city can't be done quickly without the support of at least a sizable chunk of the city's population, many of which have shown great enthusiasm for the coronation of the new Czarina."
"Sir, if I may?" I raised my hand once again. "Both Degurechaff and I have already went to Moskva, during our propaganda strike. We were the ones that shook the Federation's pride to the core by attacking their own capital and playing the anthem of the Czar in the city, while facing their own mage volunteers. We were the first to start this."
And now we will be the one to finish it. I added mentally. Try and stop us now if you can, Being X...
Last edited:
- Location
- canada
for
shown
The entire phrase is somewhat awkward. Understandable, but it should be written more like this:
because 'liberation' of the city can't be done quickly without the support of at least a sizable chunk of the city's population, many of which have shown great enthusiasm for the coronation of the new Czarina."
Pfft. Frederick is literally asking for it this time. I expect the return of Mary Sue real soon.
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Thank you, fixed!
Chapter 233 – Directly imported Democracy
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Chapter 233 – Directly imported Democracy
"Mr. President, I do not think the Unified States currently have the military to accomplish this."
Jasper W. Worthnothing, 33rd President of the Unified States, gritted his teeth as he looked around the table, the representatives of the various military branches of the Unified States Armed Forces, plus a few deputies of his cabinet, sitting around it. "Is this the official opinion of the whole Armed Forces or... just of the Army?"
Five-star General of the Army Jonathan Richards took a step back, clearly feeling the blow directed at him, as his 'colleagues' couldn't help but snicker a few chuckles. Before going into politics, Worthnothing had served in the Navy for three years before receiving an honorable discharge, and while his new job as Head of State meant he had to be sub partes, his background often led him to join, rather than moderate, the never-ending dispute among the various branches of their armed forces.
"Mr. President, this is an official analysis developed based both on our current strategic capabilities, both defensive and offensive, and the comparison done with the logistical issues as well as the military capabilities of the Empire." The General managed to recover quickly and held his ground, his tone once again reminding the one of a drill sergeant. "As of now, the Unified States Army holds twenty-three divisions, plus other seven division of the reserve. Of these, only eleven are in any condition to be moved quickly: four armored divisions, six infantry divisions and one mountain-"
"Look, I don't care what units are in optimal conditions to be moved across the ocean; what it matters is how fast you can move into Europe!"
"And where should we move them, sir?" The General counterpointed. "Currently, the Unified States have no holdings on European soil, so our only option would be to move them into the territory of a friendly nation that we can use as 'gathering point' first and as staging grounds later. Even ignoring the diplomatic fallout such action could cause in all the nations involved, and the popular unrest we would surely face here, the foremost issue remains that we lack an ally in the European theatre. Our best option, until recently, had been the Allied Kingdom, but after recent developments, while our trade routes had remained strong, I doubt we could put enough pressure on them to make them accept our own soldiers on their soil in time of peace, let alone join us in a new war against the Empire."
"This is true, Mr. President." Jayden Walker, current de-facto representative of Intelligence, remarked. "According to the reports arriving from our ambassador in Londinium, the Empire made a great effort to thaw out relations with the Allied Kingdom, even sending two of their best Mage Aces in a diplomatic tour for a while. And while many in the Allied Kingdom still se the Empire as a threat, and thus would be eager to join us, the fact remains that they're a minority both among the population and the government, while the majority, including their Royal Family, choose reconciliation and peace. Considered the whole continent went through two violent wars a few months one after the other, I can't say we can blame them."
"Especially since what we're discussing, as for now, is nothing less than prolonging the current one or start a new one." The General of the Army finished, looking smugly around him.
President Worthnothing took a deep breath, as he searched for someone who could be more supportive of his views. "And what does the Air Force think about this?"
"Actually, Mr. President, while I too feel offended by the notion, I think the representative of the Army is right." Unified States GAF Caleb Phillips spoke, both Richards and a couple other looking at him like he had suddenly grown a second head. "According to the reports of some of our own pilots who had witnessed the Imperial Air Force in action, either against the Republic or the Entente, the long war had forced the Empire to keep pushing for development both in airborne tech and air superiority doctrines. While we still have the numbers, compared with them, some of their latest models that performed either in the last days of the Republic or against the Federation are clearly much more evolved and capable than we currently have. We have started a program to develop new fighters and tactical bombers that should be able to match and even beat the Imperial Air Force planes, but even our most optimistic reports say it will take from six month to a whole year. What's worse, is that the Imperial pilots learned a lot in these years, so many of their pilots in active service can be qualified as veterans: better planes can be built faster, but experienced pilots require a lot more time to be nurtured."
"General, I don't seem to understand what you mean."
"Mr. President, if I may…" the United Fleet Admiral in Chief Zachary Barrett raised his hand. "I think what the General of the Air Force is trying to say is that trained, experienced individuals are one of our most precious resources, slow to grow and easy to lose. And while the Air Force and we often had... conflicting ways to see how we should reach determined objectives, we both share this pragmatic view on our servicemen. And both our pilots and seaman are sharply less experienced than the ones serving in the Empire."
"Oh, yes. I see what you're trying to say." The president spoke, assuming a thinking position. "And yet, there is no fast way to even our odds out?"
"We could start extensive training programs, set more Great Maneuver-like training exercises, but they would be expensive and would surely drain our men so we couldn't rely on them. Moreover, other nation's agents would be quick to notice them, and that would be surely a warning for them that our nation is preparing for war."
"So, you're saying that there is nothing that the Unified States, the leading nation of the free world, can do?" The President spoke with a stupefied voice, almost as he refused to believe his own words. "No other option, but let the Empire bring a new darkness all over Europe?"
"It's not like there is nothing we can't do, more like things we can't do at this moment," The Minister of Foreign Affairs rolled his eyes, thinking back to the numbers his 'counterpart' of the Economy minister had told him earlier. "Our economy is recovering, but the state's overspending had strained our situation and until we start to recover what we invested already, it's unadvisable to start new expensive ventures, and war, above anything else, is very expensive. Moreover, while our diplomatic situation with the Empire had been tense as for some time, the Empire had started several fruitful economic ventures with business located in the United States, who brought much needed money in our nation that was crucial into beating down the Recession. Thus, from an overall impression-"
They don't understand… President Worthnothing realized, as he saw what it should have been a meeting to discuss how to prepare the Unified States for the task ahead of them kept crumbling around him. The generals around him agreed on how there was nothing they could do, beside some low economic actions (that would be quite ineffective to boot), to try and limit the ever-increasing power and diplomatic influence of the Empire in Europe and in the world, threatening the Unified States's stance as well as the whole world's freedom.
He had always been wary of rapidly expanding nations, young 'pretenders' that would come and challenge the Unified States' hegemony either economically or military. The Unified States were newcomers compared to other states like the Allied Kingdom, whom it was was once a colony of, and while this meant they were stronger and more energic than most of their rivals, they knew that the same situation could happen on reverse. As more and more time passed and the Unified States lost their juvenile energy, new nations would appear, either from former colonies or detached, newly-independent parts of older nations, or as unions/fusions of states.
And the Empire, born from various smaller states in the middle of Europe that joined together to form one of the most militaristic and hegemonic nations of the world, surely fit the role precisely.
"NO!" The President slammed his fist on the table, all the men who had been discussing with each other shutting up and looking at him, the most important leaders of the Unified States Armed Forces and some of the highest-level politicians of the nation scared of the man who had been chosen not by someone higher than himself, but by the vote of the people. "Don't you see, what is before you? Don't you see the here and now, the hardest decision our nation could ever face, the only thing that counts? The Empire is not merely a threat to the Unified States' predominance in the Western world, but a menace toward the whole world's freedom and right of the people of self-determination. The oppression of the Poles, who had been denied their right to have their own state for too long, is an offense bad enough, but the events of the war, where the Empire brought untold massacres on the Entente and the Republic, is a dire example of violence that we can't forget to address!"
Like we forgot to address the crimes of the Republic against the Empire or Empire-aligned populations? The Minister of the Foreign Affairs mused inside his own mind, careful that the President was not to learn of his real feelings on the issue. He was a Republican, just like the president, but they didn't agree on everything.
"We are not saying that, Mr. President." He finally spoke, carefully of what word he choose to say. "What we are saying is that the Unified States, as of this moment, are not in the condition to start another conflict, moreover with the Empire that, while exhausted by the long years of battles and the strained effect on its economy, is still standing after all its other rivals had fallen or, in the Federation's case, are on the brink of breaking. Moreover, even the people of Europe-"
"You remember the words I used during my campaign, Minister?"
Taken back by the sudden counter-question of his own president, the Minister stuttered for a second. "Your words, sir?"
"Any attempt to limit someone's freedom, be it the freedom of freely express their political opinion or right of speech, the freedom of worship, the freedom of earn enough money to have a dignified life or to sustain a family, has no place in the world of today." The President replied with a solemn voice, almost repeating his own speech word by word. "I promised, to the citizens of the Unified States as a whole, my absolute commitment to end all threat to the personal freedoms that made our nation great. I swore on my word as citizen of our beloved nation and a servant, of our merciful God, that I would always strive to fight any kind of social injustice and tyranny be it in our nation border's or abroad, and now that the Empire has revealed its true face, you're telling me there is no other option but to lay down and simply accept what's happening as the inevitable? Should a-"
"Mr. President, this is not what we were saying-" The president was interrupted from entering another one of his less-than-acceptable tirades he was known by his close colleagues to go on.
"No, but the concept is still the same, wasn't it?" President Worthnothing had by now lost any resemblance of peacefulness and was walking back and forth for the room and around the table, his face redder in indignation, his hands moving as he imagined himself strangling some kind of imaginary adversary. "I can't do this anymore. I can't simply stay here and listen to you squabbling to try and find excuses, rather than solutions. The Unified States can't accomplish a goddamned thing of any human meaning or worth as long as we allow for such brutal tyranny to survive and keep oppressing countless innocents. This world is sick, and we are the cure! We are out upon the world stage now. Now! With the fate of human dignity in our hands. Blood has been spilled to afford us this moment now! Now! Now! And you groustle and heckle and dodge about like young cabin boys all trying to find a way to avoid their apprenticeship dues!" He stopped for a moment, sweat running from his forehead as he took deep breaths to recharge the oxygen he used. "See what is before you. See the here and now, that's the hardest thing, the only thing that counts! The Empire is triumphant, the whole Europe is at its knees, and only one nation, our nation, stands between it and complete control of the world! To fight it or not won't only settle the fate for all coming time for the millions now in bondage under the cruel thrall of the Empire, but of unborn millions to come! You keep talking and talking, but this is no time of talk, this is the time for action. Millions of souls look forward for the Unified States forces to come from through the Ocean and return them the freedom that had been stolen from them. We will answer their call!"
"We still have another week before the Senate reconvenes on the budget." the Minister said, now even more fearful after witnessing the 'explosion' of the President. "All time that can used to our advantage."
"You have seven days, seven nights, and several perfectly good hours until then. God took much less to create the whole world." The President nodded, his glare now more tired (and angry) than before. "You can use them to work on a realistic plan for deployment of our armed forces across the Ocean and into the European continent, as well as a list of nations that will be willing to support us. Now get the hell out of here and get to work!"
"Yes sir." the Air Force commander spoke, asking the question that all his colleagues were thinking. "But how?"
President Worthnothing fixed on him, eyes widen open, looking at the general in front of him like he had said some kind of blaspheme boast. "Buzzards' guts, man." He spoke back, the anger into him resurging once again. "I am the President of the Unified States of America. Chosen by order of God and the will of the people, to serve and protect the value of freedom, justice and the American dream! Clothed in immense power! You will find me a solution."
(... )
"So, you think the rumors are true? We are going into war with the Empire?"
Harry Kupelnik, from his table where he was sitting alone to eat the soup of the day and drink beer, suddenly jerked as he heard the words come from the table next to his, barley controlling his head movements to make sure the two young males sitting at it and chatting around their respective meals wouldn't notice that he was listening.
"Sam, you really should lower your voice…" one of the table occupiers, a man with dark born hair and glasses that Harry recognized as Jack Hitton, reporter of 'The Liberty Bulletin' spoke. "Until we have confirmation that it's true, they're only rumors, and even if they should turn out to be true, it is better to keep it for ourselves. You wouldn't want our competition to find out."
"Ah, relax Jack! Don't you see? We are in a packed locale with people from all the city busy eating, chatting and drinking. I dare you to find someone able to listen to our whisper among this chaos!"
That is true... as Harry had to admit: if he hadn't sat down to the table net to theirs, and he hadn't been able to dissimulate his body movement when he heard that, he wouldn't had been able to listen up to this point without revealing himself.
"Anyway, you should play it safe when you speak about something like this. You remember? This is how we are supposed to work to gather news, rather than be the news."
"Okay, okay, I understand. No need to give me the same ol' lecture. Anyway, what do you think about... what we know?"
"I'm not sure, to tell you the truth. They surely have a lot of ongoing deals with many businesses in the States, and our nation is absolutely not in the condition to join the squabbles of Europe. But I am also surprised our new President had been this vocal against the Empire, at least unofficially."
"You can't understand why?" 'Sam' almost laughed as he took another sip of his drink. "Our esteemed President was elected not thanks to the American people voting for him or some kind of 'divine intervention', but because he had an ally in Bruce Wheener and his Prohibitionist rats! They're all against alcohol, and since almost all the main producers of alcoholic beverages have economic ties with the Empire or are related with ethnics of the Empire..."
"And yet it is strange how the President is so ready to make do without them, considering how lucrative the alcohol trade is even when it's legal." Jack chuckled in turn, as he focused once again on his well-deserved meal, unaware that the little info they had unwittingly shared with Harry was already enough to alarm him.
The President was planning to go to war against the Empire?
The Unified States would join the war in Europe?
This was surely a news his 'friend' at the Imperial Embassy would pay good money to know...
Last edited:
- Location
- Washingotn DC
Alright, not sure who this president is. While this is a good way of showing being X, Truman was the 33rd president, and while not FDR, was still a decent one especially with respect to domestic policies. Opinions on his foreign policy are a bit more mixed, but he did successfully end WW2 in Japan by authorizing atomic weaponry. Woodrow Wilson, who has the closest name who was an isolationist, and historians tend to regard him highly.
The only other two I could think of might be are epexies of Coolidge or Hoover, but its kind of confusing from context which American president expy this guy is supposed to be. Ordinarily not a big issue, but given that Youjo Senki is fatasy WWI, the politics matters a bit more than usual.
The only other two I could think of might be are epexies of Coolidge or Hoover, but its kind of confusing from context which American president expy this guy is supposed to be. Ordinarily not a big issue, but given that Youjo Senki is fatasy WWI, the politics matters a bit more than usual.
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Well, the name of the president beside hiding a joke also gives hints, alongside his manner of speech and thinking, of who he is an expy of...
NuclearBird
More issues than Reader's Digest
- Location
- Here and There
We agreed to delete a certain line during editing that would have made the allusion much more explicit but would have brought down the mod hammer on us but one of the ones you mentioned is the one. Not saying which one but the lack of isolationism is the only change aside from taking FDR notorious Germanophobia (even by the standards of the time) and transplanting it.
- Location
- canada
lost
"And yet it is strange how the President is so ready to make do without them, considering how lucrative the alcohol trade is even when it's legal."
So the U.S is led by a fanatic. Interesting.
I did wonder a bit about how much 'divine intervention' may have been a part of his election, but there are more than enough real-life leaders that acted similarly to show that such behavior is considered well within the range of human norm without supernatural interference.
Oh well, the immediate consequences aside, what's more important is the response needed from the Empire to counter such a plan from a more long-term perspective, which has to be centered around PR as opposed to military action. Because I have little doubt that given enough time, the U.S economy and military could boom explosively when given sufficient reasons for it's people to rally behind, meaning the disruption of their politics through media control and subversion of important individuals are some of the best ways to prevent public approval of the U.S President's planned actions.
- Location
- France Nîmes
Very well written, I have just a minor complaint, the detail just got me out of the splendid immersion you created: the USA at the time was not "the leading nation of the free world " They were powerful but they did not gain that statue before World War I some historian would even argue that they did not achieve it before Worl War II but I feel it is a tad dishonest.
It even made me question if the president was an insert like the rest of the children coming from a time when the USA was such a "leading nation"
That line was strange too "He had always been wary of rapidly expanding nations, young 'pretenders" It may be my European upbringing but I feel that the US was a very young nation, at the time of the scene the state of Arizona was only integrated as a state ruffly 15 years ago, Alaska is still a territory, not a state. hell, the event depicted in Red Death's Redemption (yes, I know it is not a documentary, and it is not a 100% accurate depiction of the whole USA) happened only 20 years before that scene.
But apart from those two lines I really and I mean really enjoyed that chapter.
It even made me question if the president was an insert like the rest of the children coming from a time when the USA was such a "leading nation"
That line was strange too "He had always been wary of rapidly expanding nations, young 'pretenders" It may be my European upbringing but I feel that the US was a very young nation, at the time of the scene the state of Arizona was only integrated as a state ruffly 15 years ago, Alaska is still a territory, not a state. hell, the event depicted in Red Death's Redemption (yes, I know it is not a documentary, and it is not a 100% accurate depiction of the whole USA) happened only 20 years before that scene.
But apart from those two lines I really and I mean really enjoyed that chapter.
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
The line about expansion makes sense since the USA are afraid that newer nations may 'challenge' them, to do to them what the US themselves did.
And the 'leading nation of the free world'... well, since the Republic has fallen and the Allied Kingdom seems to have become 'friend' with the Empire, the President assumes the US are the only nation worth of mention to lead the free world, like the last surviving officer of a ship becomes captain after everyone else or higher rank is dead.