Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 11 - Revision history

Aorii at 01:40, 19 March 2025

2025-03-19T01:40:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:40, 19 March 2025
Line 87:		Line 87:
	''First my mother by the Northmen. Then my father by the Imperials. And now I find them working together...''		''First my mother by the Northmen. Then my father by the Imperials. And now I find them working together...''

	Pascal could almost hear his knuckles groan as his fist grounded into itself. It felt almost as though an primal rage was building inside him, a cry for vengeance spurred on by the memories of the deceased. He wanted the power to lash out against those who took his parents away from him -- to make them bleed, to make them ''suffer''.		Pascal could almost hear his knuckles groan as his fist grounded into itself. It felt almost as though a primal rage was building inside him, a cry for vengeance spurred on by the memories of the deceased. He wanted the power to lash out against those who took his parents away from him -- to make them bleed, to make them ''suffer''.

	--Yet at the same time, Pascal knew that escalation with the Imperium was the last thing Weichsel could afford right now.		-- Yet at the same time, Pascal knew that escalation with the Imperium was the last thing Weichsel could afford right now.

	In memory of his father, the now orphaned son took a deep breath to bury his darker emotions. The Imperium would pay dearly for their sins, but now was not the time.		In memory of his father, the now orphaned son took a deep breath to bury his darker emotions. The Imperium would pay dearly for their sins, but now was not the time.

Aorii at 00:36, 13 March 2022

2022-03-13T00:36:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:36, 13 March 2022
Line 35:		Line 35:
	"Yes Sire," Pascal nodded before he moved to the long table that dominated the room.		"Yes Sire," Pascal nodded before he moved to the long table that dominated the room.

	Just like Emperor Geoffroi's war room table in the Oriflamme Palace, Pascal's father's --no, it was ''his'' map table now-- was enchanted to combine sculpted sand and projected illusions to create a three dimensional map. Currently, the table displayed the entire length of Weichsel as it stretched across the North Sea's southern coast. The scale was zoomed out far enough to show all of Weichsel's immediate neighbors: the Holy Imperium's border provinces loomed in the south, the Lotharin Estuary connected Cross Lake to the sea in the west. The east was dominated by the void of the Dead Mountains, leaving a narrow but important coastal trading corridor to the Grand Republic of Samara.		Just like Emperor Geoffroi's war room table in the Oriflamme Palace, Pascal's father's -- no, it was ''his'' map table now -- was enchanted to combine sculpted sand and projected illusions to create a three dimensional map. Currently, the table displayed the entire length of Weichsel as it stretched across the North Sea's southern coast. The scale was zoomed out far enough to show all of Weichsel's immediate neighbors: the Holy Imperium's border provinces loomed in the south, the Lotharin Estuary connected Cross Lake to the sea in the west. The east was dominated by the void of the Dead Mountains, leaving a narrow but important coastal trading corridor to the Grand Republic of Samara.

	In addition to landscape, borders, and settlements, the illusory map also displayed every sizable military force within two-hundred kilopaces of Weichsel's borders. Fourteen of the miniature infantry and cavalry figures carried the Black Dragon banner of Weichsel, either already assembled at Nordkreuz or marching westwards towards the city. Ten more held towering shields and purple standards -- the Holy Imperium's Legions which stood menacingly along the border. To the east was a single army of the Grand Republic, represented by an armored Samaran battlewagon instead of a soldier. Meanwhile troops of Rhin-Lotharingie's Belges region mobilized for war in the west, leaving the castles that guarded their borders with Weichsel seemingly abandoned as they'd been stripped down to skeleton garrisons too small to be represented.		In addition to landscape, borders, and settlements, the illusory map also displayed every sizable military force within two-hundred kilopaces of Weichsel's borders. Fourteen of the miniature infantry and cavalry figures carried the Black Dragon banner of Weichsel, either already assembled at Nordkreuz or marching westwards towards the city. Ten more held towering shields and purple standards -- the Holy Imperium's Legions which stood menacingly along the border. To the east was a single army of the Grand Republic, represented by an armored Samaran battlewagon instead of a soldier. Meanwhile troops of Rhin-Lotharingie's Belges region mobilized for war in the west, leaving the castles that guarded their borders with Weichsel seemingly abandoned as they'd been stripped down to skeleton garrisons too small to be represented.
Line 45:		Line 45:
	''So this is what 'perfect intelligence' looks like,'' Pascal thought as he saw this view for the first time.		''So this is what 'perfect intelligence' looks like,'' Pascal thought as he saw this view for the first time.

	His map table had been synchronized to the King's war room back in Königsfeld's Black Dragon Castle. This meant the information it displayed came directly from the artifact known as the 'Eye of the Dragon'. The ancient relic of draconic origin --its history tracing back all the way to the Dragon-Demon Wars-- was one of Weichsel's greatest assets. Its magical senses reached out from every synchronized outpost beacon to detect armed forces within range. It even labelled the model soldiers with numbers, accurate down to half a thousand. And as a result of this intelligence, it was virtually impossible for any military force larger than a battalion to mount a sneak attack on Weichsel's forces near its home territories.		His map table had been synchronized to the King's war room back in Königsfeld's Black Dragon Castle. This meant the information it displayed came directly from the artifact known as the 'Eye of the Dragon'. The ancient relic of draconic origin -- its history tracing back all the way to the Dragon-Demon Wars -- was one of Weichsel's greatest assets. Its magical senses reached out from every synchronized outpost beacon to detect armed forces within range. It even labelled the model soldiers with numbers, accurate down to half a thousand. And as a result of this intelligence, it was virtually impossible for any military force larger than a battalion to mount a sneak attack on Weichsel's forces near its home territories.

	The young Landgrave was still reformulating his strategic analysis when King Leopold turned to him:		The young Landgrave was still reformulating his strategic analysis when King Leopold turned to him:

Aorii at 22:55, 1 March 2022

2022-03-01T22:55:11Z

Aorii at 11:39, 7 July 2021

2021-07-07T11:39:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:39, 7 July 2021
Line 36:		Line 36:

	Just like Emperor Geoffroi's war room table in the Oriflamme Palace, Pascal's father's --no, it was ''his'' map table now-- was enchanted to combine sculpted sand and projected illusions to create a three dimensional map. Currently, the table displayed the entire length of Weichsel as it stretched across the North Sea's southern coast. The scale was zoomed out far enough to show all of Weichsel's immediate neighbors: the Holy Imperium's border provinces loomed in the south, the Lotharin Estuary connected Cross Lake to the sea in the west. The east was dominated by the void of the Dead Mountains, leaving a narrow but important coastal trading corridor to the Grand Republic of Samara.		Just like Emperor Geoffroi's war room table in the Oriflamme Palace, Pascal's father's --no, it was ''his'' map table now-- was enchanted to combine sculpted sand and projected illusions to create a three dimensional map. Currently, the table displayed the entire length of Weichsel as it stretched across the North Sea's southern coast. The scale was zoomed out far enough to show all of Weichsel's immediate neighbors: the Holy Imperium's border provinces loomed in the south, the Lotharin Estuary connected Cross Lake to the sea in the west. The east was dominated by the void of the Dead Mountains, leaving a narrow but important coastal trading corridor to the Grand Republic of Samara.

	~~[ map ]~~

	In addition to landscape, borders, and settlements, the illusory map also displayed every sizable military force within two-hundred kilopaces of Weichsel's borders. Fourteen of the miniature infantry and cavalry figures carried the Black Dragon banner of Weichsel, either already assembled at Nordkreuz or marching westwards towards the city. Ten more held towering shields and purple standards -- the Holy Imperium's Legions which stood menacingly along the border. To the east was a single army of the Grand Republic, represented by an armored Samaran battlewagon instead of a soldier. Meanwhile troops of Rhin-Lotharingie's Belges region mobilized for war in the west, leaving the castles that guarded their borders with Weichsel seemingly abandoned as they'd been stripped down to skeleton garrisons too small to be represented.		In addition to landscape, borders, and settlements, the illusory map also displayed every sizable military force within two-hundred kilopaces of Weichsel's borders. Fourteen of the miniature infantry and cavalry figures carried the Black Dragon banner of Weichsel, either already assembled at Nordkreuz or marching westwards towards the city. Ten more held towering shields and purple standards -- the Holy Imperium's Legions which stood menacingly along the border. To the east was a single army of the Grand Republic, represented by an armored Samaran battlewagon instead of a soldier. Meanwhile troops of Rhin-Lotharingie's Belges region mobilized for war in the west, leaving the castles that guarded their borders with Weichsel seemingly abandoned as they'd been stripped down to skeleton garrisons too small to be represented.
Line 215:		Line 213:
	"Indeed," General Neithard agreed. "Skagen is no longer merely a peninsular and island nation. Their campaigns in the New World have established colonies that we know far too little about. We do not know what kind of reinforcements they may be able to summon from their newly acquired lands. Thirty years ago, the Skagen navy proved its might by completely destroying the Caliphate's 'New World Expedition' fleet. Worse yet, we still do not exactly know how they did it."		"Indeed," General Neithard agreed. "Skagen is no longer merely a peninsular and island nation. Their campaigns in the New World have established colonies that we know far too little about. We do not know what kind of reinforcements they may be able to summon from their newly acquired lands. Thirty years ago, the Skagen navy proved its might by completely destroying the Caliphate's 'New World Expedition' fleet. Worse yet, we still do not exactly know how they did it."

	The general's words sent a chill down Pascal's spine. To date, nobody truly ~~knows~~ how one of the largest armadas ever assembled had been destroyed without a trace. Not a single individual from the Caliphate's 'New World Expedition' ever returned to tell the tale. The only reason they knew it was Skagen's doing and not an 'act of god' was due to the frantic ''Farspeak'' messages sent back by the ships' officers -- when the fleet had encountered Skagen drake riders in the midst of a 'magical storm'.		The general's words sent a chill down Pascal's spine. To date, nobody truly knew how one of the largest armadas ever assembled had been destroyed without a trace. Not a single individual from the Caliphate's 'New World Expedition' ever returned to tell the tale. The only reason they knew it was Skagen's doing and not an 'act of god' was due to the frantic ''Farspeak'' messages sent back by the ships' officers -- when the fleet had encountered Skagen drake riders in the midst of a 'magical storm'.

	"You're correct. That is a concern," the King nodded apprehensively before he chuckled to himself. "Though we may at least rest easy in the fact that ships cannot grow legs to walk on land, at least not in significant enough numbers to alter the force balance."		"You're correct. That is a concern," the King nodded apprehensively before he chuckled to himself. "Though we may at least rest easy in the fact that ships cannot grow legs to walk on land, at least not in significant enough numbers to alter the force balance."

Aorii at 18:04, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T18:04:11Z

Show changes

Aorii at 20:27, 26 December 2020

2020-12-26T20:27:21Z

Show changes

Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2020-12-26T20:11:52Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

Show changes

Aorii at 22:51, 22 May 2015

2015-05-22T22:51:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:51, 22 May 2015
Line 119:		Line 119:
	"So... you haven't masturbated at all since I came here?"		"So... you haven't masturbated at all since I came here?"

	She actually felt really sorry for him. It was one of those common urges that she welcomed not having a ton of in her current body; not yet, at any rate. ~~Back in the other world, ''he'' had always felt bad after getting it out of the way. It supposedly had something to do with the decrease in testosterone levels... or was it the social stigma?~~		She actually felt really sorry for him. It was one of those common urges that she welcomed not having a ton of in her current body; not yet, at any rate.

	Pascal raised one eyebrow in mild surprise as he turned towards her:		Back in the other world, ''he'' had always felt bad after getting it out of the way. It supposedly had something to do with the decrease in testosterone levels... or was it the social stigma?

			Either way, Kaede suspected that as a subspecies, Samarans had far less of a sex drive than average humans. It would certainly explain their low population growth over the centuries, despite their innate healthcare and a policy of staying out of foreign wars. Furthermore, as devotees of the reincarnation cycle, abandoning pleasures of the flesh was a necessary step on the path to enlightenment.

			...Assuming their faith paralleled Earth equivalents anyway. Kaede had yet to confirm any details, since 'sacrilegious' evangelical writings were banned from Weichsel by the Heresy Laws.

			Meanwhile, Pascal raised one eyebrow in mild surprise as he turned towards her:

	"Sometimes I forget that you were male once also..." Then, with a faint smirk: "do you ''want'' me to do it while watching your cute little sleeping face? Or perhaps you would like to help? You do have the equipment now."		"Sometimes I forget that you were male once also..." Then, with a faint smirk: "do you ''want'' me to do it while watching your cute little sleeping face? Or perhaps you would like to help? You do have the equipment now."

Aorii at 09:56, 15 May 2015

2015-05-15T09:56:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:56, 15 May 2015
Line 53:		Line 53:
	Kaede groaned as she turned in the bedcovers, away from the rays of light pouring through the small window. That was the best she had slept all week, through the whole night no less. Why couldn't the sun be a little more understanding?		Kaede groaned as she turned in the bedcovers, away from the rays of light pouring through the small window. That was the best she had slept all week, through the whole night no less. Why couldn't the sun be a little more understanding?

	...~~Then~~ her small nose came across something smooth but firm -- certainly not a pillow.		Enveloped by a fuzzy warmth, she snuggled against the bed in a stubborn attempt to retain her happiness.

			...Except her small nose came across something smooth but firm -- certainly not a pillow.

	Her hand crept upwards under the covers, feeling the extra weight over her shoulder but ignoring it, until she found the surface of what seemed like a rough palm.		Her hand crept upwards under the covers, feeling the extra weight over her shoulder but ignoring it, until she found the surface of what seemed like a rough palm.
Line 59:		Line 61:
	''Huh--''		''Huh--''

	Kaede's eyes ~~finally opened~~. Sure enough, Pascal's left hand was right in front of her face, palm down and thumbnail just under her nose.		Kaede's eyes snapped open. Sure enough, Pascal's left hand was right in front of her face, palm down and thumbnail just under her nose.

	...Which meant the weight on her shoulders was the rest of his arm, and ~~the~~ warmth behind her...		...Which meant the weight on her shoulders was the rest of his arm, and that comforting warmth behind her...

	''Why did... you said you wouldn't touch me without asking!''		''Why did... you said you wouldn't touch me without asking!''
Line 83:		Line 85:
	"Wake up!" she cried out as soon as Pascal's golden soft curls came into sight.		"Wake up!" she cried out as soon as Pascal's golden soft curls came into sight.

	The lazy eyes that lifted were rather grumpy. Meanwhile Pascal flexed his left arm and shrugged its ~~shoulder joint~~ before focusing upon her.		The lazy eyes that lifted were rather grumpy. Meanwhile Pascal flexed his left arm and shrugged its stiff joints before focusing upon her.

	"What did I do to deserve abuse this early in the day?"		"What did I do to deserve abuse this early in the day?"
Line 131:		Line 133:
	"Only two years between us," came the matter-of-fact answer. "And if you were a boy once, you know exactly how our urges work."		"Only two years between us," came the matter-of-fact answer. "And if you were a boy once, you know exactly how our urges work."

	Kaede was thinking more of the twenty-~~four~~ centimeters (9") height difference between them and the fact she ''looked'' barely sixteen. Meanwhile Pascal was almost twenty and appeared even older with his mature expressions and ever-composed demeanor.		Kaede was thinking more of the twenty-eight centimeters (11") height difference between them and the fact she ''looked'' barely sixteen. Meanwhile Pascal was almost twenty and appeared even older with his mature expressions and ever-composed demeanor.

	''Thank heavens for his self-control though,'' she thought. Somewhat impressed even, if she was frank about it, since he had been sleeping with a girl in the same bed for weeks and never once touched her inappropriately.		''Thank heavens for his self-control though,'' she thought. Somewhat impressed even, if she was frank about it, since he had been sleeping with a girl in the same bed for weeks and never once touched her inappropriately.

Aorii at 17:27, 1 March 2015

2015-03-01T17:27:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:55, 1 March 2022
Line 65:		Line 65:
	"But is that timing not ''too'' perfect?" Pascal's brows furrowed. "The very day after my father was assassinated..."		"But is that timing not ''too'' perfect?" Pascal's brows furrowed. "The very day after my father was assassinated..."

	"That is also my main concern," General Neithard pitched in. "Skagen is no monarchy. It is ruled collectively by a group of petty Jarls. ~~The Abyss~~ will freeze over before they can make their decision in a single day. After everything that has happened in the past few weeks in rapid, seemingly ''planned'', succession, I fear we are merely seeing another step to an unfolding Imperial plot."		"That is also my main concern," General Neithard pitched in. "Skagen is no monarchy. It is ruled collectively by a group of petty Jarls. Hell will freeze over before they can make their decision in a single day. After everything that has happened in the past few weeks in rapid, seemingly ''planned'', succession, I fear we are merely seeing another step to an unfolding Imperial plot."

	However, despite his words, the elderly Manteuffel's monotone remained unchanged while his emotionless mask stayed undisturbed. It made Pascal retort in silence:		However, despite his words, the elderly Manteuffel's monotone remained unchanged while his emotionless mask stayed undisturbed. It made Pascal retort in silence:
Line 111:		Line 111:
	"Because all of recent events point towards one thing." Pascal began to explain, echoing the arguments that Sylviane once used to break down the situation to him. "The removal of my late father, who had been a champion of the Weichsel-Lotharin alliance for the past decade. The assassination attempt on me, who has been entrusted with solidifying the bonds between our people as the future ''Weichsen'' Crown Prince Consort of Rhin-Lotharingie. The excommunication of Emperor Geoffroi, which seeks to dispel our sense of duty in aiding our fellow Trinitians in their holy struggle. The incitement of the Northmen to open a new war front, which serves to distract us with a new threat..."		"Because all of recent events point towards one thing." Pascal began to explain, echoing the arguments that Sylviane once used to break down the situation to him. "The removal of my late father, who had been a champion of the Weichsel-Lotharin alliance for the past decade. The assassination attempt on me, who has been entrusted with solidifying the bonds between our people as the future ''Weichsen'' Crown Prince Consort of Rhin-Lotharingie. The excommunication of Emperor Geoffroi, which seeks to dispel our sense of duty in aiding our fellow Trinitians in their holy struggle. The incitement of the Northmen to open a new war front, which serves to distract us with a new threat..."

	There was one more factor that Sylviane had hypothesized, and that was the possible backing of General ~~Manteuffel~~ as the next Marshal of Weichsel. Since the general was a proponent of the more traditional, 'Papal Appeasement' foreign policy, the Imperium would no doubt prefer him to be in charge of Weichsel's armies.		There was one more factor that Sylviane had hypothesized, and that was the possible backing of General Neithard as the next Marshal of Weichsel. Since the general was a proponent of the more traditional, 'Papal Appeasement' foreign policy, the Imperium would no doubt prefer him to be in charge of Weichsel's armies.

	However, Sylviane had told Pascal early on to never speak of this before another Weichsen. This was not merely speculation, it could also be misunderstood by King Leopold as foreign meddling in his internal affairs -- something no sovereign nation or legitimate ruler would approve of.		However, Sylviane had told Pascal early on to never speak of this before another Weichsen. This was not merely speculation, it could also be misunderstood by King Leopold as foreign meddling in his internal affairs -- something no sovereign nation or legitimate ruler would approve of.
Line 153:		Line 153:
	''His Majesty truly is a King worthy of the Black Dragon's legacy.'' Pascal couldn't help smirk as he felt pride as a Weichsen.		''His Majesty truly is a King worthy of the Black Dragon's legacy.'' Pascal couldn't help smirk as he felt pride as a Weichsen.

	"Nevertheless, the situation with Skagen has changed the overall strategic disposition," King Leopold declared. "Weichsel must deal with the northern threat first before it can look west to the Caliphate's ~~threat~~." His expression then softened as he smiled towards Sylviane. "Of course, Emperor Geoffroi already understands this, otherwise he would not have sent you."		"Nevertheless, the situation with Skagen has changed the overall strategic disposition," King Leopold declared. "Weichsel must deal with the northern threat first before it can look west to the Caliphate's invasion." His expression then softened as he smiled towards Sylviane. "Of course, Emperor Geoffroi already understands this, otherwise he would not have sent you."

	"Yes, Your Majesty," Sylviane nodded. "Father believes that Nordkreuz will no doubt see a decisive battle in the days to come, and that I should help our allies ensure a crushing victory."		"Yes, Your Majesty," Sylviane nodded. "Father believes that Nordkreuz will no doubt see a decisive battle in the days to come, and that I should help our allies ensure a crushing victory."
Line 197:		Line 197:
	''Irrecoverable injuries... what a euphemism for 'crippled for life'.''		''Irrecoverable injuries... what a euphemism for 'crippled for life'.''

	Modern healing magic went a long way to ensure that most casualties were merely temporary injuries. However permanent injuries --usually the loss of extremities to mages-- were still a problem. ''Regeneration'' spells were a godsend for commoners as they could patch up even the worst of injuries. However, their high complexity made it difficult if not impossible to overcome the innate mana resistance of other spellcasters. As a result, any severed appendages for a mage that was not quickly recovered and reconnected by a healer risked permanent maiming.		Modern healing magic went a long way to ensure that most casualties were merely temporary injuries. However permanent injuries -- usually the loss of extremities to mages -- were still a problem. ''Regeneration'' spells were a godsend for commoners as they could patch up even the worst of injuries. However, their high complexity made it difficult if not impossible to overcome the innate mana resistance of other spellcasters. As a result, any severed appendages for a mage that was not quickly recovered and reconnected by a healer risked permanent maiming.

	It was just another reason why every Hyperion army tried to fill the ranks with commoners to serve as fodder for the more valuable yeomen and nobles.		It was just another reason why every Hyperion army tried to fill the ranks with commoners to serve as fodder for the more valuable yeomen and nobles.

	"Unfortunately, we were unable to seize the port of Nordkapp in time, where Skagen forces from the Scania Isles have begun to land," Hans added. "The Eagles estimate that around 20,000 troops will disembark by the end of this week. They will join the 10,000 foes still present on the Peninsula and --assuming they have not changed their plans-- march on Nordkreuz." He finished with a salute towards the King.		"Unfortunately, we were unable to seize the port of Nordkapp in time, where Skagen forces from the Scania Isles have begun to land," Hans added. "The Eagles estimate that around 20,000 troops will disembark by the end of this week. They will join the 10,000 foes still present on the Peninsula and -- assuming they have not changed their plans -- march on Nordkreuz." He finished with a salute towards the King.

	"Thank you, Hans." Leopold nodded with a smile.		"Thank you, Hans." Leopold nodded with a smile.
Line 297:		Line 297:
	"Do you?" The King's eyebrows rose as he turned to face the young lord. "Of course, I know from your record that while you technically respected most authority, you never cared a great deal for the rules. Isn't that right, ''Runelord''?"		"Do you?" The King's eyebrows rose as he turned to face the young lord. "Of course, I know from your record that while you technically respected most authority, you never cared a great deal for the rules. Isn't that right, ''Runelord''?"

	For the first time, Pascal felt abashed at his own nickname from his academy days. Sure, it was often used --perhaps even mostly used-- by his enemies to deride him. But he had simply never cared about what they thought of him.		For the first time, Pascal felt abashed at his own nickname from his academy days. Sure, it was often used -- perhaps even mostly used -- by his enemies to deride him. But he had simply never cared about what they thought of him.

	"I believe in ''duty''," he declared. "But I also believe how we meet our duty is our own choice as individuals."		"I believe in ''duty''," he declared. "But I also believe how we meet our duty is our own choice as individuals."

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:27, 1 March 2015
Line 83:		Line 83:
	"Wake up!" she cried out as soon as Pascal's golden soft curls came into sight.		"Wake up!" she cried out as soon as Pascal's golden soft curls came into sight.

	The lazy eyes that lifted were rather grumpy. Meanwhile Pascal flexed his left arm and ~~shrugging~~ its shoulder joint before focusing upon her.		The lazy eyes that lifted were rather grumpy. Meanwhile Pascal flexed his left arm and shrugged its shoulder joint before focusing upon her.

	"What did I do to deserve abuse this early in the day?"		"What did I do to deserve abuse this early in the day?"
Line 95:		Line 95:
	"That doesn't--!" her incensed momentum carried on a bit further before deflating into the air like a runaway balloon. "...Oh..."		"That doesn't--!" her incensed momentum carried on a bit further before deflating into the air like a runaway balloon. "...Oh..."

	Kaede's cheeks ~~grew a shade darker~~ as her eyes shifted away towards the ceiling.		Kaede's cheeks were glowing red as her eyes shifted away towards the ceiling.

	''I didn't ask for that...''		''I didn't ask for that...''

	~~She managed to hold back her ungrateful thoughts. While it~~ was embarrassing to think about, it was ~~certainly~~ true that she slept unusually well last night.		It was so embarrassing to think about. But at the same time... it was true that she slept unusually well last night.

	''Nonono. I was just ''really'' darn tired. Nothing to do with...''		''Nonono. I was just ''really'' darn tired. Nothing to do with...''
Line 127:		Line 127:
	Kaede pulled up the bedcovers and buried her entire face under it this time, all the while retorting:		Kaede pulled up the bedcovers and buried her entire face under it this time, all the while retorting:

	"You pedophile! ~~total~~ pervert!"		"You pedophile! Total pervert!"

	"Only two years between us," came the matter-of-fact answer. "And if you were a boy once, you know exactly how our urges work."		"Only two years between us," came the matter-of-fact answer. "And if you were a boy once, you know exactly how our urges work."
Line 153:		Line 153:
	''Wouldn't be the first noble brat to force a maidservant down...''		''Wouldn't be the first noble brat to force a maidservant down...''

	"--He also taught me how to cast a ~~conception~~ spell around then, just so you know," his eyebrows shot up suggestively, "if you ~~were~~ ever felt the need badly enough."		"--He also taught me how to cast a contraception spell around then, just so you know," his eyebrows shot up suggestively, "if you ever felt the need badly enough."

	"Get-on-with-it before I hit you," Kaede retorted sharply while her cheeks continued to glow.		"Get-on-with-it before I hit you," Kaede retorted sharply while her cheeks continued to glow.
Line 173:		Line 173:
	"Most males my age also behave with hardly any more intelligence than beasts," Pascal commented without care. "If the defining goal of their youth is to lust after girls through a physical urge to mate, then how does that make them any better than animals in heat?"		"Most males my age also behave with hardly any more intelligence than beasts," Pascal commented without care. "If the defining goal of their youth is to lust after girls through a physical urge to mate, then how does that make them any better than animals in heat?"

	Kaede couldn't help but let off a half-snort chuckle. Even without an acidic intonation, his choice of words made his disdain clear. Yet at the same time... this was the man whose summoning spell had turned ~~Kaede~~ into a girl.		Kaede couldn't help but let off a half-snort chuckle. Even without an acidic intonation, his choice of words made his disdain clear. Yet at the same time... this was the man whose summoning spell had turned her into a girl.

	''News flash: hypocrisy still omnipresent as ever.''		''News flash: hypocrisy still omnipresent as ever.''
Line 207:		Line 207:
	"We would have a problem if most people enjoyed war and blood," Pascal reasoned. "It is a duty and a obligation, as the Holy Father gave us our skills and backgrounds for a purpose. The commoners might fantasize about silly notions of individual freedom, but if everyone simply acted as they desired... where do you think our world would be?"		"We would have a problem if most people enjoyed war and blood," Pascal reasoned. "It is a duty and a obligation, as the Holy Father gave us our skills and backgrounds for a purpose. The commoners might fantasize about silly notions of individual freedom, but if everyone simply acted as they desired... where do you think our world would be?"

	Kaede ~~would~~ generally ~~agree to~~ that view. As someone who grew up in Trans-Ural Siberia and later Japan, she adhered to the socially conservative Eastern philosophy far more than its liberal, Western counterpart. The freedom of choice might have a nice ring that appealed to the masses, but 'duty' should always take the highest spot of consideration when assessing that 'choice'.		Kaede generally agreed with that view. As someone who grew up in Trans-Ural Siberia and later Japan, she adhered to the socially conservative Eastern philosophy far more than its liberal, Western counterpart. The freedom of choice might have a nice ring that appealed to the masses, but 'duty' should always take the highest spot of consideration when assessing that 'choice'.

	After all, every person had an obligation to protect their family, to uphold order in society, and to maintain the prosperity of the human race itself. Because without civil stability, the happiness of individuals ~~were mere illusions~~ that could vanish into thin air at any time.		After all, every person had an obligation to protect their family, to uphold order in society, and to maintain the prosperity of the human race itself. Because without civil stability, the happiness of individuals was merely an illusion, one that could vanish into thin air at any time.

	The Dissolution of the Soviet Union and its aftermath had taught all Russians a hard lesson. Western calls for freedom and reforms were cheap; the price paid -- when economies collapsed and paychecks vanished and families starved -- was often far too heavy.		The Dissolution of the Soviet Union and its aftermath had taught all Russians a hard lesson. Western calls for freedom and reforms were cheap; the price paid -- when economies collapsed and paychecks vanished and families starved -- was often far too heavy.
Line 250:		Line 250:


			...
	~~<nowiki>----- * * * -----</nowiki>~~



Line 259:		Line 257:
	"You've been doing nothing but paperwork, mapwork, and mouthwork the past few days. Stop staying in one place or you'll get fat."		"You've been doing nothing but paperwork, mapwork, and mouthwork the past few days. Stop staying in one place or you'll get fat."

	"Does ''Your Highness'' not have anything better to do than ~~pester~~ me first thing in the morning?" he grumbled aloud.		"Does ''Your Highness'' not have anything better to do than pestering me first thing in the morning?" he grumbled aloud.

	"I am neither in charge of this army nor working with the ministers in Alis Avern," the Princess noted the Rhin-Lotharingie Capital. "There's only so much for me to do while we are camped here. Besides, since you're my fiancé, it's part of your job to walk around with me and show the world how close we are."		"I am neither in charge of this army nor working with the ministers in Alis Avern," the Princess noted the Rhin-Lotharingie Capital. "There's only so much for me to do while we are camped here. Besides, since you're my fiancé, it's part of your job to walk around with me and show the world how close we are."
Line 265:		Line 263:
	She was correct enough that Pascal couldn't argue against it, so he simply stood against the mirror to fix his image.		She was correct enough that Pascal couldn't argue against it, so he simply stood against the mirror to fix his image.

	"One hour then," he declared. "I have new intelligence reports to dig through," Then, with a grin: "meanwhile, Kaede could amuse us with her experiences ~~in courtship~~ in the other world."		"One hour then," he declared. "I have new intelligence reports to dig through," Then, with a grin: "meanwhile, Kaede could amuse us with her courtship experiences in the other world."

	The familiar girl, who had been carefully eying the Princess while avoiding her gaze until now, suddenly turned towards Pascal with an outraged glare.		The familiar girl, who had been carefully eying the Princess while avoiding her gaze until now, suddenly turned towards Pascal with an outraged glare.
Line 281:		Line 279:
	"Yes," she nodded back as the trio stepped out of his cabin. "It's not as common as the other way around in my culture either, but it happens."		"Yes," she nodded back as the trio stepped out of his cabin. "It's not as common as the other way around in my culture either, but it happens."

	Under the clear winter skies, they began a casual stroll around the fortified encampment ~~that extended~~ right up to Nordkapp's shattered gate. The day was still early enough that most troopers not on duty were just starting to emerge from their cabins.		Under the clear winter skies, they began a casual stroll around the fortified encampment outside the city -- extending right up to Nordkapp's shattered gate. The day was still early enough that most troopers not on duty were just starting to emerge from their cabins.

	After all, 1st Echelon was still on rest and recuperation time after a week-long offensive and one bloody battle.		After all, 1st Echelon was still on rest and recuperation time after a week-long offensive and one bloody battle. Although they'd been strictly banned from entering the city without permission -- to keep any outbreak of violence from harming either side.

	"It's actually not that rare in our world, at least for the nobility," Sylviane commented neutrally from Pascal's other side, always sure to make eye contact when she spoke. "But when a lady is the initiator of the courtship, she ~~tend~~ to be very picky about the qualities of the man."		"It's actually not that rare in our world, at least for the nobility," Sylviane commented neutrally from Pascal's other side, always sure to make eye contact when she spoke. "But when a lady is the initiator of the courtship, she tends to be very picky about the qualities of the man."

	Kaede's mouth felt dry as it formed a faint scowl. If Sylviane was trying to offer a mild compliment, it had the exact opposite effect.		Kaede's mouth felt dry as it formed a faint scowl. If Sylviane was trying to offer a mild compliment, it had the exact opposite effect.
Line 357:		Line 355:
	"It's beautiful!"		"It's beautiful!"

	Ariadne grinned proudly as Cecylia admired engagement ring on her finger. The size of the gem itself was quite modest, with her birthstone -- a sapphire -- held inside a magically grown diamond. The two tiny pegasus wings in platinum that hovered around the centerpiece had also been intricately detailed, not to mention the layers of protective enchantments...		Ariadne grinned proudly as Cecylia admired the engagement ring on her finger. The size of the gem itself was quite modest, with her birthstone -- a sapphire -- held inside a magically grown diamond. The two tiny pegasus wings in platinum that hovered around the centerpiece had also been intricately detailed, not to mention the layers of protective enchantments...

	"I'm a bit surprised he proposed now, though -- middle of a campaign and all," the dhampir girl wondered aloud.		"I'm a bit surprised he proposed now, though -- middle of a campaign and all," the dhampir girl wondered aloud.
Line 399:		Line 397:
	But if nothing else, the Runelord at least knew basic manners:		But if nothing else, the Runelord at least knew basic manners:

	"Sylviane, may I introduce Lady Ariadne Charlotte von Zimmer-Manteuffel, daughter to the Margrave of Saale-Holzland. She is General ~~Wiktor~~ von Manteuffel's second cousin, once removed."		"Sylviane, may I introduce Lady Ariadne Charlotte von Zimmer-Manteuffel, daughter to the Margrave of Saale-Holzland. She is General von Manteuffel's second cousin, once removed."

	"It is a pleasure to meet you," nodded the Princess. "I have heard many things about you, Milady, and I'm grateful for your help in keeping my fiancé alive."		"It is a pleasure to meet you," nodded the Princess. "I have heard many things about you, Milady, and I'm grateful for your help in keeping my fiancé alive."
Line 497:		Line 495:
	Kaede colored a little as she glanced away.		Kaede colored a little as she glanced away.

	"Yeah... pretty much," she exhaled out.		"Yeah... pretty much," she exhaled out.

	She had received enough stares of that particular variety during her few weeks at the Königsfeld Academy to last her a lifetime. But unfortunately for her, they hadn't ended there.		She had received enough stares of that particular variety during her few weeks at the Königsfeld Academy to last her a lifetime. But unfortunately for her, they hadn't ended there.