"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/communication apparatus]
Date: May 1079
Location: Data not found
POV: Narrator
Terra only have a single known landmass, a supercontinent to be exact, that has been inhabited since time immemorial. This supercontinent had seen the rise and fall of numerous civilization, some are higher than others yet all fell the same.
The devastation for untold millenniums of conflict had been time and time again rewritten by the latest tragedy. Of course, there are beings of terra capable of watching all from the start or since time immemorial.
The most appropriate example would be the feranmuts and feraerus. The former don the image and appearance closer to mankind, while the latter had a more animalistic and more primal appearance.
These beings had been taking a passive stance on Terran people. Some because they thought it to be beneath them, some because they're to weary, and other because it is more amusing to use them in their own game. Of course, there also those who took an active role with their own reasoning.
Information from era long forgotten had insinuated the existence of artificial life form. These life form are more human than machine and had been watching over the world with their respective duty.
Some are long dead and vanquished, another had been walking the world and keeping order, and a lot more were forgotten...
A sarkaz clan was rumored to be one such ancient being that had seen the rise and fall of numerous civilization. Information regarding its authenticity was scarce and hard to decipher, perhaps by ignorance or design. The thing is, don't judge something you can barely comprehend carelessly.
Back to the matter of civilization. Since the advent of 11th century of Terran calendar, there has been changes pertaining how civilizations prospered and died. The best and latest example would be the Gaulish Empire.
Their downfall had been a hot topic for scholars, historians, and romanticists. Gaul was once the sole undisputed center of Terran culture, Gaulish was also Terran lingua franca for a significant portion of its existence.
Sadly, like how time and era keeps erasing empire one way or another, Gaul fell along with what made Gaul truly Gaul, their cultural prowess and presence.
Gaul aggressive expansionism had driven other country away from mutual understanding, and all hell broke loose after their incomprehensibly humiliating demand against Lethanien' Witch King was refuted.
With entirety of Gaulish dignitaries being put to death and their body, more like deranged artwork of pure madness, sent back to Gaul in a horrid fashion.
The war with Leithania had took the worst possible path, but Gaul demands more material and human resources to feed its growing industry. Some said that Emperor Corsica I had no other choice. Regardless however, they turned to Victoria and effectively isolated themselves.
Victoria fought with all it have, putting more strain in Gaul' declining economy, yet they were themselves almost erased from the face of Terra. Stalemate that had occurred was broken when Gaul supported the Columbian Union to rebel. The Draco and Aslan rulers decided to grant Columbia independence in exchange for them of stepping away from the war.
Columbia gained independence, and Gaul think that's enough. Although displeasing, it had surely crippled a large portion of Victorian power base. Gaul finally managed to gain more advantage but ultimately being held back by its declining economy and military.
It had only turned into a total geopolitical nightmare when Tzar Vladimir Ivanovich seeing an opportunity to knock a major power out of picture join the war with an unscathed military might of Ursus while allying with Leithanien and Victoria.
The Battle of Four Emperors had finally begun in earnest and brought radical changes on Terra.
The most peaceful place known in Terra is Kjerag, but it had been quite difficult to settle the treacherous cold that rivaled Ursus and Sami. Bolivar is in a state of perpetual civil war, a complete opposite of Kjerag unshakeable harmony.
In terms of military, Kjerag is left behind, while Bolivar is too disunited to be a genuine threat. Thus people often only focus on united might in this war torn world...
When asked which nation has the best and well-equipped army at the time, people would point at either Ursus, Yan, Gaul and surprisingly... Sargon, if they unite for a certain kind of crisis...
Who guarded humanity then? Ursus fighting an endless war up north, Sargon keeping the horrors of the south contained, while Iberia fought horrific thing that is both known yet unknown... and there are rumors about advanced civilization beneath the ocean fighting... something...
When being questioned about which have the best arts capability, ordinary people would point at Leithanien, Sami, Yan, and, even with scorns, the fractured old nation of Kazdel.
Enforcers and agents that can blend into the masses but maintaining grip of authority thou say? Siracusa, Yan, and Ursus know precisely how to.
Armies that can fought with iron disciplines and will? Gaul, Kazimierz, and Victoria fought for the position.
About individual strength and prowess, people will sung praises of Kazimierz, Higashi, Ursus, by the merits of Emperor's Blade and now dwindling Wendigo, Minos, by the virtue and prowess of their Spartakoi Agema Somatophylakos, and Kazdel, but instead with disdain.
If asked about which nation is moving forward quickly or held an edge in technology, Laterano, Columbia, and, a pleasant surprise, Rim Billiton would be the common answer.
But if asked about which has the best quality of artillery and sheer industrial capacity to bounce back? The only answer is Victoria.
The fall of a colossus in Terra only gave birth to a new colossus which dominated Terran' way of life, the Empire of Victoria rose ever stronger than before.
Despite the damage it had suffered, Victoria struck back with relentless vigor and fury. Their steam knights tore apart the Grandee Armee trump card, Vioux Vanguard, with ferocious ease. Their artillery, after throwing convention and humanity out of the window, starts using originium shells to commit untold damage.
Victoria now stands atop the ashes of Gaul as the primary victor with a lion share. Followed by Ursus, which had suffered the least yet gained a substantial profit by a significant margin, and with Leithanien, being the one who suffered the most yet gained so little in comparison, the last to reap the spoils of war that their monarch cared little according to the rumors.
Victoria had wrenched quite a few mobile cities for their own dominion, along with its ruling aristocrats who had to, bitterly, bend the knee else be casted aside and erased from the annals of history as mere footnote if the victor felt generous.
With home front and prestige secured, Victorian war machines were almost unmatched for the next few decades.
The old ways of Gaul had been erased and with it Victorian culture become the new "unifying" force in Terra. Benefits were gained in such an astounding abundance after enough time passed, while the vanquished can only watch as their culture being subsumed and replaced overtime.
The idea of secession had always be entertained by new bloods or old guards alike, yet it changed nothing. They had been losing hope, some terror and museum robbery for their old relics was all secessionist can get. With each success or failure, their numbers dwindled.
Populace of Gaul descent who can recall the day when flags and banners of Gaul hoisted proudly in Lingones are few, with it their desire to reform Gaul was slowly, silently, but surely extinguished.
In its place rose a new power that had taken the mantle, named Victoria. Graceful and powerful Empire of Victoria.
Victoria is the symbol of might.
Victoria is the binding of unity.
Victoria is the crux of civilization.
Victoria is the proof of new epoch of glory.
But most importantly, without a shadow of a doubt, Victoria is...
Dying...
Location: Section 9: High-End Residential District A, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz.
POV: Nyx
'For the love of everything holy or sinful, can't these fucks stop bothering me!?' I cursed within the quiet confine of my mind while rummaging around my apartment to start packing. I'll be leaving this country, partly annoyance and partly wanderlust... alright 70% annoyance...
I had even moved to a more pricy and insolated apartment but they somehow managed to slip through one way or another. The level of second hand embarrassment I had forced to suffer for months just made it worse.
The situation and mercenary work in Kazimierz had stabilized to its pre-10th war period, meaning less work for me and more annoyance from locals. Yet problems always come and land on my lap with greedy lust for my undivided attention, especially since I can't really stroll freely without getting mobbed in 5 minutes flat.
For some ungodly, nonsensical, reasons, I have myself a hard core fan base. Even when I made my contempt clear on them, it only rouse their already unhealthy excitement! Back in a few of my old lives, I scoffed at artist and celebrity getting mobbed, now I can't even laugh anymore... is this karma?
Also...
'Who the hell would thanked me profusely after getting their ribs cracked!?' The incident, which I deliberately did, should have made it clear that I'm not their idol, heroine, or whatever the hell it is that even warrant me as their comfort material!
'These paparazzi only gets worse times and times again.' There was one incident well I may have had tried to truly murdered them. Ignorant little shit tried to barge into a woman locker room when I just returned from a contract. Remembering it just made my blood boil...
"*sigh*... at least stability and peace had returned to an acceptable level..." reflexively said by this mouth of mine. Well... I can reliably not injure my charge on bodyguard mission nowadays... but the constant harassment just made me dislike this nation rampant capitalism...
Well, peace is good for most people and it is certainly great for Wladirosa.
Speaking about Wladirosa, Nelka had informed me that she has finally found someone she likes... huh, good luck to her. I had already delivered my best friend gift and congratulations, sadly I'm unable to return and tease her due to a certain commission and document that I'll explain soon.
Dad had also said that if I need some peace and quiet, I can return to the chapel anytime. When I bought him a personal terminal, Dad always made sure to call me periodically. I happily reciprocated his intention to keep in touch... He is truly a worrywart, but it feels nice... really nice...
"Luckily... my ticket to get out from here is in my hand..." I said while holding a document, this pertained an offer to attend Victorian Royal Academy. I was very skeptical at first since Royal Academy just screamed "state owned institution" but surprisingly... Even non-Victorian can attend it, of course there were requirements.
The document in my hand was even stamped with a legitimate seal. After some confirmation, the authenticity is true and I can attend college... well military college... but college all the same, right?
... I'm willingly plunging myself into problem to escape the current predicament. My presence in Kazimierz had been rather significant. K.G.C.C still hold an amicable relation with me, but the Armorless Union had been going in a very eerie manner as of late.
Speaking about contract or commission, I was being commissioned by Country of Toron to help with thinning our local wildlife. Contract from Count Toron would be valid for 3 months tops. That should give me an ample time of deliberation and or contemplation...
Well, it is time to go anyway.
"Goodbye Kawalerielki, hopefully I have the courage to step back here after things cooled off." Heading downstairs towards the garage, I left the apartment at dawn. Immigration had been settled yesterday, my residency ID would be null after crossing the checkpoint of this city.
I had notified the Nearls for my departure, needless to say Margaret was utterly not having it and being unhappy... took me hours to convince her to stop hiding in her room. She made me promise her to bring books and more story to tell when I returned.
Kiril just wished me luck while grinning all the same. Iolanta and Schnitz told me that I'm always welcome as a family. Młynar... well that guy beat me black and blue to make sure I didn't slack off with his training... Margaret, you have one tough and annoying uncle to deal with.
Sadly I didn't managed to get in touch with Zofia, she has been recalled by her house with urgent matters. A shame really, but nothing I can do about it.
With that I mount my bike and starts speeding towards the checkpoint... Huh, my "caretaker" is here already, how diligent of them... along with my worst nightmares... paparazzi... They seriously camped my apartment.
Oh well, Hasta la vista or something.
Several minutes later...
There is the border checkpoint I'm accustomed to cross, the securities there had somewhat warmed up to my presence. Not wanting to waste any more time however, I just headed straight to the border officer.
"Oh! Hello Lady Nyx, how am I to be of help?"
"Leaving Kazimierz, here is the ID."
"O-oh... I see. Very well, just a minute lady."
"Sure."
Hmm... the expression is genuine... were they really clueless about my departure? Weird... Well no matter. My next destination should be Victoria. I'm looking forward to it, wonder if the place going to be Late Renaissance or Late Victorian vibes...
The officer came back with the, now verified to be blank, ID. I just knew that you can keep it for either future use or just souvenir, just won't be usable unless reactivated by the immigration office. K.G.C.C is true to their core tenet, anything can be turned into profit and window of prosperity.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Kawalerielki will always awaits for your future visit."
"We'll see about that."
With that I left this country for Victoria. Kazimierz... 9 years had I been living here. I'm not sure whether that's good or bad for a mercenary to stay that long. There are rumors about the land that was once ruled by Sarkaz are the real treasure trove for mercenary gigs... Region that's potentially soaked to the brim with blood, intrigue, and suffering.
Location: Data not found.
POV: ???
A certain Pythian lady is... an anomaly, according to whatever little information about her that can be gathered. It is like she suddenly being freed from whatever darkest and most tightly shut secret. Nations all across terra had been paying her in mild interest, but her stunt during the post-war Kazimierz is enough to warrant her service.
Alas, Victoria moved faster. In part encouraged by the need of keeping any potential problem within arm's reach and the other part of gaining a semblance of control with the wild card while fostering a positive rapport.
When she is under genuine contract, she won't commit any sort of tomfoolery or untoward intentions unless truly and deliberately provoked. Her altruistic heart coexist in harmony with a deranged beast of the most belligerent kind.
Several people of power had deliberated that she must be destroyed, but it was also opposed by those who argued that as long as they do nothing untoward, Nyx is a perfectly reasonable personage.
Thus within a dimly lit, and secretive in nature, room, a person was seen and heard to be conversing through communication apparatus. The subject and topic of this conversation is none other than the famous mercenary who rose from Kazimierz war of 1072 and her subsequent gallantry then turned into a deadly weapon of glorious value.
The voice quality that came from the other side is distorted, perhaps to maintain secrecy, as a contingency measure, or because the reception is not the greatest. Regardless of its nature, the voice can be faintly surmised of belonging to that of a woman.
[Had the situation progress the way I had envisioned and laid the groundwork for?]
"It had indeed proceeded as such."
[Very well. The Thomson family needs to try and get closer to her. She is a wild card that can be added to the deck or overcomplicate the situation if left unchecked, something neither us nor Victoria needed.]
"What about the matter of her being overly cautious? Her tenure as mercenary had always been recorded of being purely business, but there were rumors of her secret holding favors."
[That is fine too, we need a good foothold first and foremost. Her track record is enough as evidence of her commitment. The most important part is to ensure she doesn't turn hostile. Regarding favors, that is nothing to be concerned of. Someone of her caliber will reach high places and be drowned in a whirlpool called politics soon enough. I had made some arrangement with my contacts for further contingency.]
"I see, pertaining chances of a more lengthy employment, mayhap we offer so?"
[... Doubtful to succeed, but given enough interest... she will permit that insatiable curiosity herself some leeway of being sated while also grasping for further understanding.]
"Oh? The subject in question, perhaps, someone you verily understood? I would expect no less from one such as you.]
[I'm well aware of my own limitation.]
"That I can acknowledge wholeheartedly. Perchance you know a good bargaining chips other than monetary and conventional exchange?"
[Yes, she crave knowledge... and a much more intimate and personal desire that unfortunately cannot be disclosed.]
"That is... a very attractive proposal... but such a proposal would incite wariness and doubt is it not?"
[That is true, but my contacts and assets had summarized several things about her personality, the document regarding it would be sent to you in the near future. My apologies for that, but parsing and verifying information for subject is question had been rather... complicated.]
"No need for apologies, we're always grateful for your support Dame. For the good of Terra as a whole, my dearest subject whom I cherished, and our peace in Terra. May fortune be with you, always till the end of time."
[... Likewise...]
With that, the communication was cut. The person then start ripping the communicator apart to avoid potential leakage or tampering. Guarding peace had always been a backbreaking and torturous work... but it is always worth it.
"There is much to be done. However! First I would need to procure the necessary welcoming gesture. It won't do to slight a powerful mercenary and an honorary Baroness. Well, time to meet the Thomson."
Thus the person left the dimly lit room unto the smattering light outside.
Date: June 1079
Location: Buckville village, County of Toron, Victoria.
POV: Nyx.
"Hmm... this place is quite idyllic, wonder how they managed to do that." I had finally arrived in Victoria. The place I'm at was called Buckville, just some of several villages I had already encountered.
In case you're wondering why consider it idyllic and how did they managed that, it's because compared to Kazimierz' villages, Victorian villages are much more developed. I had even passed several smaller workshops and factory that clearly produced industrial product.
When resting in one of them, I asked around about why does the village here are so industrialized. Inhabitants' answers range from pride towards puzzlement as well. When being pointed out about catastrophes, they said that Victoria urbanization can recover damage just as quickly.
I had done some digging however, because the news of Victoria's decline is an open secret. There are actually traces of villages and settlements that starts to struggle with war time taxes and conscriptions. Such information had dictated that there are enforcers around to keep the order, regardless of method.
Well back to Buckville, I'm now just resting and lounging at a local pub. Learning from my mistakes back in Kazimierz, I had brought a hood to conceal my face. Some patrons raise their eyebrows but ultimately left me to my own device, my folded bow most likely gave the message.
Ordering a tea, I'm really in another world Britain to find tea in ample supply, and starts listening quietly on chats, gossips, and rumors.
"County of Nordland had been accused of embezzlement they say."
"Nordland blokes doing embezzlement? I would rather believe they ate tuskbeasts raw than that bogus."
"Oi mate! Ya reckon we goin' to a pub in big city"
"Aye, s'pose we can earn that much anyway."
"Ey Andrew, who is that with a hood on? Reckon a noble' hire?"
"No idea, but prolly a merc yea. Just don't bother that one, else we gonna get a problem."
"Isabel left me for that idiotic wanker... Curses..."
"Ah, Idiotic eh? Cheer up old chap, you got us and the boys ain't cha?."
"Much obliged, mate."
"Mademoiselle..."
"Uh, whatcha say?"
"Uh no... it's just... that hooded lady looks awfully familiar..."
"Womanizing again eh?"
"Non! I did not."
"Sure..."
"Haha, I'm gonna win big in Kazimierz Major this autumn."
"It is that time already? How much did ya willin' to bet?"
"Prolly around 400 Pounds as a starts. Gotta bet wisely and correctly else Ema will skin meself alive."
"Ya sure still wanna bet? You have family for god sake."
"Well, I do it for the family."
"Yea, yea, ya gambler..."
'Hmm... nothing worthy of note other than the Major... I suppose that's the cue for me continue.' With that I paid my tabs with Victorian currency. Unlike when I was in Kazimierz, they are a rather difficult bunch to deal with in regards with payment. Well, that might be because of LMD that keeps on rising in value, pretty much taking the market with its stability soon enough. Clearly a maneuver to prevent devaluation.
Getting out of the pub and hop on the bike... I sense eyes on me again. But unlike the watchful gaze of Armorless agents, this one is more... appraising and not an ounce of wariness... weird...
"Well, next up County of Toron."
Location: County of Toron, Victoria.
POV: Narrator.
Several eyes in the shadow had been tailing Nyx quietly from the shadow. This men had been hired by a certain personage who had enough influence to affect Victoria as a whole.
"This is Raven 3 to NEST, Gorgon is en-route towards objective, over."
[NEST Copy Raven 3. Gloster had been charting and preparing for eventual arrival, break. Raven 6 and 8 will be taking over your current tasking, how copy? Over.]
"Raven 3 copy, NEST. Awaiting for further tasking, over."
[Affirmative, standby for retasking, over and out.]
The person codenamed Raven 3 is not the only one being tasked with keeping her within their net. Nyx is infamous through the mercenary and traders network for her achievements. Her status as an honorary noble only fanned her notoriety, while possible it is not exactly common to have mercenary with title higher than an honorary knight.
The tales of both efficiency and savagery for combat made her an extremely desirable chees piece on the board. Her almost pristine track record on contract accomplishment had lowered the negativity of her mercenary career.
Her beauty had also been a factor for some rather unsavory thoughts, but it would be pleasing to have her as a bodyguard during social affair, despite the potential risk. Her conduct, as a noble, has been reportedly impeccable.
Whether or not Nyx would be caught up in some political machinations is yet to be seen...
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author' Note:
Sup, this is me, myself, and I, the author who keeps contemplating why life suddenly spiked in difficulty.
Like what I had confirmed in 11, updates will come sporadically... be it 2 days, 1 week, or even more idk.
Now, Nyx had stepped inside Victoria' boundary. What will see find there? Honestly I, myself, don't know :D.
Update as usual.
Ciao.
"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/communication apparatus]
Date: May 1079
Location: Data not found
POV: Narrator
Terra only have a single known landmass, a supercontinent to be exact, that has been inhabited since time immemorial. This supercontinent had seen the rise and fall of numerous civilization, some are higher than others yet all fell the same.
The devastation for untold millenniums of conflict had been time and time again rewritten by the latest tragedy. Of course, there are beings of terra capable of watching all from the start or since time immemorial.
The most appropriate example would be the feranmuts and feraerus. The former don the image and appearance closer to mankind, while the latter had a more animalistic and more primal appearance.
These beings had been taking a passive stance on Terran people. Some because they thought it to be beneath them, some because they're to weary, and other because it is more amusing to use them in their own game. Of course, there also those who took an active role with their own reasoning.
Information from era long forgotten had insinuated the existence of artificial life form. These life form are more human than machine and had been watching over the world with their respective duty.
Some are long dead and vanquished, another had been walking the world and keeping order, and a lot more were forgotten...
A sarkaz clan was rumored to be one such ancient being that had seen the rise and fall of numerous civilization. Information regarding its authenticity was scarce and hard to decipher, perhaps by ignorance or design. The thing is, don't judge something you can barely comprehend carelessly.
Back to the matter of civilization. Since the advent of 11th century of Terran calendar, there has been changes pertaining how civilizations prospered and died. The best and latest example would be the Gaulish Empire.
Their downfall had been a hot topic for scholars, historians, and romanticists. Gaul was once the sole undisputed center of Terran culture, Gaulish was also Terran lingua franca for a significant portion of its existence.
Sadly, like how time and era keeps erasing empire one way or another, Gaul fell along with what made Gaul truly Gaul, their cultural prowess and presence.
Gaul aggressive expansionism had driven other country away from mutual understanding, and all hell broke loose after their incomprehensibly humiliating demand against Lethanien' Witch King was refuted.
With entirety of Gaulish dignitaries being put to death and their body, more like deranged artwork of pure madness, sent back to Gaul in a horrid fashion.
The war with Leithania had took the worst possible path, but Gaul demands more material and human resources to feed its growing industry. Some said that Emperor Corsica I had no other choice. Regardless however, they turned to Victoria and effectively isolated themselves.
Victoria fought with all it have, putting more strain in Gaul' declining economy, yet they were themselves almost erased from the face of Terra. Stalemate that had occurred was broken when Gaul supported the Columbian Union to rebel. The Draco and Aslan rulers decided to grant Columbia independence in exchange for them of stepping away from the war.
Columbia gained independence, and Gaul think that's enough. Although displeasing, it had surely crippled a large portion of Victorian power base. Gaul finally managed to gain more advantage but ultimately being held back by its declining economy and military.
It had only turned into a total geopolitical nightmare when Tzar Vladimir Ivanovich seeing an opportunity to knock a major power out of picture join the war with an unscathed military might of Ursus while allying with Leithanien and Victoria.
The Battle of Four Emperors had finally begun in earnest and brought radical changes on Terra.
The most peaceful place known in Terra is Kjerag, but it had been quite difficult to settle the treacherous cold that rivaled Ursus and Sami. Bolivar is in a state of perpetual civil war, a complete opposite of Kjerag unshakeable harmony.
In terms of military, Kjerag is left behind, while Bolivar is too disunited to be a genuine threat. Thus people often only focus on united might in this war torn world...
When asked which nation has the best and well-equipped army at the time, people would point at either Ursus, Yan, Gaul and surprisingly... Sargon, if they unite for a certain kind of crisis...
Who guarded humanity then? Ursus fighting an endless war up north, Sargon keeping the horrors of the south contained, while Iberia fought horrific thing that is both known yet unknown... and there are rumors about advanced civilization beneath the ocean fighting... something...
When being questioned about which have the best arts capability, ordinary people would point at Leithanien, Sami, Yan, and, even with scorns, the fractured old nation of Kazdel.
Enforcers and agents that can blend into the masses but maintaining grip of authority thou say? Siracusa, Yan, and Ursus know precisely how to.
Armies that can fought with iron disciplines and will? Gaul, Kazimierz, and Victoria fought for the position.
About individual strength and prowess, people will sung praises of Kazimierz, Higashi, Ursus, by the merits of Emperor's Blade and now dwindling Wendigo, Minos, by the virtue and prowess of their Spartakoi Agema Somatophylakos, and Kazdel, but instead with disdain.
If asked about which nation is moving forward quickly or held an edge in technology, Laterano, Columbia, and, a pleasant surprise, Rim Billiton would be the common answer.
But if asked about which has the best quality of artillery and sheer industrial capacity to bounce back? The only answer is Victoria.
The fall of a colossus in Terra only gave birth to a new colossus which dominated Terran' way of life, the Empire of Victoria rose ever stronger than before.
Despite the damage it had suffered, Victoria struck back with relentless vigor and fury. Their steam knights tore apart the Grandee Armee trump card, Vioux Vanguard, with ferocious ease. Their artillery, after throwing convention and humanity out of the window, starts using originium shells to commit untold damage.
Victoria now stands atop the ashes of Gaul as the primary victor with a lion share. Followed by Ursus, which had suffered the least yet gained a substantial profit by a significant margin, and with Leithanien, being the one who suffered the most yet gained so little in comparison, the last to reap the spoils of war that their monarch cared little according to the rumors.
Victoria had wrenched quite a few mobile cities for their own dominion, along with its ruling aristocrats who had to, bitterly, bend the knee else be casted aside and erased from the annals of history as mere footnote if the victor felt generous.
With home front and prestige secured, Victorian war machines were almost unmatched for the next few decades.
The old ways of Gaul had been erased and with it Victorian culture become the new "unifying" force in Terra. Benefits were gained in such an astounding abundance after enough time passed, while the vanquished can only watch as their culture being subsumed and replaced overtime.
The idea of secession had always be entertained by new bloods or old guards alike, yet it changed nothing. They had been losing hope, some terror and museum robbery for their old relics was all secessionist can get. With each success or failure, their numbers dwindled.
Populace of Gaul descent who can recall the day when flags and banners of Gaul hoisted proudly in Lingones are few, with it their desire to reform Gaul was slowly, silently, but surely extinguished.
In its place rose a new power that had taken the mantle, named Victoria. Graceful and powerful Empire of Victoria.
Victoria is the symbol of might.
Victoria is the binding of unity.
Victoria is the crux of civilization.
Victoria is the proof of new epoch of glory.
But most importantly, without a shadow of a doubt, Victoria is...
Dying...
Location: Section 9: High-End Residential District A, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz.
POV: Nyx
'For the love of everything holy or sinful, can't these fucks stop bothering me!?' I cursed within the quiet confine of my mind while rummaging around my apartment to start packing. I'll be leaving this country, partly annoyance and partly wanderlust... alright 70% annoyance...
I had even moved to a more pricy and insolated apartment but they somehow managed to slip through one way or another. The level of second hand embarrassment I had forced to suffer for months just made it worse.
The situation and mercenary work in Kazimierz had stabilized to its pre-10th war period, meaning less work for me and more annoyance from locals. Yet problems always come and land on my lap with greedy lust for my undivided attention, especially since I can't really stroll freely without getting mobbed in 5 minutes flat.
For some ungodly, nonsensical, reasons, I have myself a hard core fan base. Even when I made my contempt clear on them, it only rouse their already unhealthy excitement! Back in a few of my old lives, I scoffed at artist and celebrity getting mobbed, now I can't even laugh anymore... is this karma?
Also...
'Who the hell would thanked me profusely after getting their ribs cracked!?' The incident, which I deliberately did, should have made it clear that I'm not their idol, heroine, or whatever the hell it is that even warrant me as their comfort material!
'These paparazzi only gets worse times and times again.' There was one incident well I may have had tried to truly murdered them. Ignorant little shit tried to barge into a woman locker room when I just returned from a contract. Remembering it just made my blood boil...
"*sigh*... at least stability and peace had returned to an acceptable level..." reflexively said by this mouth of mine. Well... I can reliably not injure my charge on bodyguard mission nowadays... but the constant harassment just made me dislike this nation rampant capitalism...
Well, peace is good for most people and it is certainly great for Wladirosa.
Speaking about Wladirosa, Nelka had informed me that she has finally found someone she likes... huh, good luck to her. I had already delivered my best friend gift and congratulations, sadly I'm unable to return and tease her due to a certain commission and document that I'll explain soon.
Dad had also said that if I need some peace and quiet, I can return to the chapel anytime. When I bought him a personal terminal, Dad always made sure to call me periodically. I happily reciprocated his intention to keep in touch... He is truly a worrywart, but it feels nice... really nice...
"Luckily... my ticket to get out from here is in my hand..." I said while holding a document, this pertained an offer to attend Victorian Royal Academy. I was very skeptical at first since Royal Academy just screamed "state owned institution" but surprisingly... Even non-Victorian can attend it, of course there were requirements.
The document in my hand was even stamped with a legitimate seal. After some confirmation, the authenticity is true and I can attend college... well military college... but college all the same, right?
... I'm willingly plunging myself into problem to escape the current predicament. My presence in Kazimierz had been rather significant. K.G.C.C still hold an amicable relation with me, but the Armorless Union had been going in a very eerie manner as of late.
Speaking about contract or commission, I was being commissioned by Country of Toron to help with thinning our local wildlife. Contract from Count Toron would be valid for 3 months tops. That should give me an ample time of deliberation and or contemplation...
Well, it is time to go anyway.
"Goodbye Kawalerielki, hopefully I have the courage to step back here after things cooled off." Heading downstairs towards the garage, I left the apartment at dawn. Immigration had been settled yesterday, my residency ID would be null after crossing the checkpoint of this city.
I had notified the Nearls for my departure, needless to say Margaret was utterly not having it and being unhappy... took me hours to convince her to stop hiding in her room. She made me promise her to bring books and more story to tell when I returned.
Kiril just wished me luck while grinning all the same. Iolanta and Schnitz told me that I'm always welcome as a family. Młynar... well that guy beat me black and blue to make sure I didn't slack off with his training... Margaret, you have one tough and annoying uncle to deal with.
Sadly I didn't managed to get in touch with Zofia, she has been recalled by her house with urgent matters. A shame really, but nothing I can do about it.
With that I mount my bike and starts speeding towards the checkpoint... Huh, my "caretaker" is here already, how diligent of them... along with my worst nightmares... paparazzi... They seriously camped my apartment.
Oh well, Hasta la vista or something.
Several minutes later...
There is the border checkpoint I'm accustomed to cross, the securities there had somewhat warmed up to my presence. Not wanting to waste any more time however, I just headed straight to the border officer.
"Oh! Hello Lady Nyx, how am I to be of help?"
"Leaving Kazimierz, here is the ID."
"O-oh... I see. Very well, just a minute lady."
"Sure."
Hmm... the expression is genuine... were they really clueless about my departure? Weird... Well no matter. My next destination should be Victoria. I'm looking forward to it, wonder if the place going to be Late Renaissance or Late Victorian vibes...
The officer came back with the, now verified to be blank, ID. I just knew that you can keep it for either future use or just souvenir, just won't be usable unless reactivated by the immigration office. K.G.C.C is true to their core tenet, anything can be turned into profit and window of prosperity.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Kawalerielki will always awaits for your future visit."
"We'll see about that."
With that I left this country for Victoria. Kazimierz... 9 years had I been living here. I'm not sure whether that's good or bad for a mercenary to stay that long. There are rumors about the land that was once ruled by Sarkaz are the real treasure trove for mercenary gigs... Region that's potentially soaked to the brim with blood, intrigue, and suffering.
Location: Data not found.
POV: ???
A certain Pythian lady is... an anomaly, according to whatever little information about her that can be gathered. It is like she suddenly being freed from whatever darkest and most tightly shut secret. Nations all across terra had been paying her in mild interest, but her stunt during the post-war Kazimierz is enough to warrant her service.
Alas, Victoria moved faster. In part encouraged by the need of keeping any potential problem within arm's reach and the other part of gaining a semblance of control with the wild card while fostering a positive rapport.
When she is under genuine contract, she won't commit any sort of tomfoolery or untoward intentions unless truly and deliberately provoked. Her altruistic heart coexist in harmony with a deranged beast of the most belligerent kind.
Several people of power had deliberated that she must be destroyed, but it was also opposed by those who argued that as long as they do nothing untoward, Nyx is a perfectly reasonable personage.
Thus within a dimly lit, and secretive in nature, room, a person was seen and heard to be conversing through communication apparatus. The subject and topic of this conversation is none other than the famous mercenary who rose from Kazimierz war of 1072 and her subsequent gallantry then turned into a deadly weapon of glorious value.
The voice quality that came from the other side is distorted, perhaps to maintain secrecy, as a contingency measure, or because the reception is not the greatest. Regardless of its nature, the voice can be faintly surmised of belonging to that of a woman.
[Had the situation progress the way I had envisioned and laid the groundwork for?]
"It had indeed proceeded as such."
[Very well. The Thomson family needs to try and get closer to her. She is a wild card that can be added to the deck or overcomplicate the situation if left unchecked, something neither us nor Victoria needed.]
"What about the matter of her being overly cautious? Her tenure as mercenary had always been recorded of being purely business, but there were rumors of her secret holding favors."
[That is fine too, we need a good foothold first and foremost. Her track record is enough as evidence of her commitment. The most important part is to ensure she doesn't turn hostile. Regarding favors, that is nothing to be concerned of. Someone of her caliber will reach high places and be drowned in a whirlpool called politics soon enough. I had made some arrangement with my contacts for further contingency.]
"I see, pertaining chances of a more lengthy employment, mayhap we offer so?"
[... Doubtful to succeed, but given enough interest... she will permit that insatiable curiosity herself some leeway of being sated while also grasping for further understanding.]
"Oh? The subject in question, perhaps, someone you verily understood? I would expect no less from one such as you.]
[I'm well aware of my own limitation.]
"That I can acknowledge wholeheartedly. Perchance you know a good bargaining chips other than monetary and conventional exchange?"
[Yes, she crave knowledge... and a much more intimate and personal desire that unfortunately cannot be disclosed.]
"That is... a very attractive proposal... but such a proposal would incite wariness and doubt is it not?"
[That is true, but my contacts and assets had summarized several things about her personality, the document regarding it would be sent to you in the near future. My apologies for that, but parsing and verifying information for subject is question had been rather... complicated.]
"No need for apologies, we're always grateful for your support Dame. For the good of Terra as a whole, my dearest subject whom I cherished, and our peace in Terra. May fortune be with you, always till the end of time."
[... Likewise...]
With that, the communication was cut. The person then start ripping the communicator apart to avoid potential leakage or tampering. Guarding peace had always been a backbreaking and torturous work... but it is always worth it.
"There is much to be done. However! First I would need to procure the necessary welcoming gesture. It won't do to slight a powerful mercenary and an honorary Baroness. Well, time to meet the Thomson."
Thus the person left the dimly lit room unto the smattering light outside.
Date: June 1079
Location: Buckville village, County of Toron, Victoria.
POV: Nyx.
"Hmm... this place is quite idyllic, wonder how they managed to do that." I had finally arrived in Victoria. The place I'm at was called Buckville, just some of several villages I had already encountered.
In case you're wondering why consider it idyllic and how did they managed that, it's because compared to Kazimierz' villages, Victorian villages are much more developed. I had even passed several smaller workshops and factory that clearly produced industrial product.
When resting in one of them, I asked around about why does the village here are so industrialized. Inhabitants' answers range from pride towards puzzlement as well. When being pointed out about catastrophes, they said that Victoria urbanization can recover damage just as quickly.
I had done some digging however, because the news of Victoria's decline is an open secret. There are actually traces of villages and settlements that starts to struggle with war time taxes and conscriptions. Such information had dictated that there are enforcers around to keep the order, regardless of method.
Well back to Buckville, I'm now just resting and lounging at a local pub. Learning from my mistakes back in Kazimierz, I had brought a hood to conceal my face. Some patrons raise their eyebrows but ultimately left me to my own device, my folded bow most likely gave the message.
Ordering a tea, I'm really in another world Britain to find tea in ample supply, and starts listening quietly on chats, gossips, and rumors.
"County of Nordland had been accused of embezzlement they say."
"Nordland blokes doing embezzlement? I would rather believe they ate tuskbeasts raw than that bogus."
"Oi mate! Ya reckon we goin' to a pub in big city"
"Aye, s'pose we can earn that much anyway."
"Ey Andrew, who is that with a hood on? Reckon a noble' hire?"
"No idea, but prolly a merc yea. Just don't bother that one, else we gonna get a problem."
"Isabel left me for that idiotic wanker... Curses..."
"Ah, Idiotic eh? Cheer up old chap, you got us and the boys ain't cha?."
"Much obliged, mate."
"Mademoiselle..."
"Uh, whatcha say?"
"Uh no... it's just... that hooded lady looks awfully familiar..."
"Womanizing again eh?"
"Non! I did not."
"Sure..."
"Haha, I'm gonna win big in Kazimierz Major this autumn."
"It is that time already? How much did ya willin' to bet?"
"Prolly around 400 Pounds as a starts. Gotta bet wisely and correctly else Ema will skin meself alive."
"Ya sure still wanna bet? You have family for god sake."
"Well, I do it for the family."
"Yea, yea, ya gambler..."
'Hmm... nothing worthy of note other than the Major... I suppose that's the cue for me continue.' With that I paid my tabs with Victorian currency. Unlike when I was in Kazimierz, they are a rather difficult bunch to deal with in regards with payment. Well, that might be because of LMD that keeps on rising in value, pretty much taking the market with its stability soon enough. Clearly a maneuver to prevent devaluation.
Getting out of the pub and hop on the bike... I sense eyes on me again. But unlike the watchful gaze of Armorless agents, this one is more... appraising and not an ounce of wariness... weird...
"Well, next up County of Toron."
Location: County of Toron, Victoria.
POV: Narrator.
Several eyes in the shadow had been tailing Nyx quietly from the shadow. This men had been hired by a certain personage who had enough influence to affect Victoria as a whole.
"This is Raven 3 to NEST, Gorgon is en-route towards objective, over."
[NEST Copy Raven 3. Gloster had been charting and preparing for eventual arrival, break. Raven 6 and 8 will be taking over your current tasking, how copy? Over.]
"Raven 3 copy, NEST. Awaiting for further tasking, over."
[Affirmative, standby for retasking, over and out.]
The person codenamed Raven 3 is not the only one being tasked with keeping her within their net. Nyx is infamous through the mercenary and traders network for her achievements. Her status as an honorary noble only fanned her notoriety, while possible it is not exactly common to have mercenary with title higher than an honorary knight.
The tales of both efficiency and savagery for combat made her an extremely desirable chees piece on the board. Her almost pristine track record on contract accomplishment had lowered the negativity of her mercenary career.
Her beauty had also been a factor for some rather unsavory thoughts, but it would be pleasing to have her as a bodyguard during social affair, despite the potential risk. Her conduct, as a noble, has been reportedly impeccable.
Whether or not Nyx would be caught up in some political machinations is yet to be seen...
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author' Note:
Sup, this is me, myself, and I, the author who keeps contemplating why life suddenly spiked in difficulty.
Like what I had confirmed in 11, updates will come sporadically... be it 2 days, 1 week, or even more idk.
Now, Nyx had stepped inside Victoria' boundary. What will see find there? Honestly I, myself, don't know :D.
Update as usual.
Ciao.
