Chapter Text
The sound of footsteps on metal catwalks resounded in the old Reinford factories, as assembly lines ran at their steady pace, and the hum of machinery provided it’s own chorus to the music of industry. Rean never had much of a reason to enter factories like these, but as an invited guest, he had no reason to refuse. He wasn’t alone in this however. The factory chief was leading the tour, but the members of this group were far different than the typical field trip. A pair of agents from Calvard’s Intelligence Division (CID), The Duke of Remiferia’s top secretary, and of all people, the Queen to be of Liberl, and her bodyguard. It made for quite a cast of VIP’s, and Rean wasn’t sure he was up to the task of escorting them as the princess's requested bodyguard.
Thankfully he wasn’t alone in this, as he had the help of a vivacious young woman, the princess of a nation that was trying to discard its warmongering ways and usher in a new era of peace. And in order to show that Erebonia was committed to that path, they had to show that they were willing to uphold the terms of the treaty that ended the great war. Disarmament of the military, reducing the number of armoured divisions by half, the production rate of their weapons, among countless other things that would prove that Erebonia had no further desires on conquering Zemuria through military force. The Crossbell Accord was a way for the other nations of Zemuria to see if this new Erebonia could live up to the desires of peace that its royal family, and so many of its citizens sought.
“As you can see,” The factory chief explained as they walked, “the production lines are running at a third of their maximum capacity. You can see by our financial statements that we are not producing past the point specified in the accord.” His statement got a few murmurs of agreement from the delegates, as they exchanged hushed whispers over the production lines.
“We’re taking every step and precaution to ensure global safety.” Alfin explained, “But naturally, Erebonia still intends to be at the forefront of the marketplace. I hope all of you can see that Erebonia is committed to forging towards a new future, one that can only be done with the support of our fellow nations.”
“Well said.” The redheaded CID operative spoke up, “but seeing a few production lines won’t convince everyone that this nation has turned over a new leaf. We can’t forget the extent of their crimes and their attempts to slander our countrymen. One ‘convenient’ excuse and these production lines will run at full capacity again.”
“I think you’re being quite harsh, Kaela.” The blonde Remiferian said, “The financials show no traces of fraudulent activity, which is especially astonishing since the former chairman was well known for numbers being skirted under her watch. If there really was something amiss, I’d have to applaud the financial acumen of Chairman Alisa Reinford, for pulling off such grand deception without anyone noticing.”
“But-”
“While I understand that the excuse our government made for the invasion of your lands was made in bad faith, it was true that your agents were operating in clandestine affairs inside of our territory.” Alfin said, meeting the operative’s temerity with a calm and measured response, “As promised in the treaty, we chose to look the other way in that matter, for the sake of building new friendships. I think that we should avoid digging up old wounds, don’t you?”
The other CID member placed her hand on Kaela’s shoulder and shook her head. “I apologize for my subordinates' outburst. Let’s continue this inspection shall we, Crown Princess?” Rean overheard the black haired woman whisper something into Kaela’s ear, “Remember that we’re representing the republic here, please save your personal grudges for a more appropriate forum.” Kilika Rouran really was as intimidating as he heard from the reports, as the fiery Kaela soon fell into line.
Kilika wasn’t the only person Rean was impressed with, Alfin handled that criticism masterfully, and even put the operative on the back foot. He knew that she didn’t want to be seen as just a pretty face or a figurehead, but someone who would lead their nation. So far, he’d have to say she was doing a good job.
“Now, allow me to show you the retrofitting area of our factory.” The chief continued the tour, explaining things along the way to the dignitaries. Rean was mostly here in a professional capacity as Alfin’s bodyguard, but that didn’t mean that he couldn’t learn a few things along the way. The chief led them down to a wide open hangar, where a large ship was being worked on as they spoke.
“This is one of your Gargantua class airships?” Julia Schwarz, the bodyguard of Princess Klaudia stated. “They’re even more impressive up close.”
“Right you are, miss. Two hundred and fifty arge from stem to stern. We had twelve of these ships, thirteen including the Pantagruel, in the skies during the time of the Great War.”
“We’ve since reduced that number to five, in accordance with the disarmament clauses in the Crossbell Accord.” Alfin explained, flipping to a page in her notes, “In addition, we’ve removed several of the missile launchers, and reduced the sizes of the patrol ship hangars by 20%. The fuel tanks have also been diminished, so their operational capacity as aircraft carriers has been reduced significantly. Of course, our word is only worth so much, so feel free to inspect it to your hearts' leisure.”
Another chorus of murmured agreement sprung forth from the foreign inspectors, and their examination of the Gargantua class ship continued in earnest. Even with many of its functions reduced, it was still a marvel of engineering, and the orbal engines required to keep its gravity field operational would be strained to the max to keep it upright and airborne. The factory chief explained all of the particular minutiae that came up, as Julia Schwarz asked the majority of questions regarding the ships new specs. He’d expect nothing less from the captain of Liberl’s flagship, and he even found himself learning a thing or two about airship operations that he wasn’t expecting.
That tour was the highlight of their inspections for the day, as several more were scheduled all across Erebonia. In the Sachsen and Aragon mines, in Garrelia Fortress, and several other places with a great many reports that needed to be made to heads of state. VIP’s of this level of privilege wouldn’t be attending all of the inspections, but it was important that they showed up to at least a few. Both for the sake of keeping up appearances, and for getting as direct a glance as possible at the face of the new Erebonia. Peace was a worthy goal, and one worth striving for, but it simply wouldn’t be possible unless all countries agreed to it, and worked towards keeping it.
“And that concludes our tour.” The chief said, bowing his head deeply, “I hope you’re satisfied with what we’ve shown you today.” They gave no committed responses, but there was a general sense of positivity from the group, which led Rean to believe that it had gone well.
“Thank you very much for your time, Factory Chief.” Alfin stated, closing out the tour with her usual cheery disposition. “We’ve arranged limousines for all of you to return to your hotel for the evening, or to the airport in the case of our CID visitors.”
“We’d really love to stay longer, but work never ceases for those of us in the CID.” Kilika said, bowing her head. “I’m sure the president will be pleased to hear about Erebonia’s commitment to a brighter future, and that the country appears to be in good hands. Princess, Ashen Chevalier, thank you for your hospitality.”
“It was a pleasure hosting you, Miss Kilika, Miss Kaela.” Alfin said. “Although I expect it will be Mrs. Kilika pretty soon?”
The calm woman showed a brief hint of surprise, before returning to her usual placid expression. “My, you really are well informed. Perhaps we have a certain red-headed imperial secretary for that little tidbit of knowledge? Such a shame that he couldn’t be here today. Still, it was a smooth inspection, and one well worth the time to show up in person for.”
The operatives left with the last word hanging, as the other dignitaries breathed a sigh of relief. Princess Klaudia and the secretary from Remiferia, Lucy Seiland, were long time friends, and along with ‘that certain red-headed imperial secretary’, the three of them were members of the Jenis Royal Academy’s Student Council some years ago. It really was a small world after all.
“Well, that was certainly interesting.” Lucy said, brushing a few strands of hair from her face.
“Agreed.” Klaudia said, with a wistful sigh. “The funny thing is, I did invite Lechter to join us, but he made up some excuse about ‘being deep behind enemy lines, with no hope of escape.’”
“Well…” Alfin poked her head into the conversation. “If I had to guess, he’s probably swamped with paperwork. Of course, considering he knew who was coming to these inspections, he probably chose to be swamped with paperwork instead of showing up.”
Lucy sighed, “He really doesn’t change, does he? He always had a talent for weaseling out of trouble.”
“It really sounds like you guys have a lot of history.” Rean said, feeling free to chime in on the conversation. “Somehow he was your student council president?”
“Somehow, yes.” Klaudia crossed her arms, “He was lazy, and my entire first year I was stuck on ‘President Capture’ duty since he’d always run off when we needed to get things done. It was a trying time, to be sure. Still, despite that, operations ran smoothly for the most part.”
“Well, he was reliable only when he needed to be.” Lucy said, “Of course, half of the time he was just cleaning up his own messes. Somehow I expect him to show up at the hotel with a snarky ‘Oh, did you miss me?’ ready to escape from his mouth as soon as we arrive.
Rean couldn't help but notice the warm expressions on the two women's faces. “It really sounds like the two of you have a lot of faith in him.”
“I suppose it does sound like that, doesn’t it.” Klaudia mused, “Princess, may I be so bold as to ask if you’d like to come with us? We don’t really get the opportunity to speak much, and I feel like that’s a great shame. I'm only a few years older than you, and I feel like we could be good friends.”
Alfin’s eyes lit up, “Really? I’d love to!”
Klaudia smiled and extended her hand, “That’s great. I’ve heard a lot about you from Olivier, er Prince Olivert, but there's really no better way to get to know someone than in person with a nice cup of tea in front of you.”
“Well, it sounds like your afternoon plans are taken care of, princess.” He said, scratching his cheek. “I suppose in that case I’ll just-”
“Not so fast, Rean.” Alfin stated. “You’re coming with us, of course. I can't go anywhere without my bodyguard, you know?”
“Indeed.” Lucy agreed, moving just enough to narrow his potential avenues of escape. She must have had a lot of practice dealing with that rambunctious student council president. “and personally, I’d love to hear more about the great hero of our era and all of his exploits.”
“Not to mention-” Klaudia stepped in, flanking him from the other side, “The gossip involving the Ashen Chevalier is just so juicy. You won’t refuse will you?”
He could feel the sweat on his neck pour down his back at those words, feeling just for a moment, a pang of sympathy for Lechter Arundel. His eyes darted around, settling on the blonde princess in front of him. “Please, Rean?” She asked, her eyes lifting up like a puppy who just wanted to go on a walk, glistening and beckoning him to join her. He never had an avenue of escape from the start, did he?
He breathed out of a sigh of resignation, and returned Alfin’s request with a calm smile, forgetting for just a moment that the two of them weren't in a private setting. “Sure thing, honey.”
The words that left his mouth definitely sealed his fate, as for the first time, the princess lost all of her composure, and turned into a heated, blushing mess. A reaction that Lucy and Klaudia caught onto all too quickly, and before they knew it, he and Alfin were herded into the limousine to get peppered with all sorts of personal questions. If she was going to make his heart skip a few beats, it was only fair that he did the same. This warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of his chest was something he intended to share with his lover, regardless of how embarrassing it was. One thing was for certain, their little secret wasn’t going to stay that way for very much longer.