3. A request

While the lives of the two children carried on, a siege had been dragging on for three months The capital of the Dukedom of Caleth Calis had been enduring constant harrassment from the 150 000 strong Arkenshire soldiers while the rest of their army ravaged the rest of the Dukedom and centralised it's power against the locals who in the name of their goddess Ophelia for once they were conquered every religion dictated the authority of the monarch regardless of his faith.

They would surely have no choice but to fight against their own people, in a world where everyone spoke the same language the main way people identified themselves was not by their looks but their religion.

As such the spirit of nationalism and religion was quite thoroughly infused together, so the people invigorated by this would fight till the end.

Even though Calis didn't have the funds to raise a proper army thousands of peasants volunteered to fight without the need of enlistment which made people mostly wage wars only when the target was in a state of turmoil.

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In the city of Calis the forces were commanded by Count Johan Val Velix one of the many vassals of the now exiled Duke commanded the remaining 25,000 soldiers mixed with peasants in the city he knew very well that today was the day it ended the walls of Calis were heavily invested in due to the constant threat of Arkenshire, the main plan had always been to have Calis as a distraction while they encroached on Arkenshire yet now Corinthia was in chaos, there was no hope for another army to come and save them.

I should have defected Johan cried as he began to break down in his room, his life was over and he knew there was no way that he would ever be allowed to surrender in order to consolidate the claim of his territory within the Dukedom, Arkenshire would finish him off that was the only thing that could possibly await him.

As he wallowed in him misery A fuse was lit outside of the city , in a few minutes however an explosion was heard the western walls of Calis had been blown apart from an underground tunnel dug by Arkenshire.

The soldiers of Calis rushed to the hole in the wall attempting to fortify their positions.

They waited and waited for, the assault to begin yet however as they clumped up around the surrounding area of the gap, another explosion was heard on the complete eastern end of the city, almost at once soldiers of Arkenshire began to assault both sides,

dividing the already exhausted and tiny army of Calis.

In the eastern half soldiers in light blue coats armoured with cuirass and helmets underneath Tricones, All of them equipped with muskets and Sabres.

The soldiers of Calis rushed to defend the east however they could not make it in time, as the soldiers of Arkenshire flooded in rather than advancing they set up a defensive position scaling the walls and taking cover behind houses.

While the east was under full assault the west of the city came under heavy cannon fire, the explosion had destroyed the wall which took with it all the cannons of the wall which were in a position to attack, under the constant barrage of fire Count Johan stumbled out of his chambers drunkenly out to the balcony of the castle and began screaming through a non electric megaphone.

Everyone is to retreat at once get back to the castle.

The surrounding officers hearing this began to resound his orders through their larger megaphones which were too heavy to carry and were built into the castle walls.

Hearing this the soldiers of Arkenshire resounded the message back from the eastern front to the main camp.

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Count William Val Gothburg from a hill was watching the battle unfold when a Horseman came rushing to him and requested to be allowed to speak.

Calis has ordered all soldiers to retreat back to the main castle.

Let them retreat this city is as good as ours, they'll only be putting us in a better position, and of course you there scribe head to the nearest outpost and tell them to inform his majesty this, with great pleasure I inform your Holiest majesty that we have successfully breached the walls of Calis, with your grace we will offer the noble in charge of the defense the chance to keep all his holdings and titles as long as he converts to the light of Lucius and swears loyalty to Arkenshire All hail the house of Siegfrid.

In an absolute Monarchy like Arkenshire all the decisions were made by the Royal family however this created an inefficient mess which caused massive delays in coordination and logistics.

As such battles were mainly led by members of the royal family, or those who had gained authority from the Tsar after an oath of loyalty.

Count William was fully loyal like just about every noble in the Tsardom but however an oath of loyalty needed to be done in Pearson his territory was in the border region for him to just abandon his land in a society where nobility held supreme power posed a security risk as such he never got the chance to take the oath.

This most of the time made Arkenshire rely on its explosive population and huge army often overwhelming the enemies rather than trying any proper tactics in battle, which made it be looked down upon by other Great powers who saw them as nothing but a mindless horde, regardless their population and overwhelming abundance of natural resources meant that they would always be a significant force.

The soldiers of Calis rushed back in the castle while more and more Arken soldiers began to advance instantly searching for locations of vantage, while horsemen dragged along the artillery to position against the remaining castle.

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While the Opposing forces solidified their positions 4,791 kilometres in the dark capital of Arkenshire Siegfrid a Telegram was recieved You're imperial majesty may I enter.

Yes you may a man said staring out a window into the snow covered city, seated on a velvet chair drinking his fill of alcohol golden blonde hair a well lit white skin tone, a tall and muscular body and above all deep lavendar eyes,

dressed in nothing but a night gown he stood up and turned around.

What news do you bring Soldier.

Count Val Gothburg has breached the walls and sends a telegram.

With great pleasure I inform your Holiest majesty that we have successfully breached the walls of Calis, with your grace we will offer the noble in charge of the defense the chance to keep all his holdings and titles as long as he converts to the light of Lucius and swears loyalty to Arkenshire All hail the house of Siegfrid.

Tell him I authorise it at once and order the institutions and the ministers to integrate the newly acquired territories I want everything done by tommorow,

Your majesty, another soldier came rushing in,

Yes get along with it quickly.

His Grace the Grand Duke has made an astonishing complete recovery.

Most pleasing news along with our newly acquired land the sign of prosperity recovers truly a sign from Lucius indeed, inform him that in these days he has been out there is to be a noble summit for his sister and brother in law receiving their offical titles.

Oh and do inform the servants I have not received rest so I desire something for my fatigue.

At once your majesty.

Now let's get on with this shall we, Tsar Felix Michelle Val Siegfrid, youngest monarch in history of Arkenshire at thirty four years old in a world where the monarchs live for 500 years he was seen as a child yet he has manuvered his position through patience and caution which has led Arkenshire to have not engaged in a direct war in twelve years a staggering ammount of time for such a militartist people, yet most nobles though loyal grow discontent with his pacifist tendencies and look to groom the current Tsarveich Michelle Felix to be a much more pro war monarch, as looking as his younger brother would be prone to dieing any year, from his health.

Your majesty a man in a dignified suit entered the room bowing his head.

Bring me my Imperial Regalia but however ditch the cloak and get me a bear skin and a green coat instead now go at once, it's already bad enough the sun won't rise for another six months from this day forward.

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Your Grace it is the day of that you're brother in law his esteemed excellency lord Montbreak shall officially receive his title.

Carl almost as if he was Bewitched went into deep thought, at 2 years she's married to an orphaned 4 year old, when I look back there is now way this would be allowed even I could tell no one would accept this yet over here it seems quite the norm.

What is it you wish to wear on this joyous occasion Milord.

Get me an artic silk pelisse and a black braided coat to get over it and as for the rest you decide why don't you.

At once.

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Turning to a mirror Carl gazed upon his apperance his overly stuffed uniform was quite an oddity for his age, yet he had to keep an appearance up as a member of the ruling house, the best part about his outfit was his dark blue pellise made of artic silk it was quite simple, artic silk was called that as it was always ice cold why because the material repelled all heat which made it ideal for both cold and summer climates, as it only reppeled heat as such if you were to cover it up with something such as fur it would just make cold proff jacket which kept all the heat in, as for hotter climates it would just be a matter of thinly weaved artic silk for breathing for the heat to escape.

Carl staring at his image could only contemplate everything, he had just remembered his life and the two pearsonas of his conflicted, on one hand he had been raised as an imperial prince who was pampered and accepted by all as biologically superior, on the other hand was a timid boy who barely ever left one room,

You're grace the carriage is ready, a soldier came in saluting him.

Yes at once let us leave, picking up a woolen feathered hat he accompanied the soldier.

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Stop here I wish to get entry from the back entrance.

Are you sure.

Yes I am now stop.

Stepping out of the carriage he instantly started at the starry sky in his old world there would never be such a clear day and he knew it as he looked around everywhere was illuminated by lights,he had spent seven years in this world yet now with the memories of the past he just couldn't get over the fact that this world had electricity yet still used swords of all things rather than guns.

Departing from the carriage before he reached the palace entrance now he just had to narrowly avoid the crowd of people.

Making his way through snow covered shurbbery he eventually managed to reach the oversized garden,

took me long enough snorted as he made his way to a balcony and climbing up, currently there was no security here, why for it was an utter sin to interfere in noble rites regardless of status, and other nations were not just gonna do anything that could make themselves be seen as sinners or in reality make them lose their divine legitimacy so all the soldiers were in the central hall.

Come on now Carl huffed as he grabbed on to the ledge of the balcony trying to pull himself up, when he heard a voice, need a hand, a tall boy wearing a dark blue, red lined double breasted coat called out to him.

Decorated in medals and chains he looked the image of extravagance.

Yes I obviously do do I look like I'm having a good time.

15 year old Alexander Michelle Val Siegfrid Tsarveich of Arkenshire. Honey blonde red hair and a deep lavender eyes, a tall and strong stature and a muscular build.

Grab hold, he said reaching out his arm from the top.

Pulling him from below the two brothers stood side by side with a clear difference in health compared to his brother he would've seemed like a younger version of him, if not for his insanely pale skin and nearly white hair.

Come on Alfie everyone's there already, he said grabbing his brother's arm, as he picked him up and carried him through the erriely long hallway.

I don't like these events.

That's odd you've liked them always, did the illness get to your head, I thought they said you made a full recovery though how you did that in one night I got no clue, when we last met you were barely able to speak.

No it's not that it's just I feel conflicted.

Andddd about what, it's a damn party there's gonna be an epic celebration for all to see you better chear up.

I don't wanna say, now please just stay quiet.

Very well twig.

Where's Angela anyways I didn't think you would leave your love of your lifeeee.

You're too cribby for your age Alfie, anyways to make a long story short , father dosent think it appropriate I aren't with my fiance but with my consort at this day so having Angela as the darlinnggggg Sofias lady in waiting for today.

And you're just letting it happen ,what happened to doing what you wanted.

When I get the throne I'll choose who becomes Tsarina not the nobility it's as simple as that.

And they'll just allow you to crown such a lady.

You've really lost you're head Alfie this is the first time you haven't called her lowborn, maybe that illness changed you for the better though to be honest I think it just made you mentally damaged to most, as you'll be the only one who dosent call her that from now on.

Will you shut up already.

You engaged in conversation first Alf.

Yeah Yeah.

The two brothers bickered on and on as they made their way through the palace until finally they reached a massive door where stood two soldiers Alex set down Carl and approached.

Identify yourselves the soldier on the right wearing a tricone compared to the others soldiers two sided hat shouted.

And why should we answer to you, Carl screamed at him through his childish voice.

My apologies your grace we werent aware the Tsarveich and his imperial grace the Grand Duke would be approaching from the back door.

Now now Alexander said, it was a simple mistake, now open the door we don't have time to waste.

At once you're highness.

The soldier opening the door walked in and shouted announcing his imperial highness Tsarveich Alexander, and his esteemed younger brother Grand Duke Alfie.

I will never get used to that name.

Not like you have a choice Alf now let's go it's important to father I stay with my fiancee.

Trailling behind his elder brother while avoiding interacting with anyone, Carl was lead to a secluded area away from the eyes of the crowd covered to a large curtained area, where a silver haired woman with a white Caroline stood, lord Alexander's lady Sophie requests you're presence.

How did she know we would come here.

It's a pleasure to see you well your grace the silver haired woman responded.

Could say the same Angela now if you're forgetting what am I supposed to do here I'm late remember I don't know what's happening currently.

''Suddenly a trumpet was heard.''

It would appear the ceremony starts now Alexander said.

Eugh I just arrived .

No actually you arrived about 20 minutes ago Alexander said I actually had no idea where we were going I got lost and happened to stumble upon you.

Wow future model Tsar what are the Arkish supposed to think of their directionless monarch.

I strongly believe getting lord Museford to tutor you was an unbelievable mistake all that did was turn you into a miserable brat from a sweet child.

Well guess what if you wanna complain about me were gonna be late so choose whether you want to win an argument or be in time.

I hope my first child isn't like you.

You've forced yourself upon at least twenty women at this point I highly doubt you can say that, now let's go.

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Ladies and gentlemen, Tsar Felix dressed in a green coat with a chest full of royal Regalia with a sash heading from shoulders to waist with the symbol of Arkenshire in the middle stood high above on a flight of stairs leading to an oversized throne which seemed almost like a bed dressed, though considering how it was used that wouldn't be a far fetch.

I would like to start by thanking-

Come on Alex were late Carl said as they sneaked on to a balcony overviewing the Throne room, they had just escaped the hall and sneaked in just in time.

And so with this I would like to call my Son in law,

Lord Montbreak for the official ceremony of his ascension from as an Archduke.

A four year old boy nervously walked in front through the court dressed in a red coat decorated with only a single medla hanging from his neck and 3 chains on his right side of the chest, he knelt down below the stairs and put his head down.

Alex tugging alfies shoulder up whispered, poor little weasel lost both his parents got married to a baby and now look at this he's gonna have to give his life up to someone he just met.

Tsar Felix walked down and started at the tiny child who looked as though he was a dog at his feet ..

Upon reaching the bottom he picked a cleaned dagger covered in an alcohol soaked cloth and said,

on your blood swear your fealty.

The child standing in his toes desperately reached up and with great hesitation stabbed his middle finger on the dagger and said while trying to avoid crying.

I Michael Val Montbreak swear eternal loyalty to the house Val Siegfrid may light forever shine upon your dynasty.

With this I shall name you Duke Val Montbreak and once my daughter has reached the age of 5 you shall be known to all as Archduke in Arkenshire.

Michael now standing started up at the Tsar saluted him before heading back to the crowd.

Now on to the more pressing matters for which I have called all of you at the moment.

As just about everyone knows I have kept this country in a pacifist policy for quite a while now, and ever more do you all grow discontent with it, however with the recent development in Corinthia they are currently preoccupied with 2 other wars already so I say it's the perfect chance for us to claim our part, we have been at peace over what 10? years, so I ask you which one of you desires war.

All around the hall loud chears were heard with such ferocity like never before.

Now I have currently sent all 21 million of the imperial army to the front lines I say it's time to raise more yet our population being evenly spread out in our Nation the largest and mightiest collosus it will take everyone to do so efficiently, as such I order a complete mobilization have your men spend their nights with their wives we will need replacement,

GLORY TO LUCIUS

GLORY TO LUCIUS all erupted in chears.

Now I say is the time for us to celebrate tommorow we all return to prepare for war.

The festivities rages on almost infinitely after on with no stop.

Don't you find it odd Alfie ,father is suddenly changing his policy.

No I don't this seems like the correct moment our industry is finally developed enough and our country is finally connected everywhere with railways.

That may be true but the actual reason is cus he wants to prove himself against Alria.

How so.

You see father was the youngest of all sons of grandfather who was 234 at the time, he launched a war with Alria and Corinthia so during the war all his elder brothers and Grandfather perished.

How I thought it was heresy to kill a monarch.

It's heresy to intentionally kill a monarch not unintentionally, the damn Alrians brought down an entire mountain upon the royal enterogue if you wanna call it that, so understandably everyone views father as just a guy who got lucky, yet I got to say in an unbiased manner his peaceful policies actually made sense.

And how so is making the Arkish look like weaklings who can't avenge their monarch a sensible action.

Our countrys to damn huge but the worst part is not the Icey temprature but the fact that out population is evenly spread out, this means that our mobilization takes almost forever aside from our already 21million standing army we just can't mobilise fast enough, so that's why the peace time, allmost all out military funds have been spent these decades on building railways and communication poles to be able to coordinate our large army.

And so we're just going to win with numbers eh, the world has left us behind Alex people have advanced their metal while we were playing build the city, we used our military funds for those projects that means out military is far behind the current of our rivals who never stopped fighting, what are going to do.

That's why he has organised all the nobles he may have stopped using the crowns funds for the army but the nobility did not.

Were going to have our nobility fight our war, yet how are going to be able to coordinate such an army these guys over here may swear the oath, but however they'll just send one of their vassals to the fighting, one man can't coordinate such an army even if he's being told what to do he will still have to order everyone, and how long will that take.

Thats why I'm going to the front lines.

You? are you serious.

Yeah I am.

This is just going to delay your d

wedding not prevent it.

Father isn't looked in such a good light by most of the aristocrats, if I can prove myself to be a better war monger they will without a doubt favour me, all though I will still be loyal with the influence I have marrying my fiancee won't be a event from now on.

What am I to do than?

You're going to come with me.

And just why would I do that.

Because I need another member of the imperial dynasty if I want to be able to gain support of the whole damn army I will need someone else as a figurehead, and besides haven't you read every single military book, and what would you do anyways you already spend most of the days you're not sick with me.

Talking of this in front of the guards are you blind.

You really need to use common sense, just about everyone supports me they just can't say it, now excuse me I've gotta go request our future plot.

All this because you don't wanna be told what to do.

No all this for my dignity

Overly stupid Alex.

Yea yea now come on let's go while he's free let me do the talking.

Making their way down from the balcony they headed towards the stairs of the throne and bowed their heads.

Alphonse, Alexander there is no need for such formalities my son's.

Thank you father but we believe it to be appropriate at the moment, for we intend to make a request.

Well I suppose I might as well after all Alphonse just happened to have recovered by a miracle, now on with it.

We wish to personally go and command the frontline.

The whole room at mention of this turned their heads to look at the two brothers silencing all their voices.

Everyone expected in this moment a protest from the Tsar however his response was much different.

Tsar Felix looked in deep thought with a poker face said, very well I see it as a reasonable request the two of you may depart after six months though as we need to have Alphonse wedded before you depart.

In his mind the only thing he thought was, it will be far more easier with them just giving approvals without me having to constantly approve everything and beside it's time for the exchange with Alria as well I don't want to deal with their princess trying to convert me and people accusing me of heresy, as I can't execute or treat her ill so might as well just send have them deal with her reasonable excuse, Tsar Felix in simple terms was a simple minded man who only sought out a peaceful life however his position forced him to wage war non stop and constantly care for people he could be least bothered about.

I thank his imperial Majesty for this gracious acceptance thank you.

The two brothers left eventually reaching the garden where they stood in the snow.

You idiot do you have any idea what you've done.

Yes I've just succeeded.

Where the hell are we gonna stay in some tent.

Of course not well be staying in the palace of whichever province we have conquered.

What makes you so confident we will succeed.

I know it, now anyways it's just 12 in the afternoon I wanna enjoy the morning moonlight it's the first of the year after all.

This is going to end badly I can already tell.

So can I but we will just have to see.

You're an idiot

I'm a royal idiot big difference junior, now anyways wanna go harrass some girls.

Yeah sure let's get some salmons from the lake first, Carl said picking up a rock.

Alright come on Alfie let's break some ice, Alex responded as he and his brother headed to a frozen lake in the garden filled with aquatic life underneath.