Kanpai~ Saubreme under our guidance

[New Saubreme]

It grew dark around the mansion as the evening settled in. But with the fading of the light, the port town of Avril just got livelier and especially the mansion in which the current Governor General resided. After the liberation of Saubreme the Panvulkanian Empire spared no cost to improve the situation in Saubreme and especially in the land it got as a concession, New Saubreme. New Saubreme, encompassing the three small islands other than the big island of Saubreme in the Kujo Archipelago, was celebrating today. Supreme Leader and Genius Masou Shoujo Haruna had declared that this day should be comemorated as the day were Saubreme got enlightened after the dark age, as Panvulkanian knowledge continues to reform the Saubremien culture. And so a dinner was planned, being held at the official home and office of the Governor General.

It's a mansion in classical vulkanian style, with a black roof and white walls. It has a little garden (20x30m) as it is in the harbor. The garden is bordered by a high metal fence with efeu on it. The mansion has four floors and three little towers giving it a bit of a slender design.

Head Maid Kampanin was very nervous. She had to greet the new guests as the first one and after all there was also high ranking members of other states in the region invited. So the young small girl watched the boats in the harbor, waiting for the ones invited.

[Saubreme]

"This is landing control to the AI-1, please descend to 100 feet and do a barrel roll, over"
A sudden commotion could be heard from behind.
"This is no time for jokes! Do it properly, or I'll have you out oh here"
"This is landing control, the runway is ready for receive you".

Eucliwood Hellscythe looked out into the runway. Her scars were still prominent on her face, and would draw blood with even the slightest movement. Hinagiku put a hand on her shoulder, a silent move of comfort.

The plane touched down, and it was then time to receive the Emperor, and then go down to what should've been Saubreme, but was turned into New Saubreme...

[Arrnea]

"Victorique tower, this is AI-1, copy your landing instructions, we are on final approach for the target runway and are descending through 1,000 feet, over" responded the pilot of the Imperial jet carrying Emperor Siegfried of the Holy Order of Arrnea and his Empress, a smirk on his face after the barrel roll comment. It was moments of levity like these that made the job worth every tiresome moment that came as a result of being the primary pilot for the Emperor's many jaunts across the vast nation he ruled.

By now, the jet was close enough to the ground to make out individual buildings in the city of Victorique, many still in ruins from the recent war that had seen the creation of New Saubreme and the restoration of order in the region. Many had lost their lives in that brief, but bloody war and needless to say, the occupants of the small jet were glad to see it over. They too had interests in the region, some less... savory than others.

"Victorique tower, this is AI-1, descending through 200 feet and decelerating, over" the pilot reported, following aviation protocol to the letter. If anything was going to go wrong on this trip, it wasn't going to be on his watch... he would make sure of it. He had too much at stake to risk an error at this stage. If harm came to the Emperor or his Empress on this trip, it wouldn't be just him that would pay the price. His entire family would suffer the consequences for his failure.

"Victorique tower, we have touchdown. Glad to be on the ground. AI-1 over and out" said the pilot, as the plane landed on the tarmac and slowed to a halt. Picking up the intercom on his console, the pilot said simply "Your Majesty, we have arrived." On the other end of the intercom came a gruff voice... "Thankyou, Captain."

Meanwhile, those outside the now-halted plane would have noticed two things.
First, a door on the side of the small jet opened and a set of stairs folded out from below the frame of the doorway. From this doorway came the Emperor and his Empress, along with two sturdily-built men with dark sunglasses and suits that did not appear open to idle conversation, unless that idle conversation concerned escape routes and concealed weapons.
Second, a panel covering much of the underside of the craft began to lower to the tarmac, carrying a gloss-black automobile with flags of the Holy Order attached to the front of the vehicle and windows tinted so dark that it did not even appear that there was an interior to the vehicle.

[New Saubreme]

At the airport the Panvulkanian Army choir already awaited the landing. Playing the 'Avrillaise', one of the newest marches in it's repository, it greeted the Emperor and the Empress of the Holy Order of Arrnea. As they descented the stairway to the runway on the purple carpet in front of them, Major Maolin raised her hand to salute the guests. Altough the airport was in a quite miserable state after being a key target in the liberation of Saubreme, the Panvulkanians were proud to have got the runway cleared from all the nasty craters that were there just a short time ago.

I greet you here on this soil, we just recently pacified. My humble name is Major Maolin from the Gardes Chasseurs Charlottiniques. We hope that we can make your stay as comfortable as possible. We heard you already have your own car, if not there's one provided by the government of Saubreme. Here, the major grinned shortly, before regaining their self-control. Everything is already prepared, the Governor General awaits you at her residence.

Compagnie! ashtray! (transvulkanian language)

Drums could be heard. The 4th regiment of the Gardes Chasseurs Charlottiniques fired into the sky, as the drum stopped.

[Saubreme]

Holo and Hinagiku shook their heads and glared silently at the flamboyant welcoming party. They, with Eucliwood, walked up to the Emperor and Empress and dipped their heads slightly.

Eucliwood started writing in her notebook, and showed it to the two.
"Good day, I trust you had a nice flight?"
If either of them were confused by the way of communication, neither of them showed it.
"It was a fine flight, took some time, but we're here now!"
"I'm glad. I see you have your own transportation, looks better than all we have, hah... Well, that said, we should probably get going, I assume the car can float on water, then, seeing as you have no boat...?"
The Emperor smiled
"Why yes it can"
Eucliwood's eyes widened in amazement. The Emperor noticing this said,
"Want to take a ride?"
Eucliwood nodded her head excitedly and hummed in happiness [OOC: Remember who this is... ]

As the procession moved to towards the car, Eucliwood noticed a bored man sitting in the Emperor's Plane's Cockpit. Hina, following her gaze sighed.
"Oh all right..." She said. "Only because I feel the need to make things complicated for Palkvania."
She jogged into the plane as the party entered the car.
"She'll be just a moment" Holo smirked, a devious smile on her face.

The door opened, and Hinagiku entered, dragging a nervous looking pilot on the hand, before thrusting him on a seat.
"Well then!" she exclaimed, "Let's get a move on!"

[Arrnea]

"Greetings, Major. We thank you for the warm welcome displayed here by the nations of Panvulkania & Charlottinien and Saubreme. We do hope that relations between our people shall remain ever peaceful, for the benefit of all" said Emperor Siegfried returning the courteous greeting of the officer before him, before turning to the three females of the Saubremien delegation that were approaching them from behind the Major.

... (OOC: When I use ellipsis like this, it means "refer to a previous post, usually immediately before, for the action taking place in this interval".)

Having introduced themselves (and at least some of the abilities of their rather marvelous automobile) to the Saubremien delegation with which they were to proceed to the Governor-General's residence for the party, the Emperor, his Empress and their two security guards proceeded towards their vehicle. On the way, the curiously pink-haired female dashed towards the plane, drawing concealed appraisals from the security guards, but no more. If she became a threat, the systems inside the plane would respond accordingly.

= Moments later

"Uwah!" exclaimed the pilot of the Emperor's jet, as he was grabbed by the hand by one of the strange young women that had been with the Saubremien delegation of the welcoming party for the Emperor and led out of the plane and into the car that the plane had been carrying for its flight. After he was ushered into one of the seats in the back of the car by the strange young woman, he said quietly to her "Ma'am, I appreciate it, but I'm driving" and stood up, getting into the driver's seat at the front as the other members of their combined delegation took their seats in the rear of the vehicle.

[Saubreme]

The ride to body of water separating the islands of Saubreme and New Saubreme was surprisingly smooth, based on the poor conditions of the road. However, there were still a few bumps that could be felt on the road, to which Holo started hissing and glaring at the ever-dwindling Charlotteanian welcoming party. Even Hinagiku, as refined as she was, would tut when she saw the road signs slowly being infected by the Charlotteanian language. Every now and then they would see a Saubremien being kicked into the floor by the invading party of Palkvanians. The sorrow was present in the three representatives of Saubreme who sat in the car.

As always, Eucliwood had no reaction to the blood falling down her face, although she did take steps to make sure none came into contact with her dress - it was what Victorique had worn, before her saddening death. Everytime a member of the Arrnean party moved, she would wince, fearing a physical blow from one of them. The war had left more than physical scars on her.

The journey was quick - it was very advanced technology, and they were suddenly arrived in Avril, and on the Mansions doorstep.

[New Saubreme]

As the car stopped, head maid Kampanin opened the door.

Greetings our dear guests. She bowed before the Emperor and the Empress. Our Mistress, Fürstin Lionin is already waiting. The dinner will be served just when his Highness wishes for it. Please follow me to the Mistress.

The maid trotted towards the great door out of exquisite dark vulkanian birch. But there already was the Governor General in her classic black dress, descending the few stairs to the ground. Altough she first rushed towards the Arrnea Emperor and Empress, she backed away as she saw that also Eucliwood and her staff followed the invitation. Her hopes were shattered, but though she wasn't as much a diplomat as a soldier, she kept her composure and smiled.

Welcome in Avril. My name is Fürstin Marina Lionin, Governor General of Saubreme. I hope the journey wasn't to tiring for you. Did everything go well? No proplems with the traffic or the coastguard?...Or the people here?

She glanced at the Saubremien delegation, than she looked at the Emperor as if she was pitying him for something.

[Arrnea]

While travelling through the streets of Victorique, Emperor Siegfried, a student of body language as he was, could not possibly have failed to notice the body language of the Saubremien delegation, ranging from torment to barely-contained rage, seemingly in response to the rapidly-passing surroundings outside the car. Making a mental note of the apparent disposition of the Saubremiens, he made no comment on the matter while inside the vehicle. The journey would be over soon, in any case... and the Vulkanians would be listening once they reached their destination.

As usual, the Imperial automobile handled the journey well, even given the poor state of the roads in the war-torn city of Victorique and its surrounds. Nearing the water's edge, the vehicle continued at top speed, its hydrofoil deploying from beneath as it left the land for the water. Once fully deployed, the vehicle picked up speed, cruising towards New Saubreme with minimal disturbance to the surrounding water... it was simply moving too fast to greatly affect the water below it.

Once they had arrived at the Governor-General's residence, the Emperor and his Empress exited the vehicle, with their security and the Saubremiens in tow, while the driver remained in his seat, watching vigilantly.

"Thankyou for your welcome, Fürstin Lionin. I am Emperor Siegfried of the Holy Order of Arrnea and this is my Empress, Kathrin." said the Emperor politely.
"The airborne leg of our journey was uneventful, but our brief hop from the airfield in Victorique to here gave us an interesting view of this country. It is a shame that it is so ravaged by the recent war here. Perhaps we will have to return when things have been rebuilt, to see how it truly ought to be. Our passage was cleared in advance with the coastguard, so we had no issues with them" he continued, making no comment in response to the Fürstin's query about the 'people' here nor in response to her gaze of pity.

[New Saubreme]

Marina Lionin smiled, upon hearing that everything seemed well.

I'm glad that it hasn't caused problems for you. And be sure that we also invite you, as soon as this poor land is properly reconstructed. The damage dealt though was necessary. The Saubremien delegation exchanged some glances, full of doubt about the positive sides of 'proper' reconstruction. But for now this has to make do, as we are busy with rebuilding, but still time is needed. Lionin escorted the delegations towards the interior, where a floor of black and white marmor and high massive pillars upheld the buildings structure. It was the great entry hall.

Without further waiting additional domestic workers came and helped the Empereror and Empress with coats and any baggage. Also some helped the Saubremians. Most of the maids and butlers were Saubremiens, mostly collaborateurs of the Haruna regime, who were ashamed to stand before Eucliwood. Some young one though said, Eucliwood Hellscythe?! So it's true that the noble Panvulkanians freed her. Now we can... She was stopped before anyone could hear the end of the murmured sentence. Florence, quiet..

From the shadows also a shadow came near Eucliwood. It was Haruna. Greetings, I hope everything here is fine in New Saubreme. We are constantly working to get your highness pleased. Then she turned towards the Saubremians After all we attempt to fit into the new order, instead of the Ewiggestrigen, who just remain in their past, whining. Hahaha

Of course Lionin progressed with the Arrnea delegation further to the dining room to avoid such infighting to be known for outsiders. If there's anything you need just say so. Or are there any questions, maybe?

[Saubreme]

Holo cast an eye over the once Saubremiens, now turned Panvulkanian. "To think that we fought out of the Dark Ages with them..." she whispered, just loud enough for them to hear. Their only reactions were to bow their heads in what would be assumed to be shame.

She shook her head, slowly lowered her hood. "Ahhhh!" she exclamied. "What a nice place stands here! Pity it was built on graves of our ancestors, but I'm sure they don't mind!". As her hood fell to her shoulders, a look of shock came across those in the room. Upon her hair were two, beautiful ears of a fox, and a tail slowly poking between her clothes.

By now, the pain Eucliwood felt was apparent; her face was now covered in blood, but the effort she put into keeping it from her dress was almost pitiful. Hinagiku went to attempt to wipe some off, but Eucliwood shook her head, and together they prepared to sit at the grand tables that awaited them. By now, Eucliwood was coughing up copious amounts of blood into her hands, giving her the look of some serial killer turned benign.

This stirred quite a reaction from Hinagiku. Instead of expressing it verbally, however, she merely settled with an aura of calm hatred. It was discreet, but not so much that people would not be able to read it. The sword that she strode with was settled neatly sheathed on her back. It was clear to see, however, that her hands were itching to feel it within her hands, to be entered into any body she saw fit.

[New Saubreme]

Lionin escorted the Siegfried and his wife to the next hall. There were already a great table, with fine dishes from all over Panvulkania and seats for t least 20 people. From the ceiling a not all to big but still fine crystal chandelier. Please take your seats. Our head maid will guide you there. I'll excuse myself for now, as there is some minor problem. Please don't mind and order your beverage already, if you wan't do.

Quickly she stepped out of the door, while Head Maid Kampanin showed the pair their seats and awaited further orders. Outside in the corridor, Lionin closed the door and went up to the Saubremiens, particularly Eucliwood. What the hell are you doing? Normally people don't come if they are on the brink of death. Here use this. Lionin took out her handkerchief and whiped away some of the blood. Miss Katsura, will she be fine? If yes then I hope she gets in a better shape, if no than please transport her back. As I far as I know Saubreme has no heir to the crown, should her majesty here pass away on my doorstep. And that would be a pity. She clapped two times and a little army of butlers and maids where awaiting their orders to help cleaning or transporting their de jure queen, while a quite distressed Marina went back to the dining hall.

[Arrnea]

Siegfried and Kathrin traded glances after taking their seats at the impressive dining table, having noticed the animosity between the Saubremiens in the building's foyer earlier. Their bodyguards were still in the foyer... and those men never forgot anything they saw or heard. They would definitely have to ask later what had transpired after they entered the dining room.

"Well, I guess we'll just wait here until the rest of the Fürstin's guests arrive" said Siegfried, clasping hands with his Empress as they waited.

[Saubreme]

Eucliwood looked at Marina.
"I am honored you worry so much for me", she wrote, "but I can assure you that I am fine, and I have come here in such a state that I should hopefully remain alive for the duration of this facade."
With that said, the trio left her and guided themselves into the eating area, whereupon they sat and awaited to see what would happen next. Eucliwood stared blankly at a wall, Horo started combing her [OOC: Beautiful] tail, and Hinagiku started to try and talk with Siegfried and co.

"So how are things in Arrnea?" she asked.

[Arrnea]

"Things in Arrnea are actually getting much better lately. We're still not perfect, but then, who is?" said Siegfried, with a hint of a smile on his face. "We'd been in a bit of an economic slump earlier, but we managed to pull up out of it" he continued.

"I'd ask how things are going in Saubreme, but the answer to that question occurs to me already. War is such a waste of efforts" he finished, grimacing slightly.

[New Saubreme]

Well, especially civil war., said Fürstin Lionin after she listened to the conversation for quite some while. But of course we are hoping to rebuild the damage dealt, soon. The airport is just the beginning and Avril is also partly repaired. But if I may present our guests. I take it not everyone knows each other. These are Siegfried and Kathrin, Emperor and Empress of ourr Arrnea friends, she made a gesture towards the Arrnea delegation. Then there is our new friends and protectees from Saubreme, Eucliwood, Hinagiku and Holo. Later also leader of some isolationist country we have sent a cheese cake to, double-layered at that. Now she went to the Panvulkanian side. And here I may present the representant of her Highness Nina Hinagin, and the leader of the Vulkanian Hina Faith, Her eminence and her highness' elder sister Albrîn Tomijin, as well as our guests from new Saubreme, Haruna, the Genius Mahou-shoujo A short confident laugh was to be heard and the prime minister Norah von Arendtheim.

Norah von Arendtheim stood up. She was wearing a careworn robe and looked a bit malnourished, but still determination in her eyes, gazed now on Holo with her ears.I think I've seen you somewhere. Ah yes. Please excuse me. How could I forget? I'm Norah Arendt. The Governor General added Norah von Arendtheim was given a title after the foundation of New Saubreme, for her outstanding diligence and loyalty. Norah looked a bit downwards and with shyness in her voice she made the last part of the introduction I'm now in charge of the CCCP, the Company for Common Commerce of Panvulkania, which is responsible for Panvulkanian investment to Saubreme, as well as the Laurentius Kraftfahrzeugwerke, or shortly LKW. She stretched out her hand to greet Holo, who she just recognised as an old acquaintance from past days.

[Saubreme]

Horo took the hand and shook it. Still smirking from the cheese cake comment.
"Well well, Norah, you seem to have made a name for yourself since the gold smuggling" she said looking forlornly at her. "That said, you could've chosen, how should I say this, more benevolent group to work with. But, whatever. Poor you" Horo say back, looking satisfied.

Hinagiku was still talking to Siegfried and co. "War is an ugly beast. After emerging from the depths of one, we then found ourselves back in another one. Then, everything just went completely wrong..."

Eucliwood sat there, still bleeding, looking calm and collected as she waited for events to transpire. That, or she would have to act as a catalyst.

[Arrnea]

"War does have a habit of turning the most fortuitous times sour" remarked Siegfried, nodding at Hinagiku's comment. Soon afterward, he was nudged gently by his Empress, who wore a meaningful look on her face.

"I do hope that you can return your nation to prosperity without further conflict erupting, though my hopes for this are not great" he continued. Another nudge from the Empress ensued and he quickly added "but there is always hope".

[New Saubreme]

Well, and her Highness, my sister also is against another war, as our policy is towards reconstructing not destroying Saubreme., came from across the table from the rather small Albrîn, her silver hair falling in her face. Because the north wind will only make the wanderer hold his coat even tighter. The sun it is, that makes him loosen it. Then she took her traditional tea and slurped a bit, looking at the empress with her red eyes.

[Saubreme]

Horo smirked,

"Another war? Well, we seem to be quite trigger happy, as one might say. Perhaps one day the trigger will not do as you expected..."
Her words hung in the air, leaving an air of malice.

Whilst this happened, Eucliwood took out her notepad and wrote:
"Can we not speed this procession up, at least a tiny bit? I have matters to attend to".

[New Saubreme]

The High Priestess' gaze wandered from the empress to Holo.

Why another war? We aren't uneducated troglodytes but an Empire. If we have no valid reason, our Empress wouldn't declare a war on anyone. After all we can't sacrifice our people just for simple entertainment. But why should we continue such depressing talk about things lying in the past, as Saubreme now get's not only our and our friendly neighbours attention, but also the funding to be rebuild, so that in the end the country should be even better than before. Or is there any reason our dear guests cut such saddening topics?

Then again she slurped her tea, while Marina Lionin grew anxious and Haruna ordered another cup of wine.

[Sauville (Ancient)]

Horo raised her eyebrows

"A valid reason for war? This is new to me coming from you. I don't recall a valid reason for the declaration of war upon us, but I shall let that slide. That, and the irony that you're rebuilding the damage you caused. But if would probably be for the best if we left such topics for now. I heard from a friend that you have been interacting with two more nations - Sauville and Greater Yoitsu. How does that fare? Any reasons for needing them? I thought the policy was attack on sight, after all"

[New Saubreme]

Albrîn giggled.

Oh my, how nice we are today. Well, at least we have some people here, who appreciate our rebuilding, but maybe the main island wants to starve as the damage won't be repaired? But how is Saubreme faring, in the little time it isn't cursing those who rebuild it?

Then she smuggled a letter to Marina, who turned white as the china from the tea cups and rashed out the door. If you'll excuse me. I'm feeling not all to well.

[Saubreme]

This reaction rewarded raised eyebrows from the Saubreme party.

"I will just be one moment" wrote Eucliwood, before running off after Marina. She found her, a teary wreck under her desk. As a simple response, Eucliwood wrapped her arms around her, and said nothing, but bore the words into Marina's mind: "She could die tonight..."

Horo still seemed to be asking for trouble.
"Worry not, we have can rebuild. Starvation seems to be a little far-fetched, considering the lack of depth of out situation. But, I digress"

Hinagiku seemed to be getting bored as well.
"Well, this is one hell of a party", she said, her voice laced with cynicism.

[New Saubreme]

Marina was crying in Eucliwoods arms. She didn't know why, but she couldn't stop. Somehow she just needed this warmth right now, even if some cluncky armor was between them.

Meanwhile in the dining room. Well, it's a proper dinner, not some party. But I fear that maybe Saubremians could fall back into their dark ages. Or what was this island before we came? Some ravaged unstable country behind the times

Now, now. No reason to be infuriated. After all the times are getting calmer and we don't need to harrass each other verbally., inclined suddenly Norah, worried over the course of the discussion.

I'd like another cup, riighht? came from under the table.