The civilian commercial sections are booming now that the war and the organization that threatened the Commonwealth's ideals and legitimacy were now as good as gone.

In the aftermath of the war, imports from Flashia became the choice of the average Esterrian citizens, as compared to others many of them is cheap and more readily available whilst having good quality themselves. A couple of cars also made it to Esterria, although it's only nobles that were able to afford to get them and maintain for the time being.

Infrastructure was massively improved upon even during the war, with asphalt roads introduced to much of the Commonwealth and its duchies, making getting from point A to point B a much easier affair, especially for the new military vehicles the Royal Armed Forces had received as aid packages.

There is a portion of the population that opposed this change however, as they claimed Esterria is undergoing foreign influence, in particular, Flashia like how those empires do with states that surround them. However, even if this is true, most don't care much about it, so long as their lives just keep on getting better.

Even in prospering times though, the tensions in the Gestraen continent are still felt among the people as convoys of Royal Army vehicles passed through towns such as Faanhoft to the Southern border.

19/7/1702

Main Battle Tanks, APCs, and trucks carrying supplies rolled down the roads of the small town. The citizens rushed outside, to the sides of the road to see the self-propelled 'carriages' barreling down the street themselves.

Fascinations with Esterria's new toys unilaterally fell upon the onlookers, as soldiers sitting outside just enjoying their ride and waved at the people that looked at them. The flags of Esterria flew through Faanhoft's houses like a gush of wind, and the townspeople were left asking the same question: How could such a big self-propelled vehicle have such speed?

After the Royal Army went past, came the red-white flag of bend pattern. These vehicles were bigger, and bears an angled square insignia on the sides instead of the front right tricolor of the Esterrian military.

They came to a quick realization that this is, in fact, the military of Flashia just passing by, following the Esterrian convoy. Eventually whispers came up in some of the ones watching them.

"What are these Flashians doing here?"

"Haven't you heard the news?"

"What news?"

"Esterria signed a mutual defense treaty with Flashia"

"Ah..."

...

"Go-den-morgen!... Did I say that right? Kawagrzmotia! Yes, it is that big day with our Southern neighbors. My name is Damian Głowacki and you're listening to Silver Eagle 142.6, now let's get into the news of the morning!

As you might have heard, Flashia have officially signed the mutual defense treaty with the Commonwealth of Esterria with approval of the Parliament. This would allow us to protect our current only ally before Naeslagtland, as we continue to face arguably the most difficult times since the 1990s. It's also one step further into the Flash-Esterrian relationship.

Speaking of Naeslagtland, the kingdom has now officially abolished slavery in a national level, being the second Gestraen country to do so as far as we know, which granted the country with a shockingly similar culture of our Northern parts to establish diplomatic relations and trades with Flashia. Could it be that the New World Order is shifting around the Gestrae continent? We don't know for sure, but we sure did gain more ally in the process.

Okay, let's talk more about what's happening in the country right now. Recently, the Federal Government has confirmed that about 16 of the liberated slaves are eligible for citizenship. It's not a lot in my honest, but we're making progress nonetheless though I should note that it is subject to some fierce debates..." - Silver Eagle 142.6

...

"So this is Esterria huh?"

The 88th Division of the Flash Army is one of the first units to set foot on Esterrian soils... well, other than the Luftforsvar which was already there before them. To the Flash troops, it feels... surreal to be here, like they had travelled in time.

Compared to their homeland, Esterria is more reminiscent of an older era, from centuries ago. It did weird out some of the soldiers here, some experiencing cultural shocks, but overall it just looks pretty cool for many.

After a long ride, the soldiers exits their vehicles. IFV, APCs, and trucks were unloaded as their deployment has started, where they will be staying in a base expanded with a patch of land specifically for the 88th.

The Pansar 82A2s parked at what looks like an impromptu parking lot, right next to the group of Esterrian older 55s. The rest of the vehicles were left at the patch of land that isn't occupied by any kind of building.

Their Esterrian counterparts welcomed the Flash troops that are now have their boots on their home. Some laughter were shared, some jokes were cracked, and both of these guys had a good time overall.

There's still one problem though... Their base isn't built up enough for them, and knowing their officers, these Flash grunts will have their hands dirty soon enough on building the necessary facilities. It's going to be a rough first day.

"You're saying that we will have to work on day one?"

"Unfortunately, yes"

"Well shit..."

...

An airplane, not a wyvern or a dragon, but a plane is soaring through the skies over Gestrae. This aircraft had silver paint along with the words, 'Geschnokean Dominion' painted on the fuselage.

The Geschnokean Dominion or Geschnokea is... not a Gestraen country, but rather they lie on a separate continent, where the all-too-familiar magics are more advanced there. On board the airplane is someone important, the one who deals with things outside of their country.

20/7/1702 "The Federal Republic of Flashia..." commented the 'important one' as he looks upon a paper "What a peculiar name..."

The important person I'm talking about is of affiliation with Geschnokean Foreign Affairs Office, or more specifically, the 5th Area Office. The 5th Area Office is the one to turn to when it comes to diplomacy in the region beyond the 'Civilized Regions'.

Unlike most of their counterparts however, Geschnokean 5th Office is less brash as they were more willing to work with even 'barbarian' nations, often said to be more curiousity than showing off, a polar opposite to other powers' equivalent. This is their first time working with a republic though, and with knowledge of an average KU country's opinion on one, concerns are still raised around this new country as they try to tip toe their way through lest they end up like that experienced by Esterria.

He closes the case with the papers, his mind shifts his focus to the recent events that had happened in Northern Gestrae. The Gevaka War, the Great Naval Battle of Lernoa Sea, and Flashia's involvement in the Havenklein War that was pivotal for the emancipators to achieve victory that they have desired.

He couldn't help but think, how could a single 'uncivilized' republic fare so well against an alliance of the most powerful countries of the regions? It's better to shelve that thought for now, as he anticipates an arrival to Flashia, eager to show them their technological advancement.

Just then however, he hears an ominous muffled roar of something soaring through the air. He looked through the windows of the aircraft, trying to find the source of the roar, and there it is in all its glory.

The one that made that roar on the right of the aircraft he's on was this:



Its design is distinctive, more so than that of Geschnokean and Verdecanan planes, but there's no denying that it's a fighter jet with the big round exhaust at the rear. This particular fighter carried large spears under its fuselage and had a red roundel of a cross with a flag without the shield on the fin of the aircraft.

"Geschnokean Airlines aircraft, you're approaching Flash airspace, state your intention or turn back immediately!"

That was the word of the pilot sitting behind the joystick of this fighter jet via the Geschnokean version of magi-comm, which picks up both magic and non-magic signal. While the envoy is still observing the jet in awe, the pilot would pick up the message and sent a reply.

"We are approaching Flashia for diplomatic purpose, we have a diplomatic envoy of the Geschnokean Dominion on board"

The replying message was sent to the the fighter jet of Flashia, before another transmission was sent over.

"Roger, follow me for a place to land"

And then the fighter jet went a bit to the front of the plane, revealing much of its back side. It isn't a single engine, but a double from what anyone could see.

'...And the wing design, it's swept back... could it be the key to achieving faster than sound flight?'

The theory of speed faster than sound had been the recent subject of debates between the Verdecanan and Geschnokean scientists, with one side advocating for advancement to speed faster than sound itself, while the other side stating that it's simply not possible.

This diplomat is one who believed the supersonic dream no matter how far-fetched it seemed right now. With the plane now following the Flashian fighter jet. He waits and waits for the eventual time to set foot on Flashia for the first time ever.

[Note: J-22 Orao is the only plausible aircraft that I could find that won't fall out of the sky while attempting to match that of Geschno plane. Also, it's a subsonic ground attack, it can't go Mach 1 and is generally ill-suited for aerial combat]

...

As the sun dawns upon a new day, a silver-haired cat opens her bleak eyes, finding herself in a... rather fancy camp for a mere slave like her. She's here with a few others, who are still asleep, taking their well-deserved rest. She's just up because what she went through wouldn't leave her alone.

From the years of her being nothing more than a sex slave and the most recent explosions back at the island she was brought to. The cat is no longer in the hands of a certain La Ferdinan noble, but she's still worried about her future.

Oh well, at least Flashia is nicer to her, now that she's got a white shirt and a black short to wear instead of rags or even going naked, which is unfortunately enough was most of the case. The cat demi-human just kept thinking and thinking about how she'll end up in the future. And then, someone stopped by her tent

"Oh, hey..." said a man in a green, brown and black in a certain pattern "You're awake already? Slept well?"

The cat didn't say anything to the man, looking away afterward, face down to herself with her ears folding along. However, the man seems to be not really provoked in anyway whatsoever as he stood there.

"Come on, follow me, we'll get you registered in a moment"

The girl stood up and began following the man outside, where many camps like the one she's staying are placed in line. The camps were placed right outside a warehouse on a parking lot, which had been converted in a pinch of time.

It's still early morning, about 6 in the morning, at 20/7, the year should be 1702 but it's 2017 for them, exactly 315 years ahead. The silver demi-human still following the green man step by step.

Both of them would enter a building with a small office inside. This office doesn't have much, but it still has sufficient facilities for paperworks and a lot of document for one man, speaking of which...

The man in green from before sat down on his chair of the only table in the office. He looks around the office before turning back to the catgirl who was lingering by the doorway.

"C'mon, don't be shy, just take a seat"

The girl reluctantly walks into the office, and then sitting down on the chair opposing the brown hair beared man.

"It's quite a mess as you can see" he said while putting on his glasses "But we'll sort it out later... Now, first and foremost, what's your name?"

Uncertainty fell upon her for a little while, before finally opening her mouth for the first time since being out of Enzo's control:

"Y-Y-Yvonne"

The bearded man nodded.

"Is that your first name?"

The cat-eared girl replied: "Y-Yes"

"Then what is your last name?"

"N-Nored"

"Right... Yvonne Nored... Can you tell me your age and birthday?"

"17... I was born on the second day of Feyes*..."

He paused for a bit before flipping up some sort of small black tablet with the face lighting up as he pressed a button before the surface was turned away from her sight.

"Feyes, Feyes, Feyes..." the man mumbled to himself as he swiped on the tablet with his finger "Ah, right" and then he put it down, having turned it off with a press to a certain spot on the side and filled in the blanks with his pen.

The girl then sat there in silence, as the man writes down on the clearly completely white paper, which is a novelty for her back then. So far, she had been surprisingly been treated quite nicely, but the big question started to overwhelm her, until it grew to a point where she couldn't hold it in any longer.

"...Who will be my owner?"

The bearded man seemed to be caught off-guard with the question.

"Pardon?"

He would take awhile to process whatever Yvonne just said.

"Oh, no no no wait, we don't do that here" in a sudden shift to a more serious face.

What does he mean by them not doing that here?

"Here's how we work in Flashia" he explains "If you're a slave, and you're here, you're emancipated by default, no questions asked. We don't care who you are and where you come from, if you're in Flashia, you're free"

She could not believe the words she heard out of the mouth of the man in green.

"Slavery has not been a thing since the 1600s here, which is around 400 years ago. Rest assured you'd be able to do anything completely of your own free will"

Normally, a country in this twisted world would allow people to be forced to do anything for their masters no matter the condition and what kind, ranging from picking cottons to you-know-what. However, it seems that in evil, there is a good, and she found it.

"Alright, that is all for now, you're free to go now"

"E-Eh? Oh..."

The silver catgirl stood up and slowly walks away from the office, then reaching for the door. She exits the the small building, closing the door, still uncertain about how she will end up. She glances to her right and see 2 guards in the same uniform as the man with the the beard, armed with strange but undeniably black guns with green vests and pouches on their body.

The cat previously thought that they were there to keep her and others in, but really, if going by what he said, it turns out that it's more for keeping them safe and keeping 'slave hunters' out.

Yvonne faces front again, still being thoughtful as ever. She started walking again, back from the office to the camp she had stayed in, with the only thing being left behind are clear drops on the ground that would soak into the stone.

...

Barminde International Airport (BIA), Barminde outskirt, Tilenogtyve In the state of Tilenogtyve which hosts Flashia's (de-facto) capital city, the International Airport that doesn't receive international flights and acts more as a temporary airbase until now just outside the city awaits a special guest. According to the Luftforsvar that reported back, the one that will be landing here carries a diplomatic envoy from the Geschnokean Dominion.

As far as anyone knows, Geschnokea... isn't a country in Gestrae but rather from another continent completely, more specifically the Amdstreel continent if memory serves right, which would mean this is the first time a country not from Gestrae and is of civilized origin to visit Flashia since Esterria and Naeslagtland.

An aircraft reminiscent of the 1930s era would approach the runway after the Orao that was pressed into sub-sonic interception role with modifications had already landed on the other one. It slowly but surely descends to the ground, and then touchdown. The aircraft of 3 propeller engines, 2 under the wings and one right at the nose began to slow down.



(Bloch MB.120)

It did not take as long as the Flash interceptor did to slow itself down to a halt, before then taxiing off the runway to the apron of the airport where it eventually arrives at and cars of black color as well as a group of men had been awaiting for them.

Exiting through the door is the important man of the flight who'd climb down the ramp slowly. He looks around the surrounding, and got quite a good first impression with the airport. He then continued on to the black cars, before someone in a suit and a shaded pair of glasses approached him.

"I'm from the Foreign Ministry of Flashia" the suit introduced himself "I've been sent here to welcome you on behalf of the Federal Republic of Flashia, honored to meet you today"

The envoy would nod.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well" replied the Geschnokean "My name is Murrais Janos, from the 5th Area Office of the Ministry of Foreign Diplomacy, pleasured to meet you, Mr...?"

"Holvaster Mattson"

"Ah yes, Mr. Mattson"

(Just a clarification, Janos is pronounced as 'Ya-nos')

Both of the people from each of their respective would continue walking to the convoy in black.

"So tell me something..." Janos would speak as they went "...What is a Federal Republic that your country refers itself as?"

"Well basically, it's like a republic but with several regions with autonomy from each other" answered Holvaster "Think of it as one country functioning as several different ones"

"I see... do they ever answer to a central authority?"

"Of course they do... if it's pressing enough, other than that, they're free to do pretty much anything as long as it is allowed in a loose set of rules for such parts"

The Geschnokean envoy would nod in acknowledgement.

After that, they would arrive at their assigned car as the back door was opened for them to get in. Right off the bat, Janos immediately found the seat to be very much comfortable, more so than a lot of cars back home. Another thing is that the temperature was also kept at a constant state of cool even despite the scorching outdoors.

'What kind of magic could achieve this?' he thought to himself.

From what Janos could see so far, the excitement is only just increasing for his diplomatic mission to this supposedly 'uncivilized and backwards republic'.

...

Whether the populous of the Civilized Regions realize it or not, when one thinks of La Ferdina, it's almost guaranteed that the first thing that comes to mind is its capital city, Greater Jefermai.

Built as a fortress at its core, specifically designed to house the past important figures in an event of an invasion that was so feared in the days of the Kingdom of Ferdina, the town has since evolved into the biggest city in the Empire and perhaps even in Gestrae.

And that was possible as they received weapons from Geschnokea, kickstarting numerous conquest campaigns that got them to the point to today, going from potential prey to a giant powerhouse that shouldn't be messed with.

With conquered territories came resources, a lot of them actually, and much of it had been spent on the town which expanded in size, becoming the prideful Greater Jefermai it is now, its status later elevated to the capital where the Empress tends to her works.

Speaking of the Empress, Reine Bethune would be sitting on her throne, reading a report from her subjects.

"So if I am reading this correctly, the Esterrians and the Flashians have amassed their troops near our borders with them, is that correct?" as Reine puts the paper down as her view shifts to the Commander "And all of them are directly placed on our planned axis of attack?"

"That is exactly the case, Your Majesty" replied back the one in charge of the whole military.

The Empress of La Ferdina sighed, in disappointment that is. La Ferdina and the rest of the KUG, with the exception of Naeslagtland who did nothing since after the spies were caught, had believed they forged a perfect plan to knock Esterria in one go so they could focus the entire effort on Flashia.

But the prospect of the perfect plan began to crumble when troops of both opposing countries started to build up troops at the border, and they happen to be at exactly all of the planned routes into the Commonwealth.

Warships were also active around the waters where KUG also would've used for the great offensive, solidifying the message that the plan had already fell apart before it came into fruition (as if it's a good plan to begin with). It's as if they suddenly knew all the war plan, and there's only one to blame for this. She turned to another of her subordinates.

"...So this is how you are going to do it, huh...?" she mumbled to herself before she returned to normal volume to deliver an order to another aide by her side "Instate an embargo on the Kingdom of Naeslagtland, stop all trade with them right this instant, let them know their action does not come without consequences"

"Your wish is my command" before he then went on, and left the throne room.

"As for you..." as the Empress turns back to the Commander-in-Chief "Put our troops on high alert, they're up to something, I can feel it..."

He simply nodded before standing up from his kneeling position.

"If that is your wish then it shall be fulfilled" before taking his leave.

...

"What kind of buffoon do they think they are?!" retorted the king of Naeslagtland "Have they not learned anything from Esterria?!"

"Please, Your Majesty, calm down!" begged Fosberg who is next to Madsen IV "You have been becoming angrier by the minute!"

"I- ugh... I apologize, it just feels like those at the Kingdoms Union keeps finding way to fill me with rage"

"I understand, Your Majesty, but calm as the King of our fatherland, you must stay rationale to serve our Naeslagtland for the good"

"You're right, you're right... Come to think of it, I might need some books from Flashia, they might have something to help..."

...

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Barminde, Flashia The black car has finally arrived to the Foreign Ministry of Flashia, well, the gate of it at least. The gates would be opened up by itself, slowly but surely swinging away from each other. The lines of black vehicle would start moving again, and the words 'Federal Republic of Flashia' would again appear in gold-plated letters.

Janos took his time to get his composure in order, suppressing his excitement while they gradually approach the building's entrance. After some time waiting, the vehicle comes to a halt, while a guard in grey uniform walks up to the vehicle.

The guard would open the door for the Geschnokean envoy and Holvaster. Upon exiting, the guard then give them a salute in a snappy motion. Both would then continue onto the building, with guard turning his head to them before facing forward again, putting his hand down and closing the door of the vehicle.

The black car would set off to leave, the guard slowly returns to his previous position, as the two had entered the building. Janos upon entering feels exhilaration rushing through him, but he still managed to keep his face stoic, still having the main task in his head.

"So about your country, can you tell me more about that?" inquired Holvaster.

"Ah, I told you you would see it soon" replied the Geschnokean envoy.

They would arrive at the room, opening the door and were met with the Flash delegates already waiting for them.

"Gentlemen, I'm sorry to keep you waiting but this is Murrais Janos, from the Geschnokean Ministry of Foreign Diplomacy, 5th Area Office" Holvaster introduced on his behalf.

Janos slightly bowed.

"It is an honor to be working here with you"

"It's our pleasure to work with you too" said a grey-haired man "I'm Oliver Magovac, the Foreign Minister of Flashia" as he reached out hand.

The envoy immediately gets the message and reached his right out, grabbing his counterpart hand and shakes it.

"Honored to be meeting you here today Mr. Magovac"

Both sides would later settle down on their seat, Flashia on one side and the Geschnokean on the other side.

"So to start, tell us more about the Geschnokean Dominion"

"Ah yes, I was getting to that" then Janos cleared his throat "The Geschnokean Dominion is a constitutional monarchy, that had gone through more than a century of history... In the first place, according to very early historical records, we had no magic whatsoever, we were what the others call a 'mechanical' nation. Because of that, when we got invaded, we stood no chance against those with magic. And it's because of so many of such defeat that we became interested in the magic of this world, but as I said, we are a mechanical nation so we resorted to mix science and technology with magic, bringing us advancements that I see a lot here strangely enough..."

The Flash delegates turned to each other, having a little chatter and nodding before shifting their focus back to the Geschnokean envoy.

"Very well then, what about the technology? Can you show us?"

Janos already has the papers on his hands, containing info all about their technological advancement.

"Sure, here you go" as he passes the paper to the Flash delegates.

On the paper Magovac and his company received, there were black and white pictures of their products. Ranging from a car to a bi-plane, it sparked some discussions within the Flash Ministry, before then turning back.

"If I'm going to be honest, those things you showed us are reminiscent of what it's like 90 years ago" Holvaster commented, on the right of the Flash Foreign Minister.

90 years ago? Flashia is that advanced? Those 2 questions kept repeating in the mind of this Geschnokean. Janos knew they were advanced, but not 90 years ahead advanced. He felt a little bit of shame, at the same time however, he's still eager to learn more.

At this point, it was Janos' turn to ask the question:

"Now that's done with, tell me more about your country"

To which Oliver answered:

"The Federal Republic of Flashia is a federal state consisting of 11 states. Think of us as 11 countries with autonomy, no jurisdiction over each other while being united as one country. Flashia has gone through many years of history, from the Tilenogtyvean conquest, the formation and the dissolution of the Flashic Empire, the 1900 Autumn Revolution, meaning a century and 17 years ago, that replaced the United Kingdom with the Federal Republic, to now where we suddenly got transferred"

So Flashia used to have an Empire, a monarchy and was also a transferred country, but another question had risen, why choosing becoming a republic?

"May I ask why did you overthrow the monarchy in 1900 as I've heard?"

Magovac and Holvaster turns to each other for a short bit then turning back.

"Long story short, the Barminde Scandal caused a nationwide series of protests that led to the King's peaceful abdication" summarized Holvaster to answer Janos' question, to which he accepted with a nod. He then continues on with the meeting.

"I suppose we shall move on with this meeting. The Geschnokean Dominion has only one simple request: The Geschnokean embassy shall be established in the capital of Flashia"

"That can be done on our part" said his Flash counterpart "But first, what's slavery like in Geschnokea?"

And suddenly Janos felt nervous, and he himself does not know why. It wasn't a personal question, yet it felt like one. He takes a deep breath in an effort to maintain his composure, before continuing.

"The Geschnokean Dominion has no slaves, we don't think slaves are an efficient way to develop our economy"

The Flash delegates nodded to the envoy's answer.

"Then we can go forward with this request" said the Flash Foreign Minister "...Had you answered differently, we may refuse to work with you at all"

'Ah, there's my source of anxiety'

"But there's a bit of a catch though"

And suddenly it came back like a boomerang.

"You'd have to pay monthly rent for the buildings, I would like to apologize for this, but that's what we've been doing to prop up our economy since the transfer"

The Geschnokean envoy breathed a sigh of relief again before nodded in understanding.

"You didn't have to make me that worried again..."

"I'm sorry?"

"Nothing..."

"...Okay... now if you excuse us" as both stood up from the chair "I think we can end the meeting here"

"Yes, once again it has been a great honor to be working with all of you today"

They would leave the meeting room, one by one, the Geschnokean going one way, and the Flash going another upon exiting by the door. Janos would rejoin his aides who had been waiting outside and then walked down the hallway and headed to the exit of the building before another thought comes across his mind.

'What does Flashia have to show us? What wonders have they not shown yet?'

...

One week later

"My dear citizens of Esterria, who is present here at Einskirka, the capital city of the Commonwealth we call home. In the past recent months, we have endured extremely difficult time ever since the Royal Decree of 1701, from the assassination of Queen Marie II and King Luuk IV to the outbreak of the Havenklein War.

We had endured times of economic recession not seen before in our history, as we were sanctioned into oblivion by the Kingdoms Union, the same organization who we used to have membership of before being suspended for the Royal Decree. It was a price that was bound to be paid, a price for doing the right thing.

Then came the war in Havenklein which had only exacerbated our dire situation. The already dwindling resources were spent on the war effort, and many of our soldiers fell down in the bloody regional war. The future of the Commonwealth of Esterria was looking dim by the day, until a certain so-called 'uncivilized' country appeared to the North of us.

In the fourth month of the year 1702, a country going by the name of the Federal Republic of Flashia came into contact with us. Allegedly they were a transferred country, similar to that of the Geschnokean Dominion, but that did not matter much. What does matter is that Flashia, even though they're a republic, was willing to help us in our difficult time.

They bought many of our goods, and also built up better infrastructures for Esterria in exchange. Furthermore, they began to transfer much of their old military equipment which have been proved to be potent and changed the course of the war. From the simple infantry rifle to the cannon-wielding Pansar 55, the moment that it fell into Esterrian hands was the day that the slavers' days were numbered.

When the time came, with enough on our hand, on the fourth day of the seventh month, in early morning, the Esterrian Royal Army, along with Flashia's Luftforsvar who came to the country conducted a counteroffensive in an effort to restore the region of Havenklein to the Commonwealth's control.

The offensive was highly successful, as we were able to retake Scharna and Limmenstein in just one day, in a matter of a few hours. Then we took back Terholt and Vosselberg, and finally the regional capital of Pannerden. It was at this very battle, the second battle of Pannerden did the pro-slavery rebels surrendered to the Commonwealth forces.

With the help of our Flash friends, we were able to secure victory in Havenklein for us, to end the war for once and for all. And it's because of this we could focus more on rebuilding our economy to the state it was before the sanctions. But I would like to iterate that this is not the end of the tensions for us.

In a meeting with the Kingdom of Naeslagtland, we made the discovery of a plan forged by the Kingdoms Union Gestrae to invade the Commonwealth, to subjugate our people. We could not stay silent about this any longer, so on behalf of Esterria, we would like to make it clear that no matter what, this Commonwealth will not bow down to the enemy and her soldiers will be ready to defend their home.

Now what does the future has in store for us? We do not know, neither does the government nor its people. But one thing is for sure, Esterria will come back, maybe even stronger than ever even despite the threat of the Kingdoms Union. I, Queen Marie III, am hopeful for the future, and whether my life be short or long, could serve Esterria until the end of time. Thank you"

The crowds of Esterrian people stood there, with chatters among them erupting before silence take hold as the flag of Esterria, with an eagle bearing a red cross on a shield is slowly carried to the pole opposite to the reviewing post in order.

The Royal Guards that are bearing the colors were wearing the old uniform of sky blue, with the muskets on their shoulder and the guns buttstock held by their left hand.

The flag of blue-white-red was now hoisted to the pole, and before then, it was raised up to the top to a tune familiar to those living in Esterria.

After the flag was set up to be flying with the air and the square fell silent, a firm order was shouted out.

"Right, TURN!"

The Royal Guards at the concrete path that was facing the direction of the flag oriented themselves to the right in sync. And the lead Guard shouted again.

"Commonwealth Troops! Forward, MARCH!"

And that kicks off the parade as the military band once agains performs the military songs of Esterria while the troops marched forward. Their steps were kept casual, the hand swung to waist level and kept straight like a pendulum, all in sync.

When they got close to the reviewing post, they have their eyes to the right, with the exception of the Guards on the furthest right. Keep in mind this course of action would be repeated across all formations seen here. The leader raised his sabre up to right in front, the blade at face level before lowering his sword down with the tip pointing down on the ground in an acute angle with the other hand staying still on the scabbard.

They took steps by steps while another contigent from another part of the Royal Army can be seen following behind. With their traditional battle dress of slightly darker hue of Sky Blue and without the Red seen on the Royal Guards, they represent the traditional musketeers that fought valiantly in Havenklein before the 'Great Transformation'. Again they carried muskets with bayonets fixed on their shoulder like the more prestigious Guards before them.

After the ground troops had marched away, their Navy counterparts would take the spotlight. Their attire remains similar to that of the Army but this time, with yet another different hue of blue being much darker than the previous two contingents.

After that was the march of the wyvern riders, who did not bear any arms except for the leading ones with the swords and were much smaller this time. Despite this, they still pass by, swinging their arms proudly as members of the Wyvern Corps.

Next is the troops with the Flash equipment, adorning a drab green uniform, helmet and most importantly displaying their new weapons. They firmly held their weapons by the stock as it sloped on its side along with their shoulder (owing to the box magazines being in the way), allowing the onlookers to see the right arms of the free world that won the war in their full glory from the front.

They were also far larger, with 2 following formations also having the same kind of equipment before finally moving on to the one armed with a smaller weapon characterized by a perpendicular grip relative to the receiver and the box of bullets right inside said grip. The right hand held the stock of the gun as they were held to the body with slings, the other one swung as they normally do.

Those weapons are obviously a lot more lighter than the three other formation with rifles, being issued to NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers), itself a concept originating from the Flash Land Army themselves and Commissioned Officers who led their troops in the frontline of Havenklein to replace their flintlock and swords. And it was extremely effective especially in tight spaces of urban warfare.

This one is the only of their kind as they march by, now giving way to the other troops coming into view. These are armed with an even longer weapon, shouldered properly on their right, with a circular box hanging from the left of the gun. Often known as the buzzsaw, this hefty gun is reknowned for its extreme rate-of-fire that helped in causing possible irreparable emotional damages to those who fought with the EAS.

As the Queen and her Prime Minister stood there watching their troops march by, Madsen IV who had been invited here could not help but wonder about the weapons supplied by Flashia to Esterria. Simon Thomasen, the president of Flashia on the other hand just simply stood there as he waits for more of the parade.

What was he specifically waiting for? Well it was none other than the Flash contingent which later came into view. Being much smaller in size in comparison, the formation included three uniforms of the Ground Forces, Navy and Luftforsvar in that order with their distinctive black guns sloped on their should.

At first, they marched casually, but then when they got close enough, they started straightened their legs out, tramping on the ground that sounded like a singular step of a giant as they march past with the swords lowered to have their tips pointed at the ground, again at an acute level after the lead had brought his blade to his face as a show of respect.

And then after awhile, going past the post, they start doing it casually again. Next up was the Naeslagtlandic contingent of troops, which is similar to the Esterrian Royal Army prior to receiving Flash equipment, only with slightly different musket, red uniform and navy blue pants.

The Naeslagt King watched pridefully as while his soldiers are out there, marching in the square of Einskirka. They used a marching style similar to their Esterrian counterparts, but the hand was swung up to chest level this time around.

After the Naeslagts, the Royal Military Band of Esterria was the next one to march on this square. Drums are beating and the brass blowing out, as they keep playing the music while marching in line.

After the Royal Band, there were no one left to march, as the crowds stood in silence, waiting for more of the Royal Army. Faint periodic flutters are heard in the skies, as formation of wyverns flew by the square.

Formations after formations flew, as onlookers looked up to appreciate the view of the Esterrian Wyvern Corps, as they showed their might. The Wyvern Corps flypast would eventually end, as more would still come by the square.

Rumbling sound from a distance was then could be heard, and before anyone knew it, the carriages of green came into the ground.



The leading carriage was open with personnel standing on the bed, holding a flag. Following it were rows of 3, closed top. The wheels rolled by in line with each other, from front, back and the sides.

These vehicles, while weren't at the center of action, were good at getting some from point A to point B where needed as well as small amount of supplies when applicable. It was also used by tank platoon and company leaders where tanks aren't appropriate.

At the reviewing post meanwhile, Madsen in particular was fascinated by the carriage currently on the square. Not only does it have features that KUG's self-propelled ones lack, but it also looks a lot nicer, even some luxurious ones somehow falls behind this vehicle of military exterior-wise, at least from his perspective.

There's just something about plain simple translating into some kind of aesthetic that he could not explain.

The 4-wheeled carriage would subsides, and the bigger 6-wheeler came into view. Unlike the last one, this formation does not have a leader, just rows of 3.

This truck was vital in terms of logistics, carrying a lot more supplies for the Royal Army troops, ranging from ammunition for infantry to spare parts for the maintenance units. It is also important to note the truck was subject to some shitty technical tomfoolery, with 40mm stuck onto the bed and machine guns with alongside improvised armor seen in the fight against the insurgents after the main fight has ended.

Madsen is again at awe. It is often said that 6 wheels and this size would've rendered the carriage to heavy to move, but this one still goes with it anyways and they do not seem to struggle even the slightest.

The trucks carrying the troops here would pass by, then there are lines of trucks with the mounted AA guns on the flat open bed, pointing upward. After the trucks had passed, we finally move onto the non-improvised armed vehicles, more specifically, the Scorpions and the Scimitars respectively.





The Scorpions and the Scimitars armed with 76mm cannon and 30mm autocannon respectively. The main purpose of these vehicles is reconnaissance, meaning they go and get information about the enemy forces. However, the Esterrians quickly found out that they proved particularly also useful as fire support for infantry.

Were they comfortable for those operating them? Eh, not really, but they are definitely extremely fast that even a mere thought of it frightened some Esterrian soldiers.

The recon vehicles squeaked by with their weapons pointing up and the commander of the crew saluting to their right.

'Guns built into carriages themselves? That's a new one' thought the Naeslagt King.

And after the smaller recce had gone by, there comes the absolute behemoths of the Esterrian Royal Army. These vehicles are a lot larger, only rivaled that of the trucks before them. Their cannons were bigger too with its distinctive design and a bulge right in the middle.

The tanks, known as Pansar 55s, made up the spearhead of the Royal Army at the later stage of the Havenklein offensive. They were extremely effective at open fields, not so much in urban areas as shown with a few of them taken out of the fight either by a well-placed cannon shot that destroyed their track on that side or by a suicide bomber during the final battle. All of them have since been patched up and ready to serve Esterria again though

They weren't the only monsters that Esterria has however, as recently, they received a new model, also with 105mm, the Pansar 68.



They didn't see combat in Havenklein as Esterria only started to receive them around the end of the war. However, it was expected that this tank would perform better with more advanced FCS and high mobility at the cost of armor.

While the main battle tanks are great for removing something from existence, what it isn't good at is getting soldiers from point A to point B quickly under the safety of their armor, which is where these comes in.



Sitting outside these vehicles are several troops as the 5 wheels touching the ground rolled by the track. It's extremely vital when it comes to troops transport and also fire support, reaching iconic status among the Commonwealth troops.

There were a lot of them too, which surprised Madsen IV the most. It seems that Esterrian Royal Army had gone through a transition from a weakened foe to the most formidable army out there in Gestrae even despite their numbers. And all of this was possible with Flashia aiding their effort against slavery.

As the celebration parade coming to an end, it left an impression of the Esterrian advanced army of self-propelled carriages into the crowds and their Naeslagt counterparts. It may be short, it may be small, but the message got across quickly, that Esterria is no longer that easy to take on and war with them would only spell complete disaster for the other side.

'I knew I wasn't making a mistake'

...

I have been thinking about making the KUG characters watch some combat footages (that I made the fk up) and get some reactions out of it recently. Could be something I could do maybe?

*Feyes: August