Announcement: Remember that Girls Frontline Fanfic I teased a while back?

"Girls Frontline: Lingering Grudges" Is out now! you can check it out in my profile!

4 weeks ago me thought doing a double feature was a GREAT idea...can I just say that guy's a fucken idiot?

Extra note: I've decided Myui will now be 15 years of age since 11 is just way too ridiculous. The previous chapters will be adjusted as such If you think 15 is still to young check out Carolus Rex when he was that young...That guy was insane



Formal Family Castle, Italica

March 30, 2028, 16:30 (30th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The atmosphere grew tense as the last of Darius's associates were rounded up and interned in the dungeon below the castle. The cold, damp stone walls echoed with the footsteps of the guards and the clinking of chains. In one of the cells, a man sat on a rough wooden bench, his hands shackled. The door creaked open, and a guard stepped inside, the dim torchlight casting shadows across his stern face.

Guard: On your feet, scoundrel. You're being moved to the interrogation room.

The prisoner looked up slowly, his expression nonchalant, almost bored.

Prisoner: About time. I was getting tired of this rat hole.

He stood up, the chains rattling as he moved. The guard grabbed him by the arm and led him out of the cell, the heavy door slamming shut behind them. They walked through the dimly lit corridors, the cold stone walls pressing in from all sides. The prisoner maintained his calm demeanor, glancing around with mild curiosity.

Prisoner: So, who's going to be my interrogator today? Another one of those pretty maids, or maybe someone a bit more... interesting?

The guard ignored his taunts, his grip tightening as they neared the interrogation room. The prisoner chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the tension.

Prisoner: Silent treatment, huh? Alright, have it your way.

They reached the heavy wooden door of the interrogation room. The guard knocked twice, and it swung open to reveal a commanding man in an out-of-place uniform and a young woman in a maid outfit.

Guard: He's all yours.

The prisoner eyed the man in the black uniform briefly before his gaze settled on the young woman in the maid outfit, who stood quietly in the corner of the room. With a smirk, he shifted his focus to her.

Prisoner: Well, well, what do we have here? A lovely maid to keep me company? I must say, this is a nice touch. How about you tell me a little about yourself? Maybe we can find a way to make this whole ordeal a bit more... enjoyable.

The woman remained unperturbed, her expression calm and professional as she stood silently, her attention focused on the medical supplies at her side.

The man in black stepped closer, his eyes narrowing slightly at the prisoner's attempt to flirt with the maid. His voice remained steady, though there was a sharp edge to it.

Man in Black: I'm Graves. And for the record, Miss Mohmu's here to handle the medical side of things, not to entertain you. If you're done with the games, we can get down to business.

The prisoner's eyes widened slightly as he took in Graves' name and uniform. The realization dawned on him, and he let out a derisive laugh.

Prisoner: Graves, huh? So you're one of those otherworlders. Figures. You all think you're so tough with your fancy gear and your big talk. But from what I've seen, you're all just a bunch of soft newcomers who think they can waltz in and make a difference.

He leaned back with a mocking grin, clearly enjoying the opportunity to belittle the man in front of him.

Prisoner: What's the matter, "Graves"? Going to try and scare me with your little games? I've seen plenty of you lot, and you all fall short. You might be new, but you're no—

Before he could finish, Graves moved with startling speed. A knife flashed in his hand, and with a swift, precise motion, he drove it into the prisoner's gut. The blade cut deep, and the prisoner's eyes widened in shock and pain. His taunting smile faltered as he gasped, blood seeping through his clothes.

Graves leaned in, his voice low and unyielding.

Graves: Listen here, bud. The only reason those bandits were treated nicely by my colleagues was that they were considered what we called "enemy combatants" and thus were treated according to our laws. You, however...

Graves twisted the knife slightly, pulling it out of the prisoner's gut, and then, with a swift, controlled motion, he jabbed the blade at the prisoner's throat. The edge of the knife brushed against his skin without piercing it, sending a chill through the prisoner.

Graves' eyes were cold and unrelenting as he spoke.

Graves: You're just a common low-life, someone who won't be missed if you vanish. No laws protecting you here. You're not a hero or a soldier. You're just a thug. So why don't you save yourself the trouble and start talking? The more you resist, the worse it's going to get.

The prisoner's eyes widened in fear, his bravado faltering as he tried to regain his composure. He shifted uncomfortably in his chains, his voice trembling as he spoke.

Prisoner: Alright! Alright, I'll talk! Just... just stop the pain, please! I'll tell you everything!

Graves' expression softened slightly, but his gaze remained as sharp as ever. He nodded toward Mohmu, who had been silently observing the exchange.

Graves: Miss Mohmu, if you would?

Mohmu moved swiftly to the prisoner's side, her hands glowing with a soft magical light. She began to work with practiced efficiency, applying her healing magic to the wound on the prisoner's gut. The soothing warmth of the magic countered the pain, and the bleeding gradually slowed.

Graves watched with a satisfied smile, his tone now more conversational.

Graves: See? We can make this a lot easier if you just cooperate. Now, why don't you start telling me about the plans and timetables we found?



Formal Family Castle, Italica

March 30, 2028, 16:00 (30th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

Pina paced back and forth in her chamber, her frustration evident in her quick, restless steps. The weight of her mounting failures pressed heavily upon her shoulders. Hamilton, her best friend and confidante, watched with a mixture of concern and sympathy.

Hamilton: My lady, you need to calm down. This isn't like you.

Pina: Calm down? How can I? Everything's falling apart. Nothing is going the way I planned.

Hamilton stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Pina's arm. Pina sighed, her gaze dropping to the floor.

Pina: I thought coming here would be my chance to finally make a difference, to prove myself. But now...

The door to Pina's chamber creaked open, and Grey entered. His eyes quickly assessed the situation before he spoke.

Grey: Princess, I have some news. The Countess has invited you to attend the trial of Darius.

Pina looked up, her expression a mix of confusion and intrigue.

Pina: Why would she do that?

Grey shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

Grey: Could be a few reasons, Your Highness. Perhaps she's looking to gauge your reaction to the situation. Either way, it might be an opportunity for you to influence the outcome or at least understand the broader context.

Pina's mind raced with possibilities. Despite her current frustration, the chance to attend the trial offered a glimmer of hope—a chance to regain some control or, at the very least, gather more information.

Pina: Alright, I'll go. Maybe seeing the trial will give me a clearer picture of what's happening and how I can adapt.

Pina, her resolve renewed, walked briskly through the grand corridors of the Formal Family Castle toward the chambers where Darius's trial was to be held. Hamilton and Grey flanked her, their presence a steady support as she navigated the castle's opulence and grandeur, which seemed at odds with the turmoil within her.

As they approached the grand chambers, Pina was intercepted by a group of three men—each exuding an air of authority despite their current circumstances. Their expressions were a mix of curiosity and frustration.

The tallest of the trio, with a commanding presence and a subtle edge to his demeanor, stepped forward and addressed Pina with a formal bow, his tone respectful but laced with concealed irritation.

Gaius: Your Highness, I'm Gaius, a senior member of the Slave Traders' Guild. We were summoned by the Countess, but it's hard to see why. Only Darius seems at fault, yet here we are, caught in her whims.

The second man, shorter and stockier, nodded sharply, his expression serious with an undercurrent of irritation.

Lucius: I'm Lucius, also of the Guild. It's troubling we're dragged into this mess. We had no dealings with Darius. It seems the Countess's judgment is flawed.

The youngest of the three, impeccably dressed and maintaining a cool, measured demeanor, introduced himself last, his tone edged with disdain.

Marcus: I'm Marcus, from the Guild. Our involvement is baffling. Is this some sort of vendetta by the Countess?

As the three men presented their grievances, Pina's mind raced. She had expected the Countess to focus solely on Darius, not on high-ranking members of the Slave Traders' Guild. It seemed that the Countess's actions were broader and potentially more intricate than she had anticipated.

After a moment of contemplation, Pina composed herself and addressed the three men with a calm, diplomatic tone.

Pina: I understand your confusion and believe me, I share it. The Countess's decision to summon you all was unexpected, even to me. However, I'm certain there's a reason behind it—one that may not be immediately clear. I ask for your patience while we resolve this. Rest assured, your concerns will be heard, and any misunderstandings addressed.

Before the men could respond, Mammina entered the hallway with a calm yet commanding presence. Her voice was steady, slicing through the tension effortlessly. She glanced briefly at Pina, her expression firm and unreadable, adding to the weight of her arrival.

Mammina: Your Highness, Gentlemen. The Countess is expecting your presence in the main hall.

As they walked Pina leaned closer to Hamilton and Grey, her voice dropping to a hushed whisper.

Pina: This doesn't make sense. I thought the Countess was only going after Darius, not the entire Guild. Why summon these men?

Hamilton frowned, her brow furrowed in thought.

Hamilton: Perhaps she's trying to make a statement—a show of power to the Guild. If she dismantles their influence here, it could strengthen her position.

Grey, always more pragmatic, grunted in agreement but kept his eyes forward.

Grey: Or she's using this as leverage. Bring them all in, and she can force the Guild to make concessions. Whatever her play is, we need to be ready for anything.

Pina nodded, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the Countess's intentions.

Pina: We'll have to stay sharp. Something bigger is at work here.



Grand Chambers, Formal Family Castle

March 30, 2028, 17:03 (30th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The heavy doors to the grand chambers opened with a groaning creak, revealing the expansive hall. Ornate tapestries adorned the walls, and the light from the tall windows cast a golden hue over the room. The Countess stood at the head of the chambers, flanked by several attendants and guards.

As Pina, Grey, Hamilton, and the guild members entered the grand chamber, Kaine greeted them with her usual poise. She bowed her head respectfully to Pina, her expression calm yet unreadable.

Kaine: Welcome, Your Highness. Gentlemen. The Countess awaits. Your seats are ready.

She gestured towards a row of seats arranged in a semi-circle, positioned to face the center of the chamber where a raised platform stood as the focal point for the trial.

Pina exchanged a brief, uneasy glance with Grey and Hamilton, but maintained her composure as they moved to take their seats. The guild members followed, their expressions tight with tension as they settled in.

Moments later, the Countess entered with a regal grace, her presence commanding the room. Her attendants parted as she approached the throne, a towering seat adorned with intricate carvings and gilded with gold leaf.

With a sweeping motion of her gown, the Countess took her place on the throne. She cast a measured gaze over the assembly, pausing briefly as her eyes lingered on Pina and the guild members before shifting to the entire hall.

Myui: The trial will now commence.

Her voice rang clear and authoritative, filling the chamber. An attendant stepped forward, unrolling a scroll as the Countess gestured for the proceedings to begin.

Myui: Bring forth the accused.

The tension in the chamber grew as all eyes turned toward the far end of the hall. Darius, wrists bound in chains, was escorted in by a feline-featured maid. Her steps were graceful yet firm as she led him to the platform. Darius's defiant gaze swept from the Countess to Pina and her group. After bowing, the maid stepped aside, and the room buzzed with anticipation as the trial was set to begin.

Myui sat tall upon her throne, her gaze stern and unwavering as she addressed the room.

Myui: Darius, you stand accused of breaking the Slave's Rights Act and Illicit Transactions.

Her voice was calm but held a sharp edge as she continued.

Myui: How do you plead?

Darius straightened, his gaze defiant as he met the Countess's eyes.

Darius: Not guilty.

His voice was firm, almost smug as if he believed he could outmaneuver the charges laid before him. A murmur ran through the chamber, the spectators exchanging glances as they awaited the Countess's response.

Myui's gaze remained fixed on Darius, her expression stern.

Myui: Darius, you've pleaded not guilty to the charges. We will now hear the evidence presented against you.

Darius's eyes narrowed as he met Myui's stern gaze. Despite the weight of the evidence mounting against him, he remained defiant.

Darius: Evidence? What you've got is nothing but twisted lies and half-truths. I've done nothing that warrants this charade.

He shifted slightly, his chains clinking, and shot a challenging look around the chamber.

Darius: If you think you can break me with this nonsense, you're sorely mistaken. I stand by my innocence.

Myui's gaze hardened as she absorbed Darius's defiance. Her patience was wearing thin.

Myui: Enough. If you're not willing to cooperate, we will proceed with the evidence we have. Bring in the witness.

Moments later, the grand chamber doors creaked open again. Mohmu, accompanied by a man in a black uniform whom Pina remembers as the otherworlder Graves whom she met yesterday, entered with the witness—a middle-aged man with a weary, anxious look. They guided him to the center of the room, where he stood visibly nervous under the scrutiny of the assembled audience.

As the witness stood before the assembly, Pina leaned closer to Grey, her voice low and cautious.

Pina: Why is the otherworlder involved in this trial? I thought they were staying neutral in our internal matters.

Grey's expression darkened with concern.

Grey: It's troubling. If he is here, the Countess might be dealing with something far beyond what we believed. This trial may not be as straightforward as we thought.

Myui's gaze remained unyielding as she addressed the witness.

Myui: You may proceed with your testimony.

The witness shifted uneasily, glancing at the Countess before taking a deep breath. His voice was shaky at first, but he forced himself to speak clearly.

Witness: I... I worked under Darius for years, forced to turn a blind eye to his actions. The abuses he committed... were beyond cruel. Beatings, starvation... worse. There were many nights where he would... rape the slaves. Men, women—it didn't matter. He treated them like animals.

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the crimes. The witness trembled, unable to meet Darius's eyes as he continued.

Witness: Anyone who spoke up was beaten, or worse, disappeared. We all lived in fear of him.

A murmur rippled through the chamber as the horrific details came to light, the tension growing even thicker. Myui's gaze meanwhile remained fixed on Darius as she absorbed the witness's testimony. She let the silence stretch for a moment before speaking, her voice sharp and commanding.

Myui: Darius, you've heard the accusations laid before you. How do you respond?

Darius scoffed, his expression hardening into one of disdain. He straightened his posture, glaring at the witness before focusing on Myui.

Darius: Lies. All of it. Nothing but the fabrications of a coward too scared to stand up for himself. These are baseless accusations, meant to tarnish my name. You have no real evidence—just the word of a man who would say anything to save his skin.

Myui sighed, her patience wearing thin with Darius's defiance. She shifted slightly on her throne, her gaze moving from Darius to Mammina

Myui: Mammina, I believe you mentioned documents. Evidence that you acquired during your investigation?

Mammina, who had been standing silently with a composed demeanor, stepped forward. She carefully retrieved a stack of papers from a leather folder she had been holding and approached Myui. With a respectful bow, she handed the documents directly to the Countess.

Mammina: Yes, My lady. These documents detail the transactions and communications we uncovered, linking Darius and the guild members to the conspiracy.

Darius sneered as the documents were presented, his arrogance unfazed. He leaned forward slightly, shaking his head with a smirk.

Darius: Financial transactions, Communications... you're making it sound like some grand conspiracy. All of this is just business—nothing more. Do you think these accusations and scraps of paper mean anything? It's not that big of a deal. Just the price of doing business in the empire.

His words oozed with indifference, brushing off the severity of the charges. His gaze locked with Myui's, daring her to challenge him further.

Darius: I did what was necessary to maintain order, to keep things running smoothly. If people got hurt along the way... well, that's how it works in our world, isn't it?

Myui's expression remained stern as she listened to Darius's dismissive response. She rose slightly from her throne, her voice carrying an edge of finality.

Myui: Darius, it's not just the abuse. There is a more serious accusation—treason against the city. The evidence we've uncovered links you to activities that jeopardize the safety and stability of Italica. This is not merely about business practices.

Pina frowned slightly. Treason. That charge hadn't been discussed. She leaned toward Grey and whispered.

Pina: Why treason? This trial was supposed to be about breaking the Slave's Rights Act. When did treason enter the picture?

Grey, observing the confusion on Pina's face, leaned in with a grave expression.

Grey: I saw them bringing in multiple people at once to the dungeon earlier. They may have unearthed new information or evidence that expands the scope of the charges. The situation might be more complex than we thought.

While Pina and Grey exchanged words, Pina noticed the three guild members nearby growing visibly anxious. Their once-composed expressions were unraveling—sweat beaded on their brows, hands fidgeted, and one kept glancing nervously toward the door.

Pina's unease deepened as she observed them. She leaned in closer to Grey and whispered, her voice tinged with concern.

Pina: Grey, look at them. They're becoming more nervous by the minute. Do you think they're hiding something?

Grey followed Pina's gaze and studied the guild members briefly before nodding slightly.

Grey: Could be. They might know more about Darius's dealings than they've let on. If the treason charge is valid, they could be involved... or at least complicit.

As the court's murmur settled, Myui turned her attention to Graves, who stood with a composed demeanor.

Myui: Mr. Graves, you've been assisting with the investigation. Please present the evidence you've gathered.

Darius's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned his attention to Graves.

Darius: Why is an otherworlder involved in this? What right do you have to be here?

Graves's smirk widened as he turned to face Darius.

Graves: Just here to lend a hand, you know? But after I sat down with your associates and had a few 'friendly' chats, let's just say this isn't your little mess anymore. It involves my colleagues now, and that makes it my problem. So here I am, front and center.

Myui's gaze remained steady as Graves's words lingered in the air, the weight of his involvement now clear to everyone in the chamber.

Myui: Mr. Graves, please testify to what you gathered during your interrogations.

Graves straightened up slightly, the snarky edge in his tone softening but not entirely gone

Graves: Alright, here's the deal. Darius wasn't just scheming with slaves; he was involved in a larger plot. He was colluding with the bandits that attacked Italica to create chaos. His plan was to use that chaos to discreetly smuggle a specific slave out of the city. Unfortunately for him, that slave escaped and ended up in the hands of my "friends," which caused his plans to unravel faster than he could manage.

Darius was left speechless, his defiance evaporating as Graves's words hit their mark.

Graves leaned in, a mocking glint in his eye as he continued.

Graves: Oh, but it gets better. Darius wasn't just a puppet master with slaves. He had some rather ambitious plans. Not only was he cozying up with the bandits who attacked Italica to stir up chaos, but he also had the backing of some big wigs who saw this mess as their golden ticket. They wanted to use the chaos to destabilize the city and topple the Countess.

Graves's gaze then shifted toward the three guild members seated nearby, his smirk widening.

Graves: After all, a plan this big needs the backing of some well-placed friends. Friends with money. Friends with connections. Friends who would benefit just as much from the chaos as you would.

He paused, letting the implications settle in, before focusing back on Darius.

Graves: You weren't just playing with fire, Darius—you were lighting the match with them.

Before the guild members could even utter a word in defense, Myui's maids, swift and efficient, appeared behind them. The two feline-featured maids moved with precision, their presence commanding as they firmly guided the now-uneasy guild members to the front of the chamber.

Myui's gaze never wavered as the guild members were positioned before her. Her voice was calm, but it carried the weight of her authority.

Myui: It seems the web of treachery has grown larger than we anticipated. You all will answer for your involvement in these schemes, just as Darius will.

The guild members exchanged nervous glances, the reality of their situation dawning on them as the room remained eerily quiet, all eyes now focused on them.

Hamilton and Pina sat frozen in their seats, shock and disbelief written across their faces. Hamilton's wide eyes darted from the guild members to Myui, as if struggling to comprehend how deep the conspiracy truly ran. Pina, her heart still racing, swallowed hard. She had anticipated this trial to expose wrongdoing, but nothing on this scale.

Hamilton whispered to Pina, her voice barely audible.

Hamilton: I... I didn't expect it to go this far.

Pina only nodded, her eyes still locked on the scene unfolding before them.

Grey, on the other hand, remained far more composed. His expression was one of quiet contemplation, lips pressed together in a thin line as he observed the guild members now caught in the crosshairs. He'd seen enough betrayals and complex plots to keep his emotions in check. Though internally, he noted how the political landscape was rapidly shifting, his face betrayed nothing but a slight narrowing of his eyes, taking in every detail.

Grey: Expected as much. There's always more beneath the surface.

His words were almost a murmur, more to himself than anyone else, as he waited for what would happen next.

As the guild members were positioned before her, Myui's gaze remained sharp and unyielding.

Myui: For Darius I understand. but you three...Why? Why would you involve yourselves in such treachery?

The guild members, visibly tense, remained silent under her intense scrutiny. The room was thick with anticipation. Finally, one of them, Gaius, broke the silence with a fierce outburst.

Gaius: You want to know why? Because your father was too much of an idealist, believing that slaves were equals and enacting laws that crippled our profits! Do you know how much capital Italica has lost little countess?!

His voice was raw with anger and desperation, each word laced with a venomous bitterness. The room buzzed with shock and the harshness of his admission, making it clear just how deep the resentment ran.

Myui's expression hardened, her patience wearing thin as she listened to Gaius's outburst. She stood tall, her voice cutting through the tension with cold precision.

Myui: My father warned me about people like you—those who would exploit any opportunity for profit, no matter the cost to others. His ideals may have been lofty, but they were meant to protect those who had no voice. He envisioned a society where every life was valued. If you think his principles were a weakness, then you misunderstood his vision.

She paused, a distant look in her eyes as she recalled her father's stern lessons. The memories brought a fleeting softness to her gaze before she refocused on the matter at hand.

Myui: Kaine, what is the punishment for treason?

Kaine's response was immediate and unyielding, her voice cold as ice.

Kaine: Death. My lady

Myui nodded, her expression unyielding as she made her decision. She gestured sharply, signaling the immediate execution of Gaius and the other guild members.

In a last desperate act of defiance, Gaius pulled a knife from his belt and lunged at Myui. His movement was swift but futile. Graves, with cold efficiency, drew his Springfield 2011 and fired. The shots rang out sharply, striking Gaius in the chest and head, sending him sprawling to the floor.

Without hesitation, Graves continued his grim task. The remaining guild members fell in quick succession, each shot delivering a final, fatal blow. The chamber was filled with the echo of gunfire and the sudden silence that followed.

As the last of the guild members collapsed, Pina could only watch in stunned silence. Her heart pounded as the gravity of the situation settled over her. Darius, now visibly broken and pleading desperately, was met with a merciless end. Graves's pistol discharged one final time, and the shot struck Darius squarely in the head. The room fell into a heavy silence, the once-vibrant atmosphere now chillingly still.

Myui's gaze remained steely as she surveyed the aftermath of the executions. Her voice cut through the heavy silence with a sharp, unyielding edge.

Myui: I may be young, but do not mistake that for weakness. I will not be so easily defeated or swayed by threats and schemes. My father's legacy will be upheld, and justice will be served.

Her eyes locked onto Pina with a piercing glare, a clear warning that her resolve was unshakable. The weight of her words and the intensity of her stare left no room for doubt about her determination.

Myui: Let it be known that the court is adjourned. The Slave Traders' Guild is hereby disbanded. All remaining members are to be arrested and held accountable for their actions.