The Debate

The trip back to the Empire was thankfully easy. Nathan and Fyra gave Felix and Velvet some much needed company, making the journey less dull.

Fyra talked Velvet’s ear off, exhausting but at least somewhat entertaining.

Meanwhile, Felix approached Nathan, asking about the situation in the Empire, “So what exactly is going on?”

“After our decisive victory over the Republic, we’ve been split into two camps: those who want to invade the Empire and those who don't.”

“But isn't it the perfect time to invade the Republic? Their army's been almost entirely wiped out. The war’s been going on for years, this is the perfect opportunity to finish it.”

“Exactly, but others don't see it that way. Some still think it's too dangerous, that it's better to play defense, and others think we should forget about the war and leverage for peace instead.”

Felix sighed. “It sounds like a complicated issue. But regardless, this is something we need to do together. If we don't agree on an action to take, we’ll fracture and be defeated.”

“Yes, my thoughts exactly.”

Fyra unexpectedly butt in between them. “I think it's a disgrace how we’re still arguing over this!” She huffed, “It's like people have forgotten about what the Republic’s done!”

“Now, now, Fyra, I understand, but you can't get carried away.”

“But Nathan, don't you remember what they did to you!? Do you think that witch Lily will ever change!? If we let her get away now, she’ll just come back again in a few years!”

“Fyra, of course I haven't forgotten, and I think we should attack now, but if we want to win over our allies, we need to be respectful.”

“Y-yeah, I get it…” She looked down, dejected.

Velvet really empathized with her in that moment. Even the carefree, wild Fyra was starting to crack under the stress.

***

The war room was pandemonium. Voices were loud, emotions ran high, and tensions were immense. While Kaiser’s proposal to invade the Republic was most popular, only just under half of those present supported it. The rest were split between a defensive strategy or negotiating for peace.

The Empire’s system of rule was entirely voluntary. Kaiser was the leader, but he had no real power. Instead, people were free to act as they pleased, assuming it didn’t injure others or the community. While offering individuals a great amount of freedom, problems arose in situations where the entire Empire had to act together, effectively requiring a unanimous decision to get anything done. This was especially hurting them in this dire time of war.

“Ending the war is our top priority. Continuing to fight is dangerous, now that we’re winning, we can leverage that for a favorable peace treaty.” Henry, leading the peace faction, passionately made his case.

A young man named Thomas stood up. “Attacking now is our best option. They are severely weakened. If we invade and conquer Paradiso, we have a blank check to negotiate any peace we want.”

An older man named William who was a veteran from the Republican military countered, “Invading is suicide! There’s no chance they don’t have an ace up their sleeve to defend the city! We can wait until they attack again and finish them off once and for all!”

Meanwhile, Kestler sat in his chair, exhausted. This was the most heated a debate had ever gotten in the Empire. However, he had mostly tried to take a backseat, letting his allies argue amongst themselves. Still, it was tiring. He looked over at Akira who was right next to him and rubbed her head. “I’m going to step out for a bit.”

She nodded. “All right.”

The entire room was so preoccupied that they didn’t even notice him leave. He walked through the hallways of the Black Palace, trying to clear his head, until he saw them…

“Ah, Nathan, Fyra, you’re back! And you’ve brought Felix and Velvet too, I see.” He walked up to them.

“Yes, they’re safe and sound.”

“That’s good.” He looked at the two. “How about you head to the war room, I want to talk with them for a bit.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Got it!”

Nathan and Fyra left, leaving Kaiser alone with Felix and Velvet.

“So… This means you’ve killed Edea, right?”

“Yes.” Velvet responded promptly.

“Very good. If you two decide to join us then we’ll be a Gwehrtain Angel up.”

“Hm.” Velvet’s thoughts started wandering to Ava, her sister who she'd likely be facing very soon.

Wanting answers, Felix took a step forward. “Kaiser, how are things going?”

“You mean with deciding our war plan? Well, let’s just save that for later. Come on, walk with me.”

Kaiser led them outside the Black Palace and through the gardens. He didn’t say a word for a long time, just taking in the scenery.

“You know, Kaiser…” Felix asked awkwardly, trying to break the silence, “Why did you create the Empire?”

He sighed. “It really wasn’t anything so deliberate. See… Back in the day, I was in the Republican military, but during a mission, they left me for dead. It broke my soul. I grew up as a patriot. I loved my country and sacrificed a lot to serve it, but when the chips were down, I was disposable.” He paused. “It was Akira who saved me. She taught me that faith belongs not in state, but in ourselves and those we love. After that, I founded the Empire. The only real goal at first was to one day take down the Republic, but overtime, it evolved. We developed our own nation, our own values, our own culture.“ He laughed. “It’s a bit silly, isn’t it? Now is the time to finally fulfill my spiteful goal and defeat the Republic, but it seems like I’ll be unable.”

“I don’t think it’s a spiteful goal.”

“Huh?”

“The Republic is dangerous. Even if all you wanted to do was live out here peacefully, they wouldn’t allow that. It’s an authoritarian regime, one that infringes upon the rights of man and enslaves living dolls to do their bidding. There can be no coexistence with such a state.”

Kaiser had spent so much time wrapped up in his own thoughts, focused on himself, that he hadn’t thought about it in such a way. This wasn’t about revenge, not anymore. This is about protecting what matters, what we’ve built.

Smiling, Kaiser replied, “Thanks, Felix, I know what I’ve got to do now.” Without another word, he sprinted away.

“Hey, wait!” Felix cried out desperately, but it was useless.

Back in the war room, things had died down a bit, but the debate was still heated. Many were growing extremely frustrated, thinking that this wouldn’t be able to be resolved. However, each person was immediately silenced by the door slamming open, revealing the confident figure of their leader, Kaiser.

“Ladies and gentlemen. I apologize for allowing this debate to go on so long. Here and now, each one of us will make our own decision.” He strode into the room. “Before deciding on what you’d like to do, I ask that you really think about what you care about. What do you live for? What do you love? What makes the Empire your home?”

Kaiser paused, watching as everyone in the room thought about his question, searching their own hearts for the answer.

He continued, “Now think about how you ended up here. All of us are here because we were betrayed by the Republic in some way. And why were we betrayed? Because the Republic demands nothing less than total subjugation of its people. But not just its people, they desire everything. How many times has President Aranea spoken about the spreading of ‘democracy’ or ‘liberating’ countries? She has made her intentions as clear as day, she wants the world, and plans to start with us! If we don’t defeat her now, she’ll bide her time, build her strength, and strike again, taking us, enslaving us, and then moving on to her next victim!”

Each face in the room was deathly serious. They knew the fate that awaited them under Republican rule.

Kaiser brought up his fist. “This war doesn’t end as long as Aranea and her Republic survive. If you want to defend the Empire, the only way is to march on Paradiso. I will be leaving on this campaign as soon as possible, so once again, I ask you to vote now with your actions. For our peace. For our future. Stand with me and let us finish this war!”

Kaiser’s charisma was palpable. Not only had his most ardent supporters stood up and clapped, his critics were now voicing support as well. Despite their differences, they all loved the lives they had in the Empire, and it was all thanks to Kaiser. As long as Kaiser showed them the light, they would follow.