Reich Marshal of the Belkan Reich-Chapter 366: RM Vol 4: War – Interlude: Shifting Gears

Author Notes:

To be quite honest, I didn't expect that it would take me this long to output a Chapter. I legit couldn't have enough time on my hand to sit down and write. Quite frankly, I don't even know why I am caught lacking time these days. It's not like I even play game all that much anymore, I just can't. Funny thing is, I actually don't find it out of place, you know, not having the time to sit back and relax on a game you like and all that jazz...

Am I turning into a workaholic fueled by coffee...? And I am not joking when I asked that question.

But anyway~! Don't forget to check out the pictures, eh?

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Ending her work day on a good note, Amaterasu is escorted by Vill-V to visit the latter's scientific dungeon. After being relocated a great many times due to noise and hazard complaints, Vill-V's personal workshop finally settled down in the basement of a real estate built under Amaterasu's name. Vill-V's dungeon is slightly off the beaten path despite being near the Laputa, the Castle in the Sky, offering the self-proclaimed Mad Scientist an undisturbed place for brainstorming sessions. For the most part, the manor sitting above Vill-V's scientific retreat also acts as the heart of Amaterasu's faction. The building is reserved for more selective faction meetings, away from the prying eyes of Susanoo's war hawks in Laputa.

Fortunately for Amaterasu, there's no meeting scheduled for this evening. This means that the Sun Goddess can enjoy a well-deserved rest. Maybe she can laze about, reading up on happenstances worldwide or even trying to peer through the Belkan veil. What Amaterasu doesn't expect though, is for Vill-V to turn around and come crashing in on her for a hug the moment they enter the Mad Scientist's/Magician's private dungeon.

"Waaaaahhhhhh~~!!!!" Yup, unashamedly, Vill-V cries exaggeratedly.

With a twitching eyebrow, Amaterasu looks up at Vill-V, annoyed at the big melons squishing on her head.

"Mind telling me why are you acting like an overgrown baby before I knock you awake?" Amaterasu says, her hand raised up in a chopping motion.

Vill-V, taking the opportunity to shamelessly nuzzle against the quite frankly cuter and shorter Goddess, bemoans.

"Waaaahhhhh!!! Amaterasu! I was such an idiot! How did I miss such a major thing?! This..." Vill-V sniffles. "This could change everything!"

Amaterasu retracts the hand that is just about to chop the childish genius on her head. With a look of puzzlement, the Sun Goddess asks.

"What do you mean? Your design for an AWACS worked, right? Barred some sensory blackouts, battlefield command has never been easier with an AWACS in the air. Just like the Generals said, as long as you can iron out the kinks-"

"No~!" Vill-V shakes her head in denial. "The AWACS built on the G8N chassis is working perfectly adequately and can be mass-produced after some minor touch-ups. What I am talking about is the cause of the sensory blackouts! They're being jammed, Amaterasu!"

"Jammed? As in strawberry jam?" Amaterasu tilts her head inquisitively.

"No! What I mean is that someone, or something, is tampering with our AWACS from afar while they're in the air!" Vill-V explains. "The symptoms I managed to infer suggested that it only happened when the AWACS flew near Chinese territory."

Vill-V then stops squirming, going on to say. "Remember how our spies and military units reported that they couldn't use their radios sometimes? The same thing happens to our AWACS, and you know that the AWACS is one of the most modern things we currently have in our arsenal. There's something out there that is perfectly capable of rendering our eye in the sky blind, and I don't think it's the Chinese."

Amaterasu frowns. "The Belkans?"

Vill-V sighs. "Who else? They have been doing this for a few years already from what I can see. I can't believe that I missed such an obvious clue for so long, thus failing to build a countermeasure. What I do know is that, since the Belkans have been doing this jamming thing for a while, it suggests that their technology is already way ahead of us. I can only guess what sort of technological advancement they have achieved in the last few years. If this was a game, then we are fighting against an Empire with a cheat code constantly running."

Amaterasu asks. "How come we failed to notice this?"

Vill-V shrugs. "Our spies were basically nullified and I didn't investigate the subject because I was preoccupied with other things? Once again, the Belkan Reich has attained a win over us in this race for supremacy. If Yuki learned of this conversation somehow, she would be laughing her pretty ass off."

"Can you at least surmise how outclass are we in technology?" Amaterasu requests, pondering.

"I literally have no clue. We have rudimentary sensors and computing systems at best, the Reich could have gotten a self-guided missile design or even a space rocket by now. Yuki did give off the impression that she never stopped funding her scientists, even with a war still going on. And war breeds innovation, what we've come to learn about the Reich by now may as well be obsolete by tomorrow."

Amaterasu can't resist sighing at that. "This news is totally not what I want to hear tonight... Do we even have a reactionary plan for this situation?"

Vill-V replies with a wry smile.

"We do? But I don't think any of us account for an overwhelming difference that the Belkans seem to suggest. We can't exactly use overwhelming numbers against an enemy we can't even see. The best I can think of right now is intensifying our effort in getting Project Solaris online. That means we need to hastily gather more fissile material and build more discrete launch platforms. Project Solaris is quite possibly the only deterrence we have against the Belkan Reich, and even that is not a guaranteed solution. Until the project can take off at full force though, maybe we can push for another modernization effort. Instead of the Navy, we should focus more on the Air Force and Army now."

Amaterasu looks at Vill-V with a tired expression.

"We are stretching our budget thin, Vill-V, but I guess we have no other choice but to do what you suggest. I need you to try and help me build a solid case to get about doing everything, however... As for the fissile material, if you want even more of them, we will have to seize them from China."

Vill-V responds with an unsure smile. "Then it's a good thing that the war hawks are already antagonizing the Dynasty?"

Amaterasu massages the bridge of her nose.

"I don't think that's a good thing though... Oh, and you can stop hugging me, Vill-V. I need to lie down and digest the knowledge I just received."

Vill-V cheekily says, leading Amaterasu to the Genius' personal quarter. "Oh, I can massage the stress away?"

The Sun Goddess immediately shuts Vill-V down.

"No, you will not. I need relaxation, not dealing with a bear hug."

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I sit there and watch, half in disbelief, half in a serious pondering mood. It's deep in the night over here in Brussels, a time where I could have spent resting, but no! Paris just had to blow itself up without any warning whatsoever. When the report came, I was having a sweet dream, damn it! Regardless, the ensuing aftermath requires my immediate attention and even intervention. That's why I have convened an emergency meeting with my command staff on the Western Front. Bryn, General Belladonna, and Brigadier Alexa... the brightest military minds in the theater are either present in person or are joining the briefing by video call. Seeing the drone footage of the now-totaled Paris Castle and listening to the report of Agent, I rub my right eye in annoyance. Just a cursory scan is enough for me to know that this is an act of sabotage, not bombing.

"Damn it, Agent." I sigh, eyeing the apologetic maid across the screen. "I know that you're basically juggling the duties of both Section One and Two at the same time, what's with Quellec being stationed in Rusviet, but having little to no intel on what's going on? That is a massive oversight, even if the consequence of this may not even be bad."

"Master, I-" I cut off the bowing maid, saying. "Don't, Agent, just don't. You rarely failed my expectations thus far, and every single time, it's due to circumstances beyond your control. Instead of beating yourself, I need you to rectify our current shortcomings. We need to have actionable intel on whoever orchestrated this mess. Even if physical evidence suggests that this is an operation by Erusean Military Intelligence. The whole fiasco is much too sloppy, not to mention the fact they did not need to blow up the entire castle or murder the Loyalist leader figures. Whoever did this is still at large and I need you to dig them up from whatever hole they're hiding in."

Agent bows in acceptance. "Understood, Master, I will see to it that a more comprehensive and satisfactory report will be given to you. Of that, I vow."

I nod, continuing to say.

"Verify with our agents in Paris, and have them identify the corpses of the Loyalist Prime Minister and King if possible. Was there anything wrong with the Prime Minister before Agent Elvidge was sent away?"

Agent replies. "Agent Elvidge reported that the Prime Minister was acting very naturally, befitting his usual habits and personality, before she was fired and escorted to safety."

I shake my head. "Eldvidge's unemployment was either a coincidence or an orchestrated move. We have always been suspicious of him to be playing both the Reich and the Erusea, pitting the two sides against one another. The only reason he stayed alive this long was because his enigmatic interest coincided with ours. For that man to die to this quite frankly shoddy setup is unbelievable."

Agent muses. "Is this why we need to verify his survival, Master? Do you think he can be a participant in an elaborate ruse?"

I say directly with my head supported by my right hand.

"The Loyalist Prime Minister may even be the puppet master himself. The initiatives that Agent Elvidge observed the Prime Minister made lend credence to the idea that he is a shot caller. He even had the brother of our Princess Bonaparte obediently put under his thumb... Work under the assumption that the Prime Minister is possibly the leader of an unknown group. This time, I need to know the entirety of his extended lineage, origin, and even the first word he said as a child. There has to be something we missed in our prior profiling of the Loyalist Prime Minister. Monitor the streams of war refugees as well for suspicious individuals. That said, in the unlikely event that this was actually a rogue operation gone wrong conducted by Erusean Military Intelligence, then I need to know all the dirt on them. Depending on the result of your investigation, we will react accordingly. However, this event does illustrate that ONI is still lacking in anticipating and monitoring the unknown. To rectify this issue will take quite a while, but I expect that both you and Quellec will work together to present me with reforms, contingencies, and plans so that ONI won't be caught flatfoot again. I know that what I am asking for is quite possibly impossible to accomplish, but as ONI, you must expect the unexpected. Otherwise, the entire Reich would be running in blind. That's all."

Agent curtsies. "Understood, Master, I will do as you said to the best of my ability."

I nod at her through the screen, allowing Agent to take her leave to perform the tasks. Seriously though, I don't have much hope that ONI won't be caught off-guard in the future. No plans survive first contact, I know that fact well enough. It's why I never fault Agent harshly for mistakes or oversights. She's already masterfully adept at the clandestine business on top of her additional duties. I won't make it harder for her just because something bad happened that my maid has no control over. Unless, of course, Agent actually makes a blunder herself, but that is quite possibly so rare that generations would die before that could happen. Here's hoping I don't jinx it though.

Moving on, I turn to look at my officers. More specifically I gaze at Bryn who is overseeing the post-battle operation in Dunkirk.

"Bryn, works with the Generals and has Army Group A and B double time and push for Paris. Use the confusion to surround the city but make no attempt at actively initiating an offensive against Paris. The situation is quite volatile and if we misstep, we may be accused of the destruction of the castle and the murder of the Loyalist King. Wait until ONI has racked up enough evidence so we can spin a suitable narrative, preferably one that puts the blame on the Eruseans instead."

My Valkyrie nods with a serious face, putting a hand over her heart. "You can count on us, Marshal."

I smile softly.

"I always do. As for me, I will have to pay Rosa a visit. If possible, I want her and Army Group C to be the first to enter Paris. That way, we won't have to do with an anxious population ourselves."

Having said that, the me in Berlin implores Nicolae to open a small portal, just enough for me to step through and appear right in front of Rosa's private quarter in the Southern frontline. Bryn and the Generals also pack up their stuff, wasting no time at all to get to work. Once again, it will be another night and day march for them all, but it's something all Belkan soldiers are used to by this point.

Trusting my lover and subordinates to fulfill their missions without my direct involvement, I move to knock on Rosa's door. Unlike before when Rosa and Mary had to stay in tents and fortifications, the pair of Ustian ladies are now resting in a captured grand hotel after seizing yet another Loyalist city. There are guards stationed outside their door, of course, but they're so familiar with my presence that all they do is nod and allow me passage. It takes a minute, but the door is opened by Mary, Rosa's personal maid, and our collective love interest despite her humble background and minimal presence.

At first, Mary smiles softly at seeing me. However, she soon realizes that I am here not just for a normal chat. Nodding at me seriously, Mary welcomes me inside and leads me to Rosa's bed chamber. Much like Agent, Mary takes her maid job seriously, although she is only wearing a nightgown right now. I can imagine that Rosa is also not in a very presentable state for the upcoming talk, but this can't wait. The moment I step into their bedroom, I am immediately hugged by Rosa, with Mary standing just behind me with a small smile. Ultimately, I can't help but share a group hug with the two girls before I gently nudge them back to Rosa's bed.

Although Mary feels that something is wrong and opts to stay silent as she sits to Rosa's left, the Princess herself fails to notice my slightly clouded expression.

"Yuki~! What winds have brought you here tonight? I thought that you would only visit me and Mary tomorrow?" Rosa says cheerily, tucking a lock of her blonde hair behind her ear.

Mary, to her left, leans slightly forward to gaze inquisitively at me with her black eyes. "It appears that Yuki is here on official business first before fun, Rosa. For her to come at this hour means that things are very serious..."

Thanks to Mary's reminder, Rosa lets out an. "Oh."

The contrast between that easy-going 'Oh' and what I am about to say makes me let out a slightly exasperated chuckle.

"I don't mind staying after I finish briefing you, Rosa. I think you will need it." I say before moving to straddle Rosa's lap and gazing directly into her blue eyes.

Rosa, feeling the intent behind my words and actions, steels her expression slightly and gulp. "That bad, huh?"

Instead of answering directly, I make an eye signal with Mary, encouraging her to also embrace Rosa. The maid nods seriously, moving to hug Rosa from behind, her long black hair flows in contrast with Rosa's blonde one. As the gravity of the situation starts to set in, Rosa takes a deep breath and feels the warmth of our bosoms before saying.

"Alright Yuki, I am a big girl, and with you two with me, I can take whatever explosive news you have for me. So hit me with it, baby."

"Then I will not mince my word." I nod, feeling Rosa's hands pulling my waist closer. "Rosa, something happened in Paris. It's highly likely that the Loyalist Prime Minister and your brother are dead."

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Both Rosa's and Mary's breathing still at the news, with Mary peering over to gaze at Rosa in concern. As the implication of my words fully registers in her brain, Rosa sighs and gazes at me with a complex look.

"Ok, that is really an explosive piece of news, Yuki. Way to lay it on thick, huh?"

I frown. "Rosa."

"But then again, I already expect such an outcome. My little brother had unwittingly participated in something he couldn't control."

I once again call out as even Mary hugs our lover harder. "Rosa..."

The Reformist Princess ignores our gestures, however. "With him out of the picture, does it mean that we can take advantage of the opportunity to swiftly subsume the rest of Ustio? If he's truly gone, we won't have to worry about internal fighting in the future. At least not as much, right?"

Unable to see her continuing her spiel, I raise my voice. "Rosa!"

That successfully attracts her attention and brings her back to reality. Rosa, looking at me in puzzlement, says. "Yuki, what's wrong?"

Both Mary and I share a look of concern, with Mary being the one to reply. "Rosa, you're crying."

Rosa tilts her head in confusion before raising a hand to her face, feeling droplets of tears running down her cheeks. "Oh..."

Unlike before, this 'Oh' is filled with realization and melancholy. Rosa goes on to say with a wry smile.

"Why am I crying now? It's not like I am that close to my brother, right? We can't be any further apart these days and it's not like he is confirmed to be dead... So why am I shedding tears? I don't understand..."

Both Mary and I lean to kiss Rosa's tears away as Rosa sobs silently.

"Rosa, he is still your blood brother. You're too kind to just throw away this estranged family bond of yours. In fact, you even pity your brother in your heart for being just a puppet king. To cry like this is proof that you are a good girl, Rosa, so don't deny those feelings in your heart. Otherwise, you won't be the Rosa loved by Mary and I." I say, obviously not an attempt for comfort, Mary and I provide that aplenty with our hugs already. It is, however, what Rosa needed to hear the most.

Though she is still crying, Rosa's smile grows a tad brighter. "Sorry that you two have to see me grappling with myself like this... Say, can you explain everything, Yuki?"

I nod. "But of course, I just figured I had to rip the band-aid off first so you could have the time to sort your feelings."

Rosa rolls her eyes wryly as she leans into the embrace provided by Mary and me. "Way to go about ripping the band-aid..."

Mary comforts. "But you can't deny that it's better to hear the bad news first before everything, right?" The lovely maid rests her chin on Rosa's blonde hair as the Princess chuckles tiredly.

"Yeah... I am always partial to getting the bad air out of the way first and foremost." Rosa then raises her hand to idly stroke my head of gray hair, an action that she always says is very stress-relieving.

Smiling softly, I let her indulge. "Ok then, get comfortable, what's next may be a bit of a doozy."

I then go on to explain what is currently known to us and the potential paths forward. After listening to everything, Rosa sighs, massaging her temple. "You're right, what the fuck is going on over in Paris even... The situation doesn't make sense unless someone out there really wants the Eruseans to be the fall guy. However, as you said, if we move too fast, fingers will point at us, accusing us of playing dirty despite the mounting evidence against the Eruseans. Under your tutelage, I have come to learn just how deadly public sentiment truly is."

Looking up into Mary's glossy black orbs, Rosa winks tiredly before gazing down at me. "Setting aside whether my brother is still alive or not, what will you have me and Army Group C do?"

I smile, hearing the unwavering trust in Rosa's tone. "And here I thought you would suspect me for having a hand in your brother's possible demise. Nevertheless, we can continue the business talk tomorrow."

Rosa shrugs with a small smile. "Fine by me. And believe me, I did tussle with such a traitorous thought, but I know my lovely Marshal does not need such trickery."

I smirk challengingly. "Oh, mind sharing with Mary and me why?" Mary also leans over Rosa's shoulder, curious as to what the Princess's reply is.

Sporting a smirk much like mine, Rosa pulls me into a deep kiss before turning to claim Mary's lips as well. After a hot minute, Rosa pants.

"My brother is not dangerous enough to be dealt with in such a shadowy manner. And since we three are holding the others' hearts hostage, you will never go behind my back for something as big as this, am I right, Yuki?"

"Heh, damn right you are. Now, undress me, you two." I lick my lips. "Since I am already here, may as well enjoy it."

Both Mary and Rosa share a knowing smile before Rosa says. "How bold you are tonight, Yuki? Don't blame us for going a bit heavy hand this time..."

Mary moves to unbutton my shirt, winking. "Apology, Yuki, but you may have to bear some discomfort as Rosa needs to relieve her accumulated stress."

I chuckle. "I may regret this tomorrow, but I won't shy away from being her cuddle pillow tonight. Rosa deserves it for everything she has done and experienced thus far. Quite frankly, I am proud of you both. Rosa for being such a lovely profitable investment and Mary for being the guiding hand that Rosa needs whenever I am not there."

To my compliment, both Rosa and Mary smile brightly before pushing me down between them.

"Prepare yourself, Yuki. I think you just flipped our switches quite nicely."