"Mono/Dialogue"

  'Inner thoughts'

  Narration

  [Message/communication apparatus]

  Date: November 1077

  Location: Section 22: Residential District B, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz.

  POV: Narrator

  The sun shines through the cracks between the veil that separates the room from the outside world. A soft warmth that gently nudges and caresses the bed occupant to finally free herself from self-indulgent dreams or meddlesome nightmares. Slowly but surely the bed occupant rouses from her sleep and does a light stretch.

  "Mmm~... morning already?"

  The st few days had been quite a novel experience, just putting up some light make-up, a casual sweater with jeans, and then her watchers from Armorless Union were immediately panicking. Suspecting that their target had somehow left their net of surveilnce, which was a really false notion.

  Nyx smirked inwardly at that time, how such minimal change had thrown them off that badly. Of course that only sted 3 days before they concluded that their target was always there. She can sense their confusion, and something like fascination... with the usual lust mixed in.

  At this point, she just couldn't care less if nothing stood in her way or that no one tried anything funny... Unfortunately, there are already several brazen people who thought that she was but a harmless and exquisite rose. Only to learn firsthand that said rose was made of steel with razor-sharp thorns.

  The number of people trying to hit on her was in the second digits yesterday. Of course, she pyed along and mustered the fakest yet still amicable smile to see what she could get. Turns out some of them truly just wanted a conversation partner, while the rest are serious, trying their luck, or outright wanting her.

  After a short confirmation with her clock that indicated the current time to be 6:00, Nyx left the comfortable confines of her bed... with nothing underneath.

  She had grown fond of the feeling of waking up in the morning without any restrictive clothing. Of course, she always has a pair of underwear and a t-shirt or tank top within arm's reach.

  She is now heading to the bathroom and will take her morning shower.

  After her quick bath, she starts making a simple breakfast to start her day. The apartment she is renting belongs to the 22nd section of the city. Kawalerielki is made up of multiple sections that are, surprisingly, capable of attaching or detaching themselves during an emergency.

  Turning on her television, she ate her breakfast while watching a documentary of sorts. She currently binging some historical narration... along with the political baggage that accompanied the most educational show...

  [Empire of Victoria was co-ruled by the Draco, Artorius Royal Family, and the Asn, Victoria Royal Family since they signed an armistice to stop the war between them. The Draco had disappeared by 1072 however, leaving the Asn as sole ruling monarch of Victoria. The situation immediately deteriorated since then, culminating in a coup d'état against the remaining royal family and the subsequent hanging of the King not long after.]

  [The Asn Royalist faction and the tower knights had been on a steady decline, especially with the Steam Knights that had been sent away to safeguard the border. Victorian Parliament had decred a state emergency for years due to the disappearance of Her Highness Crown Princess Alexandrina Victoria, the only known rightful heiress to the throne after the hanging of his Majesty, amidst the bloody coup 5 Years ago. Grand Duchy of Caster, also reted by blood to the currently missing Crown Princess, had redoubled their efforts to secure her Highness's safety.]

  [Political observers had noted that the Grand Dukes of Victoria had started to search both the Asn and Draco royals with redoubled earnestness. They commented that Victoria needed unity to preserve the declining empire, such unity was not possible due to numerous ethnic groups that had started uprisings and vocalizing their respective discontent, mainly the old natives of Tara and the resurgence of Gaulish nationalism amidst the instability.]

  "Gaulish Nationalism?" Nyx felt like she had heard that name long ago. Then she came to an epiphany...

  "Oh! The Empire Chief Radek said about? So... are they this world French Empire... I swore they called their best regiment Vioux Vanguards or something... French Old Guard Grenadier-like? But man... France lost? That is a bit disheartening... oh well, their former territory should still exist..."

  [The retions between Victorian nobilities had been reported to be deteriorating, cliques and factions grow rapidly with the ticking of the clock. The parliament was rumored to have finally split into several factions. This situation only worsened the seemingly dying empire.]

  [Despite the stringent internal retionship and unrest, Victoria's presence on an international level was stable as always due to the Grand Dukes practically being the de facto ruler of their territory, which means that each Grand Duke held a tight grip on both their private army and rulemaking without interference, lessening the chance of foreign incursion.]

  'Interesting, Victoria sounds like the United Kingdoms, if the name Victoria is not clear enough then I don't know what would convince you... Does it imply that there are Irish and Scottish kingdoms derivatives there? I might check them out soon... Also, Artorius? Really? Heh...' Nyx thought to herself, she is eager to visit the Terran version of the British Empire. She only hoped that it is not a total clusterfuck of mess.

  [Thus Victorian government had entered another round of political and civil unrest. The situation is still grim, specifically in Londinium proper. The situation seems to mirror the Gaulish Empire during its st days.]

  [The handling of civil and political unrest differed in each Grand Duke's territory. This degree of autonomy while ensuring Victorian standing and stability against external threats, only cause division internally.] Said one political observer and analyst.

  [There had been rumors that there was a third faction that controlled and influenced Victoria from the shadows. It is unconfirmed, however, and Victorian citizens had been encouraged to not believe baseless rumors that only worsen the situation. The Empire is declining, adding shadow government into the narrative will only infme the ensuing problems.]

  "So this world version of Welsh, Normans, or something? I don't know..."

  Finishing her breakfast in peace, she is now ready to visit her clients. She already has ties with prominent factions, which of course included K.G.C.C and the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi Kazimierz, thus she will be visiting K.G.C.C main building with an invitation and then visiting the Adeptus representative, which would be Kiril Nearl, the day after tomorrow.

  'I was also informed that Knights Association will contact me on a ter date...' Nyx can't wrap her head around why they didn't try to secure an early meeting like the other two. Rumors had been quite vocal about them being tied to K.G.C.C at this point, that's maybe why...

  "*Sigh*... time to go to work..." She is a bit displeased with the invitation from a K.G.C.C Spokesman to have a rexing dinner, but she needs to bance out her work for now. She still values her freedom as a mercenary. Despite her borderline rabid ruthlessness, she still needs to mind her stance. Falling out with any of the 3 is neither advisable nor recommended based on her current situation.

  'Well, whatever it is, troubles will always be following me unfailingly... you know what? Might as well enjoy it...' With that thought out of the way, she wore a much more casual clothes set, a pistol at her hip, and her trusty dagger on her ammo harness/carries. Then she headed towards the garage to leave for K.G.C.C's primary headquarters.

  POV: Nyx

  The street is not at all sparse this te in the afternoon. If anything it reminds me of New York and several other sleepless cities from one of my old worlds. Too bad I got killed off when Chthonian Ringworld went kaput… damn Elves and their worn-out dicks.

  Pedestrians moving about the sidewalks, local security and competition knights here and there, and all sorts of people, minus a certain people group, are moving around.

  Some of them gnced my way, but I paid them no mind despite their attention on me. Information I had gathered around me pointed out a single fact, the whole city is self-sufficient due to sections being segregated for different purposes.

  I was surprised by how much Kawalerielki artificial farmnd can produce, despite its size being no bigger than 1/10 of the total usable space. Terra's technological level is really weird, I have seen scanners that can, at an extortionate cost, purge tumors and cancer cells yet their societal development is in the early industrial age...

  Not to mention that I had not seen many Air Force from either Kazimierz or Ursus, just some odd VTOLs and helicopters now and then but no jet fighters. Burdenbeasts, such as traveling donkey lookalike or that one triceratops lookalike, are used in conjunction with cars and trucks... what a weird world.

  Finishing my musing, I had finally arrived at the K.G.C.C ministerial building. I can already see an official waiting for my arrival, pretty vish to send an official to meet a mercenary. Oh well, I parked my bike nearby and approached the man.

  "Welcome to K.G.C.C, Lady Nyx."

  "Likewise, Spokesman Seweryn."

  "Let us discuss our partnership over the aforementioned dinner inside."

  "Sure, lead the way."

  Following him inside the building, I can sense them watching me with rapt attention. The scrutiny I received was hardly uncomfortable.

  '... 40... 70 pairs of eyes are watching me, interesting. What a shame, the privacy is less than I expected, but that's alright. Mercenary life is hardly a noble existence, but we got the job done...'

  I was being led towards a private meeting lounge, there were several other civil officials and workers moving about inside the building. I can sense that they really tried their best not to pay attention to me, too bad you guys aren't subtle at all.

  Seweryn then prompts a conversation while we are heading towards the private meeting lounge.

  "How was your impression of this city, dy Nyx?"

  "Prosperous, accepting... and moving forward..."

  "Indeed, we're always striving to push Kazimierz past the shackles from the bygone era. What you see is proof of our willingness to not be left behind, unlike a certain faction who are still obstinate against the changing of times."

  "Hmm... by any means necessary..."

  "Merely a product of logical thinking and rationale, a person only, truly, matured once taking their stance when facing reality."

  "A progressive and truly effective stance, I hardly qualify to comment on it. I am but a mere mercenary selling her sword with the right price."

  "That’s precisely why the Board of Chairmen had a positive outlook on your resume. You're quite receptive yourself, it is not every day I can engage in a pleasant conversation with a mercenary."

  "I hardly doubt my non-committal answers qualify..."

  "That remains to be seen in my humble opinion."

  "Sure."

  Such idle talks keep on revolving around Kazimierz while inserting spiels about why the K.G.C.C. model of progress is the best choice. I keep my answers around the non-committal ground, the st thing I want is to be sucked deeper into a quagmire called politics.

  POV: Narrator

  Arriving in the private lounge, they began their dinner. Nyx absolutely has no idea what are the names of the foods served, the only thing she can conclude is that it is meat-based steak and several side dishes with bread and stuff to fill the carbohydrate intake.

  She masterfully feints herself to look knowledgeable and grace when picking up the dish. Seweryn is mildly surprised because her table manners are quite proficient and reminiscent of traditional Victorian Nobilities’ style. Of course, he keeps it to himself because another objective of this dinner is to gain an understanding of who and what kind of person Nyx is.

  "An impeccable table manner, dy Nyx."

  "Just a necessity, it would be uncouth of me to dine haphazardly."

  "Indeed, what do you think about the dish? Kazimierzian cuisine should be quite interesting no?"

  "Truly a novel experience if I may add."

  With the main courses finished, Nyx was served with the appetizer as well as the contract discussion that followed.

  "K.G.C.C. have 3 offers to make."

  "I see, please eborate."

  "The first is an offer for you to work directly with K.G.C.C. in a much more official and legal capacity. Your talent is frankly wasted as a mere sellsword." Seweryn said while handing the document to Nyx to read. She takes it and reads it carefully, which she would most likely reject but is interested in.

  The document pertained to several benefits that entailed including a fixed monthly sary of 300.000 Heller. Access to several more restricted information depending on how well she contributed. As well as legal immunity when faced with minor and several medium rule viotions. She is also still allowed to work as a mercenary as long as the contracts aren't from Adeptus Sprawiedliwi.

  'I won't lie, 300 thousand is too much to contract a mercenary... I can make more by accepting mercenary contracts anyway. This implied that I will have steady incomes and more influence in K.G.C.C... at a low, low price of consigning my freedom into oblivion...' Nyx is amused but predictably uninterested in being someone else tool at the moment.

  "Quite an interesting proposal. Tell me, the offered sary is beyond what was normally offered to a mercenary right?"

  "Indeed, your work ethics warranted that much. K.G.C.C is always looking for dependable human resources, for your information."

  "A tempting offer, but let me see the next contract."

  "Very well, this document pertained to an agreement where you're technically employed by K.G.C.C but being given more autonomy."

  Nyx was handed another document, skim reading it she was shocked by how lenient it was on paper. She had made a fatal mistake, Nyx failed to fully hide her surprise which Seweryn taken note of. This sort of contract is too enticing, admittedly...

  '120 thousand Heller a month and logistical support with a 2-year contract that can be extended. My contract will be centered on keeping Kawalerielki safe and rooting out potential foreign incursion at the behest of K.G.C.C while also stressing a point of not going against Kazimierz's interest as a whole. This document also underlined that K.G.C.C will not force me to sever connection with other faction... this is... troubling...'

  "What am I expected of with this?"

  "You're the most proficient mercenary to conduct security enforcement. Something K.G.C.C deeply interested with."

  "This contract will turn me into an employee on paper too."

  "On paper yes, but you're still a free contractor. It answered your expectations no?"

  "... I would refrain from commenting, st offer please."

  "Very well, this one pertained you to being treated as other mercenaries as a whole but with benefits that K.G.C.C has to offer."

  "..."

  Nyx read this one carefully, the previous offer was too enticing but she's still way too weary to accept it. Mentally sighing that K.G.C.C was being extremely reasonable thus making it hard to refuse from a logical standpoint.

  'This one underlined that I would act as usual, with individual contract offers per mission and task. With a twist of receiving 40% or more payout while also having it a permanent benefit... also confirming that I may receive several supplies to use... I'm going to be used as an advertisement wasn’t I?'

  Nyx internally sighed while also managing to decipher a loophole within the contract offer.

  'Those benefits are eligible as long as I received a direct commission from K.G.C.C... which also implied that K.G.C.C eligibility of using a middleman to circumvent it... This is a pretty much empty offer...'

  'I take that back... they're still rather unreasonable. They're clearly pushing me to take the 2nd offer... damn it... I really wanted that second offer but it is too fishy...'

  "I must say... the 2nd proposal was the most logically sound..."

  "That is indeed, are you perhaps-"

  "...from a monetary standpoint." Nyx cut him off.

  "... The contract is beneficial yes?"

  "Indeed, but I think I would achieve K.G.C.C.'s interest a lot more soundly to keep our retionship as is."

  "Truly? ...That is a shame but understandable. The offer for you to join us still stands, however."

  "Very well, to our continued retionship."

  "Likewise, to our continued prosperity."

  With that, the discussion was concluded. The K.G.C.C. might have failed to recruit her on the get-go, but gaining her interest in further cooperation and potentially opening up a venue of recruitment is all they need as a baseline at the moment. Nyx feels like she lost that one, clearly not cut out with hashing out intrigue like this.

  POV: Nyx

  'I suck at politics...' I keep mentally berating myself for being easily seen through. I can even sense the spokesman's satisfaction, the discussion was a ruse. They were only trying to gauge my stance and they managed to pull one on me.

  Thankfully I didn't immediately offend a faction, I will need a clear image and understanding before casting my lot. It would be stupid to just do things without clear information at hand.

  I exited the building, the pair of eyes on me had been reduced as well. Starting my bike, I left the premises.

  'Time to return home and rest, then continue berating myself tomorrow for that boneheaded blunder...'

  Riding my bike along the highway of Kawalerielki, the highway is sparse of vehicles. Most of the inhabitants prefer to walk it seems, well the nightlife in Terra is different or something like that.

  "Nothing wrong with just... have fun for now right?"

  I decided to stop by the local stall to buy some te-night snacks. Seeing across it, I can see a digital billboard.

  "Might as well..."

  I'm currently watching a digital billboard attached to a mall entrance. The content is the usual commercials and whatnot. But suddenly the billboard I'm watching disinterestedly just to kill time has been swapped with an emergency broadcast from the government.

  [BREAKING NEWS! URSUS EMPIRE HAD INVADED LUNGMEN!]

  "..." I'm honestly fbbergasted and shocked by how abrupt it is, the news now has my utmost attention. Ursus is beyond insane to commit this sort of shit, not to mention that Yan, Lungmen’s protectorate and yes I did my homework, is Terra’s superpower.

  [The battle is still ongoing as of now. Lungmen, and by extension, the Empire of Yan, had issued an emergency warning for their people abroad to not return to Lungmen amidst the invasion.]

  [True Lung of Yan had condemned the sudden attack that vioted international rule, the diplomatic situation between the 2 countries had sparked anxiety for another Great War. The Twin Empresses had also stated that Ursus is provoking needless conflict. Leithanien is still reeling from the Coup against the Her Majesty the Witch King st September, but they announced that aggression against Lungmen will have severe consequences. ]

  ‘Oh yeah, there was a coup in Leithanien not long ago. Kinda weird how could I have forgotten that… Still, Leithanien siding with Lungmen and not Yan? Damn, Lungmen’s governor sounds like a ballsy person…’ Nyx mused in her mind, it is not exactly the first time for consecutive coups to happen. She still recalled how bad the Fall Marignon was… that shitty inquisitor sacrificed her old self to bribe a demon lord to fuck off.

  [The future effects of this conflict are still in the middle of calcution and prediction. One thing is certain however, Lungmen Dolr will suffer devaluation in conjunction with the situation and how much damage the mobile city shall incur by the end of this conflict.]

  [Wei Yenwu, de facto and de jure Magistrate and Lord of Lungmen as well as the current True Lung sibling, had released a statement that "Lungmen will not fall, public order, securities, agreements, and business deals shall return to normal soon enough." The situation had been reportedly grim.]

  The news continues with information that has been readily made avaible to the public. There has been confusion along the way. Since Ursus' invasion this time around seems to be pre-pnned and or there are worse things at py, thus she is happy to not know any specifics. Still, the fact that a proper Ursus army managed to unch a sneak attack is truly disturbing.

  [The situation is changing rapidly, we will return after the commercial!]

  [Hey there! Do you want to have a silky smo-] Nyx immediately turns her attention away.

  "What the hell was that? Ursus sounds like an utterly unhinged nation... To think that they unch another attack so soon..."

  The passerby around me also glued their attention to it. I decided to retire early, more or less exasperated with Ursus' test antics.

  2 days ter.

  Nyx is on her way to Nearl's Family mansion. A part of my mind is still occupied by the test information from Lungmen. The war seems to end much sooner, the situation is frosty but Ursus and Yan thankfully did not escate the situation.

  Details are still being hashed out but Lungmen cimed victory despite half the city ending up destroyed. Some political observers are bewildered that the war didn't escate further however, usually such an incident would spark a huge wave that preluded the nightmarish period of costly war.

  'Enough thinking about faraway nd. I have a meeting with Kiril soon enough.' I am now walking towards Residential District A in section 7. From what I had heard, the pce was mostly made up of mansions and high-end residential apartments. Interestingly enough, the middle-css citizens who were wealthier also started moving into the district that used to be where nobles resided.

  Several minutes ter, I finally arrived in front of the mansion. There is already a pair of Kuranta all smiles and seemingly waiting for me. Showing my invitation to the security, I was welcomed inside amicably by the pair.

  "Greetings Lady Nyx, My name is Schnitz Nearl and this is my wife Ionta Nearl."

  "A pleasure to finally meet you."

  "Likewise, as you might have known I'm here to answer an invitation and business contract."

  "Indeed, my wife will show you around for now while I get the Knights Primus notified of your arrival."

  "Understood."

  With that, Ionta led Nyx inside the mansion. From the outside, it does look like a mix of high-gothic and Renaissance architecture. In all honesty, she knows little about architecture, a box with a roof is good enough for this Pythian after all.

  ‘I could feel that the woman named Ionta had been looking at me curiously from the corner of her vision. Let's try prompting a conversation... Uh... what the hell can I talk about... screw it, I'll just say the first thing that comes to my mind.’ … How am I supposed to break the ice again? Am I going to screw it up?

  ...

  ...

  ...

  ...

  ‘This is awkward... I have no idea what to talk about... ah! That might work... that's blunt as all hell though... then... uh... never mind. Crap, why can't I say anything!?’ For whatever reason, I got nervous and started bnking as hell.

  "Lady Nyx?"

  "Yes?" Oh shit, my voice was higher than usual... why am I so freaking nervous right now!?

  "I must confess it is quite unusual to see a Naga in this era."

  ‘The fuck? What Naga? I'm a Pythian... wait... am I a sub-race too!? What was the Nagas myth again? My mind is in chaos...’

  "Naga? As far as I'm concerned, I'm just an ordinary Pythian..."

  "Truly? What a shame, I thought you were one. Also, I do apologize if I offended you in any shape or manner, Lady Nyx."

  "No worries, also you can drop the Lady... it feels weird to be called one, especially by a noble no less."

  "Oh! Very well then... Let us just drop the stiff nguage altogether. Do you mind?"

  "No, if anything that's appreciated."

  "I'm gd we are one of mind."

  With the weird tension dissipating, we just walked and chatted until we reached the guest room. This woman sure knows how to talk, not like my idiotic mug…

  ‘This pce looks cssic and antique, like those 18th-century arrangements or something...’

  From there we just talk about a lot of meaningless stuff... this is nice, I rarely am this chatty with someone I just met... well, the awkwardness is no more so that's a plus. Ionta doesn't seem to mind my even and bnk face. If anything... this woman seems to be aware that I'm faking it...

  We are exchanging stories, experiences, and all sorts of mundane day-to-day situations. This is a lot more enjoyable than business talks with K.G.C.C ... am I lonely?

  While I was talking with Ionta, a tiny noise from a pair of footsteps echoed not far from the room we were in while being accompanied by a cute voice. Ionta immediately beamed and motioned me to stay quiet, I wondered why but decided to py along with her.

  "Mother? Mother?"

  "Mother is in the guest room!"

  "Hmm!"

  The voice gives a cute grunt of affirmation, I can only sense the bubbly feeling seeping through... is that her daughter? I see... I missed Lina now...

  "Ah! Mother! Can you lend me more books to read? The fairytale you gave me was the best! Especially whe-" The child suddenly froze seeing me also in the room. Her face turned red immediately.

  "Uh... um..."

  "Aww, why so shy? Shouldn't you introduce yourself?" Ionta seems to be enjoying it... stay strong kid, you have a rather mischievous mother.

  "A-a-ah yes! Um... m-my n-n-name is Ma-Margaret Nearl! P-pweas- haunh!"

  ... She bit her tongue... what is this cute creature?

  "Ionta..."

  "Yes?"

  "Can I bring her back to my house?"

  "No!"

  "Please?"

  "Nuh-uh!"

  The girl named Margaret immediately hid behind her mother. No doubt embarrassed but... heh... very well then, goodbye mask. I must ease this cute girl...

  "Nice to meet you too, Margaret. My name is Nyx."

  I genuinely smiled for the first time since I came to this city. Margaret and her mother were stunned... then Ionta giggled, with a clear sense of triumph cing every sylble of it so vividly.

  "I knew it, you were acting after all! Father-in-w was right, you're a good company despite your apparent coldness."

  "Cut me some sck, that's my working face. I don't think it is worth it to frighten your daughter."

  "Now that's better."

  "Indeed that was."

  A third voice was heard from the doorway, I saw 3 men there. There are Kiril, Schnitz, and a man I don't know... he looks like Schnitz however, just younger and... well... handsome too...

  ‘Wait… what the fuck Nyx? Am I getting smitten already?!’

  "Kiril, it has been a while."

  "Indeed it has. By the by, this one here is my youngest son, his name is M?ynar. It is a coincidence that he returned today."

  "..." The man just nodded while feigning disinterest. His sword was being gripped nguidly but his stance showed his wariness.

  After exchanging some pleasantries, we all just talk and discuss the usual mercenary contract but mostly it is just an introduction to his family... I miss Dad now, I'll make some time to return and visit Wdirosa.

  Unlike with K.G.C.C., my conversation about work was wrapped up without many changes. Well... I'll be here for a while, so it is nice that there is at least someone who doesn't view me with ulterior motives 24/7.

  [END OF CHAPTER]

  Author's Note:

  Sup, this is me, myself, and I, the author who is mentally exhausted from how life seemingly keeps giving me the middle finger periodically.

  Updated note: Dontcha love it when lore updated and said that there were 2 coups? Well, that’s what I had felt…

  We will be leaving the Grand Knights Territory (Kazimierz) in chapter 12. Where? Just wait...

  Update as usual... hopefully... again...

  Ciao.