Chapter 12: An old butler´s viewNotes:
I was writing and writing and writing and then I noticed that the chapter was the longest I had ever written. So to not burn myself out I have split the chapter into five parts. Each POV gets its own chapter. As a result they will be shorter. Only around thousand words.
As an apology have this picture that took me way too long to make, because MS Paint sucks.
"Japanesepengi" and "strangerdanger" your wish has been granted.
(I want Wilhelm POV - 3 days ago)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 12
Wilhelm was not often surprised anymore. His age and experience had dulled all the excitement or interest a younger, less damaged person would feel. But in this moment when the final royal candidate revealed herself he felt awe. His ladyship was an impressive human being, but if he was perfectly honest with himself then she could not compare to the girl that seemed to materialize out of thin air.
Her hair shone so brightly in the sunlight which fell through the windows that is looked like a golden halo was surrounding her head. Together with her fair skin and natural beauty she looked like an angel. The left corner of her mouth was raised in a gentle, but knowing smirk that nearly screamed superiority and her eyes blazed with azure energy. These eyes... they had seen so much death. More than even himself if is intuition was correct. And he was always right with such things.
How could such a young woman be so familiar with destruction? Had she fought in a war? The shining silver medal above her heart seemed to indicate so. More importantly, why had she not been broken by it? The expression in her cold, blue eyes was clear and intelligent, not at all dulled by horror and misery. She probably was the kind of human being who could stand knee-deep in blood and find a way to enjoy herself while doing so. Utterly unfazed by violence and destruction, the thrill of the fight was the only thing that counted for them.
This girl radiated power. Despite her petite built that made her look like a child she was clouded in energies that Wilhelm had never seen before. Arcane knowledge was not his forte, but he had experienced his fair share of magic on the battlefield. Whatever this girl was using was completely unknown to him and that was disconcerting.
Absolute silence filled the previous noisy room as she strolled down the middle corridor to the podium. The only sound was the repeated clacking of her black leather boots on the marble floor that echoed unnaturally loud through the tense air. She seemed entirely relaxed even though all eyes were intensely staring at her. It reminded Wilhelm of those Rigers from Kararagi which gave off an inert feeling of danger even though they appeared utterly non-threatening.
She looked as calm as if she were surrounded by harmless kittens and not scheming nobles and distrusting rivals. Not because she expected peace, Wilhelm was sure of that, but because she knew she would win in any fight that could occur. This complete nonchalance gave him a tiny chill.
Instead of taking the stairs up to the podium she flew them up in a casual display of power that caused some gasps from the audience. Of the present individuals with magic capabilities only one would be able to emulate that and that was none other than the Margrave himself, the most powerful magician in the country. Who was she? Why had she been hiding her identity? Was she a foreign spy?
That question was answered when she held her insignia high up in the air and it flashed brightly with crimson light. The proof of her worthiness was undeniable.
"Greetings honourable elders, nobles and royal knights of this great kingdom. I am Tanya von Degurechaff, known simply as the Argent or the White Silver in my home and lauded as the greatest combat mage of my generation. I meant no disrespect with my late arrival, but it felt prudent to observe my so called ´opposition´ before revealing myself for the first time to the public. Please think nothing of this old habit of mine."
He had never heard of anybody with these titles. He was sure of it.
"My fellow candidates for the throne had the kindness to share their goals for when they theoretically ascend it. I have something different to present: My plans that I will make reality regardless if I will become queen or not."
Even more interesting. The pure conviction that was practically oozing out of Lady Degurechaff´s eyes was breathtaking. For a short moment Wilhelm was reminded of his wife. His wonderful, lovely Theresia would look exactly like that when she held speeches. Which was not often, but always incredible. Just like everything she did.
"Strong borders, justice for all, a prospering economy... these are not exclusive from each other. Only if every citizen has the chance to reach their maximum potential, to go above and beyond and give their all for our state... then will the country be able to flourish. Only if our cities and roads are secure can trade freely flow and bring wealth to all corners of the land. Only if the treasuries are full can the state hire soldiers and pay for proper arms to protect the peace. They all are dependent of each other. Not separate."
While she was saying all that she created many large, moving pictures in the air. Farmers were seen working the fields, merchants were depicted trading goods and citizens in the capital were shown going about their lives. All of it looked unbelievably real and lively, as if it were real people that had been compressed into flat images. It was a mesmerizing display the likes of which Wilhelm had also never seen before. Lady Degurechaff was full of surprises it seemed.
"What is the reason you are all here? Because you want a leader that can bring hope to the people and inspire bravery in your warriors! Someone who is able to fill your coffers and secure your rule for generations to come! Who will be able to offer all of that? I mean no offense when I say this, but are they good enough?"
She gestured to the four girls behind her.
"Are Greed, Luck, Innocence and Boldness really all you deserve?
When will Anastasia´s greed be sated? Not even she knows.
How many lives will be lost because of Crusch´s recklessness? Nobody can say.
Will Emilia be able to reign over a country that despises and rejects her wholeheartedly? It remains to be seen.
What happens when Priscilla´s luck runs out? That at least is for certain: doom."
Lady Degurechaff chuckled mirthlessly at her own joke while uneasiness spread in the crowd around Wilhelm. He desperately wanted to disagree, but couldn't. He would give his life for Lady Crusch, but that did not mean he could not see the flaws in her plans.
It was only by her grace that he had even been allowed to attend this ceremony since he was no longer a knight or possessed any titles. He owed her so much and would follow her wherever she demanded, but in this short, treacherous moment he wished that he could make her rethink her vision for Lugnica.
"This is a historical event that only a very select few individuals can witness. So you deserve absolute honesty. I will tell you my biggest secret; the one thing that makes me different from all of you."
What she said next changed everything. Nothing could have prepared them all for the following words.
Notes:
Do you want Tanya´s POV as well after I have done all the candidates or would it be cool if her thought process was more ambigious?
A = No Tanya POV for her speech
B = Tanya POV? Absolutly!
EDIT: 8A to 8B