As the dust settled from the meteor impact, chaos reigned in the streets of the city. Angelina, a fierce warrior and daughter of the noble Lord, galloped through the crumbling streets, her heart pounding with urgency. The distant sounds of clashing metal and cries of the wounded filled the air, a grim reminder of the impending threat from the Sorcerous Empire's army.
After sprinting for five minutes, she finally reached the heart of the city, where a makeshift triage had been set up. Soldiers, clad in armor, tended to their wounded comrades, their faces etched with exhaustion and determination. The impact of the meteor had created a massive fifty-meter-wide crater, and the shockwaves had sent several nearby buildings tumbling to the ground, leaving debris scattered across the streets.
Angelina dismounted her horse and strode toward the nearest group of soldiers. "Who's in charge here?!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
A man stepped forward, his armor gleaming under the flickering light of the torches. He was taller and more robust than the others, the insignia on his chest marking him as the highest-ranking officer present. "I am currently the most senior officer here, Lady Angelina," he replied, standing at attention.
Angelina wasted no time. "What is the current state of our troops? I need an accurate count of those still able to fight."
The officer's expression grew serious. "Only sixty percent of our infantry are still combat-ready. Some are wounded, and their effectiveness in battle may be compromised. I would estimate our true combat strength to be less than sixty percent."
"Damn it!" Angelina cursed under her breath, frustration boiling within her. The odds were not in their favor.
The officer hesitated before speaking. "Lady Angelina, may I ask why you are here? Where is Lord Cypras?"
Angelina's eyes hardened. "Forget about my father. Cowardice has taken over him."
With renewed determination, she returned to her horse and addressed the officer. "Gather all our men. We are going to defend this city until we die."
The commander's face shifted from surprise to a proud smile. "Yes, ma'am!"
"Good. Meet me in the town square in two hours," she commanded, her voice unwavering.
The officer nodded, but curiosity flickered in his eyes. "Where are you going, ma'am?"
"I want to assess the status of the Air Guard. I'll see you in the town square, Commander."
As Angelina rode off, the commander watched her with a mix of admiration and concern. She was a force to be reckoned with, and he hoped her bravery would inspire the troops.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, Piña and Hamilton stood on the side of a bustling road, taking in the sights. Carriages and wagons pulled by skeleton horses and various beasts rushed past them, while modern vehicles—motorcycles, scooters, buses, and trucks—zoomed by, creating a surreal blend of old and new.
"This is not the Sadera I grew up in," Piña remarked, her eyes wide with wonder. The city had transformed into a stylish metropolis, a testament to the Sorcerous Empire's influence since the gates to their world had opened over a year ago.
"Piña!" a familiar voice called out.
She turned to see Bozes and Panache approaching, their outfits reflecting the new era—Panache in a stylish jacket and jeans, and Bozes donning a sleek trench coat, a small child nestled in her arms.
"You're too late," Hamilton teased, crossing his arms.
"Ah! Sorry!" Piña replied, laughing lightly.
"Let's grab something to eat," Hamilton suggested, glancing around.
"Yes! I know a great restaurant nearby. Follow me!" Panache said, leading the way.
Restaurant Scene
Inside a bustling restaurant, the atmosphere was lively, with waitstaff darting between tables and the aroma of delicious food wafting through the air. Tyuule, the restaurant owner, was hard at work, her brow furrowed as she managed the chaos.
"Hurry up! The customers are waiting!" she called out to the cooks, her tone authoritative yet friendly.
"Yes, Lady Tyuule!" they replied in unison.
Tyuule stepped out of the kitchen, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on familiar faces. "Ah! Princess Piña and her friends! How are you all?"
"What are you doing here?" Piña asked, surprised.
"Oh! I own this restaurant now!" Tyuule beamed, pride shining in her eyes.
"What? You own such a big restaurant?" Bozes exclaimed.
"Yes! I opened it after receiving funds from the Court," Tyuule explained, her smile faltering slightly.
"So this restaurant is financed with Zorzal's money?" Hamilton asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tyuule hesitated, then shook her head. "I don't think so," she replied, glancing over her shoulder. Just then, Delilah, a close friend of Tyuule, chimed in from behind her.
"Your older brother raped Tyuule year after year. Tortured her. Cheated her. Lady Tyuule just got what she deserved," Delilah stated, her voice steady and unwavering.
The group exchanged surprised glances. "Are you two together now?" Piña asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes!" Tyuule confirmed, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"But how did that happen?" Panache pressed, intrigued.
Flashback Sequence
The scene shifted to a courtroom, where Zorzal stood in front of a judge, his expression a mix of defiance and desperation. The courtroom was filled with members of the Warrior Bunnies, citizens of the Empire, and soldiers of the Sorcerous Empire, all eager to witness the trial of the disgraced prince.
The Beastman Judge, a figure of authority, glared at Zorzal. "Zorzal, did you cheat with Tyuule?"
"I will not forgive this Sorcerous Empire! At first, they imprison me! And now they are insulting me!" Zorzal shouted, his voice echoing in the chamber.
"What are you talking about, barbarian!" the judge retorted, his patience wearing thin.
"Take care! I'm the Judge! Soldiers!" he commanded, and a soldier stepped forward, forcing Zorzal to drink a potion.
"So tell me now! Did you cheat with Tyuule?" the judge demanded.
"Yes, I did! I told her I wouldn't do anything to her people. But I betrayed her. I destroyed her village and gave her false assurances for three years!" Zorzal confessed, his voice breaking.
The Warrior Bunnies erupted in anger, their fury palpable as they surged forward, but the soldiers of the Sorcerous Empire held them back.
"Zorzal, you have been taken prisoner for cheating!" the judge declared.
"I am a prince!" Zorzal protested, but his words fell on deaf ears.
"You're a normal person!" the judge shot back.
"Show me a little respect!" Zorzal shouted as he was led away, his fate sealed.
Flashback End
"So that's how it happened," Tyuule concluded, her expression a mix of relief and triumph.
"Hmmm," Piña mused, processing the information. "Whose child is this?" she asked, glancing at the small girl in Bozes' lap.
"Oh! This is my baby. Her name is Mai Tomita," Tyuule said, pride evident in her voice.
"Who is her father?" Hamilton inquired, intrigued.
"Do you remember Tomita? The soldier from the JSDF?" Tyuule replied, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"Huh!" Piña exclaimed, surprised. "You're going to Japan today to meet her father?"
"Yes! Since you are our prior acquaintance, I'm not taking any money from you," Tyuule said, her tone warm.
"We don't need it," Piña insisted, though a hint of annoyance crept into her voice.
"Ah, Princess. Don't be so arrogant," Tyuule teased.
"Stop calling me princess. I'm not a princess anymore," Piña retorted, her cheeks flushing.
"Ah! Sorry. But consider it a treat from me," Tyuule said, her smile infectious.
Hamilton interjected, "Thank you very much, Miss Tyuule."
As they settled into their seats, the atmosphere lightened, laughter and chatter filling the air. The world outside continued to change, but in this moment, they found solace in each other's company, united by their shared experiences and the bonds they had forged amidst the chaos.