A week had passed since our guests arrived and soon left. We showed them around, they were livid with the opera and orchestra, surprised but enjoying every single moment. Their curiosity unmatched, asking constant questions about all the things they saw, from our flags, streets, buildings to the small things such as dishes and alcoholic drinks. Even asked us about trade, they would give us some things in return we give them some of our miniscule things, pottery, clothes and such, we couldn't offer them the more complex, not now, since we aren't allies. We discussed many things, to even a potential alliance with their country, but said that first they would have to check with their leaders which was fine. They were interested in buying one of our domestically made ships, which me and Kahoda took inspiration from the British Empire ships and some from French and Spanish. It was a blend of many designs but worked out quite well. 

Atsuko and me have been spending more time together, we aren't in an official relationship, but do see each other and have 'fun' as people would say. Always taking a break from all the constant work, walking around town amongst other things. Her selected ministers have been doing quite well, the literacy rate had gone up significantly, from only a select few knowing it to over a half of the population knowing how to write and read to some extent, improving it as the time goes by. The country has been booming, the standard of living had improved significantly. One snowy day, while Kahoda and me were taking a stroll around the city, discussing things on what to do in the future we come across an old lady selling some herbs and one, I immediately recognize. 

Draven: Excuse me, where did you get those leaves? 

Old Lady: Oh, me and my husband grow them in our yard. Why do you ask?

Kahoda: What are they? 

Draven: Oh come on, how can't you realize what they are? They are tobacco leaves, dried ones. 

Kahoda: You serious? 

Draven: Yep. How many do you grow?

Old Lady: Well, only a few. We are quite old and limited so we can't grow many. 

Draven: Could you grant us some seeds? You would be rewarded of course. 

Old Lady: Why would you want them? Nobody wanted them up until now.

Kahoda: What do you use them for? 

Old Lady: As a fragrance. What else would I use them for? 

Draven: We will buy all the ones you have. But, please, do tell us, if it is what we think it is, where do you live so we can come over and talk.

Old Lady: In a small village north from here, Satoka it is called. 

Draven: Alright. Here, take this. 

I put down three gold coins in front of her and she packs the leaves into a bag and attempts to give me change but I refuse. The two of us head back to the castle. Sitting down in a room, I grab a couple pieces of paper that closely resembles that one that you would find in a cigarette, all the while he cuts them up finely. As we each roll up our own, closing them tightly, it will definitely be strong without a filter but nonetheless, we are excited. As we lite them up and taking shallow puffs, coughing a couple times but it is there, the distinct smell and taste of tobacco. We are chuffed. 

Draven: Aw hell yeah. 

Kahoda: We will send somebody over there tomorrow, we need those seeds. 

Draven: I will try and see if we can make a filter somehow, because smoking without one is dangerous and terrible. Maybe ask the magician if they create something. 

Kahoda: If we do manage to make this into a large thing, oh the cash we will be able to earn will be mountainous. 

Draven: Definitely, domestic and for sale production will be started en masse. 

Kahoda nods and for the next couple weeks we not only acquire the seeds but also plant whole plantations. Honestly, time flies by quickly, too quickly for my liking, as spring arrives and tobacco is in full swing in the society. Shops sell them, people smoke them on the streets, work and dinners. It becomes a normal everyday thing, of course, you can't smoke inside, you must do it outside. We did manage to make a trade alliance with the Rasmusen clan from which Hideo and others came from. Sales have been high of different products. All the while I have been planning to go and visit the Academy where Marie and Elonshe are, I haven't forgotten about them and do actually miss them. I had notified Kahoda and Atsuko about it, Kahoda will take charge with Atsuko helping him out along the other ministers. I went to the docks after having prepared everything and summoned a ship. The darkness flowing out and slowly morphing into a shape of, RN Gorizia. 

The people are surprised but don't comment anything, as their leader it comforts me that they won't ask any questions. Saying a final goodbye to Kahoda and a kiss to Atsuko I head out into the open seas. Putting her on full power, cutting through the water at 32 knots, it's massive form looking majestic as always. Italian ships were definitely underrated, not only were they beautiful, but some of the most capable ones, shame that they were handicapped by the lack of fuel and government. For what they were, they were capable ships. I took on painting and brough a bunch of canvasses and paints with me so while we sailed I would pain whatever I saw fit. One day, however, the crew spotted a ship in the distance, it bore a black flag with a skull and bone, typical for a pirate. Not wanting to engage in needless combat I use the speed to run away. We were at least two times quicker than them, sometimes even more. During the journey a bunch of sea creatures tried to attack us but either gave up or were terminated. Overall, the journey is rather normal, like a relaxing voyage. By our calculations we should come to the place we initially left off, but if we do miss, then just go along the coast until we reach it. After a three weeks of only sailing we finally spot land up ahead. And thank the eggheads we managed to calculate correctly and the familiar small village came into view. We sounded the horn, to signal our approach, but since it was getting quite late we turned on the spotlights. Illuminating the small houses and the coast so that we don't actually hit it. Slowing down we slowly drift towards the coast. Looking through the binoculars I notice that a crowd had already gathered, a nostalgia hits me the first time I came over. The crowd, the chattering, the panic, oh how sweet it was. As we lower the anchor into the water I can't help but feel excited but to see my girls. As the ships is parked we extend a plank and I walk onto land, it is nice to feel solid ground under your feet. The wizards and witches, all look at each other confused, unsure what to do. But finally a familiar face comes up. 

Draven: Estrella, long time no see!

Estrella: Draven? What are you doing here?

Draven: Of course I came to visit my friends, what other reason would I visit. 

Estrella's expression quickly changes into one that carries bad news. 

Draven: What happened? 

I walk up to her, my form towering over her, she tries to avoid my eyes, but I force her to look at me. 

Draven: Tell me, what happened?

Estrella: Marie is here, but Elonshe, they took her.

Draven: Who? 

Estrella: The Kings men, as a slave. 

Draven: I see. I see.

Estrella: I am sorry, we tried to stop them, but it was a direct order. We couldn't defy it. 

Draven: Well. Where is Marie?

Estrella: Follow me please. 

We walk to the main academy, through the familiar forest. There is this primeval rage brewing within me. As we reach the academy grounds there appears to be a gathering. Quickly I spot Marie and she spots me. Lights up immediately. She runs up to me. The others look at me in disgust. 

Marie: Draven!

She jumps into my embrace, her sweet smell, her gentle embrace, oh how I missed them. 

Marie: Why did you come here and what is with that outfit? 

Draven: Oh, many things have changed since we last met. Let's go and sit down, there is so much to tell. 

We sit down at a small bench and table, the others don't even dare to approach. I give her a quick recap on everything that had happened since we separated. The country I took over, became a leader and other things. She seemed thrilled at all of this, listening intently at all what I had to say. And especially the fact that our soldiers stopped wielding swords, but muskets and cannons. We  might have become a dominant force, judging by what she is saying about the recent events. And finally we reach the one thing that I wanted. 

Marie: I don't know if you know this, but Elonshe had been taken by the King to be his slave. Or more precisely the Prince's slave. 

Draven: Estrella told me about it. 

Marie: I am sorry, we tried everything we could. 

Draven: I am sure of it. 

Marie: Why aren't you mad? How can you be so calm?

Draven: Oh dear Marie. I am no calm, I just don't show it. Are you able to message the King directly?

Marie: Well not me, but the headmaster can. 

Draven: And who is he?

She points to a bearded wizard, his grey hairs covering most of his face. He wears a blue well decorated robe with a pointy hat on the top. I get up and walk over, Marie is nervous as to what I am about to do. The people slowly back away, well most of them and the Headmaster stares at me, wondering what I am about to do. 

Draven: Are you the Headmaster? 

Headmaster: Yes I am. And who might you be?

Draven: My name is Draven. The current King of the Kingdom of Prussia. Marie had said that you can contact the King directly. 

Headmaster: Never heard of that country. 

I chuckle but quickly grab him by the throat. It was too quick and too sudden for him to predict it. The people around tense up and Marie gasps. 

Draven: Can you, or can you not contact him? It is a simple yes or no question. 

Headmaster: I can. 

Draven: Good. Well, you are too send him a letter or whatever. They are to say these exact words, 

"By the request of Prussian Kingdom, you are to release the woman whose name is Elonshe. We believe she is held as a slave. If you do not head our request, we will not hesitate by declaring war on your nation. It is in our both interest that you head our request and return her at your earliest convenience. 

Sincerely, King Draven."

Are we understood? Simple but direct. 

He nods and I let go of him, rubbing his throat. There is a hint of fear in his eyes which I didn't expect. Marie and Estrella look in shock. 

Estrella: Are you insane? To declare war against a powerful nation when you come from a kingdom that had never existed. Do you even have a army? 

Draven: Oh, we do. A army and navy. And with both me and Kahoda's powers, one that won't be matched. My threat is not without reason. I will be staying here until I get an answer. 

Marie: Are you sure? 

Draven: Oh come on, I missed you for so long. I want to spend some time with you. 

She glances all around and nods, motioning for me to follow. We walk away from the crowd and head to her place. There is so much to catch up on, it has been quite a long time.