44 Jazz in the Air II

"Yes, I remember all of you. From Luna Base," Jack replied, then called out each name. "Penny, Flickson, Gusto… Yet, everything before that space-time event is gone. Not vague, not hazy. Completely gone." He stressed the final words, his gaze drifting to the table.

"Are you saying… when you buried your family, you don't remember them?" David asked, then immediately clapped both hands over his mouth, regretting the question.

Jack's expression softened. "It's fine, my friend. And yes, I don't remember them." A hollow ache settled in his chest. Lupus gently squeezed his shoulder, offering silent comfort.

"Thank you, Lupy," Jack murmured.

"How convenient for you, Jack," Aurelia remarked, resting her elbows on the table and her chin atop interlaced fingers.

Friederich shot his princess a weary glare. "Aurelia, stop teasing the man," he scolded. "Have some respect."

"Only if they were real." Aurelia grumbled into a low, inaudible growl.

Sensing the mood souring, David broke the tension, raising his glass of crimson wine. "How about a toast? To the spectacular view, the amazing food, and this mesmerising music!"

His proclamation worked. Glasses were lifted around the table. "Cheers!"

David downed his in one go, ever the heavy drinker with a stomach of steel. He was one of the few who could spend half his earnings on nourishment alone, his belly a testament to his affection for it. "Ah!" he sighed, long and satisfied. Jack followed suit, and soon the joyous mood returned, chatter and laughter once again filling the air.

During their conversation, a voice from behind cleared its throat. "Lupus, may I steal you for a moment?" It was Ludwig, his expression uncharacteristically grim. Lunice and Frain stood behind him, mirroring the same worried look.

Lupus bowed gracefully to the group before following Ludwig to a quiet spot on the stairway overlooking the river, where the vice magistrate, Petra, awaited them.

The breeze was stronger here, fluttering the fabric of Lupus's gown.

The magistrate scanned the area, ensuring they were alone. "One moment." He raised a hand to forestall any questions.

Ludwig tapped his ring, and an integrated arc-comm hummed to life. A holographic display shimmered into existence, its blue light casting sharp, urgent shadows on his face.

"I'm sorry to pull you away from your evening, but I've just received concerning news regarding our enemies," he announced, his voice low and serious.

"The Dunkelheit Empire?" Lupus whispered, her hand flying to her mouth. Beside him, Lunice nodded slowly, stroking Frain's hair.

"The intel suggests they are targeting Porand next. While it doesn't concern us directly, Porand lies just to the west of our town…" Ludwig explained, rubbing his brow.

"But?" Lupus pressed.

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"But separate intel suggests that, within a week, they will send troops to capture the Eastern Dam estate."

"The Eastern Dam supplies our electricity," Lupus finished, connecting the dots. "An attack would put us at a severe disadvantage. That's bad!"

"Correct," Ludwig nodded, his approval muted by the gravity of the situation.

"Dear, what about negotiation?" Vice Magistrate Petra asked, stepping closer to her husband.

Ludwig shook his head, his expression grim. "Magnus Primarch Mathias wasn't granted such a luxury, and he was the king of Germund. I doubt my position holds enough weight for them to even consider it."

"Mother, I will not bend to cold steel and heartless souls," Lunice interjected, her voice sharp and her dark eyes flashing with rage. "We will never negotiate with those murderers!"

Even Frain shrank back, startled by her sudden intensity. The lion-girl pressed into Lupus's side, ears flattened, whimpering softly.

Lupus's mind began to race, a frantic pulse deafening her to the argument. What resources do we have? What arsenal? How many troops are they sending? We only have three Stellius mages. Can we ask Triss for aid? No, they're Renaissance mages, not Warmongers!

Her train of thought was shattered by her sister's bark. "Lupy! Are you not listening?!"

"What?" Lupus blinked, pulled from her trance.

"Can you ask Jack to fight with the Armatus?" Lunice asked, her tone softening with strategic purpose.

"What?!" Lupus gasped, recoiling as if struck. Are they seriously asking a non-combatant to fight this war?

"I'll fight too!" Frain declared, her innocent gaze earnest.

Lupus pulled Frain into a protective embrace, glaring at Lunice. "She is not fighting our war! Stop trying to manipulate my friend! Is this why you bought her that battle axe? To turn her into your pawn?"

"Lu~Lupus…" Petra reached a hand toward her, but Lupus shielded Frain from them.

"Lupus! Stop acting like a petulant child for once!" Lunice screamed, her fury reignited. "If three years haven't made you grow up, this damn war will!"

"But Jack isn't a combatant! Security is one thing, the full frontal war is completely different!" Lupus argued, her voice cracking. "Frain isn't a warrior, sister. She's just a child… Lunice, please." Her plea was a desperate whisper, her golden eyes glistening.

"Lupy. I'll fight."

The voice, deep and resolute, came from above. A tall, broad figure stood confidently at the top of the stairs. His red eyes gleamed with determination, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Jack?" Lupus gasped, shocked.

He didn't answer immediately. He strode down the stairs and joined the group, his gaze locked with hers. "I said," his tone softened, a promise in his voice, "I'll protect you and Frain."

He glanced down at the small girl still held in Lupus's arms. "I'll keep you safe, Frain," he repeated. Her face lit up with a wide, relieved smile.

Jack then turned, his gaze sweeping over the others. "I might not have been born a fighter, but I have made up my mind. I will protect the people I love. So, Magistrate Ludwig, Vice Magistrate Petra, Lunice… I apologise for the intrusion. But please, tell me where the fight is." His voice was cold as steel.

"Jackie…" Lupus whispered, a disbelieving warmth blooming in her chest. Does he not realise he's stepping into hell itself? Or is it simply because he loves me?

The answer was blazing in his fiery red eyes.

Ludwig, taken aback by Jack's resolve, quickly saw the advantage. An Armatus would be a complete surprise to the enemy. "Very well, Mr. Squire," he said, his tone softening with respect. "You have my thanks, and, I am sure, the gratitude of Hasenwald's people as well." Petra offered a slow, appreciative nod.

Lunice pressed her lips into a thin line and turned away, her anger subdued. "Thanks, Mr. Squire," she said after a moment, her voice grudgingly gentle.

The grim atmosphere finally lifted, a fragile unity settling over the group.

"Well," Ludwig said calmly, "Let us discuss the details at first light. For now, we should enjoy the rest of the night."

With that, everyone nodded in agreement.

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