Tenebris Renasci: A World of Magic and Gunpowder

Béatrice watched as Hinata made her way towards the carriage Louise sat in, her gaze contemplative.

When Hinata reached Louise's carriage, she gave a quick but respectful nod to Charles, who stood outside the carriage, then proceeded to look within the carriage.

Inside the carriage, was Louise quietly sitting with a soft expression of distress and a deep profound sadness. "Lady Louise, are you alright?" Hinara asked softly, reaching a gentle hand to touch her small shoulder. 

Louise didn't physically react to Hinata's touch, but she did speak, in a quiet and low voice. "Do you care?" She asked, "You had your talk with my mother, so leave me."

Hinata's expression turned remorseful, "I understand this is a difficult time for you, losing your family and friend, but I assure you, we'll at least–"

"You won't bring anyone back." Louise hissed angrily, "No one can revive the deceased." She said frustratedly, jerking her shoulder away from Hinata as a frown crossed her small lips, "Besides, I never cared for Alexander, he wasn't my friend."

Hinata's expression shifted to become slightly remorseful, and with a deep sigh, she pulled her hand away. "I see, forgive my ignorance." She said softly, before pulling away from the carriage.

"She's simply stressed Dame Hinata," Charles said softly as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "life has been quite cruel to the Nova family, as I'm sure you know."

Hinata nodded as she placed a hand over Charles' "All too well I'm afraid, first the war, then the death of lord Napoleon and Lady Camilla, and now…" Hinata held her tongue, not wanting to let her bleeding heart spill too much, "…I'm sorry, truly."

Charles gave Hinata a comforting pat on the shoulder, "It's not your fault Dame Hinata, but your words of solidarity are welcomed I'm sure."

"Indeed they are," Béatrice commented as she approached the carriage, the sounds of her heels clicking against the concrete-covered ground and onto the black pavement. "I'll be sure to repay your kindness, if possible." 

Hinata gave a small smile as she stepped back from the carriage, allowing Charles to assist Béatrice in stepping into it. "There is no need to repay me for simple conversation, besides, you should get going."

Béatrice gave a curt nod before Charles closed the carriage door. He then moved towards the driver's, climbing up it with slow and deliberate movement.

Hinata looked around the dock one last time, her expression calculating as he gazes eventually landed on the largest ship in the port, 

The HMS Kilgard was a ship that was packed with veterans from the war with the Western Empire, which was now in its final days.

"So much violence." Hinata muttered under her breath, "So much loss of life, all for a land that's turned to ash." She shook her head slowly, before turning to look back at Béatrice's convoy, which was well on its way to the funeral grounds. "May the goddess protect you, Béatrice."

— — —

The tension within Béatrice's carriage was palpable. 

Béatrice sat with legs crossed and eyes closed, constantly flipping the paper Hinata had given her while her mind churned with thoughts of the upcoming meeting with Charlotte. 

Hinata's advice played repeatedly in her mind, the idea of bluffing her way through the conversation was risky, but in truth, it was the only option that wouldn't see another funeral for House Nova. 

Béatrice sighed softly as her mind continued to churn, simulating the conversation she would have with Charlotte a thousand times over. 

Louise meanwhile, watched outside her window with a stern expression. 

Watching as the port and its dock were left behind, transiting to a plane of green grass fields and small homes scattered between farms. 

The city proper began emerging from the horizon, the sounds of its busy streets and tall buildings coming into view. 

Large airships began to appear in the sky, at first as small elongated specks, but eventually growing into something larger, their black skin and loud motors a testament to their dominance over the sky. 

Church bells, tram bells, and shouting grew louder and louder as the convoy approached the city. 

Béatrice sighed as she pulled down the curtain to her window, dimming the cabin slightly.

Béatrice then turned and gestured for Louise to do the same. "Close it," she commanded, "the last thing I need is flashing cameras and obnoxious locals."

Louise turned to her mother with a conflicted expression, "But we haven't reached–"

"Did I ask for your opinion?" Béatrice snapped as she glanced at Louise. "Do as I say, now."

Louise flinched at her mother's sudden sharp tone and moved to close the curtain without further pushback, completely engulfing the cabin in a dim light.

The silence that followed made its presence known, as neither woman let a single word or sound escape their lips. 

The carriage continued its journey further into the city until the defending silence that choked the cabin slowly began to fade with the sound of people.

Béatrice, just barely moving her curtain to peer outside the window, was immediately greeted by the sight of a large crowd gathered on the streets outside of the cathedral grounds. 

Hundreds, maybe even thousands of people stood on the sidewalks, hiding behind red ribbons and blocked by pathfinders.

But not just any pathfinders.

Royal pathfinders, with their crimson red uniforms and ceremonial golden armor, all armed with short swords and the most modern of pistols on their hips for full display. 

Béatrice felt herself shiver as she tightened her grip on the thin curtain. "Royal pathfinders?" She muttered under her breath, "Why would she…" Béatrice stopped herself from finishing that thought, as the answer was obvious.

A deep sigh escaped Béatrice as she continued to look out the window, watching as her convoy continued down the blocked-off streets and towards the cathedral proper.

As they rode by the crowd, flashes from large hand-held cameras began to pop off, nearly blinding Béatrice. She hurriedly closed the curtain as she raised a hand to her eyes. 

Louise watched her mother with a slightly sympathetic look, before eventually returning to a neutral expression. "Are you okay?" She asked in a cold, but not unkind manner.

Béatrice ignored Louise, instead moving to unfold the paper Hinata gave her as she massaged her eyes. 

The note was small and covered in neat, but hurried writing. 

A few points to bring up. 

HM lost several shipments of military equipment sent to the Fallen Kingdom, believed to be stolen by you know who.

House Statem is believed to be in bed with nobles from the Western empire, that same house is also attempting to "rebuild" what was lost, further expanding its status. It's a thorn for HM, as it threatens her position in the Fallen Kingdom, pushing back her plans for a commonwealth involving both it and the Tora kingdom. 

It's believed that the king is "casing" for a man named Wells, he sees him as a threat and needs help with making him disappear, but HM is denying support, perhaps you can step in?

-H

Béatrice's lips pressed into a thin line as she looked over the notes. 

A few sore spots for Charlotte, chosen for their relative innocence on the surface, but can be used to push for further concessions. 

The most interesting of the points was the one about the king, Charlotte denying help for her husband. 

That was interesting indeed…