Gunpowder and the Awakening Demon

While they hoped that the border dispute would be resolved quickly, this was not the case. 

Kielstadt was a smaller kingdom than his enemies, and its political alliances were too shaken for support to be swift. The emperor was hesitant, and the strongest ally, Florence, was getting reinforcements and resources to send to Kielstadt, despite their own constant feuds with other Italian neighbors.

Spring passed quickly, while bloody conflicts were escalating. Alexa was located in the most advanced fort, where Klaus spent most of his time. That peaceful and idyllic afternoon that they spent together in Edelsteintal was the last moment of beauty and calm silence that Alexa remembered.

Mirna and Narses came to be with Alexa, and she was grateful for that. Narses had a post as an officer, but Mirna just kept the Duchess company.

Letters came and went from the capital. Except for the shadow of war, her brothers were optimistic.