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 the space-time event is gone. Not vague, not hazy — completely gone." He stressed the last word, his eyes drifting to the table.

"Are you saying that when you buried your family in the soil, you don't remember them?" David asked before immediately regretting his question, cupping his mouth with both hands.

Jack's expression softened. "It's fine, my friend. Yes, I don't remember them," he said, a hollow feeling creeping into his heart. Lupus gently clasped his shoulder, offering silent comfort.

"Thank you, Lupy," Jack murmured.

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

Friederich glared at his princess, exhaling a frustrated breath. "Aurelia, stop teasing an old man," He scolded her lightly.

Sensing the heaviness in the air, David broke the tension by raising his glass of fine crimson wine. "How about a toast? To the spectacular view, amazing food, and mesmerising music?" He proclaimed loudly, and soon everyone lifted their glasses, declaring. 

"Cheers!"

David downed his glass 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 was a testament to his affection for food and drink.

"Ah!" He sighed long and satisfyingly. Jack followed suit, and soon the joyous mood returned, with chatter and laughter filling the air.

***

During their conversation, a voice from behind cleared its throat. "Lupus, may I steal you for a minute?" It was Ludwig, wearing a worryingly odd expression. Lunice and Frain stood behind him, mirroring the same look.

Lupus bowed gracefully to the group before following Ludwig to a quiet spot, the stairway facing out over the river, where the vice magistrate awaited them. 

The breeze was stronger here, fluttering Lupus's fabric and hair.

The magistrate swept his eyes around, ensuring everyone was accounted for, then gestured to halt Lupus's question. "One moment," He said.

Ludwig tapped his ring gently, and an integrated arc comm hummed. A holographic display appeared in the air, glowing blue and casting a sharp light on his features.

"I'm sorry to pull you away from your blissful evening, but... I've just received concerning news regarding our enemies," He announced, his expression serious.

"The Dunkelheit Empire?" Lupus exclaimed, cupping her mouth in shock. Lunice nodded slowly, brushing Frain's blonde hair.

"According to the intel, it seems they are targeting Porand next. While it doesn't directly concern us, as Porand lies just to the west of our town..." Ludwig explained, rubbing his brow with his thumb.

"But?" Lupus urged.

"But some intel suggests that, within a week, they'll send troops to capture the Eastern Dam estate."

"And the Eastern Dam supplies electricity to us, so attacking it would put us at a severe disadvantage," Lupus replied, connecting the dots.

"Correct…" Ludwig nodded in approval.

"Dear, what about negotiation? Is that something we can consider?" The vice magistrate asked, stepping up to her husband.

Ludwig shook his head, his expression grim. "Magus Primarch Mathias wasn't granted such a luxury, even though he was the king of Germund. I highly doubt my position holds any importance for them to consider..." He said, his voice heavy with defeat.

"Mother, I will not bend to the cold steel and heartless souls. We shall never negotiate with those murderers!" Lunice interjected, her words sharp as her dark eyes filled with rage. Even Frain shrank back, startled by her sudden intensity. The lion girl ran to Lupus's side, her ears flattened, whimpering softly.

Lupus's mind began to race, the deafening pulse in her ears drowning out the arguments in the background. What resources do they have? What arsenal? How many troops will be sent to capture the Eastern Dam? And what about us? We only have three Stellius mages. Can we ask Triss and her Virgo Novitcius to aid us? No, they are renaissance mages, not warmongers! Her train of thought was abruptly interrupted by Lunice.

Her elder sister, no longer playful, glared at her. "Lupy! Are you not listening?!" She barked, snapping Lupus out of her trance.

"What?" Lupus blinked, dazed.

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

"What?!" Lupus gasped, her eyes widening. "Are they seriously asking a non-combatant to fight this war now?" she thought, taking a step back.

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

Lupus pulled Frain into an embrace, glaring at Lunice. "She's not fighting our war! Stop trying to manipulate my friend! Is~is this why you bought her a battle axe? To make her your warmonger?"

"Lu~Lupus…" Petra reached out a hand toward her child, but Lupus pulled Frain away from them.

"Lupus! Stop acting like a petulant child for once! If three years don't make you grow, this damn war will!" Lunice screamed, her fiery fury unmistakable.

"But Jack isn't a combatant! He can't fight in the Armatus!" Lupus argued, but her voice softened to a whisper as she realised the futility of her resistance. "Frain isn't a warrior, sister. She's just a child... Lunice, please." Her tone wavered with an imploring note, her golden eyes glistening in the dim light.

"Lupy! I'll fight!" A husky voice reverberated from above. A tall, broad figure stood confidently atop the stairs. His red eyes gleamed with determination, a smirk playing on his face.

"What?" Lupus gasped, shocked by the sudden appearance of her fiancé, Jack Squire.

Jack didn't answer immediately. He strode down the stairs and joined the group, never once breaking eye contact with Lupus. 

"I said..." His tone softened. "I'll protect you and Frain." His words were steady, like an oath. 

He then glanced down at Frain, still held in Lupus's arms. "I'll protect you, Frain," he repeated, and soon Frain's face lit up with a wide smile.

Jack then turned, his gaze sweeping over the others as he spoke. "I might not have been born a fighter, but I've made up my mind. I'm determined to protect the people I love. So, Magistrate Ludwig, Vice Magistrate Petra, Lunice... I'm terribly sorry for rudely barging in like this. But please, tell me where the fight is." His voice was cold, resolute.

"Jackie..." Lupus whispered softly, a warmth blooming in her chest. Did he not realise he was stepping closer to hell itself? Or was it simply because he loved her? 

The answer was clear when she looked into his fiery red eyes.

Ludwig, taken aback by Jack's resolve, found himself agreeing. Jack's Armatus could give them an edge with a surprise attack. The enemy wouldn't expect mobile suits from Hasenwald. 

"Very well, Mr. Squire," Ludwig said, his tone softening. "You have my thanks, and I'm sure the townspeople of Hasenwald's as well." He gestured grandly, and Petra followed with a slow, appreciative nod.

Lunice pressed her lips into a thin line, turning her face away, her rage subdued. "Thanks, Mr. Squire," She said after a beat, her words grew gentler. 

The grim atmosphere lightened as it seemed that everyone was now on the same page.

"Well," Ludwig said, his voice calm, "Let's talk more about this come the first light of day. We should at least enjoy the rest of the night." Everyone nodded in agreement.