TtOW! - Chapter 167 - Shifting Loyalties (Patreon)

Princess Caecila turned to Governor Aemilia. She walked over and leaned in to whisper to her.

“Are you ok with this? You know the Court will likely blame you should NSLICE-00P cross the line in her crusade.”

Governor Aemilia scoffed.

“Am I supposed to believe you’re worried about me? You just want me to try and convince her to tone it down because it will fall on you as well.”

Princess Caecila frowned.

“Fine. Yes, Emperor Lucius and I are already in a tough spot at present. We can’t really afford for her to burn down another Senator’s house. But we will at least maintain our positions, if nothing else. You would not even be that fortunate.”

Governor Aemilia rubbed her chin and hummed.

“…you might be surprised.”

She took a deep breath and then stepped away from the Princess, turning to face NSLICE-00P.

“…NSLICE-00P, Queen of the Dobhar and friend of the Empire. It seems to me that your enemy's influence runs deep, and has likely been turned upon my family in the past as well. And it seems equally likely that it will turn upon all of us here again, should you conduct open warfare against them.”

“Analysis: Given the Hiberius family’s direct assistance in the latest altercation, this unit calculates that outcome as likely.”

Governor Aemilia narrowed her eyes.

“Then…if Turannia were to pledge its support to you in this conflict, not merely as a neutral party, but as a full ally…would you be willing to do the same? Would you be willing to protect us from our enemies…and to shield us from the consequences of aligning with you, political or otherwise?”

Princess Caecila’s eyes went wide at the question, while NSLICE-00P’s robotic eye began flickering. She decided to rerun an analysis on her non-intervention protocols, given that her circumstances had changed significantly since the last time she applied them.

The restriction had less weight, given that she had largely discounted the protocols put in place by Dr. Ottosen at this point. Her last Commander had also preferred non-intervention, but only so far as to avoid being drawn into unnecessary conflicts. Said restriction was not absolute.

And the biggest reason for her to refuse any formal affiliations and foreign obligations was the risk to her primary directive. But that risk no longer applied. Colleöne stated that none of the persons of interest were present in this universe, a claim supported by every piece of evidence NSLICE-00P had managed to find. While there was a non-zero chance of Colleöne being either deceitful or inaccurate, the current probabilities were so low that NSLICE-00P could discount them for practical analysis.

And so none of the factions present in this universe had any meaningful chance of being affiliated with a person of interest. That meant…there was no particular reason why NSLICE-00P couldn’t turn hostile to and terminate any of them. There was no need to avoid conflict besides the risks and resource expenditure inherent to battle.

So NSLICE-00P only needed to consider the benefits and risks of a proposed alliance with her objectives in this universe. In this case, she was already in conflict with the Heralds of the New Dawn, who had notable influence within various Imperial factions. Establishing an alliance with the Imperials in Turannia would deny the closest Imperial assets to the cult, which was important for protecting the Dobhar home base from attack.

Governor Aemilia also implied she wanted protection from forces targeting Turannia apart from the Heralds of the New Dawn, especially in terms of politics. NSLICE-00P was not as confident in these calculations. But…she found the request reasonable. Or rather, should Governor Aemilia suffer political consequences, it could open the door to the Heralds of the New Dawn gaining influence over Imperial Turannia. In fact, such a move could even be considered an attack by a hostile party if the Heralds of the New Dawn were behind it. Even if they weren’t, it would be beneficial to deny them any further opportunities to influence the Empire.

And, of course, given that Governor Aemilia's family had already assisted NSLICE-00P against the Heralds of the New Dawn, to the point of deploying their own military assets, the probability that the governor was affiliated with the cult was insignificant.

“Analysis complete. Results: This unit finds the proposed alliance to be beneficial, contingent on the exact details of the arrangement.”

Governor Aemilia nodded, and glanced around the room. Magisters Canus and Tiberius both nodded back at her. Her own retinue did as well. She took a deep breath and made her choice.

“Then Turannia shall stand with you against your foes, NSLICE-00P.”

She turned to face Princess Caecila.

“Even if the Empire turns against you as a result.”

Princess Caecila’s eyes went wide and quivered at that.

The Selkies had been whispering in the corner, but quickly finished up their conversation. Miallói stepped forward, and slammed her harpoon into the floor.

“My people owe you everything, NSLICE-00P. Our lives, our land, and our freedom. We would be honored to fight against your enemies.”

Estrith slammed her harpoon into the ground as well.

“The Dobhar, of course, will obviously stand with Our Queen.”

Estrith and Miallói glared at each other for a moment before they both nodded at once another, and took a step back. Governor Aemilia glanced between them before a small smile formed on her lips.

“…it seems all of Turannia is united in this, at the very least. I suppose…we have much to discuss now.”

Estrith and Miallói both nodded at that.

Princess Caecila was trembling.

“Governor…how far do you plan to go with this? What you’re saying…it sounds like…”

Governor Aemilia turned to her and smirked.

“That will depend entirely on the Northern Court, I suppose. But I’ll tell you this. The Court hasn’t done anything for anyone here in quite some time. NSLICE-00P, on the other hand, has given us everything. I think it is obvious what choice we will make, if there is a choice to be made.”

Governor Aemilia couldn’t help but grin.

“So I suppose you and my father had better work hard to ensure we don’t have to decide.”

Princess Caecila groaned and struggled to stay on her feet. She heaved a sigh as Typheras steadied her.

“So that’s it then. I suppose I have little choice. Just, if I may make a request?”

She turned to NSLICE-00P.

“Will you at least inform me before you begin your campaign? The Court will not look kindly upon another sudden assault.”

“Response: This unit will do so if possible, but will ultimately prioritize effective termination of hostiles. If forewarning of unaligned parties risks alerting hostiles to upcoming operations, this unit will need to withhold relevant data.”

Princess Caecila groaned again.

***

Afterwards, NSLICE-00P contacted Uscfrea, informed him of the proceedings, and brought him into the conversation via holographic projection. Uscfrea linked to his council, all newly upgraded to CELIU model cyborgs. Dux Augustalis’s eyes widened and she saluted.

“Dux Canus, it is an honor to meet you. I studied your tactics from the Eastern Campaigns in great detail.”

Canus nodded at her.

“It’s Magister now. And likewise. I heard good things about you, Dux Augustalis. Whatever the circumstances that brought you here, I’m pleased to have you on board.”

Dux Augustalis’s face brightened into a smile, perhaps the first one she had made since the rebellion.

Meanwhile Uscfrea glanced around, especially at Miallói, and chuckled.

“A Dobhar, a Wulver, a Selkie, and a bunch of Imperials, all working together to defend Turannia from dark powers. Not exactly how I imagined it.”

Miallói made a small, nearly imperceptible smile.

“As you once said, Spellbreaker, Turannia now follows the lead of the strongest.”

Uscfrea blinked for a moment before breaking out into laughter.

“I suppose that’s true. Guess I got what I wanted, huh?”

Princess Caecila excused herself before she could be politely asked to leave, with the reason that she needed as much time as possible to work on the Court. And with that, the three organized powers of Turannia began to discuss the details of their cooperation. NSLICE-00P redesignated the Turannian Imperials and the Selkies as allied units, and gave Uscfrea permission to offer any assistance and cooperation deemed beneficial to the alliance’s goals. In fact, not being a logistical or diplomatic unit, NSLICE-00P went ahead and specifically tasked Uscfrea with managing the coordination. Ultimately, they decided to establish a joint output on the border between NSLICE-00P’s lands and the Empire for further, in-person discussions, which would also give the Selkies a chance to send an Elder from the Council of Hunters. The group then adjourned to make preparations.

Miallói stopped by for a quick chat with Ateia and Taog before she had to leave for Selkie territory. After she was finished, Magisters Canus and Tiberius requested to speak with the group in private. Ateia, Taog, and NSLICE-00P stepped into a private room with them.

Magister Canus turned serious as he faced Ateia.

“Agedia filled us in. So…you know who you are now?”

Ateia slowly nodded, and then turned to Magister Tiberius.

“Which…answers a lot of questions, actually. The Exploratores don’t really ‘fail’ anyone willing to join. You…were trying to protect me, right?”

Magister Tiberius looked down.

“Not that I did a very good job of that…”

“Did my father know?”

Magister Tiberius slowly nodded again.

“He requested it personally.”

Ateia heaved a sigh.

“Well, I would have liked to have known that, but I suppose that’s on my father. Magister Tiberius…thank you for trying to protect me. I know now why you did.”

She frowned and touched the place where she had been stabbed. Magister Tiberius fell silent, taking a deep breath at that. Magister Canus sighed as well.

“I wish you didn’t have to go through all that, but I’m glad you made it out alive, at the very least. But, given the circumstances, there is something we must discuss.”

Magister Canus made eye contact with Ateia.

“Have you thought about the implications of your heritage? Specifically…regarding the Throne of the North?”

Ateia and Taog’s eyes widened.

“I…have not. There were…other aspects of my heritage that took priority.”

Magister Canus made a sympathetic expression as he nodded.

“Understandable, but it is something to consider now. Ateia, you are now the closest living relative of the late Emperor Herius. Well, your mother wasn’t exactly the main heir, and blood isn’t everything in Imperial succession, but the point is you do have a legitimate claim of sorts, at least as much as Emperor Lucius does.”

Magister Canus crossed his arms behind his back and began to pace.

“And in the scenario where NSLICE-00P’s mission turns the Empire against her…that claim could become relevant. Having a member of the Imperial Family at the forefront would make a given rebellion significantly more legitimate…and significantly more threatening. There would be major potential benefits and potential risks to such a move…and of course, it would place you at grave risk most of all. So…what will you do if the Empire moves against NSLICE-00P and we are forced to take up arms?”

Ateia went silent for a moment. She crossed her arms and began to pace around. No one said anything for a while. Eventually, she walked back and glanced around.

“…I don’t care about my claim. I don’t know the first thing about running the Empire, and if I tried I would be at the mercy of others. The last time we got involved in politics, I ended up as a ritual sacrifice. So I have no intentions of acting on this claim.”

She then turned to look at NSLICE-00P.

“But…Seero saved my life countless times, and now I am sworn to serve her. I want to do everything within my power to help her, and to defeat that monstrous cult. So…”

She took a deep breath.

“Seero, consider my heritage as another weapon you can use. If it will help us achieve our goal, then use it. I’ll follow your lead.”

“Acknowledged.”

NSLICE-00P’s robotic eye began to flicker. Ateia’s new powers, especially her Blessings, would significantly improve her subordinate’s combat performance, so keeping Ateia as a combat asset had clear benefits. On the other hand, having Ateia become a political figurehead had benefits as well, though said benefits were not as clearly defined, and came with risks as well.

Ultimately though, NSLICE-00P considered the Turannian alliance as secondary assets, expected to play a more defensive role in the conflict with the cult. She and her direct subordinates represented the offensive element that was expected to conduct most of the operations. As such, NSLICE-00P’s calculations were clear.

“Analysis complete. Results: At present, NSLICE-Ateia is predicted as more beneficial supporting the NSLICE network in active combat than acting as a political figurehead.”

Ateia smiled at that. Magister Tiberius tilted his head.

“Really? No offense, but I don’t feel like any of us really hold a candle to you, NSLICE-00P, and Ateia wasn’t the strongest among us, last I checked.”

Ateia thought for a moment, then nodded her head. Within the NSLICE network, she asked NSLICE-00P for permission to show off. NSLICE-00P agreed on the premise of facilitating cooperation.

So, Ateia deployed her wings, folded up into her back armor at present. The wings then began to shine, filling the room with Holy Mana. Magisters Canus and Tiberius’s jaws dropped while Ateia smirked.

“I guess Agedia didn’t tell you everything, huh?”

Author's Note:

And so Turannia makes its choice. An entirely necessary choice because NSLICE-00P will definitely require assistance with termination. Definitely. 

But it's the thought that counts!

Anyways!

How will the Empire respond to NSLICE-00P's war with the cult? Will Turannia be forced to make a choice? Will the Emperor and the Princess get caught in the crossfire? Tune in next time, to find out!