February 10th, 1800

Laupin's prayers were answered that Monday. General Bautzen broke the agreement between the Staeltorn Kingdom and their country, and returned to the latter, to join the few remaining counterrevolutionary forces that still existed in the south in a final attack against the republic. This time, it truly seemed like it would be their last.

Lugo was also brutally murdered inside his own home, days after his arrival. The news of his death spread quickly and with it, came Obermann's immediate promotion to marshal.

Finally free to do as he wished, without having to consult the opinion of a man who he considered weak minded and stubborn, the director of the army, Justin Neckel, demanded a mass execution of all the living royalists —both those who were currently free and those who were in jail— to the Directory. And they agreed, since they too had run out of ideas on how to deal with the group.

So, Obermann's hand was forced. He'd have to lead the genocide himself.

And then, all of the pieces started to fall into place.

Letters were sent to Francis and Camille. They were needed in the main settlement of the republican army —their camp near Lavern— with great urgency.

So they shaved their faces, washed their hairs, packed their belongings, ate their final meals with their families, got dressed up and said goodbye.

It was both painful, and wonderful to do so.

Painful because they loved them all, and because they would miss them, but also extremely relieving, because there were things about their job that their loved ones would never fully understand.

They missed the rush of blood to the head they felt every time they stepped into a battlefield. The adrenaline pumping through their veins. Their sense of accomplishment and pride once a mission or battle was done. And above all, the camaraderie they nurtured between their colleagues.

Their time in the military was unlike anything they'd ever done as civilians. And they missed it... despite the pain it caused them.

It was a weird experience overall, that yearning. Even after spending so much time away from home, wishing to return... Once they were back, they wanted nothing more than to bolt. It was almost as if "home" didn't feel like it anymore. Which was a terrifying thought on itself.

But they tried to avoid thinking about it too much. It wasn't productive. And it only worsened their own mental fragility.

All of this said, before they left the capital and travelled to the countryside, the duo made one last stop downtown, at Achille's place. They wanted to say goodbye to him as well.

The man was doing better now. The small room where he lived had enough space and furniture for him to enjoy a comfortable life. He finally had sufficient money to eat, and his new job was fulfilling. To top it all off, he kept his promise, he wasn't drinking.

Oh, and the Busby gifted by Francis had been displayed on a small table near his bed, as if it were a shrine.

—It helps me stay motivated —the former grenadier said, then smiled.

Francis and Camille smiled back, looked around with proud looks on their faces, and said:

—You've got a good thing going on for you here.

—Yes, he has.

—It was thanks to you, gentlemen, plus your lovely wives. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for your help.

—Well... That's precisely what we've come here to talk about, our wives —Laupin's grin slowly melted away, and a concerned expression took over his features.

—Have I done something wrong? Or offended them in some way?

—No, not at all... You're not the problem —Francis replied.

—Then?

—With Bautzen back, we're afraid that the Duke, Alphonse, might be back too —Laupin explained—. We have shared with you the details about Laura's deal with the Staelians...

—You have —Achille nodded.

—We're afraid they'll try to take revenge, and attack her... as well as Noelle, my wife.

—We need you to protect them —Francis said next, and gulped—. We need you to knock on their doors every day, and make sure that they're okay... Because we won't be around to defend them. As you see, we'll be going back to service today.

—I imagined you would. I've heard about Lugo's death —Achille answered, then took a step forward and shook both of their hands—. And I will gladly do so, gentlemen... I won't let either of these bastards get near them, ever. And if I must lay down my life to save theirs, I will do so gladly. So please... don't worry about their fate. I will be here to protect them.

And by the solemn look on his eyes alone, both soldiers knew that the veteran was telling the truth.

So they gave him their trust, thanked him for the favor, and left.

---

The republican army's new headquarters was something completely different to the old revolutionary campsite where Camille and Francis first met, years ago.

There were no more tents around, only wooden barracks. The field that surrounded it no longer held mountains of corpses, stacked on top of each other. It was empty. Snowy, because of the time of the year, but otherwise clear of death and ruin. A small hospital had been built as well on the vicinity, and later, a stable.

—How long does the new training period last? —Francis asked, as he saw a group of cadets be screamed at by their drill sergeants.

—Three to four months.

—WHAT?! The boys and I had lessons that lasted about an hour each, for four days, and these chaps have months?!

—Well, we aren't actively at war anymore, are we? We have time to train them properly now —Laupin said, and they began to walk around—. Also, before we head off to Lord knows where, do you want to spar with me? I need to practice my saber skills. They're lacking.

—Are you sure it's not just because you want to cool down that hot head of yours?

—Well, it's because of that too, I'll admit —Camille nodded—. But honestly? It's mainly because I miss the action.

—Let's fence then. From what Charlie had told me, through his letters, there's a small parring school somewhere in this place... If we can find it. This camp is becoming a city; it's grown so much.

—It is —Laupin nodded, as the kept moving.

They found the wooden building Charlie had mentioned after taking a few turns to the left. The construction consisted of four large courts, where young soldiers were taught the principles of swordsmanship, and old ones reinforced them by allowing them to watch their duels.

Upon seeing Camille and Francis on the doorway of the third court, the Lieutenant in charge of training the newcomers gave the officers his welcome.

—Let's teach these boys how to actually use a saber, shall we? —Laupin joked.

—You're on, monsieur —the former gardener laughed and then replied, sliding his sword out of its sheath.

Both men were highly skilled in hand to hand combat. Both men were incredibly competitive, agile, strong and quick with their movements. They were on the same level of excellence.

This is why they fought, and fought, and fought... and yet, neither won. The students however, weren't bored by the stalling. And when they finally decided to call their dispute a tie, they noticed that even the cadets outside had gathered around to watch them.

—And that's how you're supposed to fight —the Lieutenant said, amused and entertained.

Francis and Camille, now sweaty, tired, and out of breath, smiled at each other and shook hands.

If they couldn't break each other down, they knew that the enemy wouldn't be able to either.

Or well, they hoped.

----