“Our apologies for not saying this during the meeting...due to our background, we couldn't disclose this publicly. Long story short, Me and Katarina were born in the Republic of Brandenburg…. The Nation that was divided from the Holy Kingdom of Midgardius over 1200 years ago…” said Ewain.

With the mention of the eastern nation, the room grew with silence, filled with tension. However, A Brave Bruno then spoke and asked a straightforward question.

"How was your life over there? And How did you even escape there? It's madness to think someone even escaped such a tightly secured nation..."

Katarina then stepped forward, and replied in a calm demeanor,

"Our lives were calm where we lived. Our families lived right next to eachother and sometimes we played together as kids. But then One day, A time came when I had to start traveling somewhere...or rather escape from the country, They never explained why or how. It was disguised as a trip to the Empire, But I was sent instead Silesia instead, and from there on, They granted me protection, and I moved a year later to Midgardius, where I would meet Ewain again 3 years later. I was 17 went I left...It's been 5 years since then. I would never know why they made me escape the country until I met Ewain."

Dylan then looked at the man and asked, "And how...no, Why did you escape the country Ewain?"

Ewain, cleared his throat, then explains in a different demenor...

"I left because of Corruption. All the talk about Dragonkind being free in the Republic? It's a lie."

Aeneas then asked, "A lie? But How can that be?"

"I know because I have seen it for myself.For My family...and Katarina's...were high ranking officials of the Republic."

Everyone's attention was now focused on both Ewain and Katarina.

"My family served the goverment, while Katarina's served an intelligence agency named "Surveil", that hunted down traitors of the nation. One day, her family came by my house, Katarina's mother invited me to see a certain part of the nation that no one knows about...My parents and I, along with her mother, came to see a horrifying truth:

People, and Dragons...were living in poverty. The streets were a mess, and there was no end to it. I even saw someone get robbed and...killed. There, she would tell me that, Despite the country's power, the people were not entirely happy. The money only goes towards "the government's needs" and the powerful 1st class citizens, such as ourselves."

Klara then covered her mouth, feeling a chill behind her spine just thinking about the dying citizens...both Dragons and Humans.

Mineva was agast. "I get dragons...but people too?!"

Ewain shaked his head. "It's horrible. The government does not discriminate...but they see the citizens...no, even middle class citizens, as dogs. Making sure they pay attention to one thing only...that said, Not all lower class citizens are suffering. Some are living good lives too, as I was shown. But most, if not all of them, are being paid well by the govenment, to show their neighbors that Peace is prospering in Brandenburg. Being used as a propaganda device to lie."

Alonso gritted his teeth and turned away in disgust. "Is the country even being led by people? And for what purpose is this for?"

"Power. Only power...and to ensure that they remain a powerful influence in Central Odgard. Nothing more, nothing less. There was even one time, A movement was rising amongst the commoners. Dragons and Humans both wanted better lives for their families, It was all over the news, My parents addressed it as well. But they told me the result: These activists were paid off by the government, and It never made headlines again. It's baffles even myself on how it works."

Sully then exclaimed, "That's terrible!! That's...How can the people fight for a nation like that?!"

Katarina then sighed and explained, "They...just live on their normal lives. Information is kept so tight that everyone doesn't feel motivated to look up any information, knowing the cost."

Ewain then took over. "We met some dragon citizens too. They were just like anyone you can find around in a town in Midgardius. I couldn't believe it when I found out how the world worked out of the Republic. They have so many capabilities, yet the outside world rejects them out of fear, from a thousand years ago."

Mineva gazed into the ceiling, deep inside... unable to process how dragons can be kindhearted.

Meanwhile, Oliver smiled and asked, "Like humans, huh...They feel just like us, naturally. Are there any powerful Dragonkin Families in the nation?"

Katarina answered, "Well...We do not remember their names, but...Ewain mentioned years back that before he left, A powerful Dragonborn was in charge of building a "Mana Institution" or something like that..."

“Mana Institution?!” Both Sully and Oliver said, with Alonso, Bruno, Aeneas, and Reinhardt also lifting their eyes, looking straight at Katarina. Gabriel even notices this and feels a tense aura around the room.

Ewain was surprised by their reactions. “You two...are familiar with it?”

Oliver hesitated for a moment, before deciding to choose his words carefully.

“In truth...I was sent to a place similar to that but with a different name...I don't understand why the Republic has such a place. From my understanding...It is a place of death. I swore to myself that I would seek revenge against them.”

Gabriel then remembered something and smiles to himself.

"Ah...a Place of Death...But it's more..."

Bruno then quickly approaches Oliver and asks quietly,

"Is it really alright to be saying that right now?"

Reinhardt, upon hearing about the Mana Institution, realizes that there was something missing...something that could link the 2 things together: Oliver's Incident...and the Mana Institution in Bradenburg, of all places. The Knight then speaks out, "Bruno, Oliver, and especially Ewain. Do you mind staying for a bit after this?

Ewain nodded, as did Bruno and Oliver, but Oliver was slightly confused.

Ewain then continued. “In any case...My Mother joined a top-secret resistance group sometime before Katarina left. It was being organized by none other than the Katarina's Family...The Fleiss Family."

Katarina then looked at Ewain.

"So Everyone was involved?"

"Yeah...Thanks to your mother...I..."

Katarina nodded in approval without question as if she just solved a puzzle.

That makes so much more sense...All that injustice...Pushing me to escape the country...But...Oh, Mother...

Ewain embraced her and continued to explain.

"But Then, My Mother found out about a spy within the Resistance, and that they were on us. The Fleiesses couldn't do anything about this and had to comply with the higher ups. But...Mr. Fleiess offered that If my family was to be caught, I can escape from here. The blame can be shifted to just me...and there, In return, It would be that a doppelganger of mine would be downed as a traitor to the republic, and executed...while my parents would lose their power and potentially their jobs...but would live. They told me that they would do everything in their power to ensure my family lives."

Reinhardt then spoke with confusion and some fear in his voice. “Then, H-How did you even escape the country? With The Wall of Thor...It's near impossible...no, It’s suicide! The Wall of Thor is the most fortified place on the entire continent. No one comes in or out!!”

Ewain continued. “Heh...I escaped….thanks to East Midgardschloss. Plus, Connections.”

Alonso thought to himself. “The East side of the Former... Capital?”

"Katarina." Ewain looked at her eyes directly.

"Yes?", she said softly, with a nervous expression.

"You...have to listen to this too. I never told you but...from what I understand...You left the country when you were 17?"

"Yeah."

Ewain pulled his hair back with his hands, and struggles to make direct eye contact with her. He felt his eye twitch uncontrollablely.

"I have a message for you...from your mother. I had all intentions to save it for the meeting...Please forgive me for not telling you until now."

Katarina did not process the information for a good minute. 

"Huh?"

Her expression turned blank, her eyes now dark.

"My Family never told me anything...I understand that they just wanted a bright future for me...They even went as far as to fake my death via an accident...but why..?"

Ewain comforted her and said, "Your Family helped thousands escape the country, with their great power. They wanted to do the right thing. They didn't want you to involve yourself but I know...They sure as hell loved you. I won't ever forget Ms. Fleiss's tears that day..."

Ewain stood up and then turned over and looked at everyone, and started to speak with clear confidence.

Discada 21st, 2196 MC

“The Operation began in the morning. I was having breakfast with them as usual, until a knock on the door was heard. I remember we were all so tense...When My Father opened the door, It was none other than Mr. Fleiss. When he arrived, The whole mood changed...for it was time to say goodbye to my family.

I was crying on their lap...I remember it clearly. At the last moment, We hired an artist to draw us one last time together before I left…a piece I still hold on to this day.

"I said my Goodbyes to my mother and father….and I left with Mr. Fleiss...along with Undercover Anti-Government Members….to East Midgardschloss. I was 18 when I left...."

Remember exactly what happened, the memory played back in his mind.

Ewain’s Mother first spoke:

“Please...Tell the People of the Kingdom of Our Tale...Live on! Save the people of this pitful Republic…..You must inspire….Unity.  Katarina escaped here to see the real world.”

Father: "Her Parents wanted to protect her! That is why you must know...the truth of this country.

After that, I was on my way….It took about a few hours to arrive at the former capital. When we arrived, There we met Mrs. Fleiss, along with some of Surveil's agents who were on our side, and played a major part in our escape, as the other branches were already on to us, and the Fleiss Family was expected to put an end to the case. This would ultimately put an end to the secret passageway I would escape from.

 Believe it or not...The City is still in use, which was perfect for us to commence the plan. Though, Vines and Small Trees were starting to grow everywhere, for it was considered a lost cause of a city, even if some did live there. The Government didn’t really give a damn about it, It was a perfect escape route for us...and for the many others that once escaped here. I put on the appropriate clothing for the moment….and then It was finally time. Everyone was in their positions.

By the time I reached the checkpoint, There was Mrs. Fleiss, now dressed as an agent, by a building near the escape route.

But Before I left, Ms. Fleiss grabbed my hand...and wanted to pass on a message to you.

Ewain then looked at Katarina in the eyes.

Katarina then closed her eyes...and listened.

"Katarina...I hope you forgive your father and me for the sin of leaving you to fend for yourself...We weren't the ideal family...however, We wanted to help lives after discovering the ugly truth...which is why...We ask that you keep going forward. Do not just weep...Laugh...Smile...and Suffer...with friends. Make bonds...and create a family...that can end this painful cycle of separation. I love you...Lene. No matter what...We will always be together with you. And remember...Fight for what you believe is correct. Stay true to yourself. And please...Make sure you and Ewain are always looking out for eachother."

Katarina this time...only wept in silence. For she bore this empty expression...yet such sad and tearful eyes.

Ewain then offered her a warm hug, to which she cried quietly...and slept in his arms.

"After she said that to me, She gave me an armband, as it was a symbol that only Officials of Midgardius would recognize. I was then escorted to a passageway with a member of the Anti-Government Group. I walked and walked for what seemed like hours….until I made a turn….and there was a guy who looked like me. A stunt double. 

After that...I escaped. Before I left, I heard a loud explosion by the entrance. The plan had commenced.

Then My Counterpart pushed me away, and I fell down a deep hole. As I was falling...I heard: 

“FREEDOM SHALL BE OURS!”

I blacked out from that point. After I woke up, I was in a different-looking tunnel. After walking for what seemed like hours...I finally saw light….. I got out...and I was finally at the West. The scenery was beautiful…. It appears that I was at an abandoned Mineshaft and Quarry but...It was long abandoned that It was all covered by trees. After I walked out, I fell...flat to my face. But then I hear a voice…

“Are you okay? For how long have you been here?!”

I panicked and I looked up. I had no idea at the time but….The person who was talking to me was none other than Princess Mineva.

Present Day

"After I freaked out for several seconds, she realized that I was not from here...but from the Republic, thanks to my armband that would be recognized by Any High Ranking Officials of Midgardius. Ms. Fleiss had saved my life with this...but for safety, I was sent into a special facility for questioning.

I was terrified. A part of me believed that they were gonna send me back….until the Princess granted me citizenship. I….became a free man that day. From that day forward…..Although My family never got to proudly fight for what is righteous….I decided that after meeting the Princess...I would totally serve in the army and fight proudly for justice. Then that's How I reunited with Katarina and met the others."

Katarina slept quietly in his arms.

Ewain smiled at her and said quietly in her ear:

"I love you, Katarina. I won't ever leave your side."