Tyranny of Steel

Berengar had spent the night mingling with those men who would become major players in the newly formed Indian Empire's political system. In fact, he had stolen the spotlight from Dharya, something that the young emperor was actually quite thankful for, if he was even remotely capable of being honest with himself.

Of course, Dharya watched silently from the side, while drinking whatever alcohol he could get his hands on. He continued to do this until the only remaining guests in his palace were his sister and Berengar himself. Once the trio were all alone, the Kaiser sighed and shook his head before addressing his Indian counterpart.

"Truly, I can think of no worse way to spend an evening than socializing with these parasites. It's the same no matter where you go, opportunists looking to gain your favor. Don't you agree, Dharya?"

It struck the young Indian emperor speechless when he heard how open Berengar was about how he felt regarding so-called 'socialites'. After recovering his senses, Dharya simply glared at his guest before asking the man why he had travelled such a long distance for such a minor occasion.

"What's your actual angle for being here? I don't presume you came all this way just to watch me put a crown on my head in front of a bunch of 'parasites'..."

In response to this, Berengar took a sip from his wine and gazed out the windows into the night sky with a solemn expression. He remained quiet for several seconds before answering the man's question.

"My reason for coming here was two-fold, firstly I wanted to help mend the rift that has formed between you and your sister as a result of our relationship. Personally, I can't understand just what your qualms are with us being together.

I mean, just look at your sister and how beautiful she has become over the years. To think that when I first saw her, she was once a scrawny little girl months away from death. I thought you would be pleased with this development. She is happy and healthy in my household, and now, under my protection, she will never be forced to suffer such a horrific fate again. That's something I cannot guarantee for a mere hostage.

I understand you have an attachment to the girl because of your childhood trauma. Perhaps even an unhealthy one at that. If it is such a serious issue, then might I suggest a meeting with one of my many military psychiatrists that I have posted here in Anangpur? If not for yourself, then for your sister's sake? She's worried about you."

Throughout the entirety of Berengar's speech, Dharya had become increasingly agitated, to the point where his fingernails were practically digging into the palms of his hands. Having noticed this, Priya quickly closed the distance and hugged her brother, who seemed to be on the border of a mental breakdown.

"Big brother, it's time to let go of the past. Our Uncle is gone. You have reclaimed your birthright, and I am now safe, happy, and healthy. None of this would have been possible without Berengar's aid. Please, get some help. I have heard that German psychiatrists have helped many soldiers overcome their trauma. They can do the same for you!"

Upon feeling his sister's warm embrace, Dharya's fists uncurled, and his teeth unclenched. In the next moment, tears ran down his cheeks as he returned his sister's gesture, and hugged her with all his strength.

Berengar remained utterly silent during this exchange, instead he merely sipped upon his drink and watched as if he was nothing more than a bystander. Several minutes passed in silence as the two siblings continued to hug before Dharya finally let go. After wiping the tears from his eyes, the Indian Emperor sighed heavily, before nodding in agreement at his sister's suggestion.

"Fine... I will do as you ask... All I ever wanted in life was for you to be safe and happy. If this old bastard can provide that for you, then I guess I can finally let go..."

Berengar's face immediately scrunched up when he heard this remark, as if he had just eaten something too sour for his tastes. His thoughts were immediately drawn to the boy's comments, even if he didn't voice them.

'Old bastard? I'm thirty three, you little fucking cocksucker! I still have at least two years before I am no longer considered young! How fucking dare you!'

Priya noticed Berengar's expression from the corner of her eye and broke out into a fit of giggles. Seeing the man she loved get offended about being called old was simply endearing to the young woman. It was at this moment that Dharya remembered Berengar's previous words and was quick to clarify the issue.

"Earlier, you said you had two reasons for visiting today. What's the second?"

Now was the perfect time for Berengar to get revenge on Dharya for his crass remark, thus with a smug grin on his face, he slowly approached the boy while finishing his drink. After doing so, he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and gave him an intimidating glare.

"I have come to collect my pound of flesh. Over the past few years, I have invested heavily in your Empire, and it was thanks to my forces that you were so swiftly able to defeat your enemies. In return I ask that you cede Sri Lanka to the Reich. I intend to use it as a naval and air base to counter Japanese naval operations in the Indian ocean. Consider this partial repayment for the debt you owe me."

Having heard these demands, Dharya sucked on his teeth. He knew that sooner or later Berengar would demand repayment on the debt that India owed him. He just didn't expect the price to be so high. However, after thinking about it for some time, Dharya nodded his head before responding to this request.

"Alright, Sri Lanka is yours. Do with it as you will. It's the least I can do for all the help you have given me."

With Dharya having agreed to his demands, Berengar smiled and nodded his head. His next words startled both Priya and Dharya as he placed his glass down on a nearby table.

"Well then, that concludes my business here today. Priya, we should return to our home now. I'm afraid I have other important matters to attend to, and if we do not leave at this very moment, I might be late for them. A mistake I can not afford to make. After all, it is a very long flight back to Kufstein."

There was a look of longing on Priya's face as she heard this, but ultimately after giving it thought for several seconds, she nodded her head and chased after her man. She left one final farewell to her brother before doing so.

"I'm sorry Dharya, we are on a tight schedule, we will talk more when after I get back to the Palace. Remember the promise we made today, okay?"

With that said, the Indian Princess had run after the Kaiser, as the two prepared to depart from the city of Anangpur. Dharya was left by his lonesome, with a head full of thoughts regarding the past, present, and future.

As for Berengar, what he said was true. The winter midwinter solstice was rapidly approaching, and soon he would need to cast off for Iceland. Should he miss the event, it would certainly anger the gods. Something he had already done once, and was still living with the consequences of.

The last thing he wanted was for another deity to see him as a target for vengeance, and thus, even though the Kaiser may want to spend a bit more time in India, he did not have the opportunity to do so. He and Priya caught the first flight out of Anangpur, where Berengar immediately fell to sleep on a large bed.

Though Priya was by his side, it was not she who he dreamt about, instead Berengar's dreams included a memory of his past life, where he and Ai had spent some time together as friends. It had been some time since the man had last dreamt of his Japanese rival. But every time he did so, he would feel an overwhelming sense of regret within the depths of his heart.

Naturally, the sleep Berengar received on his flight home was not a fulfilling one, and when he awoke the next day, he would feel fatigued and depressed. A condition he would maintain until he finally landed in Kufstein.

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