Lord of the Seas: Louis d'Avranches
Act III
Table of Contents
Chapter I
24th of October, 1132 VTE, Principe Island.
It was a rather chilling day with scattered clouds dotting the sky. As the morning fog lifted, Principe Island was spotted in the distance by the Watchman. Finally, it was time for the real mission to begin and the whole crew was excited. This was the first time in a nearly a century that the Marina Stellare and the Teikoku Kaigun had met on peaceful terms. The two fleets had a long rivalry dating back to the Age of Exploration, and it seemed that anytime there was a war involving one of the two in the Kizuna and Heavenly Seas, that the other would be involved in some way. The most recent war against Syndeoneia dating back 30 years was their last declared conflict but an undeclared war in the 1120s was the last time both sides had truly fought. Both sides had their fair share of victories and defeats, but in recent years, it was the Imperial Navy that had the upper hand over the Marina Stellare. Louis’ father had fought against them twice already, in the official war against Syndeoneia and the undeclared war. Given that the ships under his command were from the Eastern Fleet, he wasn’t alone and many sailors either fought in the undeclared war or had family that fought in one of the two conflicts.
The fact that this mission was the first friendly cooperative mission between the two powers since 1041 was not lost on any of the sailors, on both sides. There had been a good reason that Louis, the most capable and notable sons of the veterans, was given command. Aside from him being notably fluent in many languages, including Cosmosian, the prodigy son of Jacques d’Avranches, a hero from both conflicts, symbolically was a major deal. Louis himself was somewhat of a Cosmophile himself, thanks to his father largely, but also from the idyllic image of the Marine Stellare being an equal and the most respected rival of the Empire stuck hard with him. He also was eager, if possible, to learn as much as possible from the Stargazers, who were renowned for their navigation skills and gunners. If he got along well with them, it was possible that he could learn their techniques first hand and use it to his benefit. Either way, his mission was first and foremost to deliver the joint-science mission. He could do all the learning he wished when this task was done.
Guided into the harbor by a cutter, the Victoire and Rapide were greeted by fireworks, a 24 gun salute, and cheers from the sailors of the Marina Stellare lined up at the docks. Their escort was immediately apparent, being put out in the open and flagged as such. There were two frigates, two sloops-of-war and one brig-of-war, brightly painted and with their crews lined up on deck in salute. At the other end of the harbor appeared to be a small frigate and two brigs-of-war, along with cutters, gunboats and a schooner.
Principe Island as a whole was quite pretentious given its reality, being a minor naval base and waystation for the Marina Stellare in the Kizuna Sea. Aside from small port facilities that could just support the two squadrons and the local forces, there was a small town called Calasetta, which was nothing more than an ostentatious little town of no more than 200 people. Most of the buildings were made of brick or sandstone, and most of the town’s housing was dedicated to the Naval forces located there. The few locals lived a decent life, most of them being fishermen or involved with the shipping industry somehow. Several taverns made up all of the entertainment the little town could offer and there was a small temple as well, dedicated to Suisei. The Town Hall was the same building where the Station Commander conducted business from and lived in. Indeed, he was the mayor of the town by his position. An ornate lighthouse, at the entrance of the harbor put the cherry on top of what was a small town playing the role of something more important that it truly was. The rest of the island had some farms, and vineyards littered across its flat landscape, and a small fishing village on the opposite end of the island, called Saportedda, was much less extravagant than Calasetta.
Guided into the docks by cutters around 1000 hrs, Louis dressed to perfection, descended from the Victoire with his officers to meet with men he would soon be sailing with to Cometopoli. He was immediately greeted by a well dressed man, who with formalities out the wazoo, told him what a wonderful day it was and how his presence along with the rest of his men was desired by his comrade at arms, Contrammiraglio (Rear Admiral) Carlo Alberto Pollastrini and his officers at a local restaurant known as the Gran Palazzo, where he was invited for the best lunch that the island could offer. With his officers, the officers from the Rapide, and the scientists, Louis was guided through the town to the restaurant. As one might expect, this Gran Palazzo wasn’t as “Grand” as its name would imply. Indeed, inside, it looked rather quaint and unassuming despite its grandiose title. The restaurant was empty, on the orders of Pollastrini and as Louis entered, he was immediately greeted by two things. The first, a waiter who directed him and his men to their seats. The second thing was the shouting match that was occurring in the background between two Hoshiyomians. “Fantastic…” Louis remarked sarcastically to his men.
Nonetheless, the party would be split up into two groups. Louis, Antoine, Hayashi and Kimura (First Mate of the Rapide) were led to the great table where the Admiral and his captains were waiting for them; while the lesser officers, and scientists were led to another table where they found their counterparts as well. Before Louis could even get close to his seat, Pollastrini approached him.
“You must be Commodore Louis d’Avranches! Welcome welcome!” Pollastrini opens his arms for a hug, per custom but Louis just stands there offers his hand out and says “Contrammiraglio, 'tis truly an honour to meet you.”
Pollastrini closes his arms, realizing this was an awkward first encounter but shakes Louis’ hand “Likewise good man! take a seat, take a seat!” As Louis goes to sit down, 3 other men greet him and shake his hand. Two of them are unassuming but one of them is notable.
“Ah, Louis d’Avranches. I have long awaited our meeting.” says the man with a degree of concealed enthusiasm in his voice, he reaches out for a hug too but Louis snubs him too, and just offers a handshake. “It is nice to meet you as well… You are?”
“Signore Ferdinando della Ceresara… I am the son and nephew of commanders that fought against your father.”
Louis has never heard of anyone by the name of della Ceresara from his father but pretends to go along with it. “Yes yes indeed, I have heard… many tales about them from uh, my father.”
Ferdinando smiles and says “Cannot wait to hear them!”
“Shit” Louis thought “This isn’t going well.”
As Louis sits down while his other men are being greeted, he notices the two other nobs still bickering… over fish of all things… He can hardly believe that the Marina Stellare would be so unprofessional! These two deserve to be flogged! Nonetheless, he needed to get this over with. As the men sat down, wine was poured into everyone's glasses, thanks were offered to the waiter by everyone but the two in a deep argument. This offended the Admiral, who stood up and shouted. “That is enough Tagliaferro and Dionisotti! You buffons are making a mockery of our fleet in front of our guests and I am dismissing both of you from our table. Tagliaferro, I want you to go over to the other table and Dionisotti head back to your ship immediately!”
Tagliaferro grumbles under his voice but heads over while Dionisotti attempts to plead his case “Contrammiraglio, I am deep-”
Crossing his arms and giving him a sinister glare Pollastrini sternly tells him “You will immediately go back to your ship as I have ordered or I will have your head you fool.”
Dionisotti is aghast by this and pleads more “But 'tis not right for an ari-”
“NOW!” Pollastrini says while stomping his foot.
Dionisotti, with his head hung low, exits. Pollastrini, who looks like he is about to burst a gasket, takes a handkerchief and pats his face to remove the sweat. The whole room is silent and staring at him before he turns to Louis and says “My deepest apologies Commodore.”
Louis just replies calmly “No need, it is understandable.” as Pollastrini sits down. He planned on being the leader of the conversation but was now somewhat too stressed to do it. An awkward silence engulfs the grand table as lively discussions emerge at the other table. The tension can be cut in the air, and is only broken by the Waiter, who approaches to ask what they would like to eat. He starts with Louis, who politely says he doesn't like wine and that he would like a non alcoholic beverage. He is recommended the local shellfish by the waiter, to which Louis’ own feelings about the dish are made apparent.
“Shellfish is utterly disgusting, absolutely not! Give me the Involtini di Manzo.”
“Y-Yes sire!”
As the rest of the table orders, Ferdinando tries to get Louis to talk of the tales of his father, Louis tries to give him a vague story before he admits after Ferdinando presses him for more details.
“I will be quite honest, Signore della Ceresara, I have never heard of your family in my life. Perhaps in passing, but nothing more.”
Ferdinando, who had been growing more and more offended and angry at this rude, haughty Pétale for the repeated signs of disrespect bangs his fist on the table, stands up and yells at Louis “That is enough, you vile ungrateful son-of-a-whore!” Louis looks at him with disgust without saying anything and the angered Ferdinando continues pointing at Louis “I was told you were a gracious gentleman, and that you shared a lot in common with me, but it has become apparent you are no such thing. Your insults, lies and outright insolence towards your hosts has gone on long enough!”
Louis curtly replies “Hmph, quite shocking that all of the officers in your navy act like fools and are completely unprofessional.”
“What did you just say?” Ferdinando says while giving a death stare.
Louis stands up, he has had quite enough of this foolishness “You heard me well Conte! I am sickened at how vulgar and uncouth you and your officers have proven to be.” Putting his hand into his jacket and with a sneer, he continues "'tis no wonder my father never told me about your family. After all, probably a bunch of rogues like yourself!”
Ferdinando grabs a knife, kicks over the table and attempts to go after him after this comment screaming with fury “YOU WICKED POLTROON! I WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THESE OUTRAGEOUS COMMENTS!” Louis stands motionless as Antoine, Pollastrini, Hayashi and pull both of them to the side. Antoine begs Louis to apologize, but Louis refuses and shouts across at Ferdinando “If it is a fight you wish, let us take it outside of this establishment. Lest this be more unbecoming as it already is.”
Ferdinando, trying to get talked into apologizing and then to refuse the offer breaks free and says “Very well, we will end this outside. I do not wish for our dispute to ruin the mission.”
Both of them continue to try to get talked out of it, but both are dead set on it. Their tempers are controlled but bursting at the seams, and both are too stubborn to be talked about. Cut from similar cloths, there is only one way to settle this dispute and it is not through apologies but blood.
Noon, in the middle of Calasetta
Even after heading out of the restaurant, Antoine is still trying to talk down Louis as is Ferdinando’s friend. Both of the men meet in the desolate town square and approach each other rather calmly before staring each other in the eyes. Both are filled with fury and rage that can be seen through their eyes. Their friends have resigned themselves, they know neither of them can stop this and it would be best if they at least kept it somewhat civil in the end. Ferdinando breaks the silence “This is your last chance to back out, do you really have the guts to fight me? I am well tr-”
Sternly Louis interrupts him “No need to go over your credentials, I am afraid of no man. Let us get this over with by the means of our blades and fists if needed.”
“ I like that attitude,” says Ferdinando with a smirk. “This will be a good fight, I can tell.”
“Quite” Louis draws his saber. “May the best man win.”
Drawing his own, Ferdinando says “May he indeed...”
The two stare each other down in posture for 2 minutes before Ferdinando charges Louis. He is one of the greatest swordsmen and fencers in his nation; and he isn’t about to let this arrogant foreigner put him to shame. Offense is the best defense! He delivers heavy blows before Louis, who repels them with a degree of calmness before Louis catches him with a strong counter and cuts his shirt before being repelled. Like a maniac, Ferdinando laughs and says “Not bad, Avranches. Not at all.” before going back on the attack. He manages to graze Louis' shoulder with one strike but is fended off again and again for 10 more minutes of constant swordsinging. The duel is intense and neither of them have the advantage. Everytime Ferdinando seems to be getting the upper hand, Louis counterstrikes clinically forcing him to back off for a moment before he plunges in again. Both of them constantly mock each other throughout the fight, trying to get under each other’s skin. Louis goes on about how much of a failure his family must be while Ferdinando goes on about how weak and small Louis is compared to him, and how he will lose this fight, and how embarrassing it would be for him to lose to such a failure.
Both of them manage to land sindgeing strikes on each other, cutting their clothes and landing minor cuts. This is until Louis manages to land a devastating counter after kicking Ferdinando back after a close call with his strong legs. He cuts him deeply on his right arm causing him to bleed profusely, and once again Ferdinando laughs like a madman before charging in again, this time barely missing the top of Louis' head. 20 minutes in, and Ferdinando manages to land a nasty strike on Louis’ left shoulder that cuts it deeply. Louis kicks him back and this time, it is Louis on the attack as his speed and agility are put to best use. Both men are in pain from their wounds but continue, until Louis manages to disarm Ferdinando with a strike at his hand. Ferdinando bellows in pain, and the fight seems lost for him. But Louis then sheaths his sword and lays it down.
“Why?” ask Ferdinando, confused in this lull.
Louis says with a smirk “'Tis not over yet, go get your wounds wrapped up lest we bleed out and then we will finally settle this with our fists.”
Ferdinando smiles and says “You know, I like your moxy.”
Both men pick up their weapons and walk over to their friends, who patch them up. Antoine pleads with Louis to stop now, telling him he just won, and it is settled but Louis simply replies “Antoine, this is no longer about honour, this is rather entertaining and we aren’t settled."
After a ten minute break with refreshment, both men take their shirts off and approach each other with their fists ready to strike.They both smile at each other, before entering the melée. Louis’ agility against the strength of Ferdinando was quite the display. Both men managed to land strikes on each other. One punch from Ferdinando made Louis bleed profusely from his nose while Louis delivered a counterblow that gave Ferdinando a black eye. Using his strength to his full advantage, Ferdinando managed to grapple Louis and pick him up laughing. Louis, thinking quickly, kicked Ferdinando down to the ground and now both were wrestling on the ground trying to pin each other and delivering punches along the way. Both were tiring rapidly from the fight. With only the 10-minute break, they had spent an hour dueling with their swords before entering a slugging match with their fists and legs. Around 1300hrs, both men were totally exhausted and Louis, who managed to get on top of Ferdinando started to laugh hysterically and fell over to his side.
Both of them started laughing extremely hard and coughing up blood as their friends walked over to make sure these fools hadn’t killed each other. They were brought over to the side of a nearby building and were still laughing as their wounds were tended. After being bandaged, the other two go off to get more rags. Both men were covered in mud, blood and bruises when it was all said and done but made it out alright all things considered.
Ferdinando, finally able to say something, said “Avranches, you're a truly magnificent bastard! Never had a soul fight me as hard as you or have the guts ye clearly have. Rare to find someone that can match me with my sword and my fists alike!”
Louis, looking over with a smile says “Touché, haven’t had that much fun in a long time.” pauses and brushes his hair back “You know, I am sorry about the things I said to you mate. I should have told you the truth about it all.”
Laughing Ferdinando replies “Ah, that’s not an issue at all comrade! I think after having beat sense into each other, we both realize how foolish we both were!”
Both of them laugh rather hard, Louis says “y-You yo-You know, I truly didn’t mean to offend.”
“Y-yeah I realize that after you landed that blow on my arm and when you blacken my eye!” Ferdinando says laughing. “That all was my own immaturity showing through there. Should have just let it slide, y’know.”
Louis looks at him with a friendly smile before say “Oi oi oi, n-no no no no! If you had let it pass by, I wouldn’t have had as much respect for you as I do now. I am glad we had this fight... consequences be damned!” Louis stands up and extends his hand to Ferdinando. “For I believe I have found a friend for life.”
He grabs it and both men share a hug laughing. After sharing a heartfelt embrace, both of them shake hands and Ferdinando remarks “I can say the same to ye, Sir Louis. Madlads for life, brother.”
“Aye to that!” says Louis with a smile “Let’s go check on the others, make sure they realize we haven’t killed each other haha.”
“Good idea! Comandante is probably getting rather antsy about this whole affair. He thinks his career is likely ruined!”
The two walk back to Grand Palazzo to find that another fight had taken place, this time between Tagliaferro and Zouwen. That’s another story for another day, but to say that Tagliaferro got his ass kicked is an understatement; and in this case, everyone agreed he deserved it. Seeing Louis and Ferdinando enter together with a smile on their faces relieved so much stress for Pollastrini. He was sure this might cause a war and knew it would end his career. He sprung up and quickly ran over to chew Ferdinando out for being such a fool, but Louis stopped him, saying how he believed he had made a friend for life and that there was no reason to be mad at Ferdinando for his own misbehavior.
Antoine and a certain Fabrizio Bergamaschi soon came rushing in fearing the worst only to see that both men were doing well and were now on good terms. They panicked when they didn’t see them there and believed they had run off to kill each other somewhere else. A collective sigh of relief came from the two, but both were to be taken back to their ships to get stitches and their wounds dressed by the surgeons immediately. The gashes and cuts they received could get infected if not dealt, and both men said their temporary farewells as they were rushed back.
A friendship that would change the world was born out of violence and blood in the town square of a pretentious little town on a backwater island in the middle of the Kizuna Sea.
Chapter II
2nd of December, 1132 VTE, City of Ravenna.
It was a bright but chilly morning on the 2nd of December. It was the final leg of the long journey from Artemis to Ravenna, and it had been a long 10 months full of equal amounts of silence and chaos. Louis was on the deck with Antoine chatting when Ravenna was spotted as the morning fog lifted that morning. Louis knew this was going to be a long day but at this moment, he took the time to observe the beauty of Ravenna in detail as he was guided into the harbour.
Ravenna truly was the spectacular city that she had been billed as throughout the trip and from literature. The Queen of the Venere sparkled with the radiant beams of the morning suns beating down on her tile rooftops. The Grand Harbour itself stood out immediately. The beautiful Faro di San Domenico, the saviour of many ships over the years wasn’t shining today but her fine carved appearance was the perfect introduction into the city. She embodied the spirit of the city itself in a microcosm, being just as aesthetically pleasing as she was useful. Marble facings of mermaids and stars were striking, as was her column-like shape. Opposite of her was the much more practical but still somewhat pleasing to look at, the guardian of the harbour itself, Fort Vanzetti. Upon passing the fort, a 242 gun salute was fired in honour of the visitors from the longtime rival of the Principality.
Entering the harbour itself, Louis was struck by the magnificent buildings and naval facilities that lined it. The Naval Office, Customs Office, the countless piers and wharves, and most impressively, the Ravenna Arsenal, which to this day is still one of the greatest shipyards in the world. The brick and sandstone faced buildings of the harbour were finely crafted, and like much of the city, just fit in well with the overall theme and grandeur of the city. Fireworks, however, would interrupt Louis’ daydream as the blasts and the cheers of the Marina Stellare boomed from the docks.
Thousands of sailors, in full dress, were lined up along the docks and the sound of a band filled the air. As the Victoire was guided into a dock by a tug, the crew lined the deck in marvel of what they were seeing. It truly was a magnificent display and welcoming party that not a single one of them expected. Louis, wanting to maintain a semblance of decorum and honour towards their hosts, quickly orders the men to get into parade formation and salute back. As soon as the ship was moored, Louis ordered the ramp down and for men to line up to disembark in good order. Louis would be the first off the ship, as per tradition. He waved and smiled as he stepped off, turning then forward along the pier to see the most important man in the Marina Stellare awaiting him with a smile on his face. Louis, cringing inside, embraced the man who smelled like expensive and eye-watering cologne.
“Grazi, Commodore d’Avranches. Let me be the first to welcome you to the Gran Principato degli Astronomi! I am Rodolfo Palmieri, First Prince-Admiral.”
The two then shook hands for 5 minutes, as Louis had been warned, and Rodolfo asked him about his journey, how he was, etc. In many ways, this custom was a duel to see who had the strongest handshake. And ever competitive, Louis wasn’t going to any of these Hoshiyomites. After Rodolfo ended his handshake, much to Louis’ horror, he saw that there was 20 more men waiting for him in line. “Sweet Lize, give me strength!” he thought.
Sure enough, Louis would spend the next hour and 30 minutes shaking hands with all of these prominent admirals. One of them clearly should have retired, he looked like he was 90 years old and sounded like it. He talked to Louis alone for 10 minutes and clearly had dementia or something. His name was Ubaldo Graziani and sure enough, he was a veteran of the Syndeoneia War. But his frail appearance was clearly deceiving, as this man crushed Louis hand with his vice-like grip. Louis was thankful when the other admirals motioned to Ubaldo to allow Louis to move on after 10 minutes, the next man joked how Ubaldo was quite the talker. “Yeah, and the old bastard could win any local strongman contest!” Louis thought. One of the more amusing scenes that Louis nearly laughed at was watching one of the Marina Stellare sailors, who had to salute this whole time, keel over from exhaustion.
But it was far from over for Louis that day. He was immediately invited to go out for lunch with all of these senior admirals. “Shit, I didn’t even give orders to my men. I hope Antoine will sort this out for me, as I cannot show weakness now!” he thought after agreeing and starting to walk. He decided to walk with Ubaldo, who really needed help to get around.
“Ahh Thank you Admiral d’Avranches! Them youngins these days lack the respect to care for an old shit like me, unlike you!” the old man said with his low breathy voice.
“Quite welcome, Admiral Graziani, but I am a mere Commodore.”
“Puttanata! You ain’t tricking me you coughs you… uhhh… Pierre d’Avranches…uuuhhhh… They all said you were dead but here you are in the flesh slaps Louis across the arms you ain’t no damn undead! Uhhhhhhh…. One moment sonny…. Ah that’s it, you won that famous battle long ago against that towelhead…. al-Ramen? Yeah that guy…. How could they demote you, those sons of bitches after that victory… Shows the class of your navy… Send me, I will get your rank back!”
“Admiral Graziani, that was my grandfather.”
“Well… who the fuck are you then…. Wait a minute…. Ah fuck it, I don’t uuuuhhhhh know… All I know is I need a damn cigar boy, you got one?”
Louis hands him a cigar and lights it for the old man, whose eyes light up. “Ahhhhh, this is good Pierre. Thank you, I always knew you were a swell guy like they said… uhhhh.”
“It’s an honour.” said Louis with grace.
“Why would it be an honor for you sonny…. You won that battle and became a legend… starts to tear up... I lost battles against your fleet and won’t be remembered like you…”
Louis puts his arm around the old man “No no, you-”
“Get your hands off me! Anyways….You are quite the good looking man, Pierre. Who you fucking… surely the best in the whole world right. Hahaha.”
Louis plays along with him “Only my wife, Graziani.”
“Oh you… you… good man…Just as good as they said you were…” stops and looks around “Where the hell am I Pierre?”
It is at this moment that another man runs up and takes Ubaldo away, thanking Louis for taking his time with Ubaldo but explaining that he really shouldn’t be going with the other admirals. Palmieri and Viscounti come up to Louis and thank him for taking his time with Ubaldo and then point to the restaurant of their choice. The Stella Gourmand. Upon entering, Louis spends two hours as the Admirals order a 20 course meal. They all keep talking to Louis and each other, Louis told them that he missed Ubaldo, as he was the most interesting man out of all of them. They all crack up, and tell them Ubaldo’s story. He was 85 and decommissioned but insisted on coming to meet Louis, who he thought was Pierre d’Avranches. Ubaldo was a hero from other wars in his youth and fought well during the Syndeoneia War, despite what he said. He used to be the First Prince-Admiral until he retired 20 years before. “Good man” Louis thought
Finally, when it was all said and done, Louis shook the hands of each of the remaining admirals, and wished them well. These were 5 second handshakes, not 5 minute ones. The Admirals departed wishing Louis well. It was tedious but finally over, now he could go get things organized back at his ship. But as soon as he stepped outside, his heart sank as he saw a group of 6 men that were clearly the top men in town. They all bowed before Louis and welcomed him to Ravenna. The fat one spoke up first
“Commodore d’Avranches! It is such a pleasure to host you in our fine city! Welcome welcome, I am the Signore Federigo Strozzi. Allow me to introduce my compatriots. Pointing in order. This is Filippo Ubaldini, the big bad banker haha, here is Francesco de Michelis, the slyest of foxes, over here is Gianmarco Ercoli, he is rather cranky! Haha, this is Vittorio Spinola, good lad but hard to get along with! Annnnd Oh, I almost forgot Ambrosio hahaha This is Ambrosio della Ceresara, the biggest nuisance in our whole nation hahaha.”
“According to my enemies” laughs Ambrosio “Yes, welcome Louis.”
Louis takes off his hat and bows his head “Thank you for having me!”
Strozzi walking up to Louis asks “Louis, my boy! You must allow us to take you around town. Show you the sites!”
“Signore, My cre-”
Strozzi puts his arm around him and says “Oh don’t worry about them boyyo! I already have them taken care of! I got them nice quarters and I have a special gift for you, a suite at my own house, Palazzo Strozzi! All of your stuff is already there waiting, but nevermind that. You have to see Ravenna.”
“Sounds fine to me! Thank you, thank you!”
Louis spends the next two hours touring the beautiful city. Louis is quite interested in this sort of thing and asks many questions, much to the delight of his hosts. It is sunset by the time they finish, but Louis isn’t off the hook yet. He now is treated to dinner at Ercoli’s house, and spends another hour and a half there. He has consumed more alcohol today than anytime in his life but he wanted to leave a good impression. By the time it is all over, he says his farewells and boards a coach to Strozzi’s. Strozzi is quite the talker and entertainer, but Louis is getting quite the headache by the time he boards the coach and Strozzi’s constant noise irritates him nearly to death. When they arrive, Strozzi wants to introduce him to his family, but Louis explains that he must get some rest as he is feeling rather unwell. Strozzi understands, and has him escorted swiftly to his luxurious room.
Strozzi wasn’t lying when he said he would give Louis the best room in all of town. It was a master bedroom with the finest luxuries imaginable. Both a bath, and toilette. All with running water. But all Louis cared for was the bed, which he soon collapsed on and fell into a deep sleep. He barely remembered what had happened after meeting Strozzi at this point, it was all a blur and sure enough; he woke up the next morning as sick as a dog. All of that energy exerted caught up to him.
Chapter III
17th of December 1132, City of Ravenna
It had been a somewhat mild, but still interesting last two weeks for Louis. He was restricted to his room for ten days. Apparently all of the exertion of the past year and a half had finally caught up to him. He was taken care of by, out of all people, the Signora herself, Letizia, the entire time. Letzi, as everyone called her, took care of him like a mother watching over her own children. She fed him, unpacked his belongings into the manner that he wanted, gave him steam baths, and provided Louis with someone to talk to for the first 3 exhausting days.
The 44 year old wife of Federico was an interesting woman. She was rather intelligent and still beautiful in spite of her age. She was taller than her husband and on face value, was an odd match. But like her husband, she was also a bit of a degenerate herself, being fine with her husband’s affairs and the vice versa being true as she hit her 40s. By the 5th day, she put on her seductress style fully, dressing in little more than a robe and lingerie to tempt the handsome and charming sailor that was now staying at her house. Louis was hesitant at first, given she was a married woman, but he couldn’t resist the ways of the wanton lady of the house when she stripped for him and then kissed him on the phallus. If there was any quick cure in the world for a sick man, it was intercourse with a woman that knew what she was doing and knew how to please him. This certainly was true for Louis, and when she told him the situation with her husband, he was all too eager to regularly receive this “medicine” from her multiple times a day.
Finally, after being well enough to leave his room, Louis quickly grew accustomed to the household, well who was left at least. You see, Federico had taken a vacation with his mistress and the younger children of the house were also on vacation with their aunts. This left just Louis, Letzi and the eldest daughter Rossella in the house. Rossella was a widow, and took after her mother, in more ways than one. Unsurprisingly, Louis had both the mother and daughter as his lovers, and damn, this was the good life! He enjoyed their degeneracy a lot and sort of lost touch with the reality of the world around him, until he received a letter from Ferdinando on the 15th.
The letter read:
Signore D’Avranches,
I have heard of your ailment and wish you well. Funny story, my father had no clue that you were the same man that I got into a fight with until I told him after I was released from the Depths of Hades, the Admiralty on the 4th. He was quite impressed with you and kicked my ass for laying a finger on you as well too. I have got to know your buddy Antoine rather well, but he seems to have fallen off the face of the earth! I think he will turn up eventually. Anyways, when you are feeling better, come on over (to my residence) and let’s go have some fun you sly dog!
Your ardent nemesis,
Signore Ferdinando della Ceresara
Louis laughed upon reading it. Nando was a funny guy, he told him to meet him at his house but didn't include his house. He asked Letzi where it would be and she laughed too, given that she had also had an affair with Ferdinando in the past too. She told him that he likely meant Palazzo della Ceresara, which was 15 km to the south. “Any carriage driver knows where it is, just tell them to take you to the Ceresara Palazzo and you’ll end up there sweetpea!”
After helping him pack his luggage, Letzi kissed him goodbye and Louis was off. It was a rainy day but Louis was able to hail a cabbie in no time. “To Ceresara Palazzo, please!” he said to the old man driving the carriage.
“You a special guest laddie? It will cost ya extra.” said the old man firmly.
Shit! Louis hadn't a way of paying him. “I am sorry sir, I am not a native of your nation, but an Officer in the Imperial Tsukinode Navy. I truly apologize and-”
“Wait up kiddo, It’sa free for someone like you! I’ll get ya there in no time!” said the old man with a smile.
“Thank you, kind sir.”
“No no, it’s my pleasure. But you owe me some stories haha.”
“I can surely oblige!”
The ride took all day, and Louis kept the old man entertained with his stories about the sea and his family. They nearly got into an accident when the oldman wasn’t paying attention and nearly drove the carriage off a cliff. Fortunately, the horses stopped on their own before both men fell to their deaths. Apparently finding it humorous, both men laughed extremely hard at the whole mistake before continuing on. It was nearly nightfall when Louis arrived. He thanked the old man for it all, and handed him the watch given to him by Kronistadt as a gift. The oldman was shocked to receive such a gift, but graciously accepted it. Louis had two watches, and he would rather have kept the one from Elisabeth than the other one. It meant more to him.
Either way, now at his destination, he took a moment as the oldman whipped off into the rain to marvel at what was before him. The Palazzo, from what he could see, was rather impressive. It’s outer gate was made of brass and had the family crest on it, while the wall itself was a fine brick structure. Inside from what he could see under the lights was fine statues, and a vast garden. Louis went to open the gate only to find it locked.
Instead of just waiting there in the hopes that he would be seen, he decided to try another method. Leaving his luggage at the gate, he walked around the wall until it reached the edge of a cliff. The sane choice in this instance would have been to simply look at the other side but Louis saw a way for him to jump across this 2 meter gap to a ledge where he would be able to scale the wall into the Palazzo. Sure enough, Louis leaped across, slipped on the ledge’s surface and nearly fell to his death if he hadn't caught one of the facings on the edge. In the icy rain, he pulled himself back up onto the ledge and then managed to climb over the wall, only to land in a rosebush. With his clothes torn and bloodied by the thorns, he gathered himself up and walked ahead; only to find himself in a maze of hedges, trees and flowers.
After what seemed like an eternity, Louis finally reached the front door soaked from head to toe with water, his pants covered in mud, bleeding from numerous cuts, his clothes in tatters and his hat had a rose branch sticking out of it. He pulled the knocker and pounded the great door several times. A bewildered pretty girl answered the door wearing but her nightie, and before Louis could even say hello, swiftly shut it in his face screaming in horror. “Well, isn’t that a kick in the head.” thought Louis “Next, I will find out I broke into another family's house and end up being put on trial for high treason for trying to steal state secrets.” Louis decided to go to the front gate and retrieve his stuff, opening it and entering it with his belongings, locking the gate again.
Trying his luck again, he pounded the knocker 4 more times. A few minutes later, the door opened, and it was Ferdinando holding a gun ready to blow the intruders head off.
“You think you can break into my family's estate you sick per-” He yelled before stopping after he realized who it was. Louis just looked at him with the face of sheer disappointment at what had happened to him before Ferdinando uncocked his gun and started laughing hysterically at what he saw. Falling to the floor in laughter, as Louis tapped his toe, Ferdinando said “Yo- you you hahahahhahaha you hahahhahaa coughs I-i ca-cant b-hahahahaha breath hahahahahahaha.”
Louis couldn’t help himself, he started to crack up himself and broken into laughter trying to state “I-i hahahahhahhahhaa.”
Their bemusement was suddenly interrupted by the voice of another man running down the stairs shouting “What in the name of holy comet is going on down here! I’ll kill this sod if he has hurt my son!”
Ambrosio then saw his son on his knee laughing like crazy and across from him, a man that looked like he had been through Hades leaning on the side of the door trying to compose himself to say something while still laughing. He shook his head and smiled, sheathed his rapier and walked over to them. When he got close, he realized who it was and shouted “Diletta, we have a guest who needs some help! Come at once!” Turning to the two, still trying to compose themselves, he started to laugh at what he saw before helping Louis get inside his house, sitting him down on the floor. Ferdinando sat down beside him and took his hat off, still dying of laughter and showed it to Louis, who broke into an even harder laughter. Soon the whole household came over to see what the commotion was and saw the scene. Diletta came running and helped Louis to his feet while the daughters of the Conte watched from a distance and laughed to themselves about the whole matter before their mother scolded them “That is an honoured guest of our family, do not laugh at his misfortune.” Louis was shown his way to one of the bathes in the Palazzo and sat on the toilette while the servant prepared for him a hot bath, took off his ruined clothes and dressed his minor cuts.
Ferdinando came in, still laughing, but able to actually speak and remarked “What even happened? Hahahaha I have so many questions hahaha.”
“Well, it’s a story.” said Louis in his typical deadpan way which caused Ferdinando to crack up again before Diletta smacked him and scolded him “This man just had his best clothes ruined and is injured, do not laugh at him!”
“No no, Diletta, we are good friends.” laughed Ferdinando.
“Oh… my apologies Signore…” said Diletta meekly.
“It’s all fine, hahaha, I probably deserved it for laughing at his misery.”
Louis finally entered the bath and told Ferdinando the whole story about his grand entrance into the Palazzo. When he was done, Ferdinando just laughed and said if he had gone the other way, he would have found an unlocked gate that he left for him. He said he sent a letter telling him this, which he didn’t actually, but thought he did. Louis just laughed and remarked if he had done that, it wouldn’t be as amusing as what actually happened. Louis, washing all of the grim and blood off himself, got into the fresh clothes provided for him and brushed his hair. He was utterly exhausted from his adventure today and asked if there was a free room for him. Ferdinando, more than happy to provide a place for his friend, led him to the grand guest bedroom, where Diletta had already unpacked his possessions for him. “My house is your house brother! Sleep well and lets have some fun tomorrow, weather permitting.”
“Thank you, thank you. Tell your parents that their hospitality has been wonderful and I thank them. As for me, I need to get some rest.”
Ferdinando closed the door and left Louis to himself. Louis couldn’t help but laugh more at what had just transpired. What an introduction had he made to the Della Ceresara family with his stellar performance in the art of both schadenfreude and self-sabotage. Ah well, it was nice to have another warm bed and tomorrow would be a good time as well, hopefully with less stupidity on his part.
Chapter IV
18th of December 1132, Palazzo della Ceresara
Louis woke up early the next morning, as expected from him. It was the break of dawn, and he would spend a little time writing down the events of the day before, praying and in personal care. When he finally exited his room and descended down the grand staircase at 630hrs, he smelled breakfast being prepared and quickly made himself for the dining room. There, he found the same girl who was terrified of him last night sitting in an armchair on the far side wall. She was reading from an old dusty tome, and barely acknowledged his presence as he entered the grand dining room.
The room itself, like much of the interior, was of a Rococo design. It was exuberantly decorated with mouldings, gilding, ornaments and wood carvings. The walls themselves were pastel tan and had numerous fine pieces of art on them. In the centre hung a grand silver chandelier, over the mahogany table. The table itself was decorated with a white lace tablecloth with many designs woven into its fabric. A ornate brass Candelabra stood in its centre, and fine Tsukinode Porcelain was set out across the table, with silverware and serviettes in neat order. There were two armchairs on the farside, which were of fine oak and velvet construction and carved magnificently. Between them sat an end table, crafted to perfection, with a taper in the centre. The finely crafted windows and glass door to the outside shone light brightly into the room as the sun began to rise, revealing a rather frosty and cold morning mist in the distance. It was all quite impressive, and looked even better during the daylight.
Louis, seeking some small talk with the girl, sat down in an armchair next to her and looked at her for a moment in awe. She was an extremely beautiful woman, one of the most beautiful he had ever seen in his life. She had luscious wavy blonde locks that hung to her bosom, fair skin that glowed in the light, and the body of a goddess. Even at this early hour, she was extremely well groomed, despite wearing no makeup, and it was clear that she truly put a lot of time into her appearance. Though he couldn’t quite make them out, she had these marvellous periwinkle coloured eyes. She emitted a arourma of a mix of rose, jasmine, peony, and jonquil. This aura of pure femininity appeared to irradiate from her that left Louis in wonder.
When the girl looked up at him, she saw him gawking at her like a hound. With a tone of genteel reproach, she asked “Excuse me.”
Louis snapped out of the trance, and quickly uttered in a contriteful voice “M-My most sincere apologies! That was quite improper of me to be gazing upon you like that!”
Brushing her hair backwards and with an austere expression on her face the girl replied “Hmm, I guess it is quite alright. Certainly not the first time…” smirking at him “Nonetheless, I would much appreciate it if you would have the common courtesy to at least introduce yourself before you make sheep's eyes at me Sir.”
“Ah-h, Yes, quite.” sitting himself up straight with a dignified expression he replies “D’Avranches, Louis D’Avranches. Pleasure to meet thee.”
With a polite smile, the girl responds “Truly delightful to meet thee, Sir. I am Signora Lucrezia della Ceresara, the daughter of the master of this household.”
“Indeed.” replies Louis with a smile before thinking for a moment. Damn, those eyes could kill a man he thought. “Were you the one I spooked last night, Lucrezia.”
With an embarrassed look on her face she replies “”Twas me indeed, sir.” she looks away for a moment before returning a passing glance at him “What an improper first encounter with an honoured guest that was…”
“Ah, it was nothing!” Louis says with a pleasant tone “If anything, it was humorous. Could hardly blame you for slamming the door in my face when I looked like that.”
She chuckles a little before getting serious again. “Truly, did not expect anyone that late in the sun’s down…Still, improper for you to see me in my nightgown and for me to turn away a guest like that!” Smiling slightly “But it was quite humorous, after all.”
Louis looks at her book and quickly askes “May I ask what you are reading Lucrezia?”
Sternly, she replies “I would ask you to call me Signora Lucrezia!” before toning it down and smiling “Anyways, this book? It is on astrology. In particular, the different meanings of constellations.”
Louis never understood the Hoshiyomite belief in this mumbo jumbo and challenged her “Lu- I mean, Signora Lucrezia,you don’t sincerely believe that foolishness, do you?
Closing her book and with a repugnant gaze she snaps back passive aggressively mocking fashion “Hmph! There is a great deal of pure irony coming from you, a Tsukijin, who also believes in such things as emas, omikuji and…” With a look of pure sadistic bemusement “your own Zodiac Calendar! Yes, I know you also have your own astrological methods heh!”
Louis, feeling a bit smug as well, replies “Who is to say that I believe in such things truly? Signora, I do believe in emas, omikuji, and the power of the Kami, but I am not one to truly believe in such things as astrology, constellations, and blood types determining who a person is…After all, according to your beliefs, I, as a Taurus would be obsessed with money, when I couldn’t care!”
Lucrezia, who secretly loves the challenge, snarkily remarks back “Well, I hate to rain on your parade, dear, but you certainly are and act like a Taurean. I can see it in your eyes. Stubborn as an ox you are, Hmph!”
As she is about to rail into Louis again, Ferdinando enters the room in full ignorance and tries to embarrass his sister “Good Morning! I see you have my sister under your spell Louis!”
“Bah, in his dreams!” she snaps at him as Louis laughs in the background.
Ferdinando, sitting down at the table putting his hands behind his head, replies with a smile “I don’t know Lulu.” Extending his hand towards Louis “This man here, is a master of the craft. Any woman he meets, falls for him.”
Folding her arms in defiance, she replies “As if!”
Louis is still cracking up at these two, it reminds him of himself and his younger sisters. “Ah, it’s okay Nando, she just doesn’t want to admit it yet, you see. Right, Lulu? You were just telling me how much you couldn’t wait for me to show what my hands can do.”
She smacks Louis across the face “This is what my hands do to cretins like you!” then stands up and walks out of the room in disgust.
Ferdinando then gets up to sit in her spot, chuckling “Well, that is my Lulu, love her to death.” sitting down, he suddenly gets serious and points at Louis “But if you dare lay a hand on her, I will skin you alive!”
“Understood.”
The two chat for about 5 minutes until the rest of the family, Lucrezia included, come into the room. They all sit down at the table and are soon joined by Ferdinando and Louis. Louis sits across from Lucrezia and next to Ferdinando. Louis is immediately asked numerous questions by the mother of the house, Giovanna. Soon, however, breakfast is served. It is omelettes, sausage with parfaits on the side. They all pray together before digging into their meal. Louis, as he expected, is the one doing most of the talking as he is quizzed on the many adventures of his life by Ambrosio and Giovanna. He also tells the tale of the day before, the oldman nearly getting him killed, his own blunders, and all. Louis is a good story teller and has a way making his stories rather humorous with his dry humour and wit. The scene of Lucrezia opening the door to see him was funny to everyone but her in the way he described himself as looking like “he got into a fight with a Rose bush and lost.” and how “I wouldn’t blame her for taking one look at me and running for her life!” Louis noticed the whole time how Lucrezia barely attempted to acknowledge him and was looking out the window. Huh.
No matter, he had plans today with Ferdinando and now Ambrosio that he was eager to partake in. You see, the old man of the house, despite giving off the appearance of fuss and feathers, was not an idle man and above all, was smart. He understood that a friendship between his son and Louis was a great thing long term for his house; as to him, Louis resembled a man destined for greatness. Indeed, the soothsayers this year mentioned such a man entering the lives of his family. It had been him that proposed to both of them to “Go out riding with him.” through the Ceresara valley. Ambrosio wasn’t totally in it for a good time, as much as he was in it for some alone time with the boys.
Louis, for one, was rather excited for this when it was brought up, the tranquillity of the country had always brought peace to his mind and spirit, and he wasn't a man of boundless energy like Ferdinando. A day spent riding was a good day for him.
The men, after getting ready, rode off into the valley around 1000hrs on the famed horses that Ambrosio bred on his stud farm. It was a rather pleasant day all things considered, the sun was out and the temperature was not too cold. It was a relatively warm winter this year along the coast and temperatures rarely approached freezing levels. Around an hour into their ride, Louis put his hand out asking for them to stop; he wanted to take in the picturesque view of what lay before him.
The Ceresara valley was a rather quaint, unassuming but naturally beautiful location. Carved out by the Ceresara river, a small tributary of the mighty Venere, the valley was filled with vineyards, small farms, and idyllic villages. The main road, which ran across the Ceresara with an off branch to the Palazzo della Ceresara to the west, winded down through the valley like a snake, being hemmed in by the many fence lines that separated it from the vineyards and orchards that graced the land. Its full beauty could be seen during late summer and early autumn, when the full bloom of the trees and vines would be on full display. Despite its relatively small size, the valley is famed for its legendary wine,“Ceresarana Merlot”. This wine uses Merlot grapes, which with the regional temperature and soil quality produces a wonderful Black Cherry flavour to it that has made it prized around the world. This wine, along with Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Chardonnay in other Vineyards, have made the House of the Ceresara rich over the years. One of the more notable things that stuck out to Louis was just how peaceful and harmonious the valley seemed. If he wasn’t under the pressure of his family, just being a simple winery owner would be a perfect life!
As they went down into the valley and find some rest at a stream, Ambrosio remineses to Louis about his family's past. Ferdinando tunes out, having heard this a million times, and knowing he will hear it a million times more. He makes an excuse that he has to take a shit and rides off. Louis, however, is quite intrigued about it all. They used to be one of the most powerful families in the entire realm but wasteful spending, bad management and defeats, both politically and militarily have made them a relic of the past. It is quite painful for Ambrosio clearly, he seems to have done everything he possibly could only to come up short thanks to things beyond his control.
“Lad, I am sure you can relate to my sorrow about how things have turned out for us…” Ambrosio sighs “It pains me to know that my desires will never be seen in my life…”
“You cannot be so certain, Conte. For what you may not be able to do, your son certainly can! I believe that the fruits of your labour will pay off in due time.”
Ambrosio, with a tear in his eye, says “I pray it will, I am proud of my boy… But I don’t know sometimes with him. He has the ambition and charisma, but he lacks the concentration and shrewdness to truly succeed. He reminds me of my late cousin Carlo. Carlo was a magnificent man, he had all the talent in the world, being naturally gifted as an athlete and charisma oozed out of him. He wanted to be great, but truly, and I say truly… Did not understand what it took. When he was young and without troubles, he could get away with it, much like my son can now, but when the war came he cracked under the pressure. All of the years he spent partying and faking it were exposed by your people in battle. Like a fool, he rushed his squadron into a trap and was captured… When he came back, he was never the same man and would take his own life before they put him before the admiralty…”
Louis, seeing the parallels in Ferdinando, replies “I see, I certainly see…” putting his hand on his chin he thinks for a moment before finally giving his own opinion “However, I do not believe it will turn out this way because your son has you as his father… and I am his friend… In time, he will learn I believe because he is surrounded by good company…”
Ambrosio, puts his hand on Louis’ shoulder and smiles “You know, lad. That is a fair point… I have to wrangle with him often, indeed we get into many fights hehe. Carlo never had that, he only had those who enabled him… Perhaps my son will be greater than both Carlo and myself… I do pray he does. You are a good man, Commodore and truthfully, soothsayers told me that a man like you would enter the life of my family. A man of greatness… To me, that is you. If you can help mold my son into the man he needs to be, I will be forever in debt to you.”
Louis, feeling a little emotional himself over this says “I will do what I can for my brother, and for you, Conte. I promise.”
The two hug and Ambrosio cries a bit “Thank you…”
A few minutes later, Ferdinando returns from whatever he was doing and the three continue, sharing stories and talking with the locals. They eat dinner at one of the villages before turning back home. It was a nice trip, Louis believed he had developed a solid relationship with Ambrosio and that he felt kindred spirits with him. One day, he would like him to meet his father, whom he fought against once.
Arriving back at the Palazzo as night fell, the men separated. Louis went to his room to spend some time reading and writing as per usual. He really was enjoying his time in Hoshiyomia, and was glad he would have much more time to spend here. His longing for home that he felt during much of the journey had long passed and he felt truly at peace with himself and his situation. He still wondered what Antoine and the boys were up to, but he wasn’t worried about that. As he blew out the candles and drifted into slumber, he couldn’t wait to see what was in store for him next.
Chapter V
19th of December 1132, Palazzo della Ceresara
The next two days were rather interesting in their own way. Bad weather forced cancelled all plans on the 19th, and Louis spent most of the day either talking with Ferdinando or simply writing. He talked a little bit with Lucrezia, who was still rather cold with him but he did manage to make her smile with a joke. The 20th was a far more interesting day, however, as Antoine and Fabrizio turned up around noon at the estate. When asked where they were, Antoine simply said they were visiting Fabrizio’s mother who was ill.
The four that day would then spend 3 hours wrestling outside with each other. Antoine, unexpectedly to all but Louis, was practically unbeatable. Antoine was well known to enjoy wrestling in his free time to keep up his physique, and only Louis stood a chance against him, as he knew Antoine’s moves rather well. Still in the end, he would lose to his friend as usual. Louis was an excellent grappler and technically sound but Antoine was a whole different beast, and most importantly also knew Louis’ moves. It was a throwback moment for the both of them in some ways, as they both had regularly wrestled back in school together. The look on Ferdinando’s face when Antoine picked him up and slammed him into the mud was priceless. He looked like he had seen a ghost, and was teased over this by his friends after they were done.
After a lengthy conversation about the wild adventures Louis had back in Ravenna with the hag and the widow, the boys walked back in to change out of their clothes, being covered in the mud. This would cause a rather interesting and life changing scene to emerge.
Louis, sore from the walloping and not thinking at all, wandered into one of the washrooms to hear humming. He turned the corner to see Lucrezia, completely naked, rubbing her skin with oil and completely immersed in her self care singing gently. Louis stared for a good thirty seconds at her body but the shame and utter sacrilege of the act he was committing grasped him, but as soon as he turned his eyes away to leave, the girl shrieked in horror and then screamed at the top of her lungs.
“GET OUT YOU DISGUSTING PERVERT!”
Louis, stunned and mortified knowing his absentmindedness caused this grave sin, said in an utterly humiliated voice. “I-I-I am sorry.” and hastily retreated from the scene.
Wonderful, he thought. Absolutely wonderful! Not only had he violated her own sacred purity by her religion, but committed sacrilege in his own! He knew very well that by Cosmosian customs, the purity of an unmarried woman was extremely sacred, and to someone as religious as Lucrezia, she might never forgive him. He might very well get kicked out of the house for this as well, given how she was not only the favourite of her father but her brother too. Ferdinando himself had said that any man who even looked upon her with ill-intent would be flayed alive by him.
He quickly made his way to another washroom, which Antoine was using and quickly washed himself off without saying as much as hello to his friend. Antoine heard the scream and knew something was up, so let his friend alone for now. He then beat it to his room, only to see that the very girl which he had sinned against had sewed back together his clothes and wrote him a note. He didn’t dare read the note now, he packed his belongings in preparation for being kicked out, and then laid face down in his bed, deep in prayer and thought.
When the expected vengeance didn’t come, Louis felt a little better but still remained in his room for the rest of the day, in a mixture of prayer, writing and thought. This wasn’t the first time he had done this by accident, everybody certainly had before, but it was the first real time he had truly committed the egregious sin of staring with lust at a bathing woman. In this instance, all of his self-centeredness, lustfulness, and arrogance left him completely. As stated, it wasn’t just the act but who he did it too that hurt him so badly. It was the daughter of an honourable host, and the sister of a blood brother. Louis held personal standards when it came to women that were rather odd but logically sound to him. To him, it was also much more egregious that he had done this to a true maiden, which she was rightfully described as by Ferdinando and rightfully seen as such by Louis.
Antoine would check on him that evening, and Louis would explain it to him in detail. Antoine, realising the gravity of the situation but also believing there was likely a good reason why he hadn’t been kicked out, talked him down a bit from the hellhole he put himself in mentally. Antoine then proposed the next day they just have a day or two back in Ravenna with the boys. Louis agreed, but made it clear that he needed to apologise, but Antoine insisted that he shouldn’t do that, as he explained she likely kept it to herself and the others were actually wondering where Louis was. Antoine was sent up to figure out what was going on by Ferdinando, indeed. Antoine just told Louis that he would inform them that Louis was concerned over his men and needed a day or two back to see them and had just taken a bump of the head which he was resting from.
Early the next morning, the two friends rode back to Ravenna. Louis accidentally left behind one of his two private journals and several poems he wrote the night before, perhaps in a rush. As it would turn out, Louis heading back to Ravenna was great for both him and someone else…
After Lucrezia caught Louis peeping on her, she was both furious at him and absolutely embarrassed about the whole thing. Her mother came running in to see what was wrong and she replied that it was a giant spider that came from the drain and she screamed “Get out you disgusting pervert.” because she imagined it was just a boy to make her not terrified. Knowing her daughter absolutely would do this, Giovanna left her and Lucrezia tried to continue her routine without much success. Reluctantly, she gave up and spent much of the rest of the day in silence reading and trying to take her mind off of it all.
She couldn’t believe that she liked this creep! But like all men it seems, he was an utter wretch. And this was after she had sewn back together his clothes, how typical. And as much as she wanted to have him lynched for this, she didn’t believe that anyone would believe her because this shotty silver tongued pervert would charm his way out of this. He violated not only the trust of her family, but her own values! He would pay for this in time she thought.
After barely touching her food at dinner, and continuing to spend more time enraged about this under her face of calmness, she retired to bed, happy to know he was finally leaving. At least she wouldn’t have to see his face anymore! But she wanted some kind of dirt on him to use against him later, as revenge for his wicked act. While Louis was eating breakfast with the rest of the family before riding off, she excused herself from the table before into his room and stole his journal, and the other things letters that were on his desk; hiding them back in her room. It is no wonder Louis forgot them! She returned to the table with the smuggest look on her face, and couldn’t wait to expose him.
Indeed, as soon as Antoine and Louis left, she retreated to her own room to look over the evidence that would surely be damning of him. Unfortunately, her sadistic and wrathful side would be greatly disappointed when she actually started to read them. Actually, she could hardly believe what she was reading as it broke her entire perception she had formed in her anger. The poems he had wrote… were that of a man in great shame, terror and utter regret; not of the prideful, lustful and deceitful man she expected. They were beautiful poems too, that truly touched her heart. They talked about how he felt like he had by his own acts raped the very trust and honour that his hosts had shown to him. He damned himself greatly in them, and expressed metaphorical desires to die out of pure disgrace.
It only got worse, his semi-poetic thoughts he expressed in his journal explained that he felt like he could never forgive himself for this, that he had in a moment of thoughtless weakness shamed himself, his family and his nation in such a vile act. He would accept any punishment, even death, he lamented. Several lines struck particularly hard, the ones talking about how he could bring himself to face Ferdinando about this out of utter shame, how he had never felt so ruined as he did and how he wished to be blinded for this! It was adding up for her too, she remembered how he barely spoke at all this morning and didn’t show his face for hours.
But what totally broke her was the last thing, the apology letter he couldn’t complete that was written to her in particular. Everything expressed in his private notes was confessed here plainly and furthermore, he explained that while it was truly an accident at first, he soiled her through his vile acts. He asked her not for forgiveness, but for grace towards his friends and them alone. “Do not forgive me, for what is unforgivable, rather forgive my friends and kinsmen; for their honour is much greater than my own.”
She broke into tears after all of this, realising that he truly had a contrite heart over this whole thing, and that his sacrilege was so grave that he couldn’t forgive himself. All of that feeling of anger and hatred she had built up over the previous day just evaporated and formed an even different picture than the one she held before. Even then, perhaps out of wanting to understand him, she continued to read from his journal, from older dates, where he speaks of his former love Marie. The romantic heart she possessed was broken in two when he expressed his sorrow over his lost love, how he never felt like he could love properly again, and how greatly wounded he would always be about how it all turned out. She completely misjudged him, not only as a person, but his soul as well. She wanted to see him again, if for no other reason than to offer him the forgiveness from her he needed.
Chapter VI
25th of December 1132, City of Ravenna
Back in Ravenna, Louis felt at much greater peace. He was able to have some time to visit his men and finally spend some time with Antoine alone. Louis vowed to himself that he would fast from any sexual impurity for the next 6 months in a personal penance for what he had done. His guilt was still great but he also knew he had to move on with his life. Ferdinando sent him a letter on the 22nd, explaining to him that he would be gone for the next month as he would be at Cometopoli, attending to some business with his father. This was somewhat of a relief for Louis, as he felt he needed some more time for the whole affair to settle in to explain it to him properly. He happily relaxed at his suite in Palazzo Strozzi, ignoring the advances from his former lovers.
Either way, Louis received an invitation on the 23rd, along with his other officers from Filippo Ubaldini to a Ball, to be held at Teatro Zamperini on the 27th. It was a great honour for any young officer to be invited to a ball, and all of them were excited for the opportunity to dance with the young posh women of Ravenna. Strozzi, when he heard, insisted that he take Louis out to get him the finest outfit “In all of the realm for the Grand d’Avranches!” Louis, a bit of a dandy himself, happily agreed and the two set out to the Grande Mercato at noon.
After a short journey across the cobblestoned streets, they arrived in the bustling market district. Filled with many stalls, and shops; the Marketplace had just about anything anyone could ever want it in. The finest goods that could be imported were to be found here, along with the most common of goods. A throng of people crowded the marketplace, making it hard to make out what the merchants were even selling. But none of that mattered, for the Signore knew exactly where he was going and moved with Louis through the waves of people to the most prominent Haberdashery in the city, The Boschetto Haberdashery. Residing as part of one of the luxurious artisan shops that were lined up across the sides of the market, its owner, Roberto Boschetto, was one of the finest men in his craft in the region. Entering the store, Strozzi was welcomed with open arms by his good friend, Boschetto, and introduced Louis to him as “The greatest man in the Imperial Navy!” and that he needed the finest outfit for the upcoming ball. Boschetto, noticing right away that Louis was a man of fine taste, asked him if he had anything in mind. As expected, Louis did know exactly what he wanted.
Louis was a fan of dress uniforms, indeed, he believed that no civilian outfit could outdo them. Before detailing, he asked Strozzi if he could have two, as he wanted one for future use. Strozzi happily agreed and Louis got into detail. What he would wear to the dance would be a custom hussar uniform. Having heard tales of the legendary hussar Kieselbach when he was younger, he had adapted the uniforms of Kiesselbach's hussars into the colours of the Imperial Tsukinode Marines. A black Pelisse with white lacing and black fur cuffs also with white lacing, a black dolman with white lacing and golden cords, grey and black pants with a white belt with gold cords.The buttons would all be gold as well. He also requested fine black leather riding boots with golden buckles from the best cobbler as well and a tall fur hat, just like those worn by Kieselbach’s hussars. He even showed Boschetto the fine sketches he had done of them.The other uniform would just be a finely made dress uniform for Imperial Navy Officers, nothing special. After taking his measurements, Boschetto got right to work, and said it would be ready on the 25th. Thanking him, Strozzi and Louis moved to the cobblers for his boots and the millners for his hats. Strozzi was impressed with Louis’ knowledge and told him he would be quite the hit with the ladies. Louis chuckled, he knew he would.
Come the 25th, both men made their ways to the market again to pick up Louis’ uniforms. The boots and the hats were magnificent and striking, Louis was extremely happy with the job done and paid extra with his own money as a tip. But Boschetto’s job was even better. It couldn’t have been more perfect, Louis reckoned. Everything was just as he expected but better. The sewing job done was brilliant and the littlest of details were done with such perfection that Louis could hardly believe it. And when he went to try them on, they fit perfectly. He looked at himself in the mirror with his hat and sabre on his belt and marvelled at how good this outfit looked on him. Better than even Kieselbach, he thought to himself.
As he exited the changing room, still wearing his hussar dress, he was greeted with the sight of Strozzi and another gentleman talking, but what caught his attention was the beautiful woman that was before him. She was rather elegantly dressed, and had a light complexion. Her long and thick brown hair was held up in a fanciful “milkmaid” braid adorned with a diamond broach. Her face gave off this feeling of warmth, elegance and grace naturally with it’s fine feminine tone and features. Her eyes were of a dark greenish shade that looked like emeralds in the dark. Her figure was fine and well crafted. She had a rather voluptuous bosom and the classic hourglass shape.
She looked at Louis and smiled at him, but before he could even acknowledge her, Strozzi shouted. “Now there he is, Pietro, the very madlad himself! Louis, you looked absolutely fantastic you laddie!" opens his hands towards the two others "Allow me to introduce you to my good friend, the rascal they call Pietro Eruzione and his beautiful daughter, Carmen!”
Louis struts up to Pietro and shakes his hand “Very nice to meet you, good sir. I am Louis d’Avranches, Commodore in the Imperial Tsukinode Navy.”
“Yes, yes! Tis nice to meet you too.” gesturing to his daughter, “This is my beloved daughter, Carmine.”
Louis suavely kisses her hand, much to her delight and arises “Truly a pleasure to meet you, Carmine.”
Blushing she replies, “Oh my, it is so nice to meet you too… Commodore d’Avranches…You are looking quite dapper, but I must admit… isn’t that a Hussar uniform? Don't tell me you are both in the army and the navy haha!”
“Afraid I am not in the army, but this is indeed a Hussar’s uniform, Signora. Inspired by the legendary Hussars of Otto von Kieselbach. What do you think?” a smiling Louis says.
“Is that so? Well my Pa actually knows a Kieselbach…”
“Ah yes, I know Otto. Good man, haha. Wild man but good from my experiences with him over in Pomerania…” He looks over Louis for a moment before asking “ Say I got an offer for you Commodore… my beloved daughter doesn’t have an escort to the dance, and I am damn sure you will be the best dressed man there. Would you mind taking her?”
Louis looks at Carmine who has a flirty expression on her face and turns his head back “Why yes, but may I get to know her better now before I do this favour for you?”
“By all means! Just don’t let her lead you on too strong lad haha!”
“Uggh papa.”
“Just joking darling haha!” looks back at Louis and winks “Have fun kid.”
“Got it.”
Carmen and Louis leave the Haberdashery together. She smiles over at him as he says “Well, that was certainly the fastest time I have ever got myself hooked up before.”
She laughs and says “Well well well then... must have been meant to be…haha! But truthfully, they were already discussing that before you even came out, Dolce… But I definitely didn’t expect my match to be such a dashing gentleman such as yourself!”
“Well, not quite sure about me being a gentleman and all, but anyways...” she giggles “Pray tell me about yourself... my eyes already can tell me you are one of the most stunning and charming women I have ever had the pleasure to meet but there is surely much more than that?” he says with a smirk
Blushing again, she brushes her hair back she replies with a coy smile “Appearances only tell part of the story, Dolce. haha ... I’ll humour you... But I do know you have quite the name and you must tell me more about yourself as well then.. giggles.”
The two stroll around town, getting to know each other better. Their personalities mesh well together, with Carmen’s flirty nature bouncing off the suaveness of Louis rather well. She is quite charismatic herself, being a good storyteller. The two seem like a great match overall, and when Louis drops her off at her family’s Palazzo, he thinks he just met the woman he will have children with. She just so perfect and it’s a pleasure to be around her. He cannot wait to take her dancing, and he can already imagine her filling that void he feels in his heart rather well.
Chapter VII
December 27th 1132, Teatro Zamperini
The dance was going perfectly. Louis was truly enjoying his time with Carmen tonight. She was as excellent a dancer as she was at everything else it seemed. It was a magical night in the making, she looked as beautiful as any being he had ever laid his eyes upon in his life and teased him about the looks he was giving her. She remarked how lucky she was to be with him and how happy she was to be with not only the best dressed man, but the best dancer. Louis laughed and felt joy. That was until he spotted Lucrezia out of the corner of his eye staring at him with an icy cold look. His heart died and the smile went immediately from his face. Carmen asked him what was wrong and Louis simply replied that his allergies were acting up and he needed a bit of fresh air after this dance. Accepting what he said, she let him go when the song ended, and he drifted outdoors into the blistering cold and snowy night.
Louis lit up his cigar and sat down on the stairs in from of the Teatro Zamperini. This certainly was the last thing he wanted to happen, and thoughts raced through his mind. He ought to apologise, no he needed to apologise but didn’t know how. Surely, she had come to crucify him in front of everyone, and he honestly thought he deserved it, but his pride wouldn’t allow it. Merde! What do I even do?
The door suddenly opens behind him, and he hears the gentle plodding of feet in the snow coming his way. The person suddenly then sits down next to him, and he looks over to see who it is. It’s Lucrezia. The two sit in silence for about 30 seconds, Louis emotionlessly in shock.
“Sooooooo….uhhhh... A-Are you enjoying the dance, ummm, Commodore?” she asks nervously.
Louis takes a long puff from his cigar, saying nothing for a second before he opens up with reluctance “I guess.”
Lucrezia, rubbing her arm, tries to think of what to say as Louis still remains as stiff as a statue. Finally, she can put words in her mouth “I-uhhh-I came to this ball to ummm see you… uhhhh….” she falls silent, not knowing what to say and warming her hands.
Louis takes another long puff and remarks “I see. Surprising…” he takes another puff before sighing under his breath “Merde.” he throws his cigar away, and then looks up at the snowy sky saying in a demoralised voice “I have much to say but not how to say it right now.”
She looks over at him and says meekly “I feel the same…but uhhhh… iforgiveyou…”
Louis looks down for a moment. Not even a knife could cut through this tension. He composes himself and simply remarks “Why?” in a guttural voice.
Stammering she replies “I-i uhhhh…. I-I-I saw what you said, no I mean wrote! And, i-i-i acc-accept your apology that… I uhh, found.”
Louis has no clue what she even means, sure he wrote an apology letter but he never gave it to her. It should be back in his notes. “What do you even mean?”
Shivering, she says rapidly “I-I found yourapologyletterthanyouwroteformealongwithotherthings. brrrh.”
Louis, just accepting what she was saying as true because she had no reason to lie to him about this, takes off his Pelisse and puts it on her. “Tha-nk you… very sweetofyou…hh”
Louis just nods his head and says “Interesting…What do you mean when you say you forgive me and furthermore "Why?" Louis looks at her with this blank stare that is barely returned by the girl.
“Wellllll…. uhhh …” playing with her hair “i forgive you for e-everything that happened when, uhhh, yknow.. That’s a-alll.”
Louis detects something is wrong with her. This is far from the person she is, or at least the one he knew. He takes her arm and pulls her up, much to her shock, and looks at her right in the eyes unflinchingly and with a cadence of warmth says to her “Come, let’s talk out of the weather and in private.” She blinks at him rapidly in shock but he grabs her by the hand and stiffly takes her back in. He marches up the stairs towards one of the balcony seats for the opera with her and is greeted by the usher at the top of the staircase.
“I am sorry sir, but this area is of-”
Louis pushes him aside and simply remarks coldly “It isn’t anymore.” He then releases her hand from the vice like grip and helps the usher up, dusts him off and pulls him close to him, whispering at him with some subtle anger in his voice “Listen, this is important and if you desire to keep your job you will do exactly what I ask or I will get Signore Strozzi to can you immediately! You will allow us to talk out what we need to talk out and you furthermore will get myself and the lady some hot tea. I don’t mean to infringe on your duties but you will do what I say. Understood?”
The shocked usher simple bows and scurries off. Louis takes off his hat, brushes his hair back. His eyes tell everything she needs to know, she sits down on the sofa at the back and he sits across from her in an armchair. She stares at him still shocked as he opens up “My letter is not a sufficient apology for what happened. You need to hear it from the mouth.” with frustration and internal distress he says “What I did, Signora, was so wicked and dastardly that it tore my soul apart. And… I don’t know what you even read but I can assure you that what happened, while being an accident, was also a grave sin against you because of what I actually did when I saw what was before me…It was the betrayal of the trust of your family, who generously hosted me, and something that I cannot forgive myself for. I don’t believe you when you tell me you forgive me, because quite honestly, that sounds like something you were put up to by your parents or brother. I cannot accept such forgiveness, as it does not come from the heart. While I am contrite in my feelings, it does not mean that you must accept them for the sacrilege of it all warrants the opposite. Indeed, if someone did that to my daughter, I would kill them with my bare hands… Nonetheless, I need you to be truthful with me about this whole affair or… well… sigh merde.”
“C-can i-i please have a moment to collect my thoughts…” she asks still in shock.
“Yes, I can wait…” Louis says sternly while squinting his eyes in disgust at everything.
She sits there for a few minutes and the tea comes. Louis thanks the usher and promises he will put in a good word for him. Louis then pours her and himself some tea. She drinks in silence, still thinking before sighing after finally gathering the words.
Looking down for a moment before looking him back in the eyes she opens up “Louis… sigh No one set me up to do this nor have I told a soul in the world about the whole matter… I was… well, let me get it properly aligned for you.” takes a sip of her tea and sits it back down, starts speaking with a great amount of passion and cadence in her voice “I was so enraged and besides myself about the whole affair that I wanted, no! Not wanted, I was so completely determined that I would utterly ruin your entire life over it all! I took, rather stole letters and a diary off your desk while you were enjoying breakfast with all the others. I knew in those pages I would find an utterly filthy and repugnant man that I could destroy!" Brushes her hair aside and closes her eyes "A diabolic miscreant that had wanted to defile me in my own house!" looks him back in the eyes "In my delusions, I went as far to think you were a serial rapist. Because your eyes told me that.”
She takes a sip of her tea, and brushes back her hair before continuing “Well now, what a bunch of bollocks that was! I read your diary, your poems and your letter to me.” reaches into her dress and pulls them out along with her stiletto by mistake. “Oops! Well anyways, here they are.” She puts her blade back into her dress as she continues “The man that wrote his thoughts in this is a totally different man than I thought you were.” picks up his diary “I know the truth and it came from the pages of this.” sits it down “Now normally you see, I would never forgive such a man! That looked on me, a pure innocent maiden, with the eyes of desire and sin! But… That’s not you…” starts to tear up a bit and gets embarrassed “and let me tell you something… ughhh I really want to get to know this… Pardon, I wish to get to know this… person better because he….hhh don’t get the wrong idea here!” looks down totally flustered and looks away.
Louis laughs and replies with warmth “It would be my pleasure. Haha”
“urgh Shut up.” she remarks embarrassedly “Just come back over to the Palazzo sometime your mindless buffoon and don’t let it happen again!” she hands him back his Pelisse “Thanks for this too… i guess...”
“You’re welcome and that can certainly be arranged. haha” standing up, he looks at her winks and says, “See you soon, Salice!”
“Don’t call me that, but yes!” she says coldly.
Louis heads back down the stairs, holds his hat in his hand and looks for Carmen. He asks around and no one seems to know where she went. Thinking she might have just left herself; he grabs the hand of girl after girl and dances with them until the ball is finally over. He returns without his lady to escort, nowhere to be found, but he is happy at how things turned out. To him, not only was the monkey off his back but now he thought with a smirk that he now had two beautiful women under his hand, probably forgetting the very same attitude he was determined to have after the incident. An abundance of wealth indeed makes a man full of glee.
Chapter VIII
11th of January, 1133, City of Ravenna.
Louis had by early January fully settled into the life of a young gentleman in the city of Ravenna. It was an interesting life and one filled with pleasures. He regularly attended lectures at the University of Ravenna, one of the most prestigious universities in the world and took many notes that he would organise into full on small books, solely for his consumption. He frequented the Opera House, even talking to some of the famed opera singers that were featured there on occasion. He dined at many different restaurants and had conversations with all kinds of people.
But Louis had also slipped back into his old ways, finding the pleasures of the flesh in Signora Strozzi and even the young and impressionable commoners that frequented the city. His affair with the Signora, while so wrong, felt so right and it certainly eased his conscience when Federico himself told him that he was happy he was pleasing his wife! His time with the pretty young commoners was a similar story. He had 4 girls that were more than happy to entertain the fancy and handsome young aristocrat. It nearly got him in hot water though, as the father of one of the girls found Louis and his daughter about to engage in the act. He pulled out his gun, fired at Louis who escaped through the window. Nothing Louis wasn’t used to back home at all.
On the 10th, he received a letter from Carmen expressing her desire to see him the next day, telling him to meet her in front of Palazzo del Consiglio di Ravenna at noon. Happily, Louis prepared himself. He didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary, the two usually just strolled around town for a while and got something to eat before going their separate ways. Though one thing he did notice was that she didn’t seem like the same person she was before the dance. She was much less flirty and sociable, something was off but Louis didn’t know what and for that matter didn’t give much thought to it. But this time would be much different.
When he met her at the Palazzo, everything seemed fine. She was smiling and happy, seemingly more than she had been in a while and gave him a hug, telling him how much she missed him.
“My Principe, Take me somewhere… more private… i need to discuss something in seclusion with you!~”
“Certainly, mon minou! Such a time sounds rather romantic.” replied Louis with a smirk.
With her own coy grin she giggled and said “Heh, yes…” putting her hands into his “I was too shy to ask earlier… but we need private time to… discuss things.” she fiddles with her hair “But nothing lewd, you dog! Haha.”
“The thought never crossed my mind!”
“Good, I have just the place in mind then haha!” She then takes him by the hand and leads him onwards down a back alley and into a nice little house that her father was renting for her. She tells him that this place is perfect, and closes the door, locking it. Louis starts to take off his jacket and make himself at home when he is hit in the back of the head by a blunt object and falls to his knees. Completely dazed by the blow, he turns around to see what is going on, he sees Carmen, stroking a dagger, staring at him with this look of utter contempt and anger.
“You vile, lecherous miscreant! Who exactly do you think I am?” She kicks him in the gut hard and he utters a gutteral moan and faces the ground. She then grabs him by his hair and yanks him up to look at her, holding her dagger in her hand. “You think that you can philander around town, with all sorts of whores, and expect me to be just fine with it?”
She then strikes him again with the pommel of her dagger causing him to fall back to the ground, now bleeding from his head and he struggles in pain to utter words to even say.“W-w-wh-ha-a-a-tt….me-e-rde”
Walking around the room fuming, in rage, she continues to lay into the half unconscious man “You must think that proper women would be fine with your affairs, perhaps they are in your people, but they certainly are not here. You…”
Louis then blacks out completely only to awake some time later to find himself in bed, with his head bandaged. He has no clue what happened, it all escapes his memory at the time and he has no clue where he even is. All he knows is that he was with Carmen and blacked out. His answers are shortly answered when she enters the room bringing him soup and with peroxide.
Cheerfully, she says “You’re awake! I thought I killed you. I am SO SORRY LOUIS!”
“Wha?”
She hands him the soup and says “I was quite mad at you earlier and struck you in the head out of anger.” shyly she continues “I have quite the bad temper… instead of talking, my emotions got the best off me.” she then looks right at him and smiles “I’m really sorry…” before kissing him on the lips.
Louis lamely smiles back after she breaks off “I must have deserved it to anger you to that point… uuuu what was it again I did?”
Embracing him closely she whispers into his ear “You cheated on me with common whores” looks him directly in the eyes and in tears “I-I-i-i, it broke my heart to think… snifle that you would take… advantage of me like that!”
Well shit… my vices certainly get me into trouble Louis thought for a moment before saying “Oh minou, no you must forgive me for being a complete fool… the vices of the flesh coughs get to me a bit… I will try better for you!”
She smiles and says “Good!” before kissing him again. “Be faithful to me.. My Principe… pwease?”
“Can do coughs merde! You really wacked me hard!” Louis says in pain.
“Yes… I regret it…but I can make it better.” She unbandaged his wound and treated it with peroxide. It hurts like a bitch, but Louis knows it is for the best. She then kisses him on the head and says “Stay here as long as you need until you feel better ok?”
“Thank you.” Louis meekly smiles.
He eats his soup and quietly falls back asleep until the next morning to find her ready to give him kisses and treat his wound again. She asks him why he feels the need for the whores, and he explains his whole problem, dating back to Marie herself. She empathises with him, seeing as how such a heartbreak could wreck a man. But she also sternly tells him that he cannot do it anymore if he ever wants her. Louis, who does earnestly desire to abandon his vices, agrees. He is finally feeling well enough to return back home, and the two share a kiss before leaving.
Holding each other, Carmen says warmly “I love you, Louis…”
“I love you too, Carmen but I must go.”
“Take care, Principe!”
“You too.”
Exiting the house, Louis is blinded for a moment by the sun and stumbles a bit before adjusting to it. That girl gave him quite the head knocking and it showed. He made it back to the Palazzo Strozzi and immediately went to bed to rest again. His dreams were filled with most romantic dreams, filled with Carmen. But also with Lulu too. An abundance of riches can truly drive a man insane, but fortunately for Louis, he was about to leave Ravenna and those thoughts behind. He was requested in Cittadella, along with his crew and vessels. The reason was not disclosed but he was sure it was something special from the Marina Stellare. A great time for learning, he thought, was ahead.
Chapter IX
11th of Feburary, 1133, City of Cittadella.
Louis’ time thus far in Cittadella was unremarkable but still somewhat interesting to him. While he wasn’t treated like a VIP, the Marina Stellare had invited him to take a closer look at the Principessa delle Stelle, and gave him access to the Naval Library’s historical section. He was invited also to comment on their analysis of the Syndeoneian War from the perspective of the Imperial Navy. Louis spent 2 weeks writing for this and delivered a nicely detailed book that used the official Tsukinode history of the conflict, along with many notes from various commanders that he had been given as part of his mission to Hoshiyomia the previous year for this purpose. When he delivered it, the Marina Stellare was extremely pleased with it, but Louis was getting sick of their bickering. The one thing he heard constantly was about the entire Port Here fiasco, and the expedition to the United Provinces that had never set sail. Frankly, Louis enjoyed when the Vice Admiral Martinelli told him about how he humiliated the deadbeats and how he should have seen the look on the faces of them all after the show of force. Louis didn’t believe him about the humiliation, but still found it amusing to see the Black Fleet get “put in their place.”
About 3 weeks into his stay, Louis decided to go and have some tea somewhere in Cittadella. The city was famous for it’s cafes and Louis wanted to experience one for himself. He asked around, and the one recommended to him was the Pantera Rosa, in the heart of the city.
When he arrived at the Pantera Rosa around 800 hrs that morning, he was pleasantly surprised about the place. It was a nice neo-classical establishment that fit well within the city's landscape. It was rather small, but filled with people. Louis got into line to order his black tea and waited for around 5 minutes looking around the place. While the cafe itself was rather well and thoughtfully arranged, many of the people smelled of pretension that outweighed their position. Everyone appeared to be a wannabe philosopher or posh aristocrat without actually being one. Such is typical of the middle class, thought Louis.
After ordering his tea, Louis looks for a place to sit in the crowded cafe. One spot stands out to him immediately. Sitting alone, a well dressed man is reading from a book and writing notes on it. As Louis approaches, he notices the man clearly of some importance given his attire, but what intrigues him the most is the book he is reading. It is “The Methodology of Warfare: On All Levels' ' by the famous Pomerlane. This book is extremely rare, being only printed 100 times and most copies of it being in Pomerania. Louis knows this book, having read it when he was younger thanks to his fathers connections but it was shocking to see it all the way in a random cafe in Cittadella. It raises many questions for the ever curious Louis.
Sitting down, he notices the man is clearly writing his notes in some sort of encryption and quickly stands up to apologise “My apologies, sir. I did not realise what you were doing!”
Looking up magnanimously with a smile, the man says “No it's quite alright, you must be an outsider anyways” stares for a moment at Louis “and likely of some importance. Come, and let's talk over the tea.”
Louis sits back down and the man closes his book and notes. Louis, curious as ever, asks “I came to sit as that book you have…”
“Rare is it not?” The man laughs, “Probably wondering how I got myself a copy haha.”
“Of course, that book is hard to come by outside of Pomerania itself! Do tell how you came into possession of it.”
In his refined elegant voice, the man replied “My family are particularly wealthy and important nobles from Aosta. I personally am the commander of the 14th Regiment of Foot, and I have quite a few connections in Pomerania thanks to my father’s reputation as a scholar. This book in particular was lent to me by my good friend, Ludwig von Thienen-Adlerflycht, a Generalmajor in the Pomeranian Army. I am currently transcribing some of its ideas in notes that I plan to use for my fatherland in the future… Oh I must apologise!” Sticks out his hand, which Louis grabs “I am Constantino Paleologus.”
“Louis d’Avranches, pleasure.”
“Likewise… I have heard of you, the Commodore of the Tsukinode Expedition here no?”
“That would be me haha” says Louis with a smile.
Constantino smiles “How has your time been our lands thus far?”
Louis scratches his neck and replies “I, I would say rather good. Have had some interesting encounters, both good and bad… But I must admit I do quite like your nation and people. It very much suits my sensibilities as an aristocrat and I have met quite a few people that I have found to be fascinating.”
“Haha, happy to hear that Louis, but would you humour me for a moment as a learned man yourself from what I can tell.”
“Surely, what would you like to know?”
“Oh, pardon, I want to run some things across to you to get an outsider perspective on things that I personally am aiming to fix in this nation?”
Louis takes a drink of his delicious tea and contemplates for a moment on his wording. “May I ask you something first. When you say you are aiming to fix, do-”
“Ah sorry, just a bit of my megalomania seeping in.” Louis laughs “But to keep it brief, I am utterly convinced that my nation and people currently stand at a crossroads and whatever path we take will determine our future; and I believe I am the man for the job.”
“Relatable. Shoot them at me, I am more than willing,” says Louis with a smirk.
“Yes! Well maybe I am not too crazy then haha, but anyways it has become clear to me for a while now if we do not adapt to our current times, our society will crumble.” pulls out his book “I have written, as you have seen, countless ideas and proposals for change here, and frankly, Louis, I am praying to Suisei that I will be elected Grand Prince when our current ruler dies, which could be rather soon given his health.”
Louis folds his arms and brushes back his hair for a moment “I see, quite impressive. Go on.”
“Yes yes..” takes a drink of his coffee. “I do not need you to read my ramblings, trust me, but rather I want to lay out to you some of the issues if you don’t mind.” Louis signals him to go ahead “Very well, I am a firm believer in complacency leads to the fall of all nations from glory. I also am a firm believer in that a society should embrace its inner greatness and adapt it for its future growth and glory too. When it comes to our great nation, one of the most disturbing things to me personally is knowing that we really as things stand now at the mercy of the Revolutionaries to the north. You may not know this but the Republic of Owl essentially feeds this nation, and furthermore completely dwarfs our own army in numbers, quality, and equipment. They have us in a chokehold that our nation has failed to grasp as a real problem should they decide to ever use it to their advantage…. Thus to properly adjust to this new reality and the fact that we are approaching an era where we, as a non-industrial power, will be left in the dust by other nations; we desperately need reforms and I believe Suisei has destined me for this. Not only do we need to break this chokehold by the modernization and expansion of our army, and agricultural reforms but also need to properly prepare ourselves to compare in the rapidly approaching age that faces us. Either we adapt, or become practically a vassal to other states. I won’t bore you with the details, but you are a well travelled man, do you think my perceived flaws within my nation could lead to my conclusions?”
Louis sits for a moment and thinks it over. He understands what Constantino is saying fully, and can see why he sees himself to be destined for this as well. It is an unenviable situation to be in and the aloofness of the others he has met to this reality that Constantino preaches disturbs Louis and reminds him of some of the problems back home. He then opens his mouth “Those flaws are very real, as the Dragoons found out the hard way in the Great Pomeranian War, as I am sure you know. From my understanding, your estimations about the Republic of Owl are correct; they seem to be a nation about to turn into a global power with the rise of industry in my opinion and your own nation seems aloof to the problems of the future in its present form. I am sure you already have your mind made up regardless of what I say, but surely and I say surely, these are sound and reasonable things to be concerned over. Quite honestly, it reminds me of my homeland, where the old and the new are on the verge of fighting against each other; as well as my own beliefs on what my navy needs to do to adapt.”
“Good man, thank you. You are right haha, I am much too stubborn to change my mind but the confirmation from an outsider is always good. But now I am very much curious about your own plans; it’s only fair for you to tell them haha.”
“Only if you agree to share your own planned reforms in detail as well haha!” says Louis with a smile.
“Very well, I have a better idea, follow me to my lodging and let us discuss it in private, Louis.”
“Sounds good to me.”
The two megalomaniacs found common ground in their megalomania, and the whole day was spent discussing plans, reforms and even some more personal things. Both men are very similar, and a friendship is formed that day between the two. They would meet regularly in the Pantera Rosa to just discuss their many shared interests until it was finally time for Louis to return to Ravenna on March 10 while Constantino made his way to Cometapoli shortly after learning of the Grand Prince’s death. Whenever Louis heard word that Constantino, now Constantinus III was elected Grand Prince, he couldn’t help but laugh knowing that not only was he right about his destiny but was the perfect man for it. But things had changed greatly in Ravenna by the time Louis arrived on the 22nd after a shortstop in Brisighella.
Chapter X
22nd of March, 1133, City of Ravenna
The Victorie’s arrival back in Ravenna was supposed to be only temporary, as it was well understood that the orders for the expedition had been for them to set sail back to Kure by the beginning of April of 1133. Louis had promised before he would visit again, but his duty was more important than his personal interests. It thus was quite the surprise when Louis received a communique as he anchored that read:
Cpt. d’Avranches
Your time within Hoshiyomia shall be extended because of events outside of our control. The blasted squirrels nearly provoked a war with Hoshiyomia and Moriji because of their insistence on sailing with Battleships to their useless mission. Cooler heads prevailed, but you are now under orders to wait until the squirrels are done in the Republic of Owl in Hoshiyomia if you so desire, and then pick them up at Port Here for transportation to Leontyne without incident. Once there, you shall return to Suzuhara to complete your trip.Please do not grumble about this, for it is wiser if you accomplish it then send a ship for the task that the squirrels find suitable. Write back with confirmation, that will be sent with the Yukikaze stationed at Ravenna now.
Adm. Yamaguchi
Louis wasn’t upset like Yamaguchi expected at all, for he saw the wisdom in this order. He quickly made his way to the Yukikaze and briefed her on his confirmation, and added on the 30 page report he had been writing since the expedition started regarding a whole list of matters. Louis would then go on to debrief his crews, explaining the situation to them and informing them that he still expected them to act as they had done even if they were here for another year. He furthermore gave orders to Hayashi to take the Rapide up to Port Here, where he would stay until the Squirrels were done with their business as a way of saving time and giving Hayashi a nod in terms of an independent command opportunity. “If the Hooman fuss, contact the Hoshiyomites in the region and I will make sure that this move has already been sanctioned by the Marine Stellare. Feel free to do as you wish up there, I trust you to make the correct judgements.” Louis ordered.
Louis also made it clear to both Hayashi and his own crew that he wanted to keep in top sailing and fighting shape and thus would have several cruises and gunnery exercises conducted once a month. While he normally would desire to oversee this himself, and intended to do it several times; he frankly wanted Antoine to get experience as a future Captain as he recommended his promotion in his report. Plus, Louis was slacking a bit on his own duty and secretly desired to enjoy his time more.
After all of this was laid out, he made his way to Palazzo Strozzi where he would brief his hosts on the situation. Unsurprisingly, he was warmly welcomed back by not only the Strozzis but Ferdinando and Ambrosio themselves; who “just happened” to be there. Naturally, as they all dined together, Louis was the one doing the most talking, along with Antoine that he brought along with him. Louis explained some of the things that took place in Cittadella, and indulged his hosts about his meeting with Constans, which was quite fascinating to them but also dividing. The Strozzis were none too pleased about his election, but the Della Ceresara’s favoured it. Ambrosio and Federico nearly got into a shouting match before Louis wisely brought up another topic that he knew would avoid disaster. Also just happened to be a topic that Louis himself was itching to talk about.
“Friends, let’s reserve our thoughts about your new Grand Prince for another time.” Louis said while tapping his spoon on his glass to get their attention back to him. “For I am sure that you would love to hear my thoughts on the circumstances that have extended my stay.”
Taking a sip of the Apple Juice, Louis continued “While I am most grateful and indeed blessed to spend more time with all of you, the whole circumstances of why I am staying have me quite baffled and indeed, it is something that I personally saw coming from the very beginning of my venture.” Antoine looks at Louis with hesitation, probably not wanting him to rant but Louis looks him off “Indeed, this is something I want to get off my chest if you would be receiving towards it?”
All nod their heads, probably ready to enjoy the juicy gossip or dismantling of someone that Louis was seemingly about to perform. He raised his hand in thanks and once more continued “Quite, so as I am sure you all know by now, there was a major diplomatic incident regarding the Marine Stellare and Black Fleet at Port Here, and yes, I met Martinelli indeed ever boastful of his “humiliation” of the Deadbeats. But the truth about all of this is that the whole matter is a result of several parties being absolutely… shall I say naive… or perhaps arrogant about their role in the world.” Louis pauses to take another drink “Excuse me, whenever I received my command and was informed that the task I was given was to deliver a VIP to the Black Fleet in Infinitium, who was going to transport said VIP with what practically amounts to a small battle group of a Ship of the Line and supporting vessels, I could hardly believe the utter stupidity of the whole matter when the guest wasn’t a King, but just an important Squirrel… The reasoning? A “Fear of Pirates”. As my fellow sailors would know, this is nonsense, for my own ship, the Victoire could easily destroy any pirates that dared to attack us and that Pirates wouldn’t dare attack or likely even know for a variety of reasons. But common sense is not with the deadbeats or the squirrels at all it seems, and in my own estimation, I do not personally believe that this was a lapse of judgement by the deadbeats but rather their typical arrogant behaviour where they believe they are the greatest power to exist, that they are the police of the seas, and that all nations must know that. The Black Fleet isn’t stupid, they clearly were using this as a means to assert their naval power in this region…. With predictable results. I presume they assumed that your nation would be passive as they once were, and that they would be able to firmly establish themselves as the undisputed rulers of these waters by continuing their humiliation of their nation… They got what was coming to them, but the fact that this even happened leaves a sailor such as myself full of contempt for the parties involved in this. A war was nearly caused by the arrogance of one nation “protecting” the squirrels. I raised this point to them before we left Infintium that not only would this cause a diplomatic incident, but that merely sending a frigate would suffice but was called a fool by one of the Deadbeats. It’s just… so stupid!”
Louis’ rant had succeeded in its purpose and the next hour was spent talking about all of this in detail, which Louis was all too happy about. His feelings were sincere about the whole matter, if not a bit overblown but he was satisfied with the outcome.
When it was all said and done, Ferdinando insisted that Louis return to his house, as he had several plans for some jolly old fun with him. Louis agreed happily, and packed his things up to make the trip with the Ceresara men the next day. He left Antoine behind, asking Federico if he could have the honours of staying in Louis’ room in his absence. Federico agreed, and Antoine would be given the same luxuries, aside from the degeneracy, that Louis got.