Set in a castle, the cold wind blew through the open window.

“Let the meeting commence, it appears everyone is here. Everyone important at least.” A man sneered. His tone, a tinge of arrogance. A smudge of pridefulness. A bit of humility. It was an odd mixture, but it could be described as someone from high status who was rather self aware of their prestige and power.

“My liege, we are still missing the Humblestons, and the Gorty’s.” A brave voice dared to speak out. 

“Ah yes, my bad, my bad. It appears someone has made the rather astute observation that we are lacking in some members. I must add, I did mention that everyone important was here.” The man, clearly bolstering with confidence, spoke out. 

The whispers of the men and women seated on a Rosenwood table, a material made out of native wood found only on Marvialasian soil, were heard by the man whose confidence could be mistaken for rudeness. 

He hadn’t the need to interrupt the voices. No, far from it. He let them speak. He allowed the people on the table to converse. All 8 of them.  Each member represented a high ranking noble family in Marvialasia. All were of the status of duke or one equal to it. So naturally, when someone from their position voiced their thoughts, next to no one was allowed to interrupt them.

Yet, that was not why the man sitting at the front of the long rectangular table sat silent. He was not fearful of them. He wasn't one to be scared at all. 

The reason for why was simple. 

“It appears we aren’t aware of something, my liege. I would request the great prince of Marvialasia, please do enlighten us on this matter.” Duke Johmst Earlgrey, the head of the Earlgrey family, decided to prompt his ruler to speak. If anyone was scared in this exchange. It was the speaker, not the man who was listening. Earlgrey spoke with a great deal of respect. He felt that he had to. 

The prince, on the other hand, simply smiled. His eyes pierced into the soul of the Earlgrey’s family representative. He stayed silent for a moment before speaking. 

“Yes…” He began finally. “ It appears you aren’t aware of something. Perhaps that is a good thing.” His response was rather baffling. Rather confusing to say the least. What did it mean? No one was allowed to ponder for a second longer as the prince continued. “ The Gorty’s were in charge of our prisons. Somehow it appears that one of our more valuable prisoners had gone missing.” 

Whispers erupted across the table.

“Gone missing?” Lancy Schmitsy, from the Schmitsy family repeated. A state of confusion was evident not only in her face, but most of the table’s. Only 2 faces were not surprised by the information. One being the prince, the other being… Well that was not to Lancy’s knowledge.

“ Information travels fast. However, not quite fast enough for my tastes. You’ve all been aware that there are 2 charred up burnt corpses in the dungeon where the dwarf was located. Limbs severed. We initially speculated that one was a human and the other a dwarf. Their bodies being in such bad shape, being burnt to a crisp, it made it nearly impossible to identify them. A shame really.” The prince began rambling. “ A shame indeed.”

His eyes darted across the table, as if looking for someone. As if searching for someone’s reaction to the information he had just given. He knew the burnt bodies were decoys, the prince had simply gone out of his way to allude to it.

“Initially speculated? Does that mean-” Earlgrey’s head of house was interrupted. 

“Yes, we have new reason to believe that the dwarf actually escaped. He is not dead. Which is why the Gorty’s are not here today. I had the acting head be sent to our country’s pet giantess as punishment for giving me an inaccurate report. We stripped their family of noble status too. Let it be a reminder that we do not accept the second rate into our country’s nobles.”

*Gulp* 

A single, inaudible gulp was thankfully not heard from across the table. However, just because it wasn’t heard didn’t mean the prince wasn’t made aware of it. A few people had given rather disgusted facial expressions in response to the information he had given. One of which, only one of which, was a look of guilt. 

It wasn’t enough though. Not enough to draw any form of conclusion out of. 

“Say, if that were the fate of a traitor for their lack of tact. For their laziness in doing their job. What would be the punishment for someone that orchestrated this whole ordeal? What do you think, Byrul? As head of the security of our capital city. Surely you have some say in this?” The prince struck a pinpointed attack towards Byrul Laxtolomb. The man that inaudibly gulped earlier. 

“-My opinion on the matter? I say it was deserved. However I must still inquire as to why the Humbleston’s aren’t here.” He effortlessly diverted attention away. He had already allied himself with Ranate’s forces. With the human and dwarf, for it was his information that would doom Marvialaisa’s future. Byrul was rather surprised to hear his name be mentioned so suddenly. However, he was a corrupt nobleman. His side of business was all around his acting on the table where decisions mattered most. As such, it shouldn’t be to anyone’s surprise why he could act in such a way.

The prince was a bit displeased with his answer. However he chose to accept it nonetheless. He moved on to talking about the Humbleston’s. 

“ Which is what our second point on today’s plan is about. The Humbleston’s. I had the acting head sent to Vascar to inform them of our plans on invading Ranate. It appears though in a recent skirmish that the savages have already laid waste to his poor being. He died, not even a martyr as we now know that the king of Vascar has been captured by Ranate too.” He said, rather nonchalantly. “ Their family still is paying their respects, and in grief so I’ve granted them permission to skip today’s meeting.” 

“I-Is that so?” Lancy replied, in shock. Her hand slightly covered her mouth as if to display her surprise. Although, to what extent those emotions were true left to be seen. After all, the noble families were not typically all friendly towards one another. Some were allies, some were enemies. Though, at the meeting table, basic courtesy was needed. So Lancy simply acted as such. 

“Yes…” He paused as he replied. Closing his eyes as if to display his sorrow over the fact. “ I, the proud prince of this country, Marco Mathias Marvialasia, swear that their sacrifice will not be in vain. I swear that it will pave the way forward for our total victory. “ He voiced his plight. Like an overly dramatic actor conveying their emotion in theatre. However, only a few levels down from such melodramatic play. He wanted to ensure his feelings would be taken as being real, not sarcasm. 

“ To die by the hands of the giantesses.” Rejoining in the conversation, Byrul spoke once more. “A terrifying fate.” 

“That it is. What’s your point, if I may ask?” The prince signaled for him to continue speaking. His voice wasn’t rude though. If anything, it was sickeningly warm. 

“I thank your majesty for the courtesy. However, my point is that these fiends. They stomp us, eat us, play with our bodies and distort and crush us. They’re horrible.” Byrul voiced, making sure to portray them as horrid vicious monsters. That wasn’t due to his alliance with Leon that he had established a little while ago, it was his true feelings. “ I hear they’re starting to develop magic… Does that not frighten anyone here?”

He looked around the table, many avoided eye contact with him. 

“Ah. I see your point. No need to worry everyone, I condone our little ideas gathering that we have today. Please, do speak your minds.” He replied. As if refusing to acknowledge what Byrul had just said, instead it was like he was inspecting Byrul and the table members themselves. 

“ W-Why of course we’re frightened. That is why we’re at war with them!” The men seated left of Earlgrey uttered. It was as if someone was holding him there to his words. Making him speak a certain way. This individual was Krish Kartol. Probably the youngest at the table at an age of 26 years. 

“Of course. We need to fight, so that our people can finally get their much needed peace.” Earlgrey agreed. 

“ Is that really why we fight?” Lancy Schmitsy questioned. Suddenly all eyes of the table were locked on her. 

“...” 

Silence. 

Broken only by a chuckle by none other than the man mediating the conference. The prince himself, Marco Marvialasia. 

“Apologies. Apologies. She’s right. What does this war mean exactly to all of you?” Marco prompted the table. 

Earlgrey was the first to respond. “To fight against the tyrants to our east? To pay them back for their… For their…” 

“ For what? Why do we need to fight them?” Marco continued to prompt forward. He made eye contact with Byrul, as if eliciting him to speak on the matter. 

“We are the arm, hand and fingers of the prince’s will. As such we act to our liege’s command. For my own personal reasoning though? The evil that runs down their blood cannot be left unchecked. Such immense power they have, yet they dare to mimic the human form.” This was Byrul’s own thoughts. His real thoughts. He didn’t mention he allied himself with Leon and the dwarf, or what he was planning to do in betrayal to his throne. After all, he wasn’t betraying Marvialasia because he believed Marvialasia to be bad, but because of the fear that ran down his spines from the giantesses was far too much. 

“ Good answer.” Marco replied as he gave a single clap. His worry seemed to dissipate. “However, it isn’t quite the answer I’m looking for.” He sighed. Prompting the rest of the table to watch in confusion. They all knew of their prince, of his customs. However, that was all they knew. He was a secretive man. Only granting the highest members of his nobility one of his secrets. “Well, more importantly. What's our plan now?”

“We need to make sure we follow through on our original plan.” Byrul asserted. Immediately. 

“Oh? Why is that?” The prince acknowledged but also questioned. 

Byrul made sure to calm himself down a little. He had to make sure that the plan he gave Leon was the plan Marvialasia was going to follow through with. 

“ As we’ve already said. The giantesses are horrifying. Now, they’re learning magic too? We can’t let them continue as such. We can’t subject ourselves to become victims of their might. We realistically only have two options. To surrender, or to continue fighting with the plan we’ve made. It’ll take too much time elsewise.” He made his case.

“To surrender, or to fight?” The prince repeated back. 

“ I’d prefer we surrender.” Byrul exclaimed. He knew this was something he would be mocked for. However it was the best outcome for him. If they’d just surrender, no one in Marvialasia would have to get hurt. His noble friends could stay the same. However, he knew the prince would never accept such a deal. So that left option two, which was to fight according to the plan. A plan he had leaked to Leon and the dwarf, a plan that would be worthless and lead to the downfall of the nobility of his land. For everyone, except him of course. 

“ In Marvialasia, we fight. We fight because we are strong. Because we have an example to show the world that we belong here on this continent of beasts. The eastern continent is full of weird creatures, inhumane creatures. The giantesses are one such example. If we surrendered, we would be losing our ways. It is our tradition to fight as we make right.” The prince argued. “Well, that and they’d probably ask for me as a prisoner. So that is a no go.”

“Right, of course. So we must fight with our plan. It utilises the magecrafted devices we have. As well as the mana canons that are prepped with hypnotic aromatics. They can shoot large distances and render the giantesses asleep. Making them easy to kill and capture.” Byrul argued further. He had already told Leon of this plan. About where the long distance mana canons would be positioned and where they would fire. Along with that, he had instructed Leon on how to make insomniac aromatics to lace over the clothes of the giantesses. Which would neutralise the effect. Keeping them awake anyway. “ Our mana canons are also full of explosives and such. Which we can use in a defensive situation.” 

The reasoning was simple. Hypnotic aromatics would make the giantesses fall asleep easier. It was more likely to damage the giantesses than an actual explosive fired from a mana canon would. Most giantesses in Ranate’s army had some level of magic competency so some level of a magic defense would apply to them. Hence, Marvialasia had come up with the idea of an aromatic compound that would put them to sleep once they smelled it. Making them easy targets. The explosives would then be reserved as a defensive weapon at close range where it would be easier to aim for weak points. 

‘Though that doesn’t matter. I’ve told Leon exactly where the mana canons will be for offence and defense. Such an advantage as well as prep time can make a big difference. Not to mention, I’ve told them the date the attack from Marvialasia will begin. They simply need to attack first for maximum impact.’ Byrul thought to himself. 

“Hmm. It appears you are right. Though, I’m not fully convinced that the defensive canons are in the best positions from our plan. Is it okay if I were to make some revisions there?” Marco with his piercing gaze stared deep into Byrul’s eyes. His face, his body. Watching for the slightest bit of nervousness, a small uncomfortable twitch that signaled worry of any form.

“I see, well I’m not the best suited for these tasks. So perhaps it would be wise to do so.” Byrul calmly replied. 

“... Well, that was merely a suggestion. I also am not sure. The plan was made by our own military and our own oversight. Maybe it's unnecessary to do so.” Marco continued. Now watching for any sign of relief. 

“If a change to our defensive position is needed, then it would be best we had it done.” Byrul stood his ground. While he did not show it, his mind was shaking in wanting the questioning to be over.

“I see. Though I’ve had a change of heart. It may be unnecessary.” Marco sighed. He was unable to catch anything out of the ordinary. “ You are all dismissed now. Please leave at once.”

The table in unison replied, “Thank you, my liege.”  Which was followed by the sounds of a group of people pulling themselves away, opening a door and then closing the door gently. It was a sign of respect. 

**Creek**

All that was left was a lone man in the room with the oddly expensive table. He couldn’t help but sigh in exhaustion.

‘ The dukes in charge of our military and economy stayed silent. Good on them. Johmst Earlgrey and Lancy Schmitsy were keeping an active conversation as they normally do… However, Byrul. He was awfully talkative. He has voiced his disdain for the giantesses in the past due to fear, perhaps he got heated up today. Regardless, it’s something to note.’ Marco Mathias Marvialasia analyzed in his head. 

Marco was playing the conversation back, looking at all hints from everyone involved. However, he couldn’t help but reminisce as well.

‘They all know one of my many secrets. That I drank a sip from the blood of Margaret the immortal. The predecessor of Jade the cruel. The queen that took the throne of Ranate before the tyrant… Once she was felled, her body rapidly deteriorated. It disappeared into dust and finally into nothing... However, what they don’t know is the me from before I was prince.’  Marco clutched onto his emerald necklace. It has been 65 long years since. Perhaps longer, perhaps shorter, he found it difficult to remember. 

He was a mere peasant. His land’s territory was broken up recently from the collapse of a small kingdom that was a part of the Karkiman Empire’s many small lands, it was south west of their land. It was a reign of anarchy as many men claimed themselves ruler and the lands began fighting all for a chance of unity. Armies laid waste to peaceful villages for their resources and food, suitable kings fought one another for a chance of becoming ruler of the territory. It was a bloodshed of territorial dispute. 

‘At that time, I was 32 years old. My village was at the border of Ranate and our little neighboring lands. I was in awe of the giantess, Margaret the immortal. The goliath being had lived for an immense amount of time. I had no idea for how long exactly, but it was a number that went beyond human imagination.’ 

The words he thought of, ‘beyond human imagination’, terrified him. He at the time didn’t understand anything or how it was all like that. Rumour had it that Margaret had ingested a rare herb that was cultivated on elven soil that prolonged her life. 

‘So, when she passed on suddenly. It was a shock. The herb locked her age at 35 years permanently. She was essentially a war veteran, forever stuck in such condition. Ranate for many decades, long since before I was born had her as a ruler. However, it just so happened that she was walking to her envoy near the western countries, near my village. She had a plan to propose peace, providing resources and many other things to our war-torn soil. However, while I was out foraging near the border. I saw her stop. I saw her fall, and age rapidly. In her multiple centuries of living, she had passed on in a matter of seconds. Her body falling apart and her blood enriching the soil around her.’ 

So, the man, bewildered and shocked, came to her. He wandered up to the giantess. Perhaps due to his own confusion, or perhaps due to his fear of the unknown, to his fear of what was inhumane. He took a single sip of her blood. He pondered the idea that maybe he could become somebody, someone worthwhile. Someone note worthy.

‘Then… Nothing happened.’

The blood immediately began to evaporate, the amount that had pooled up at least. It didn’t even last a minute. Her body was rapidly decomposing and breaking away. The blood was evaporating, as Marco already noticed. But the remains of her were turning to dust. Though, he could hardly bear witness to the sight for any longer as-

'**Stomp...Stomp.**'

‘I heard stomps nearby. I figured it was another giantess so I ran away.’

Afterwards, the 32 year old man lived in poverty as the people near his lands pillaged and plundered. Years passed.

However, to the man in awe of the inhumanity surrounding him, he himself was taken aback by his own newly found supernatural prowess. 

He wasn’t ageing anymore. His body was stuck at 35 years of age. He was effectively immortal. 

‘At the time. I thought that was it. That was my breakthrough. I had the body of a 35 year old, a healthy one that would stay in top tier shape. So, I decided to conquer the warring lands.’ 

Uniting them all under a single name, he created ‘Marvialasia’. A mere principality. As it was then sanctioned as a lower land by the Karkiman empire. However, since then the country had won its independence from them. Yet, the tradition of keeping the Marvialasian prince title remained the same. 

‘However. It isn’t easy to unite everyone.’

Marco was a mere human. One blessed by opportunity. His whole life had been a compilation of benefitting from opportunity. He had no real understanding of how to truly unite the people. To really show people what leadership was. 

‘In the very year I created Marvialasia and claimed myself ruler. Many greedy pigs came to stir up my plans. They attempted to assassinate me, to remove me from power. People were after my head.’

To the man who had only just then been given power, he quickly came to learn that being a ruler meant to manipulate an ever changing web of wants and needs. Where if he wasn’t watching himself, he would be replaced. 

He was maniacal but calm, he was careful but cheery, he was accurate and detailed. Marco made sure to cover his bases in every way. To make sure no one could usurp him with ease. To be the one at the helm of it all, to him it meant to rule with so much power and respect that no one could take it away. 

As such… As such, regrettably so, he did the unthinkable. 

‘Declaring war on the giantesses. Capitalize on the fears of my own people, capitalize on their humanity and beliefs to have them fear the otherworldly giantesses. Tell them they’re grotesque. Tell them they are vile and beastlike. Finally, capitalize on their own queendom’s delicate political situation and wage war against them. Force them to take military action.’

He thought to make an enemy of nature itself. Or at least more accurately, an enemy of beings that were synonyms with nature itself. Why had he done this? For what reason? For what purpose? What brought such an irrational idea towards him?

‘If I want to stay in power, I need the citizens and I to have a common enemy. If I want to have my country stay united, everything needs to go exactly as planned.’

For the man obsessed with power, he lacked the agency to recognize his own powerlessness.

 If only he would think about what his people would want.

 If only he could think about what others had wanted. 

If only he was someone that could think of the needs of his people. 

Marco could do none of that. None whatsoever. Plagued by the curse of the crown, he reminded his subject’s of the lack of humanity his enemies had, an oddly ironic thing for a man immortal to be doing. 

Marco ruled his people for himself. For as strong as the megalomaniac he was, he lacked the agency to have any intrinsic power where it truly mattered. 

‘That was where it all began. I told everyone that Ranate attacked us. We fought back. Enraging their queen, Jade. Brainwashing the population, removing books and teachings about our history. Everything since is just history.’

He chuckled. 

‘It appears you and I, King of Vascar, may soon be in history too.’ He inwardly thought. Whether they be written as victors of justice or villains of war was something yet to be seen. 

– – –

“The king’s been captured!” I shouted. Biting my tongue and covering my mouth in embarrassment. “Eh, uh. Sorry. I meant the King of Vascar’s been captured? Really?”

Ana sighed. Visibly a little disappointed. “Yes, sweetie. Vascar’s king has been captured. The only king of ours here… Is this little guy.” She gently poked me. Pushing me I suppose was a better descriptor. As for where I was, I had been standing atop her palm. 

“ King consort, more accurately.” I rebutted. 

“ Many of our troops are heavily injured…” Ana added on. “All because of an order I gave out.” She whispered under her breath. Leaving for an odd couple seconds of silence.

“ You wanna talk about it?” I asked. There was an obvious answer to it, but I just needed to make sure. Ana simply nodded in response. 

“Their troops began retreating with the king at a skirmish we had at the border. So I sent some of our troops after them. Probably a dumb idea in hindsight. Now the eastern border is in constant high pressure with fighting happening all day. At the very least we’ve had to be very careful with scouts. We still captured the king but I feel like it might not have been the best decision.”  Ana wasn’t particularly sad or anything. I deduced that it was unlikely that the lives of giantesses were lost from the conflict. After all, Vascar wasn’t a strong country. That being said, many humans were probably killed. Many giantesses were probably heavily injured. I knew that those kinds of things weighed heavily on her. 

There wasn’t much for me to say in all honesty. I was a rather dumb grunt when it came down to matters such as this. However, that didn’t mean I was just going to stand around and do nothing. Instead, I began making way to her thumb which was extended outward, facing in an upwards direction.

**Hug**

It was a simple action. I couldn’t offer the real, proper thing due to how tiny I was in comparison. But it was the best I had, so I hugged her thumb. Even that, only to the best of what I could do. 

“ I can’t say whether it was the right or wrong choice. However, I know you’re someone that would always try to pick the option you felt was best for all parties involved. It isn’t like you’d pick the option that would be for killing them for the sake of death either.”

…

Awkward was the way I’d describe the mood right now. However, that was simply my own perspective. 

“Thank you.”

Those simple words gave out a rush of warm feelings to my heart. There was something precious about the emotional vulnerability. It quickly became a feeling I’d choose to cherish. I had guessed she simply wanted some emotional validation about her decision. Emotional validation from someone that wouldn’t simply praise her actions from a militaristic perspective alone. That someone was me.

“ We’re all only people. We can’t expect us all to be perfect either. It’s not like everything can always go according to plan.” I voiced. Trying to keep my voice calm but heartfelt, not like I was trying to lecture her. 

“Yeah. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t easy at all.” I noticed her say, though she never said aloud what part wasn’t easy. That didn’t really matter at the moment however. What became clear was that the time we spent apart revealed that we were only just people. 

People that needed others to talk to. People that needed others to have that sense of comfort with. It was impossible for either I or Ana to suddenly become cold and calculating. It didn’t matter that there were no severe casualties or that we lost no lives on our side. War as it was shouldn’t be celebrated. Dehumanising the enemy was not something to be celebrated. So simply getting swarmed up with that trail of thought could be enough to make Ana disappointed in herself. It was something I needed to consider. 

“ Yeah, I hear you. There’s no way it could have been easy.” I replied. There were many parts of Ana Darlington-Bliss she had hidden away as a person. However, if she were to show anybody those parts of herself, It’d probably be me. As someone who was weak, clueless and rather insecure. All I could offer to my wife was to be someone that could at least hear her out. 

In a matter of mere seconds, my world began to shake as I was suddenly tossed in front of her rosy lips once again. 

**Smooch**

My whole body, covered by a kiss. I know I said I felt warm before, but now I really did. Both metaphorically and literally. 

“I know I can rely on my little stress toy. Cute as you are, you really shine when it’s just us two alone.” She gently whispered. Softly was not enough to describe it. The gentle breath I felt as she exchanged her words had me feeling relaxed. 

For me to be blushing was an understatement. My whole face must have been flushed a tinge of red. That being said, I wanted to remain on topic. 

“So, where is their king then?” 

“Vascar’s king is currently jailed in our castle’s prison. We’ve got a little cage for him… Do you want to see him?” Ana surprisingly asked. I was a little taken aback. I suppose she realised that I may have some words I’d like to exchange with him. A talk, a conversation that I might like to have. 

Though, that wasn’t exactly true. 

“No… If anything I don’t want to see his face right now.”

“Really?” Ana was a little shocked. I could tell from her face. “ I’m sure you have a lot to say to him.” 

“ I really don’t. What’s done is done.” I replied. 

“... I see. Well I won’t force you. However, I may need to have a talk to our little prisoner, and I’m not leaving you out of my grasp. So, hope that’s alright.” Ana suggested. Implying she’d keep me around her body when she’d visit the king for whatever purpose she’d need.  I simply nodded in response. Offering a tired smile. “Look. At. You. Must have been exhausting the whole past month. I’m sure you need some time to rest.” 

“Y-yeah. Will do. However, right now I need to tell you about our intel.”

“Don’t force yourself either. Though I won’t be complaining if you’re giving information now.” She chuckled wryly. “The king of Vascar and his soldiers suddenly got magical aptitude, they had people learning and casting spells. Albeit low level ones.”

“Huh? In Vascar?” I was taken by surprise. 

‘Since when did Vascar have magic?’

I was a nobody. Someone barely worth anything in Vascar. Basically a peasant but not quite. It's likely I was simply out of the know, but that didn’t seem right either. What made more sense is the information I’d gotten from Marvialasia. 

“You’ve probably already deduced this, but from my own scouting it does seem like Marvialasia had at some point taught Vascar some basics of magic.” Letting go of my shock for a moment, I regained some composure. 

“Unfortunate. If it wasn’t for that, we’d have less trouble at the eastern border.”

“Other than that…” I began revealing everything.

– – – 

“That’s a lot to take in.” Ana bit her nail, specifically her thumb’s as she processed the information. I couldn’t help but admit it was a rather cute sight. 

“Overall, their plan is to bombard us with a frontal attack from all across their border, except for a few key locations. They have some mana canons, some other artillery. They’ve got all sorts of problems in their land. Like an obsession with war against us specifically.”  

“ Any clues on why they won’t accept a surrender? Or at least a truce, a ceasefire. Anything.” Ana commented. With a frown. 

“Nothing. I heard from someone of a higher up status that they hated us. They hated our lack of ‘humanity’ and that we were the cause of this whole conflict.” 

“ They call my people inhumane… And have the gall to continue this pointless war?” Ana scorned her tone as she spoke. She was serious. “It’s always in extremes. Either your land is strong enough to defend itself, and it can pillage other lands. Or your country is weak, it gets plundered.” She sighed. Her warm breath provided relief from the colder atmosphere around me. 

“I’ve already told you how they treat their peasants. It’s like brainwashing. Any sane person would be living in a constant state of fear with how their military works. Yet…” 

“So I was right after all.” Ana, for once, seemed glad. It was in a bitter sense however. “ I was right about their people.” 

Her face was one I couldn’t describe as content or angry. More a stare into nothingness. I wasn’t quite sure what she was referencing, but I could tell whatever it was towards, she knew she made the right choice. 

“I will add, the person that gave us this plan. Byrul, who wishes to be spared once the war is over,  also is not fond of us. He’s betraying his land out of fear of what we’d do to him if Marvialasia lost.” 

“ This isn’t a trap?” Ana questioned.

 “It seems unlikely. On our way back, Anglo the dwarf inspected some details about the border before we took to the caves. They’re definitely setting up something.” I removed the insignia that Byrul gave out, holding it for Ana to bear witness to. 

“I see…” Ana paused, seemingly convinced. “The date of this attack was?” 

“In about 3 weeks. We have time to prepare. As long as we attack before that date.” 

My wife interjected. “Best we have is 2 weeks. Attacking a day prior won’t make a difference as they’d basically be set up for their attack regardless. Sooner we attack, the less they’re prepped. Of course we can’t rush things on our side either.” Her tone was a little relieved at how long we had. 

“Still, two weeks. We need to set up a defense at the border. Prepare the final stage of the plan to intimidate their side, have them surrender. Handle things on our end with Vascar too. We’re juggling quite a lot of things.” 

“Sadly, one more to that list. Though it should be wrapping up shortly.” Ana briefly commented. 

“Hmm?” I was a little confused. It sounded like it came up out of nowhere. “Is there something else?” 

“Well-“ Ana began, but was abruptly cut off. 

**Knock-Knock. Knock-Knock**

“You may enter.” Her voice loudly declared.

It was another giantess. Someone who I hadn’t seen in a long time. My own face widened with surprise at the sight. 

“The librarian, Maria? What are you…” 

“Apologies for the sudden visit. I have something to inform you of, my queen.” Her voice also seemed surprised to see me. She must have been in a hurry. 

“Speak it.” Ana commanded gently. 

“ The deed is done. We’ve investigated the lead from what Rheas described. It led to a shoddy place in Egulba. Near the giantess district if memory serves me right. Turns out, the owner was smuggling humans from the border since who knows how long ago. The trail went straight to Lisa’s pockets. She’s been smuggling humans!” Maria summarized haphazardly. 

“Rheas cracked under the pressure. She finally gave in. With the war wrapping up and our western and eastern borders in turmoil. She needed to either speak now or stay silent as Lisa’s accomplice… Finally, It’s over. Those two, or at least Lisa, are finished.” Ana smiled. Properly happy about some news. Though I could tell there was a smidge of sadness that such an act was going on under her nose. 

“We’ve arrested her. She’s been held captive at the castle dungeons. Ready for questioning and trial. Though, we can’t exactly have it be known that a council woman was participating in such an illegal affair.” Maria in a rather matter of fact way spoke out. She seemed a lot more friendly towards humans from the last time I talked to her. Also having some animosity towards another giantess wasn’t something I was expecting. 

“Egulba is the city of trade and commerce. A fierce market. We’d outlawed such things and yet the market still chose to sell things as it’d see fit. Makes you realize, businesses aren’t selling for the best of us ever, are they?” Ana calmed down a little as she spoke. Offering some insight on her thoughts. “When they want coin, and are surrounded by other furious competitors. People, markets, companies. Everyone’s driven to do the fastest, cheapest option. Ethics and quality become a luxury. Unless we change the attitudes of almost everyone, such products won’t ever disappear.” 

“Is that your goal? If I may be so presumptuous to ask?” Maria voiced. Smiling. 

She smiled. Ana did not answer directly. Instead she presented me with her open palms towards her. Only then speaking afterwards. 

“ How can it ever be okay… to deprive people like this brave little man the chance to live with their own rights on our soil, when they haven't done anything wrong?” 

“…” 

Maria stared. 

“I suppose. Maybe there is some merit to you after all. Truly, I didn’t expect you to return in a month's time.” She spoke directly to me. “I apologize. Your majesty, on behalf of the giantesses of this land. I’m sorry for doubting your bravery.” 

I wasn’t expecting it. I really wasn’t. However, just for a brief moment. I felt a sense of wateriness in my eyes. 

It was recognition. It was acknowledgment. It was satisfying. 

I couldn’t recall the last time I’d felt something so special. Maybe the first couple days I’d met Ana? 

Right as I was lost in thought. My wife began speaking. Her colossal form took charge. As it usually does. Dwarfing my tiny human body. Though I was okay with it. I've been okay with it for a while now. If anything, I’d been missing it for the past month. 

“ I don’t know who it was off the top of my head. But someone in our lineage decided we would house our monarchy with a system of deciding who was most suited through candidates. We live in a system of change. When Leon first met us, he thought of us as beasts who ravaged the humans. I’d like to change that image. To do that, I’d want to impact on as many people as possible. Both the misguided humans of today, and the troubled giantesses of our home.” 

I couldn’t help but stare up to the sky. My sky, being Ana’s face. Her lips would part as she spoke, her expression light up as she smiled. Mesmerized was an understatement. I was enthralled to her very being. 

“… Regardless, we will await further orders from you at the castle.” Maria took it all in, but returned to a neutral expression in the end. She seemed satisfied with the response Ana gave. “Please, excuse me.” 

Maria left, disappearing into the dark ambience of the watchtower corridors. It looked as if she was simply on an errand, as otherwise it would be normal to accompany us to the castle. Though, she was a librarian and not a guard so maybe it just wasn’t in her job description. 

“Well, now we have doubly so reason to visit the dungeons.” Ana cut the silence in the air. 

“Wait. Another thing, I need to go see the alchemist in charge.” I interrupted, as I suddenly remembered one more thing Byrul told me. 

“ The alchemist? I’m afraid they’re rather busy at the moment. The lady is positioned at an outpost near the western border, ensuring enchantments for humans are all up to date.” She replied. 

“Then… Is there anyone else that is familiar with the processes of alchemy?” 

“... Well, there is Sarina. You remember her? The lady that taught you magic.” 

“ Sarina!” I sighed in a way that really showed how annoyed I was at that information. “ It can’t be helped. I have an important order to give her.” 

“Which is?” Ana prompted. 

“Marvialasia is gonna make aromatic explosions that will put everyone in their nearby blast radius to sleep. They aren’t going to risk fighting us when we've learnt some degree of magic. They plan to use their natural herbs and medicines to their advantage.” I urgently voiced. I was completely out of my element talking about the intricacies of alchemy, or niche skills apart from that class of work. I was somewhat familiar with enchantments, somewhat familiar with some other things involving mana and magic. However, on this topic I could only regurgitate back what was told to me by Byrul.

“What fools.” Ana scoffed. “Thanks for the information, but they’re picking against the wrong people for this kind of stuff.” She declared proudly. 

“Huh?!”

“ Still, this needs to be mentioned to Sarina asap. We’ll go to her first, and then we’ll see what she can do. I’m guessing this Byrul fellow asked to make some sort of Insomniac aromatic compound right?”

I simply nodded. 

“ Right. Well chances are she won’t listen to you, so I’ll explain it.” Ana started getting ready to move. However, she stood still for a moment. Leaving me confused. She had just moved me to her shoulder, and had begun undressing her top. “It’s time you went back to your home too.”

“M-My home?” I started freaking out a little when she said that, it could be interpreted in many ways. “Where-”

Suddenly, in a flash. In an instant. As if a hundred things just happened at once, too fast for me to rationalize. I was flung and falling. 

“My bra, sweetie. It’s been too long. You deserve some rest.” 

The soft, comforting fabric welcomed me back. The sweaty aroma of her titanic tit was soon to engulf me in place.  Her nipple, if it were to come crashing down, would be pinned right to my being. 

I couldn’t even say a word, that was just how much in awe I was. I was left with a few moments of safety as Ana purposely was holding her bra cup right next to her breast. She was watching my every move, my every facial expression that I’d make. 

‘She must have loosened her bra…’ I realized. ‘Is she… Waiting for my approval?’

She had the power to do as she pleased. She had the size to do as she’d liked. She possessed the authority to act as she’d want. However, even then. It was the small things Ana would do that had me coming back, to be utterly infatuated with her person.

I simply nodded. 

**Tighten**

I could tell Ana tied up her bra behind her back. The cloth, that was slightly loose and giving me just a tinge of freedom, was now completely covered by the outer layer of Ana’s clothing. The bra itself hastened, it compacted in. Slamming me to a face full of her boob. 

I’d given permission for this to occur. However, I’d also forgotten what it was like. I must have. The sheer pressure of being bound, held up across the flesh with so much power that it's impossible to move at all. 

‘Shit… The enchantment’s acting up again. Haha’

The one that turned pain into pleasure was what I presumed. While the feeling I’d gotten wasn’t quite pain, it certainly wasn’t comfortable. At least not naturally so. As such, it must have been taking effect.

The weight of her breast, shaking as she took each step. My world would move in response. Rotating and bouncing every two to three seconds slightly. 

I didn’t need to breathe. That was covered by the enchantments. I didn't need to worry, that was covered by the love I had for this woman. Everything was in some sort of bliss.

I was tucked away. Hidden from the world. No one could see me, no one could tell I was here. As a mere human, this was my fate. As a pathetic creature of my size, being relegated to a toy by my wife was my fate. A fate I willingly accepted and adorned. 

Why?

It was comforting. It was safe. It was acceptable. There were numerous reasons. The single biggest one though?

This was my home. 

That was what I’d come to accept. 

An exile from Vascar, sent away to Marvialasia, returning to Ranate.

In reality, being bound prisoner to Ana’s being was enough for me. As my eyes closed, my consciousness drifted away. 

Her heart beat rhythmically thumped, her every step gave a sway of movement that was calming, her scent was one that removed all negative thoughts away from my head. Everything was replaced by her image, her form, her love. 

As such I fell asleep in an enchanted, heavenly paradise. Somewhere where the very definition of stress began to disappear from my mind.