Chapter Text
The Sank Kingdom
By Silvertrails
May 2026
This is an amateur effort. Just having fun with one of my old fandoms. No intention to make profits with the characters from Sunrise or TV Asahi.
I mention Dimitri, Treize’s family butler. He is my character, and I have given permission to another writer to use it, but that was long ago. The names I give to Treize’s parents are mine.
Treize looked at the young prince, sitting beside his mother, too quiet for a child his age. Milliardo was barely six years old, and already he sat still while his mother spoke to Treize’s. Queen Katherina and Duchess Anya had been schoolmates, and stayed friends all this time, despite their husbands’ different views about war.
He wished he could be in the other salon, where his father was speaking with King Milliardo about Federation policies. Treize was eleven years old, but he understood the basics of politics. Duke Tadeusz Kushrenada, his father, was member of the Romefeller Foundation, an old organization of nobles and aristocrats that kept tight though discreet control on the world’s affairs. As his heir, Treize had been taught that war was part of human nature, and that Pacifism was not sustainable.
The royal butler, Pargan, had served wine and pastries, and now he was doing the same with the king and Treize’s father.
Duke Tadeusz had warned Treize not to speak about war while they visited the Sank Kingdom, but war was too important to ignore. The Queen and Treize’s mother were speaking about inconsequential issues like old college memories, and Treize was starting to feel bored.
“Milliardo, please show Treize the gardens,” Queen Anya said, just as the nanny brought baby Relena. The princess was one year old and already walked with her nanny’s help. Zechs nodded, and after smiling at his little sister he gestured for Treize to follow him.
“My mother is very proud of her roses,” Milliardo said as they walked outside the house, “but we can go somewhere else if you want.”
Even when speaking, Milliardo Peacecraft was too formal. Treize wanted to do something to help the other boy to loosen up.
“I like flowers,” Treize said. “My mother has a garden in our manse, mostly red roses, though she also likes yellow ones, and daffodils.”
Milliardo’s expression changed, relief and surprise showing in his clear blue eyes. “I thought boys your age didn’t like flowers.”
Treize smiled. “Who told you that?”
Milliardo thought for a moment. “I cannot remember.”
“Do you like flowers, Milliardo?” he asked as they reached the Queen’s garden.
“Sometimes… but at other times they remind me of death.”
Treize placed a hand on his shoulder. “Have you ever seen death, Milliardo?”
“I was too young to remember my grandmother’s funeral, but there were so many roses in the pictures, white roses. I do not like white roses.”
“What about red roses?” Treize asked as they moved along the garden.
“Erika told me a story when I was younger, about a nightingale who died to make a red rose for a student… The bird died for nothing in the end.”
Who would tell such a story to a young boy? Treize knew it, but he had read it when he was older than Milliardo.
“Is Erika Relena’s nanny?”
Milliardo nodded and his cheeks colored.
“She was my nanny first, but I no longer need one.”
“Of course not,” Treize said.
Milliardo smiled a little.
“I will tell your mother that her garden is beautiful.”
Milliardo nodded.
“Do you like fencing, Treize?”
“I do. My father taught me the rules, and I practice with him when he is home, or with Dimitri when he is not. He is our butler and more than that.”
“Like Pargan?”
“I suppose. Pargan must have more duties if he helps to rule a palace’s household. My house is big, but not as big as this.”
“I practice fencing with Pargan mostly,” Milliardo said. “Father is too busy most of the time. My mother used to practice with me too until Relena was born.”
“Surely she will have time again when your sister grows up a little.”
Milliardo shrugged slightly. “Come with me, we can practice fencing together.”
Treize followed Milliardo, curious about the younger boy. Milliardo was in danger along with his family now that the Federation was determined to take over the world. Treize knew that this was one of the reasons, the main reason, for their coming to visit the Sank Kingdom.
They reached the fencing piste, and after a moment each of them had fencing foils and masks. They started fencing, and though Treize was careful not to hurt the younger boy, Milliardo was good for his age. But this was a sport, a way to learn control and strategy. Hopefully, Milliardo did not have to use a sword or another weapon to defend his life until he was much older.