The Empire of Reimia (3)

-Every soldier must be prepared to give their life for the empire, if necessary. And to take another's life, if ordered to do so. As for your last question..." Parfynora trailed off.
Earlier this year, she had listened with enthusiasm to Eugen's speech. It was only a few months ago, but it felt like an eternity had passed. Then, peace was on the horizon; now, war was inevitable. Then, there was a kind and merciful emperor, whom she wanted to support; now, there was a despotic empress, who was allying herself with recent enemies and terrorists, a woman who laughed upon learning about the young man who killed himself for her.

And if our country ever has to go to war, remember that your task is not to die for your country, but to win, survive, and return to a peaceful life, for it is young people like you who are the foundation of the empire and its future. Never stop moving forward, enjoy life, and support each other – that is my command to you.

-I have disobeyed your command, Your Majesty," she blurted out involuntarily. She looked up at Sapphiros, and her eyes were filled with bitterness:
-When we started the school year, our old emperor, Eugen Reime, spoke to us. He told us that we should not die for our country. We must live for our country. But Rinze came to power, and I don't think she expects the same from us. She will want us to carry out her orders – even if it means giving up our lives. And I am already ready to do that, Sapphiros. What choice do we have? We are soldiers of the empire. The empress's will is the will of our country. And we are the executors of that will. No more, no less.