Tyranny Of Steel Chapter 1252 A Much Needed Vacation



After the death of his parents and his visit to the Norn Wyrd to mourn appropriately, Berengar sensed a need to escape his home for a while. As a result, he hired the enormous cruise ship serving as the von Kufstein family's private yacht to carry him and his loved ones across the Atlantic to the infamous German colony celebrated for its vices.

The ship's voyage passed without major issues, but the genuine excitement ignited when Berengar and his women reached the territory once called Cuba in his prior life. Neuhafen belonged to the Backer entertainment corporation, the globe's premier casino and resort enterprise.

Even with numerous other casinos scattered across Neuhafen, the bulk was controlled by Hendrick Backer, the firstborn son of Gunther Backer, a longtime companion of Berengar's.

Yet, despite invitations to lodge in Hendrick's finest hotel and its most opulent suite, Berengar opted for a different casino resort owned by Malissa, an old comrade of Honoria's.

Right upon Berengar and his women entering the casino, they received regal hospitality, as Malissa personally welcomed Honoria. Decades had elapsed since the pair last met. While Honoria appeared nearly two decades younger than her true age, Malissa bore the marks of time.

This ex-Byzantine prostitute who became a pirate was an elegant lady well past her sixties. However, one glance at Honoria nearly triggered a heart attack for her. She struggled to accept how splendidly the veteran Pirate Queen had aged and swiftly questioned if this was truly Honoria or her daughter Helena.

"Honoria, is that you? How can this be?"

Though Honoria retained a fairly youthful visage, she was genuinely herself. With that, she swept her purple hair aside, beamed, and embraced her longtime friend and former first mate.

"Malissa, it has been far too long. I am honestly amazed at what you have made of yourself over the past few decades. It truly seems like you are in your element here in the New World!"

Malissa simply scoffed at these words before noting the longevity of other crew members from Honoria's original band.

"It's not just me. Elfrun has worked for me for a very long time, and some of the other girls from our original crew have moved here to Neuhafen. We always wondered what had become of you. I mean, sure, we saw you in the papers, but we were unsure if you had ever really been happy. Judging by your appearance, you have been living an absolutely stress free life for some time now."

A warm smile graced Honoria's face as she reassured her old friend of her fulfilling life.

"Of course, I would not have left that life behind at such a young age if I were not ready to settle down and be with my family. My children have all grown up, and have achieved extraordinary things in their own rights, and I love my husband very much."

At these words, Berengar approached and grasped Malissa's hand in greeting.

"Malissa, it has been too long. I am glad to see your exploits have brought you such fame and fortune. Surely you must have a family to share it with?"

Against Berengar's anticipations, Malissa displayed no resentment toward the notion of family. Just as he prepared to inquire who dared wed a former prostitute, a recognizable figure emerged and announced himself.

"My Kaiser, I understand now why you have decided to refuse my offer. You wished to reacquaint your wife with my own?"

Many years had passed since Berengar last encountered Hendrick. Truthfully, their prior meeting occurred when the man was still a youth residing in Kufstein before Berengar's rise to power. He had been a impoverished, skeletal serf then. Now, he stood as a sturdy gentleman adorned in extravagant finery.

Berengar finally grasped that Hendrick was the one who had wed Malissa, evident as he slung his arm around her neck and delivered a deep, passionate kiss to her lips. Berengar masked his genuine reactions behind a courteous exterior while addressing the man.

"Hendrick, I must say, I never thought all those years ago, when you were a boy plowing my fields, that you would one day become one of the most successful businessmen in the Reich, and marry such a.... wonderful woman. Tell me how has your father been. Is he enjoying his retirement?"

This inquiry clearly offended Hendrick, but not for the motive Berengar presumed. He stiffened instantly, answering Berengar's question with a noticeably sour tone.

"I wouldn't know. My father and I aren't exactly on speaking terms, at least not since I married Malissa. You probably know more about his situation than I do. I will be sure to attend the funeral whenever that happens, but until then, we will remain without contact." 

The mention of funeral stirred a slight unease in Berengar, though he kept it hidden from his expression. Since retiring, he had already been to two such somber events: those for his parents and his longtime comrade Ludwig. The prospect that Eckhart and Gunther might soon follow into the reaper's grasp filled him with a grim premonition. 

Realizing he had disturbed the ex-Kaiser, Hendrick lowered his head in regret. 

"I'm sorry, your majesty. It was foolish of me to bring up such a matter right after your own parents passed away. Please forgive me!"

Even in his advanced years and retirement, Berengar continued to inspire awe and fear among his subjects and foes alike. Yet, he no longer burned with the old rage. Only a threat to his family could ignite the fierce anger buried deep in his aged soul.

So, Berengar brushed off Hendrick's words without a second thought, despite the man sweating profusely over the fear of displeasing his Kaiser. 

"No need to apologize, Hendrick. I'll pass on my regards to your father when I head back to the fatherland. For now, I plan to try my luck at cards here. As for Honoria, I'll entrust her to your wife's capable hands. I'm certain they have plenty to discuss." 

After uttering these words, Berengar planted a kiss on each of his women's lips before heading to the Casino for some fun. Adela and Henrietta trailed after him, whereas the rest split into their small groups to indulge in the diverse gambling options offered by this magnificent establishment. 

Of course, elite Leibgarde members shadowed them all to prevent any foolish inebriated fool from causing trouble. While Berengar tested his fortune at blackjack, Honoria departed with her former friend and first mate. The pair chatted endlessly about their lives since parting and the history they shared. 

For two full weeks, this vacation persisted until Berengar and his women journeyed home to the fatherland, thoroughly revitalized from their delightful escape.