Max has been through ups and downs, but the Gallian campaign and its aftermath is nothing short of a roller coaster ride. His Drei Stern has proven to be more hot air than anything else. The Valkyria had vanished, which was for the better, given the uproar about the ancient conspiracy. Gregor was exiled in disgrace, and Yaeger has left, after keeping his end of the deal. His experiments were exposed as useless by two squads, which had not too long ago fought against each other. It would seem that his reputation would never recover.
Swallowing his pride, Max had to ask Louise (nicely at that) to remain under his command. Louise agreed, seeing as the prince had been humbled. When he revealed his ambitions to take on the Federation, Louise agreed in principle. However, she warned that this war should be a limited one, for the Federation is unlike Gallia. Unknown to him, Louise is also consulting Selvaria on how to best tackle the Federation.
Between Max, Louise and Selvaria, the plan was formed. The Empire would isolate the stronger republics, and extend a hand to the weaker ones to form an alliance. However, the fighting was fierce, and Max was fortunate to have a competent personal guard, organised by Louise. He was somewhat interested in this new trooper among the ranks, who gave her name as "Grace". Somehow, he decided to have her as his personal attendant. With her, he soon finds himself talking about his own secrets and frustrations. Her response to his rants and tirades was merely a nod and a smile. It was then that he realised how Louise and her Rats earned the trust of Squad 7: their trust in others, something which Max had refused to embrace. It would be a long road for him to accept others into his life, but it was a start.
Selvaria's secret could not be kept forever. In the final battle to force a settlement with the Federation, Grace took a shot for the prince. Gravely wounded, the Valkyria within her awakens to save her. When Selvaria turned around to look at her beloved prince, there was anger and hurt written on his face. After the battle, Selvaria was ready to leave her prince again, and this time, she would disappear for good. Max took a deep breath, and asked her to stay.
The war with the Federation secured great concessions for the Empire, who is now the undisputed power in the region, in terms of both military and economic might. However, the crowning moment came when Max, for once, gave credit to all the soldiers who fought in this war, and asked Louise, Welkins to join him... along with Selvaria. There was intense discussion among the audience, and some threw insults at the Valkyria. Max silenced them with one simple announcement: that he would take Selvaria as her bride. She had been by his side, ignored and unappreciated for too long, and her time as "Grace" had made him human again.
The Emperor smiled as he took in the news of his son's actions. Since Max's youth, the Emperor knew that he was suitable to be the Crown Prince. However, his mother's humble birth and the other factions in the court made it clear that Max would have to earn his right. Also, since his mother's death, Max had lost the ability to trust and the Emperor firmly believed that without this ability, he would be unfit to rule.
The wedding bells rang in the Imperial capital and in a little Gallian town. Both brides now proudly showed off their white hair and red eyes. They would not, and indeed should not, shoulder the sins of their people. Indeed, as a wedding gift to Selvaria, the new Crown Prince announced that all Darcsens in the Empire would be granted full rights as citizens, including the right to use surnames.
As Louise attended both weddings, she mused that she had walked through corridors of power, as well as tiny streets of small villages. Her life had been eventful. It was probably time to return home to be a sister and daughter to her family.