“Please follow me, Your Majesty,” Sebastian led the way towards Alexander’s Bukavac parked in front of the Imperial Council Building.

As they walked down the stairs, Sevastian commented. “That was an impressive speech, Your Majesty. You truly captured the hearts of the people.”

“Enough of the flattery, I don’t need such a thing,” Alexander replied coldly, his gaze cast down on the ground.

Sevastian, who felt a tinge of guilt at how he had reacted to the speech, decided not to speak another word. He opened the car door and sat next to Alexander while he took a seat inside.

They arrived at the palace in no time and were escorted directly by the Imperial Palace Guard into the entrance where all eyes followed their every move.

A heavy atmosphere warped around Alexander. Ever since the conclusion of his declaration of war speech, he has been acting odd.

There might be plausible reasons as to why that is. The man permitted his sisters to go to the Yamato Empire where their lives could’ve been lost at the hands of the renegade militia backed by the government. He must be feeling guilty inside, crushing him within.As his cousin and National Security Advisor, it is his duty to lend an ear to the Emperor’s woes and give appropriate advice. However, they are not close with one another, so he can’t just easily prod at his emotions; instead, he will keep quiet and discuss other things, like official duties.

“Your Majesty, recent reports from the Far East stated that the Ruthenian Army has captured the Sinanju with little to no opposition from the Yamato troops. It seems as though they weren’t informed of the state of war between us. As long as everything plays according to our plan, we can expect total capitulation of forces in the Choson Empire within a month.”

The plan Sevastian was talking about is quite simple. It will be a military campaign that will bring decisive victory for the Ruthenian Empire in the Choson Peninsula. As of right now, there are two armies garrisoned in the Choson Empire. The two of them are marching towards the north to bring reinforcements and stop the Ruthenian Army’s advance. This is their assumption so it could play out differently.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Ruthenian Armed Forces concocted a plan earlier that will eliminate the two armies in just one fell swoop. The Ruthenian Army who just entered Sinanju will set up a defensive front. They will not advance, rather, they’ll just attack whatever comes at them through artillery and air strikes. Once the two armies arrive in the north, specifically in Pyongyang city, Ruthenian will begin displaying its superior paratroopers, dropping them in the south to link up with the Righteous Army, a nationalist militia with an aim of liberating Chosonese from the Yamato and defeating them. They are composed primarily of civilians and military personnel from the disbanded Choson Royal Army.

As soon as they reorganize their forces in the south and take the capital, Hanseong, they will push towards the north and push the two trapped armies from both sides.

And once it is complete, the Ruthenian Army will mass up their forces along the 38th parallel in preparation for an invasion that will ultimately drive the Yamato away from the peninsula for good.

What happens next is not yet finalized but Alexander already has one in mind.

“Your Majesty, may I ask about your plan when we drive the Yamato out from the Choson peninsula?” Sevastian asked carefully, not wanting to sound too inquisitive, but also wanting to hear what Alexander would say next. His tone seemed genuine enough.

Alexander stopped in his tracks and remained silent. Sebastian began pondering for a second. Did he say something that could’ve hit sensitive spots?

Alexander threw a cursory glance at Sevastian before muttering. “My plan for the Choson Empire huh?” He sighed tiredly. “Hmm…sorry Sevastian, I am just not in the mood to discuss anything about the war for now. It’s not my job to look after everything right? That’s why I have ministers in the first place. Just call me if something happens during the military operation that requires my attention.”Sevastian looked down for a second before gazing back up. “Very well, Your Majesty. I shall keep you informed daily. But, if something develops in a way that is unexpected, I’ll call you right away.”

Alexander simply nodded before resuming his walk toward the Winter Palace’s main entrance.

Sevastian bowed his head until the emperor was inside. After that, he lifted his head up and began walking towards the exit, where a car was waiting for him to take him to the General Staff Building.

***

The security inside the Winter Palace has been ramped up after the declaration of war. Three to four Imperial Guards roamed in every hallway, patrolling twenty-four seven to ensure everyone inside stays safe.

He walked slowly, enjoying the silence as he walked along the gilded hallway towards a certain bedroom.

When he arrived at that certain bedroom door, there were two guards standing on either side with their rifles hoisted over their shoulders.

He approached them and said, “Are they inside?”

The soldier who was spoken to by the emperor saluted resolutely before giving a response. “Yes, Your Majesty. Her Majesty and the Imperial Highness are present inside the room.”

“Good, you may leave for a moment. I have to speak privately with them so that I don’t want the two of you to hear.”action

“Yes Your Majesty,” the two Imperial Guards intoned together as they stamped their foot and saluted with their face held straight up. Then they left, leaving the emperor alone in front of the embellished door.

He knocked gently.

“A moment.” A voice sounded from the other side. He immediately heard footsteps padding against the floorboard. Moments later the door opens and the queen appears before him wearing the usual elegant home gown that complimented her perfectly.

“Alex…!” Sophie let out a startled gasp as she embraced her husband in greeting.