March 27th, 1929. St. Petersburg, Ruthenia Empire.

The Beast and the five SUVs escorting it raced down the road as they made their way to the Kronshtadt.

The rays of the sun from the horizon illuminated the streets around them in an orange glow. Alexander peered from his windows as Sevastian was debriefing him about the talking points he had to take into account once they arrived at the capital of the Britannia Empire.

Snow that was once piled on the streets was no longer visible, though not completely as there were still beads and flakes littering the ground.

"Your Majesty, this concludes the briefing. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me anytime," Sevastian spoke elegantly as he closed the file.

Alexander drifted his gaze from the window to Sevastian. He gave him a courteous nod.

As of right now, they are on their way to Kronshtadt, the headquarters of the Baltic Fleet of the Imperial Ruthenian Navy where their transport to the Britannia Empire is docked.

Alexander is going to attend the crown ceremony of Her Royal Highness, Diana Rosemary Edinburgh which will be held on the second of April. It is an important event not only to the Britannia Empire but to the whole world.

It will be attended by the head of state of the great powers. This means, there will be a lot of lobbying to play. Alexander had already prepared himself for such an event as most probably he'll get flocked by politicians from various countries to seal a deal with him.

Unfortunately for them, his countermeasure from it is rejection. Alexander won't come there to play politics. He will just attend the ceremony to see the new head of monarch of the current strongest empire in the world.

"I already memorized what you have just said to me, Sevastian. So I think I'll do fine. Anyways, let's set that aside and talk about something. What is happening with the Grand Duchy of Finland right now?"

"Since the people in the Grand Duchy of Finland had voted no for independence and chose to remain part of the Ruthenia Empire, there are political groups within the duchy believing that the voting was rigged."Alexander huffed. "Of course, there's always a reason like that when it comes to voting. So when is the Imperial Council going to settle the matter?"

"In the second week of March, Your Majesty. Are you going to attend the hearing?" Sevastian asked.

Alexander shook his head. "No, it's for the legislative branch to resolve. I have done my duties as the head of state of the executive branch of the government. I won't overstep my bounds with respect to the constitution."

Sevastian smiled stiffly after hearing his answer. He could've just said no but he had to be verbose.

"Your Majesty, we have just arrived at the Port of Kronshtadt," a voice from the front of the vehicle sounded. It belonged to the Chief of Staff of the Imperial Guards, Rolan.

​ The Beast parked near the gangway connecting the ground and the mighty battleship of the Imperial Ruthenian Navy, His Imperial Ruthenian Majesty's Ship Imperator Aleksandr IV Class Battleship.

Rolan stepped outside the vehicle and opened the door for Alexander.

Alexander climbed out of the car slowly with his gaze fixed on the contour of the battleships. He still can't move on to how majestic and beautiful and intimidating the presence of the battleship is. He is the one who designed it and seeing it, in reality, made his heart swell up with pride.

He glanced at the people standing nearby. Many of them were dressed in black suits while others wore traditional military attire. They stood on either side of the red carpet where he could walk on.

The battleship is going to be his main transport along with the other two His Imperial Ruthenian Majesty's Ship Burnyi Class Destroyers that are based on Charles F. Adams-class destroyer.

The reason why he is taking a ship instead of an aircraft is simple. London doesn't have an airport strong enough to accommodate the landing of the Boeing 747 aircraft. But that problem would soon go away as the Ruthenia Empire already started exporting civilian aircraft like the Boeing 707 and the Boeing 737 prompting them to change the design of the airport that only accommodate small aircraft.

"Your Majesty," Rolan called for Alexander carefully. "If you would please," he beckoned the emperor to follow him.

Alexander snapped out of his reverie and started walking along the red carpet with Sevastian and the Imperial Guards. As they hopped onto the gangway, Alexander could see the captain of the ship waiting for him at the end of it. He took a few steps forward until he reached his destination.Upon stepping inside the battleship, the captain and the crew of the battleship performed a salute in front of the emperor.

Alexander returned the gesture by saluting them back.

"Your Majesty, it is a great honor to me and the crew of the ship to transport you to the Britannia Empire. There is no greater joy than this," the captain said reverently.

"I am pleased with your effort," Alexander replied solemnly. "Now can you lead me to my room?"

"Of course Your Majesty. Please follow me."

The captain led Alexander and the rest of his staff to the upper deck where his room for the duration of the whole trip was located.

The captain signaled the men who were standing at either side of the door to open the door. They stomped their feet in acknowledgment and one of them opened the door.

Alexander took a peek inside, the room is large and spacious, filled with exquisite furniture akin to his office room in the Winter Palace. They really made such an effort to make the room befitting for the emperor.

"Your Majesty, do you like it?" the captain asked, looking up expectantly at Alexander.

Alexander scanned the room one last time before giving his answer. "I like it, the vibe is just the same as my office. Good job to those who refurbished this room."

"Your words honor us, Your Majesty. Well, I need to go to the bridge now as I will have to prepare the ship for the voyage," the captain bowed before leaving the Emperor.

Alexander stepped inside the room and walked around, examining the furnishings. Then he headed straight to the bed.

He sat down and looked at the men standing in front of him, which were Sevastian and Rolan.

"Rolan, are the security team in the Port of London ready to receive us once we arrive?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. We are keeping in touch with them and updating them daily. Rest assured, we have made necessary security sweeps across the city of London to make sure that no unwanted groups like Black Hand spoil the moment."

"Also, Your Majesty, once we arrive at the port, Her Royal Highness, Diana Rosemary Edinburgh is going to welcome us personally. It's going to be special as we're the only country she will be welcoming in person."

"I'll keep that in mind. Everyone take some rest, I will be fine here."

"Yes, Your Majesty."