A/N: Here's Chapter Two of Novoselic's New Monarchy, following the "Matching Outfits Theme." This chapter takes place after "Hope's Peak Academy's Chief Engineer, Kazuichi Soda!" Please read and review, and enjoy!

The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: Novoselic's New Monarchy!

Chapter Two: Gundham Changes Clothes!

"Now Gundham, be reasonable…" Albus tried to placate an irate Gundham.

"Why should I have to change my attire just to conform toto the traditions of a domain outside my own?" Gundham demanded as he shook his head in defiance.

Albus sighed "Because, you're not merely a tourist, you are for all intents and purposes a resident and citizen of Novoselic, and living in our country requires that certain traditions be upheld, especially if you plan to become Princess Sonia's consort."

Gundham blushed and closed his eyes in embarrassment. Novoselic's recovery had gone rather smoothly, thanks in large part to the advocacy and a series of donations by Headmaster Makoto Naegi, who had caught wind of Sonia's return to power once she had reformed her government. Some of the more traditional members of her newly reformed Council had opposed the idea of being dependent on the generosity of foreigners out of nationalistic pride, but Sonia had overruled them.

"The people are hungry, starving, and homeless, and you would deny them the resources so charitably offered to us simply out of stubborn pride? If that is how you feel, then you have no right to govern!"

Gundham smiled briefly in pride at how Sonia had taken charge before resuming his scowl at his current predicament as he denied "Albus, it doesn't matter how much the people of Novoselic gossip; Princess Sonia and I aren't in love."

Albus smiled knowingly, cluing Gundham in that he knew that Gundham knew that this was a bald-faced lie, at least on his end. Ever since their first dinner, which some of the palace staff had labeled as the pair's first date in their gossip, Gundham and Sonia had become very close as he supported her from the sidelines during the trials of reestablishing the Novoselic Monarchy. It wasn't long before the people, now secure in food and housing, began to gossip about Princess Sonia's foreign consort, despite the fact that neither one of them had confessed their growing feelings to the other.

"How's it going?"

Albus and Gundham turned their heads to see Sonia walking inside with a smile on her face, which caused Gundham to blush.

Albus smiled in amusement before he shook his head and answered "I'm afraid Princess that Gundham is being particularly stubborn about changing attires."

Gundham pouted and grumbled "I just don't see why a dark master like myself needs to change his attire."

"Oh, that's such a shame, Gundham. I was looking forward to seeing you in the clothes of my home country! I even picked out your clothes so that we'd match! That way I could help you to adjust as you integrated into Novoselic society!"

"P…Princess…" Gundham stuttered, his eyes widened as he took in Sonia's words. You…you picked out matching clothes…for me…?

Albus smiled and turned to Gundham before he asked "Well, Gundham? The Princess has gone to great lengths to include you in our culture. Do you really plan to refuse her out of pride?"

Gundham flashed back to Sonia's reprimand of her council during the debate on whether to accept Makoto's donations before he sighed and acquiesced "…Very well…since Princess Sonia has gone to such lengths to make me feel like a part of her domain…I will try to accommodate her."

"Excellent!" Albus clapped his hands and led Gundham away as he commanded "Come along now; we must get you to the fitting room!"

Sonia sweatdropped as she watched Albus drag a flushed Gundham away before they disappeared.

Truthfully, I don't want Gundham to change…he wouldn't be Gundham otherwise. But a change in clothes can't be too bad… She reasoned as she eagerly waited for Gundham to return so she could see how he would look in her country's clothing style.

XXX

Sonia beamed as Albus came back into the room, a reluctant Gundham in tow as the former Breeder blushed in embarrassment, his lower face hidden beneath his scarf.

"I apologize Princess, but he wouldn't part with the scarf."

"That's alright, Albus. One small adjustment is acceptable. Now…oh, Gundham, you look absolutely handsome!"

"You…you really think so?" Gundham asked hesitantly as he looked down at the dark green shirt with white sleeves that covered his torso, then at the grey pants that obscured his legs and the red shoes that covered his feet. As Sonia nodded, a blushing Gundham muttered "Th…thank you…"

Sonia smiled as she took his hand and exclaimed excitedly
"Come, Gundham! Let's walk through the streets so that the people may see you in your new attire!" As Gundham's four hamsters jumped out onto his shoulders, Sonia agreed "Alright, you four can come too."

"Wait, Princess…" Gundham weekly protested in vain as Sonia dragged him out of the room, Albus smiling in amusement at his Princess and her companion.