Chapter 23: To Become a Commander
The next day, Arthur wakes up in a guest room. How long has it been since he slept on a real bed, not to mention a quality one.
"Master, it is time for breakfast. Today is your favorite two eggs and a bagel with peanut butter," said Belfast. Sheffield opens the curtain to allow sunlight to shine in this room.
Arthur wakes up with a deep yawn.
"Did I tell you my favorite?" asked Arthur, he swears he did not tell anyone about his favorite breakfast. It is not like he has any reason to keep it a secret since no one asked. He does not mind following the Royal Navy's schedule so he did not feel the need to say anything.
He did, however, request two eggs and a bagel, his favorite, to the Manjuu chef. People say Manjuus are good at keeping secrets.
"I saw you requesting your breakfast in person one day. I always wake up early in the morning so I am surprised to see someone who is not a royal maid waking earlier than me," said Belfast
"I see, it's not something to complain about anyway."
Arthur begins to eat his breakfast. The amount of salt and black pepper added to the eggs and the volume of peanut butter are both at his ideal amount. Royal maids sure are outstanding.
As Arthur finished his breakfast he turned toward the restroom that is included in this room "Let me change my clothes. I will be outside in a moment."
As Arthur walks to the restroom that is included in this room, he finds Belfast is walking right behind him.
"Hm… ?" Arthur notices Belfast is walking behind him.
"I will help you change your clothes," naturally said Belfast.
As much as Arthur wants to change his clothes by himself, he admits he often takes too much time to wear a suit from his tie to his belt.
"I see. This suit must be the reason you are here."
Arthur wears the suit shirt and pants by himself first. Belfast ties Arthur's tie to his neck and then sets his belt. Once Belfast is done, Arthur sits on the chair in front of a mirror to let Sheffield brush his hair and then gently scratches his hair with hair wax.
For the final touch, Belfast puts a watch of a classic luxury brand to Arthur's left wrist and then helps Arthur wear his shoes.
A series of premium beauty services from the royal maid that not even VIPs can enjoy. Only the ones who Queen Elizabeth deems worthy can enjoy such service, which never applied to humans.
Finishing the preparation, Arthur rides on a black VIP car with Belfast and Sheffield to the Royal Navy HQ.
The Royal Navy Throne Room
Queen Elizabeth sits on the throne with Warspite standing next to her. On the right side, Hood, Prince of Wales, Ark Royal, Illustrious, and Unicorn stand straight with a serious atmosphere. On the left side, King George V, Howe, Victories, and Swiftsure also stand straight with the same atmosphere.
The entire room is filled with almost a holy atmosphere.
Belfast and Sheffield open the door to let Arthur inside. They did not continue to follow Arthur but instead closed the door and left the room.
Arthur bows in front of Queen Elizabeth and kneels down with his left knee. Everyone is surprised with his refreshed sharp look after Belfast and Sheffield handled him.
"Raise your head, Arthur. You look much better."
"I appreciate your kind words, your majesty."
"Ahem… Arthur Mandelson, even though you were a stranger, you devoted your life and effort to the Royal Navy. As a result, not only you saved our precious Kansens from our enemies, you even brought victories. As the queen and the leader of the Royal Navy, you have my gratitude."
The Kansens give a round of applause.
"Now, your efforts and results deserve an appropriate reward. If you have anything in your mind, by all means speak up. I shall grant you one wish within my power."
"Your majesty, as you know, two days ago I was merely an emergency commander. I was able to obtain authority only because of the imminent enemy strikes. The enemy has subsided for now, but they most likely will come back in the near future. If I can obtain a seat of official Royal Navy commanders, I can continue to support our Kansens. Please allow me to become a commander."
"I see, so your wish to become an official commander from the emergency commander," said Queen Elizabeth. "Those who oppose this idea, please raise your hand now."
No one raises their hand.
"Alright, with a unanimous opinion, I shall accept your request. However, becoming an official commander requires fulfilling one of the following two requirements."
Obtaining a commander certificate from an acknowledged academy. The current leader of the Royal Navy and a member of the Council will verify its validity.
Under the supervision of the current leader of the Royal Navy and two recognized representatives of Kansens, the prospective commander will take a comprehensive exam. Upon reaching a passing score graded by acknowledged officials, the commander will be admitted as an official commander.
"The first option seems out of the question, thus leaving us to follow the second method."
Whoever those officials are, they seem to be very important and powerful that has the power to vote in decisions of appointing a new commander.
"Now I need two representatives who agree that Arthur has the abilities to be an official commander. Hood and King Geroge V, I believe you two fit this position."
"As you wish, your majesty," replied Hood.
"I have no objection," complied King George V
"Wonderful, if it's decided then let's not waste any time. Warspite."
Answering Queen Elizabeth's call, Warspite brings a clipboard that holds some papers and a pen.
Queen Elizabeth faces Hood and King George V.
"Both of you to my front," ordered Queen Elizabeth
Hood and King George V move as ordered and kneel with their left knees.
"Do you swear with your honor, dignity, and loyalty that you wholeheartedly agree that Arthur Mandelson is worthy to become a commander of the Royal Navy?"
"Yes, your majesty," said both.
"Do you swear that it is your responsibility to examine his performance both during and after the nomination exam without personal biases, influences, and prejudices?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"Finally, do you swear that upon any verified discovery of any confirmed violation to the established federal constitutions, civil laws, and code of conduct, you hold the responsibility to revoke his position?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"Fantastic, sign your name and date on the bottom of the first page."
Hood and King George V signed the paper. The rest of the members serve as witnesses to Hood and King George V's oaths.
Adding Queen Elizabeth's signature, the papers effectively become an application of an official commander of the Royal Navy.
"Now all that's left is to meet a member of the organization. Warspite, how long until the time for the appointment?"
"Only half an hour left, your majesty," replied Warspite.
"I see… Everyone, that is all for this meeting for today. You are dismissed," said Queen Elizabeth.
"Arthur, why don't you enjoy a short break with tea and snacks?" Queen Elizabeth strongly claps her hand two times, "Belfast, Sheffield, leads Arthur to a guest room to take a break. He has another meeting coming as soon as scheduled."
Belfast and Sheffield open the door and escort Arthur as ordered.