Chapter 2: New Life – Start
I beat many would think that everything that happen would just wake and see it was a dream but no, not for me. I slept good, surprising and started remember what happened to so far yesterday to this morning. Here I am, in this strange new world, the guest of a prince of an empire I never heard of and have no clue what happens next.
"It's not a bad thing. If anything, I think prefer this then back home and was boring sometimes. So, this might work out and will have to find out later today," I thought to myself, thinking but was cut off when someone knocked on the door three times.
At first, I wonder who was at the door, but changed when I remembered that General Darlton had told me last night that either he or Guildford would be bringing me my new clothes this morning.
"Come in," I called, climbing out of bed and saw the door opened to reveal Guilford with a white cardboard box in his arms.
I can guess that it contained my new attire and wonder what it will be like.
"Sir Guilford, good morning," I said, being sure to include the form of address appropriate for a knight like in my world, assuming it was the same in this world as well.
"And good morning to you too, Alex. I trust you had a good night's sleep?" Guilford asked, smiling slightly.
"Thank you, sir. Yes did. I don't think I've slept that well for a while. Which is odd, given the circumstances," I replied, honesty with a smile and rubbed the back of my head with right hand.
This caused Guilford to let out a light laugh.
"Indeed, I suppose it is. But I doubt you should dwell on it," Guilford said, making a good point as he placed the box he carried on the side of the bed.
"You'll find your new clothes in there. I'll be waiting outside, the princess wishes to speak with before breakfast," He informed.
That's right.
"Of course, Sir Guilford. And thank you again," I said.
"No need to thank me. And please, unless we're in the presence of others call me Guilford. Otherwise, Lord Guilford will do fine," Guilford said which I nodded in understanding and watch him exiting the room.
After letting out a yawn, I decided to check out my new clothes and open the box. I discovered the new outfit was uniform, not dissimilar from what Darlton and Guilford wore. It consisted of a vivid maroon, knee-length high collar uniform coat with thin black shoulder pads cover the tops of both shoulders and a gold strip lining the end of each. The coat was closed to the waist where is possessed an iterated black belt with a gold clasp. Below the belt, the coat was open and extended down to the knee level. The edges of the coat as well as the front seam were also lined with gold fabric. The sleeves were full-length, extending down to the wrists with a thicker black fabric covering the last few inches down to the wrists. This black fabric also possessed two gold stripes, one at the very end of the sleeve and another to the wrists. Apart from the coat, the outfit included a light white dress shirt, white trousers tucked into what looks like to be dressage-style riding boots, and plain white gloves.
I whistle, loving this outfit and thought, "I have to admit. Whoever designed this uniform did a damn good job."
To my surprise, it was easy to put on, even the boots which were far longer than anything I'd worn before. Amazingly, I didn't feel too hot, despite the layers I was wearing and was easy to breath. I smiled as I finished adjusting my new uniform and exited the room.
Sure enough, Guilford was waiting for me across the hall. He nodded with satisfaction at my new appearance.
"Well, it would seem your new uniform fits you perfectly," Guilford said with a light smile as he started off down the hallway.
"I suppose it does. It's a lot more comfortable than I expected," I said, keeping the pace with the knight, not wanting to be left behind due to not having an idea on where I was going. I can't risk that and being late.
That is something I don't want to do and make a princess upset, bad idea.
Guilford nodded and said, "Good to hear."
After a few short minutes and having Guilford explained the general layout of the palace to me. The route we were taking to ensure I won't get lost in this giant building. We soon arrived in front of a set white double doors. Stopping in front of them, Guilford turned to face me which I listen to what he has to say for closely.
"Now then, before we go in, there are a couple of things I need to mention. I think you greatly impressed the princess with your manners yesterday. So, in future, always address her as your highness or my lady unless she tells you otherwise. As for Darlton, always refer to him as General or General Darlton. Other than that, head up, eyes straight, and keep calm. Understood," Guilford informed me.
"Yes, my lord," I answered, straightening myself up as I spoke and understand very well.
Being satisfied, Guilford knocked on the door three times and soon open to have General Darlton behind it.
"Your highness. Lord Guilford and our guest have arrived," The general said, turning his head back inside the room.
"Excellent, bring them in, Darlton," The princess replied.
The general opened the door full, allowing Guilford and I to enter. The room was large, far bigger than the room I spent in for the night. Marble plinths, some supporting busts as well as portraits adorned the walls on both sides. At the end of the room was large ornate desk, constructed from some dark wood and above the desk had a flag raised. The flag possessed a blue field with a red cross over which was imposed a crowned black and gold shield, bearing a lion and snake.
Hmm not bad taste and seem fitting for an empire to have.
Cornelia sat behind the desk in an ornate yet comfortable-looking chair and was reading over what looked like a file of some kind.
Guildford and I approached the desk. The knight had his right arm crossed over his chest and head bowed. I quickly did the same, not wanting to appear disrespectful.
"Your highness," Guildford said with his head bowed.
"Rise Guilford, my knight. You as well, Mr. Solberg," Cornelia said, getting me to stood up and kept my head up with my sight focused on her.
She slowly lent forward, her elbows resting on the desk with her interlocked hands under her chin. Her indigo eyes gazed at me intently before being softened.
"And how are feeling this morning, Mr. Solberg?" She asked.
"I'm feeling well, your highness. Thank you for asking, but please call me Alex. Being called Mr. Solberg makes me feel old," I answered/informed which I heard the princess surpassing a small chuckle.
"Very well, Alex. Now then the reason I had Guilford bring you here was to explain the situation to you as well as your cover story. Given what you told use yesterday, I believe the best course of action would be to enlist you as a member of my Royal Guard. Specifically, you'll be serving as one of my advisors," Cornelia explained, getting me to be shock of this big responsibility I was handed too.
I kept myself together, but a feeling more to come and said, "As you wish, your highness."
"Good, now for the specifics," The Princess said, opening a file in her hands and continued, "Your full name will be Alexander Lupus Solberg. You were born in the EU on April 6th, 1998 a.t.b and raise in Alaska. You lost both of your parents to illness when you were three years old. You advanced quickly through school and joined the military at the age of eighteen. You step two years at a military academy after which I selected you to join my Royal Guard based on your exceptional qualifications and granted you the rank of Lieutenant. As far as anyone is concerned, your full member of the Britannian military, and thus you'll be paid as one as well."
I was silent, taking the information that had been thrown at me. What stunned me was how generous Princess Cornelia was being and doing was risky which will have severe consequences if anyone found out. She was doing all this for me, a common stranger. I thought to myself for a second, gathering up and knew what my response should be. I knelt before the desk as I did before, causing everyone's eyes to widen in surprise.
"Your highness, I can't thank you enough for what you're doing for me. I'm honored that you, a princess, would even consider treating me with such generosity. I promise I will do whatever it takes to repay you for your kindness and to fulfill the duties you've bestowed upon me as best I can. I am at your service, my lady," I replied, agreeing to the service I was given and giving my service to the princess.
"Well said, Lieutenant. Now please, stand," Cornelia said which I did, and she continued, "I'm simply offering you support for your plight. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to be in your position right now. While I happily accept your services, you have no need to feel obligate to repay me in any special way."
"Of course, your highness and thank you," I agreed, getting Cornelia to nod with a smile gracing her features.
She rose up from her seat and said, "Well, now that business is taken care of for the moment. I believe it's time for breakfast, no?"
Darlton, Guilford, and I chimed our agreement as the princess headed for the head with us following in tow. The four of us made our way down the hall; Cornelia at the front with Guilford and Darlton at her side and me bringing up the rear. It proved to be a rather long way with occasionally the princess would look back at me. She gives a slight smile which I happily returned and felt great about this.
"It's not every day you get an opportunity like this. I mean, how many people can say that they serve an actual princess? And she's gorgeous as well. I could get used to this," I thought, slightly glad that I wasn't saying this out loud and feared the reaction if I spoke out loud. There's no telling what I happen and should keep that way for now on. I don't plan on or wish to be on her bad side.
As the walk kept going in silence, but a loud cry echoed down an adjoining corridor and got my attention.
"Sister Cornelia!" Coming from a young girl with pink hair collided with Cornelia, wrapping her arms around the older woman who somehow managed to keep her footing.
Given how unfazed Cornelia appeared, I gathered that this was a regular thing. Although, the fact that my own family would never be able to embrace me in the same way did make my eyes moisten slight but was able to quickly blink away. I can't dwell on that now and have better look onto the girl that hugged the princess.
She had pink hair that hung down to her waist with two buns on either side of her head. She wore a white and pink dress with a rose necklace adorning her neck. Her eyes were bluish violet, even more unusual than Cornelia's. She stood about an inch shorter than Cornelia and possessed a similarly slim build. I also noted that she was also quite beautiful in her own right, thought hers was more cute beauty compared to Cornelia's elegant and refined allure.
But anyway, moving on.
"Euphemia! How many times must I remind you not to do that," Cornelia reminded, scolding the young girl who is now identified as Euphemia.
The young girl let go of her older sister and her hands were now clasped in front of her.
"I know, I'm sorry. It's just that I ran into Guildford on the way to breakfast. He said you had some business to take care of and that I should wait in the dinner hall, so I did, but you were taking so long. I wanted to see what was taking long and…oh?" She said but paused and noticed me standing next to Darlton, being amused by the situation.
I managed not to let my amusement slip through.
"So, I take it this is the man you told me about last night," Euphemia asked, getting Cornelia to node her head and confirmed her sister's suspicion.
"Yes, he is. Lieutenant Solberg, may I introduce to you my young sister, Euphemia li Britannia, the Third Princess of the Holy Britannian Empire," Cornelia explained.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness," I said, bowing from the waist which Euphemia returned with a slight curtsy.
"The pleasure is mine, Lieutenant. And please, call me Euphie. After all, any friend of Cornelia's is a friend of mine," Euphemia said, smiling sweetly at me and I can't help but smile back.
"Of course, you high…er…I mean Euphie. In that case, please call me Alex," I said, keeping myself together.
"Of course. I think you and I will get along just fine," She said, clapping her hands together in front of chest and her smile never leaving her face.
"I don't think I never met anyone this happy before. If she always like this, then I think I can handle and get along with her just fine," I thought, but was out of thought when Cornelia's voice brought me back to the moment.
"You'd better get along 'just fine'. Seeing as you'll be spending a lot of tome here," She said, fixing me with her gaze.
I could detect an oh-so obvious threat concealed in those words. It said, 'Make my sister unhappy and I will personally castrate you!'. Okay, maybe it didn't say that, but that was fine as I got the impression.
"Understood, my lady," I replied, before sending my silent message back, "As if I will ever do anything to upset such a sweet girl."
Before Cornelia could respond, Euphemia grabbed her sister's hand and proceeded to drag her down the hallway. Guilford let out exasperated sigh before moving to follow his princess and her bubbly little sister. Darlton and I smirked at each other before we too followed, being a little enjoying the very entertaining spectacle before us.
Soon we arrived at the dinner hall, where a pair of butlers opened the large double doors to reveal a long ornate wooden dining table lined with a few dozen chairs with five places already set out. Looking around, I could see the room's décor was the same to that of the hallway I first arrived in, wall comprised of towering windows, and reveal a stunningly beautiful garden outside. It seems the princesses like having a nice view while dining and I can't blame them, it has a nice view.
Cornelia took her seat at the head of the table before indicating for the rest fo use to do the same. Guilford and I sat on her right with the bespectacled knight closest to her. Euphemia and Darlton sat to her left with the pink princess siting next to her sister.
Immediately, one of the butlers appeared beside the table, seemingly out of nowhere before handing each of use a small breakfast menu.
"Is her highness ready to order?" The butler asked, standing off to Cornelia's right.
"Actually, perhaps the Lieutenant should order first?" She offered, turning to face me.
"Very well, my lady," I said, before quickly scanning the menu, which were filled with enticing options, but I come across one that sound good for me and spoke, "I'll have two pieces of toast with bacon and eggs, and a glass or orange juice, please."
The others followed suit. Darlton ordered eggs, sausages, bacon, also with a glass of orange. Guilford ordering a bacon omelet with a cup of tea. Euphemia ordering a simple cold bowl of cereal with orange juice. Cornelia ordered an omelet and tea like her knight, but she requested a mushroom omelet.
The butler noted our orders in before disappearing just a quietly as he arrived, leaving the five of us alone for the time being. Almost immediately, Euphemia was chatting away animatedly with her sister whose expression became kind and gentle as befitting a loving older sibling. Darlton meanwhile had begun reading a newspaper that I just noticed that he had been carrying with him all this time. Guilford on the other hand, turned to face me and I can tell that he wants to talk with me.
"Now then Alex, I thought now would be a good time to explain our schedule for the day," Guilford said with me nodding to confirm I understand.
"Once we've finished eating, her highness has instructed me to take you out to evaluate your current skills and begin training you properly. I trust that you've already done some reading on what a Knightmare Frame is, correct?" He informed/asked.
"Yes, my Lord. General Darlton recommended I do a little research last night. I was curious, so I took the opportunity to learn what I could," I replied.
"Good, that makes things a little easier. Of course, we will move on to the Knightmares later today. But first, I'll be evaluating your firearm skills. As a member of Royal Guard, you must be able to defend her highness at a moment's notice. Thus, your marksmanship must be adequate," Guilford explained.
That made sense and good start for me as I'm new. So, training should be needed.
"I see. That sounds like a good place to start. I suppose it's good I'm already somewhat good at target shooting then, isn't it?" I said which Guilford chuckled.
"Yes, I suppose it is. But I'll be the judge of that," He replied with a friendly smirk and spoke, "However, don't be so optimistic when it comes to your Knightmare training. Princess Cornelia chose me as her Knight for a reason."
"I don't doubt that, my Lord. However, don't expect me to go down without a fight."
"Good answer," Guilford said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"That's the kind of attitude I like. I think we'll work well together."
This made Darlton looked up from his paper towards the knight with a smirk and said, "Are you implying that you and I don't work well together, Guilford? I'm hurt."
Guilford looked back at his colleague with a smirk and said, "Of course, Andreas. I would never say such a thing."
Darlton seemed satisfied with his attempt at teasing for Guilford for now. Soon enough the butler from before entered the room, announcing that breakfast was served. A small group of maids followed in and placed everyone's meals in front of them. I thanked one of the maids as she served me my food to which she politely smiled back before departing along with her fellow servants. Time for breakfast.
Time Skip
After breakfast, the two princesses excused themselves with Cornelia asking Daltron to come with her. This left Guilford and I all on our own with the knight leading us for our schedule for the day. It turned out to be rather a long walk as for obvious reasons the training area we would be using was situated away from the main palace building. We had exited the main palace and take a short ten-minute walk to each the entrance to the training ground.
Once Guilford got us in, we headed into one of the buildings which occupied the training ground which is the smallest. I could instantly tell once inside that this was the indoor shooting rang and had actual range itself with a dozen or so individual shooting bays positioned in front with the targets positioned roughly a hundred meters or so down range. The range was off to our right as we entered with number of rifles and pistols stored on wall-mounted racks along the wall opposite us and to our left.
Guilford guided me over to the nearest rack and pulled one of the rifles off its rack. The gun was rectangular, bullpup design with the sights integrated into a carrying handle at the front of the rifle. Over it was a compact, cleanly-built weapon, somewhat resembling a combination of an FN P90 and a FAMAS.
"This is the M15 assault rifle, standard issue to all Britannian infantry personnel. It's capable of both fully automatic fire and burst fire. Fires a 7x64mm caseless round. Rate of fire is around 1,000 rounds per minute, and it's accurate out to 300 meters," Guilford explained before handing the rifle over to me.
Taking the weapon with both hands, I was surprised at how light it was. Despite its solid appearance, it felt like it weighed around two kilos.
"It's a lot lighter than I would've expected," I commented, getting Guilford to nod.
"Yes, I suppose it would be. I'm guessing in your world you still use chemical propellants, correct?" Guilford queried.
"That's right, we do," I replied.
Guilford nodded again, this time pulling out a couple of magazines from below the gun rack. At first glance they closely resemble those of the P90; a rectangular, semi-transparent box magazine with spiral feed ramp at one end. The rounds were stacked in two rows, positioned at 90 degrees to the line of the barrel.
"The M15 utilizes these 50-round magazines. Since we're only testing you today, we'll start off with three full clips for now," Guilford said then guided me over to one of the bays, setting the magazines down on the table.
He then showed me how to load the magazine into the rifle which also turned out to be very similar to the P90. He also ran me through the first control sector, being three. S-Safe, B-Five round burst, and A-Fully Automatic fire. They were located near the trigger.
"We won't need any hearing protection since these guns aren't very loud. Start whenever you're ready."
I nodded my head at the information and then assumed what I knew to be an effective stance. My upper body turned slightly my right shoulder towards the target and left leg poisoned slight back to stead myself. I brought the rifle up, noting how it fit comfortable against my shoulder and how the sights were almost perfectly positioned. I focused the sights on the target which in this case was typical black human silhouette target and pull the trigger to fire.
I switched the rifle into burst fire, switching my point of aim between the head and chest regions, having my aim at the vital organs would be in a real person. As I continued firing, I marveled at how easy the rifle was handled. The recoil was very light, no doubt a result of the use of electromagnetic propulsion and perhaps some recoil-absorption system. The result had to my surprise keep the rifle on target and was clear on target for each of my shoots.
This time, however, I switched to the next and the selector to the fully automatic position which had the recoil were noticeable, still wasn't that great. I had to keep the effect of aiming the gun where I wanted. To not my surprise, I burn out the second magazine a lot faster than the first one and soon forced to switch to my last magazine I had left.
"I have almost forgotten how much fun this is," I thought as I started firing again and on full auto, limiting myself to short controlled bursts of fire.
I expected and was right, the recoil was now easier to control although still not as docile as in burst fire. Once the magazine was empty, I switched the rifle to safety and let out a breath that I didn't even realize I have been holding in.
"Well done, Alex. Let's see exactly how you did," Guilford commented, bringing the target back towards us and we could properly see how well I have done.
The target reached our end of the range and I could see that I have done even better than I expected. A few rounds had strayed to either side, but all of them had hit within the black silhouette and the vast majority had landed exactly where I have been aiming, either through the heart or the head.
"I have to say, I'm quite surprised. I never expected you will be this good."
"Same here, Lord Guilford. I'm guess I'm used to guns with a bit more kick," I said.
"Even son, I'd say congratulations are in order. Now then, let's move on," Guilford said before quickly retrieving a pistol from the nearest rack, along with another three magazines.
"This is the M10 service pistol, issued to all Britannian officers. It fires a 7x32mm round as opposed to the M15's 7x64mm found and utilizes a 13-round double-stacked magazine. Now it's crucial that you be particularly familiar with this as it likely be your only available option if you are required to protect Princess Cornelia or Princess Euphemia. Understood?" He informed and check if I understand.
"Yes, sir," I replied.
"Good, then let's not waste any time," The knight said before handing a pistol and magazines to me while he placed the target before sending it back down. The target was now around fifty meters, rather than full hundred. Not needing any instruction this time, I quickly started firing again.
Like the M15, the pistol has surprisingly low recoil, especially for a pistol, but was clearly harder to control. I ended up managing to fire roughly one or two rounds each second while trying to keep my shots as accurate as possible. Once I finished, Guilford brought the target back again. This time, my shots where more scattered, but was pleased to see that the majority had hit where I was aiming while a few had missed entirely.
"Once again, well done. You're obviously not as used to a pistol, yet you still showed remarkable skill," Guilford mused, having his tone full of praise.
"Thanks for the praise, Guilford. I'm a little surprised myself," I said, rubbing the back of my head with my left hand while other hold the pistole.
"Well, perhaps you just have a natural talent for this," Guilford said as he puts the rifl back in its rack and empty magazines. He soon handed me a black belt and holster along with three full magazines for the pistol.
"You'll need to have your new pistol on you at all times. So, you'd better take care of it now."
I nodded, understanding and took the belt and magazines from the knight. The belt fit snuggles around my waits with the holster on my right-hand side. The pistol's short length meant it would be much easier to draw quickly this way. The loaded on of the new magazines into the gun, before switching the safety on and sliding in into the holster. The two pare spare magazines fitted into an ammo pouch on the left-hand side which would allow for me to quickly reload if necessary.
"Seems like a good fit. Hopefully I won't need to use it anytime soon," I remarked, getting to realize my dream of being soldier and felt unsettled by the idea of taking another's man life.
To be honest with myself, I don't feel ready to do something like that, but I guess every solider goes through it sooner or later.
"Of course, but given who Princess Cornelia is, you may need it sooner than you think." Guilford said, giving me a reassuring smile which I returned and felt better than my last thoughts were.
"Now why don't we put such unpleasant thoughts aside for now? Besides, we must get you started on Knightmare training. The Princess prides herself on her force's piloting skills and I intend to make sure you live up to that standard," The knight said.
"Of course, Lord Guilford. I'll try not to let you down," I said, following Guilford as he led the way back outside and another building.
The building look like a high-tech aircraft hangar. Once inside, I finally got my first proper look at Britannia's most powerful and promise weapon…the Knightmare Frame.
The Knightmares of which there were roughly a dozen, being Glasgow's. They were identified by their dirt brown-colored, slab-sided armor with the cockpit blocks painted coal-black. The units were lined up, side by side, being ten meters apart along the length of the hangar. In front of each Knightmare was a set of large sliding doors which probably opened onto an outdoor training area. Each of the Glasgow stood within a short metal gantry with sever technicians wearing dull orange jumpsuits working on each one.
"Amazing," I gasped, having my breath completely taken away.
I seen the photos of these incredible machines but seeing them in person was something else. I don't think I remember a time like this and might be my first time I have been so amaze before.
"Indeed. I felt the same way when I first saw the Glasgow," Guilford commented.
"But don't be too amazed yet. Wait until you've had the chance to pilot one," As he finished speaking, a man wearing more formal version of what the technicians were wearing came over to us.
He quickly snapped off a salute which Guilford and I both returned. I guessed he much be the chief technician or something along the lines.
"Lord Guilford, Lieutenant Solberg, we have been expecting you. I trust you both are well?" He asked politely, a welcome yet formal smile formed on his face.
"We are, Chief Paxton. Thank you for asking. I assume everything has been prepared as I instructed?" Guilford inquired, getting nod from the chief.
"Yes, my Lord, everything's been set up as you asked. Both of your units have been equipped with Stun Tonfas only, no additional weapons. I don't suppose I can ask you to not do too much damage?" Paxton asked, giving the knight a wry smile.
"We'll try but I can't promise anything," Guilford replied.
Paxton nodded before leading us to the pair of the nearest the two Glasgows with the checks are done, no surprise there. I noted the devices affixed each forearm which I guess are Stun Tonfas, possessing a small electric stun gun. The weapon's main feature was a thick, fold-out armored tonfa like the martial arts weapon used mainly as a last resort to bludgeon enemy units.
The chief nodded and returned to his duties, staring with shouting at a group of technicians further down that had apparently slacked off while he was busy helping us.
"Well, after you Lieutenant. Head up to the cockpit and take a seat. Since we're only practicing today, we can do without proper pilot suits for now," Guilford said, gesturing towards the gantry steps.
I quickly followed on cue, climbing the gantry's metal steps while trying my best to keep my excitement a reasonable level. I kept telling myself that I am and supposed to act like a professional soldier, not a kid in a candy store. I took some breaths and know what happens next will be something big which will be my first time using a Knightmare.
This is getting interesting and something to look forward too.
Alex's Harem (Update): Cornelia. Milly. Villetta. Nonette. Rest TBA