Chapter 4: Rise of the Royal Fox P1

Note before the chapter starts: I should have informed this at the first chapter, but I forget and here we are. Alex's voice actor is Robbie Draymond and yes, he will sound like Gaelio Baudouin from Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans. Now that's taken care off, let's enjoy chapter 4.

February 11th, 2017 a.t.b

Red Hour by Stria

It has been a long day. I sighed as I lay on my bed, taking some rest my training route, I finished a while ago and plan to head to the library to read some more.

Despite how worn out I was, I couldn't help but smiled a little as I read on how much has happened during the past two months of being here and what my new life here was like that I enjoy very much.

During the past two months since my still unexplained arrival in this new world, I found and enjoying my settle into this new life here. Most of my days had been pretty much the same with the start of having breakfast and followed by training of various sorts with Guilford. The first few days that lead to a month was the same with the Knight alternating the focus of our training between Knightmare and hand-to-hand combat which was an area where he really pushed me.

The Knight explained to me that a Royal Guard was always expected to be in top form, both in and out of a Knightmare Frame. I can remember the first week my entire body was sore at the end of each day and had no energy to do much afterwards. In time and eventually, my body began to grow accustomed to this new regime, having me body hurt less and less as the days went by.

Apart from the physical sparring, Guilford had also stepped up my Knightmare training. After a couple of weeks with Glasgow, he decided to move onto the model I have been using in combat and happens to be my favorite. I pilot the Fifth Generation Knightmare Frame known as the Gloucester. It was a world apart from the old Glasgow, being faster and far more agile as it was designed to combat other Knightmares. It also happens to be my favorite like good number of other pilots, and I made request of having a custom Gloucester be made for me.

I happened to be an all-around type at fighting, going with different combat and ranged weapons. One of the weapons that I use are the Slash Harkens, meant to be use for climbing walls cliffs and served as very effective short-range weapons. The other weapons for combat are either a lance, mace or shield with a short sword in it. My firing range weapons are an assault rifle with an automatic low-powered railgun and large grenade launcher fitted above the main barrel. Lastly, a pair of handguns as my side arms. My custom Knightmare was made by new friend of mine and I designed it thanks to the Gundam series I watched back in my old world. Its named ASW-G-66 Kimaris to differ from others, having a white and dark blue color theme.

Aside from training/sparring with Guilford, I spent my time mostly reading books from the palace library. Most of the times I will be on my own, but mostly Euphemia would join me. I found myself enjoying our conversation as the young princess proved to be a fun person to talk to. She even insisted on teasing me about the relationship between her sister and me. I would not push anything between her sister and I, but teasing didn't stop. Yeah, it never gets old and fun for the young princess these days.

Cornelia treated me different than everyone else. Whatever it will something small, she shows it very much during my two months being here. She will send a slight smile at me, her gaze lightens, and lights up my day. I first thought she was being nice considering my unique situation but that thought changed over time as I hang out with her and enjoyed her company like I did with Euphemia. I feel very happy and light around those two but with Cornelia was different and some strong feelings will be building up. They have that effect of me and will remember that.

I have been thinking over this hidden feeling since the first month have passed and should really tell Cornelia about this. I won't say anything to Euphemia quiet yet as I know if I did, she won't stop her teasing and won't live that down. So, I will have to ask Guilford or Darlton about that, but not now and wait for the right time.

I smiled before heading down to the library and read a few books.

Small Time Skip

Gremory Palace, Saint Darwin – Pendragon

"So, Guilford? Do we know what's going on?" I asked as the two us made our way through the palace and head towards for Cornelia's office.

I was enjoying a rather interesting book on Britannian History, but my reading was stopped when the Knight had come in. He explained to me that the Princess had summoned us to her office.

Guilford shook his head in my response and spoke, "No, her highness has not yet informed me on why she requested our presence. Although, seeing as you, Darlton, and I have all been summoned, I'd wager it's very important."

"I see. Well, I guess we'll soon find out," I said as we arrived outside the office.

Guilford entered straight away without knock, clearly it wasn't necessary as Cornelia had requested us. Once inside, we found Darlton already standing in front of the princess's desk with herself slowly pacing back and forth behind her desk. Her features set into a look of seriousness which means that this was big.

Guilford and I stepped forward, stopping as we drew level with Darlton.

"Your Highness, I have brought the Lieutenant as you requested," Guilford announced, snapping off a quick salute before forgoing the usual bow.

This got Cornelia to finally stop pacing and turn to face the three of us, having her face not relax and not even the slightest. This might be a big thing.

"Excellent. I apologize for demanding your presence on such short notice," Cornelia said.

"If I may your highness? What exactly is happening?" I asked.

"Of course, Lieutenant, I understand all of you are wondering what is going but I felt it was to have you all here first. The Emperor has requested an audience with us. For what, I don't know yet, but he has made it clear that he expects us as soon as possible," She answered, and any other questions that was in my mind.

As the words got out, I found myself suddenly feeling very nervous from what I have learned during my time here. Charles zi Britannia, the 98 Emperor of Britannian, was intimidating figure to say the least and someone to not cross or evening think of that.

I was nervous but calm myself and thought, "Calm down Alex and get a grip! He may be an Emperor, but he's still a person none the least. If Cornelia's right, then no one outside of this knows who I really am or from, aside from Euphie. So, I shouldn't be to worry and keep a cool head."

"I see. In that case, we best be on our way," Darlton said.

"Quite right. We shouldn't keep my father waiting," Cornelia said, stepping out from behind her desk and spoke, "I have already had the car prepared, so there's no need to waste time. Let's go."

"Yes, your highness," The three of us answered in union before following the princess through the doors. Guilford was to the left with Darlton and me behind Cornelia.

After a short walk, we emerged through the palace's enormous front doors out into an equally large courtyard where a limousine-style car that was waiting for us. The car was a royal, being all white with golden detailing and decoration with some find polished chrome. The driver opened the passenger door for the princess as we approached. She nodded her head to driver before heading in with the three of us following behind. The drive start and things were quiet.

The ride was short and uneventful to say the least. Cornelia had a distant look in her eyes, trying to work out exactly why she has been summoned on such a short notice. Guilford and Darlton appeared to be doing the same as well. I had wondered the same thing but was pushed aside as my eyes was at window to see the scenery passing by and calm myself down. I'm still new here and was still bewildering me of seeing such new place.

From what I gather and known, Pendragon is right in the middle of Arizona and yet the Britannians had managed to create a swath of green. It reminds me of some parts of Alaska, and I don't feel out of place now which was good. I soon saw our destination, the Imperial Palace coming into view.

The Gremory Palace was big, but it gigantic and five times bigger than I thought. No moderation again but still I must admit it was impressive to say the least.

Soon enough the car pulled up outside a set of doors matched the building which housed in both scale and grandeur. Once the car was parked, the driver swiftly opened the door, allowing Cornelia, Guilford, Darlton and I to exited. We entered through the massive doors and made our way along a vast hallway. When arrived in front the decorated set of doors with two Imperial Royal Guards standing the door and opened it.

Inside, I could make out a long carpeted central aisle leading up towards a throne which was slightly too far away to see clearly, and I saw two crowds in the dense. I could guess the Emperor was in the throne and the crows must be Britannian nobility.

Without hesitation, Cornelia stepped inside with the rest of use following behind. The massive doors closed behind, having the right guard glanced to the Second Princess and drew in a deep breath.

"Announcing Princess Cornelia li Britannia, Second Princess of the Holy Britannian Empire and Chief General of the Imperial Army! Also announcing her Knight, Sir Gilbert G.P Guilford, General Andreas Darlton, and Lieutenant Alexander Solberg!" The guard proclaimed, having his voice unexpectedly loud given the size of the room.

I saw and noticed a few of the assembled nobles raise their eyebrows at my name. No surprise there and it didn't make me feel any nervous. I'm grateful I wasn't on my own and kept myself in order. As we slowly made our way along the central aisle, I could hear voices murmuring around us, being myself as the main topic and that was no surprise.

"Who is he? I've never heard of the name Solberg before."

"Is he from the European area?"

"Most likely a mere peasant, no doubt."

"But to allow a mere commoner to be so close to an Imperial Princess is just disgraceful."

"And ye they say Princess Cornelia chose him herself. And if that's then…"

"Hush! Watch what you say! Only the Emperor may question such things."

"Guess I shouldn't be too shocked. Britannian society revolves around survival of the fittest after all. Let them complain if they want, its shows how spoiled or stupide some of them are," I thought which the whispering came to a stop when we approached the throne and I saw the Emperor himself, Charles zi Britannia, the 98th Emperor of Britannia.

Emperor Charles was a very imposing figure, very muscular and well-built, not unlike Darlton, bit somehow his added status served to enhance the effect. His piercing violet eyes were contrasted greatly by his long white hair that was done in Renaissance-style curls. Again, very imposing and someone you shouldn't mess with.

As we reached the steps before the throne itself, Guilford, Darlton, and I stopped and knelt on knee. Cornelia continued for a few more steps before doing the same.

"Hail, your Majesty! I, Cornelia, have arrived as per your requested. What would you ask of me?" Cornelia announced, having her voice as strong and confidant as ever. Despite that, the Emperor's expression did not shift.

"I see, as punctual as ever Cornelia. I assume you've heard about the recent developments in the Middle East?" The Emperor asked.

The Middle East huh? That place is a problem, even in this world. Why can't not be a problem, but it is what it is and moving on.

"I have, you Majesty. Several Arab nations, along with a few others have joined together and are now calling themselves the Middle Eastern Federation. It was due and response to our increased presence in the region," Cornelia answered.

"It is as you say, However, we have received reports from our force that the have already begun building up their own military, apparently in futile effort to assert themselves. They have also started to assemble their forces along the borders with our territories as well. I cannot allow this blatant act of aggression against us go unpunished! Therefore, as Emperor, I hereby declare war against the Middle Eastern Federation! Princess Cornelia, you and your forces are departed for the Middle East at once! Show these impertinent fools what happens when they dare to defy Britannia!" The Emperor proclaimed with strength and power in his voice.

"Yes, your Majesty!" Cornelia replied, rising to her feet with myself, Guilford and Darlton following suit.

"All hail Britannia!"

"All hail Britannia! All hail Britannia" We all chorused with Guilford, Darlton and I adopting the Britannian one-armed salute, which was so like the Nazi salute, very uncanny, but anyway.

The Royal Guards did the same. Before leaving, Emperor spoke once more.

"You there, Lieutenant."

The four of use froze at these words, while I quietly and quickly gulped out of slight fear before turning back to face the Emperor. I made to kneel again, but Charles raised his hand, indicating for me to remain standing which I did.

"Yes, your Majesty?" I asked, somehow managing to keep my voice confident, steady and not shift.

"So, you are the latest member of Cornelia's Royal Guard I've been hearing about. I must say, I expected someone more impressive and certainly not as young," Charles said, having his filling the massive room.

I could tell and was clearly that the Emperor was trying to play game but for what? I couldn't figure out what at this time. Behind me I could hear murmuring, most likely the nobles were paying even closer attention. No doubt because their Emperor was asking the questions, they themselves were afraid to ask.

In that case, I hope they listen closely.

"I apologize if I have failed to meet your expectations, your Majesty," I said, strengthening myself and disposing my head briefly.

"Hmph…Normally I'd be questioning the rationale behind one of my commanders allowing someone like you to have such a position," He said which was no surprise and surprise me when he spoke again, "However, given Cornelia's loyal and exemplary service, I have learned to trust her judgment on such things."

Almost out of the woods as I had a feeling the Emperor was not done yet.

"I trust I don't need to explain the price of failure."

"Of course, your Majesty."

"Very well, you are dismissed Lieutenant."

With that said, we left the throne room.

Small Time Skip

When I saw back down inside the care, I felt my wet dress shirt touched my skin and realized how much I have been sweating while inside. I was surprised with myself on how much I managed to keep calm enough to not realize this until now, but I calm down as it was over and not look forward in meeting the Emperor alone.

"Well that was…fun," I commented, earning a full boom laugh from Darlton and an amused chuckle from Guildford. Also, Cornelia smirked in response.

"That's one way of putting it. Honestly, I'm surprised you were able to keep your voice steady," Darlton said after his chuckled he finished.

"I must admit, I wasn't expecting my father to call you out like that. I must congratulate you on staying as composed as you said. At least it seems our little ruse is working," Cornelia said with a smile tugged at the corners of her lips which seems to make me calm down.

"Thank you, your Highness. Although I hope you'll understand that I rather not have to do that again any time soon," I said with a weak smile, getting another laughter ensured with even Cornelia letting out a soft laugh herself.

"Well given the orders we just received; I say you'll be getting your wish. In any case, we have work do. Guilford, once we arrive back at the palace, contact the rest of my Royal Guards and have them prepared for departure immediately," Cornelia said, having her voice becoming serious.

"Understood your Highness," Guilford replied, getting a nod form the Princess.

"Darlton, contact Edwards Air Force Base. Tell them we will be departing for the Ismailia Air Force in a matter of hours. I want all of the Knightmares loaded onto the transports and their pilots ready to depart before we arrive."

"As you command, my lady."

"Lieutenant, I have no orders for you now. So, you'll remain with me while Guilford and Darlton organizes our forces and transportation," She said, getting me to nod my head.

"Understood, your Highness," I said.

The rest of the drive was short, and preparations were call in order. Darlton had gone on ahead to the base in order to oversee the final preparations. The preparations didn't take long as I had no real packing do, but did grain some spare uniforms, my pistol and a few basic items.

Our transportation we will be using was a Boeing C-170 named Valkyrie and will fly to the location. The flight would take us east, over the rest of the mainland Britannia then across the Atlantic Ocean and North Africa. Not only was this the shortest route possible but it would keep us from overflying the Chinese Federation territory. While not as technologically advanced as Britannia, the Chinese Federation boasted the largest population in the world. Thus, neither side was very eager to antagonize the other if they could avoid it.

Talk about trust problems these days but moving on.

The care soon pulled into the base itself and I could see the transports themselves line up outside the main hangers. Each plane had a pair of massive shoulder-mounted wings, roots of which stretched almost the entire length of the main fuselage, and each wing mounting four large engines. The planes also featured a heavy defensive armament of seven twin-gun ball turrets, three along each side and one in the nose just ahead of the cockpit. I could see that each aircraft was fully prepared indeed with the on closets to use just raising its loading ramp. The plan was already lined up on the taxiway and ready to roll.

I saw Darlton standing nearby as the car came to a stop next to the shuttle and the three of us climbed out with Cornelia taking the lead.

"Princess Cornelia, all of the preparations are complete. We have finished loading the transports and are ready to leave on your orders," Darlton explained.

"Good, then let's not waste any time," Cornelia said, proceeding to make her way over to the plan with the rest of us in tow.

The driver parked the car and helped the flight crew unload our bags before beginning his trip back to the palace. As we stepped aboard, I could see this was a plane for members of royalty. It had plush leather seats, elegant tables, wall-mounted TV's, beautiful wood paneling, as well as a drinks bar contained within the main cabin area and I could guess were additional compartments towards the rear of the plane.

"If you want to get some sleep on the way, there are beds down the back. Or you can just sleep in your seat if you want," Guilford informed me which I nodded my head and looked at the door at the back on the cabin as it showed the crew stowed our luggage in the overhead compartments.

The intercom then crackled into life and spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. If you could please take your seats, we're now ready for take-off."

The four of us took our seats with me choosing a seat on the starboard side and faced the form behind one of the tables for myself. As we sat down and buckled ourselves in, I could hear the plane's engines starting up. The sound was unusual for me, being a very high-pitched noise, not unlike some of the craft in Star Wars or any of the Si-Fi movies I saw. I have read that Britannian aircraft typically used electric-powered plasma propulsion motors. So, the weird sound was soft of made sense to me. It was nice change from the roaring jet engines back in my world.

The plane gently began to roll forward, the engine noise increasing in volume as the aircraft rolled onto the runway.

"Tower, this is Imperial Shuttle Two-Foxtrot-Charlie requesting take-off clearance."

"Imperial Shuttle Two-Foxtrot-Charlie this is the Tower. Roger that, you are cleared for take-off. Have a safe flight."

The shuttle then started moving again, rapidly building speed judging from my view out the window. In a matter of seconds, the plan lifted off the runway as we began our long trip to the front lines.

"This is it," I thought as it was the start of something for me, being the future battle coming to me.

My first battle is coming, will take away, but was coming as I can feel it. I also feeling something in me when I stare at Cornelia at the corner of my eyes, making my heartbeat and felt that feeling again.

What is this feeling? Why do I feel so worried all the sudden?

Good questions that I have a feeling that will be answered soon enough before the battle. I hope so and let's see what happens.

AN: Big note in case some are wondering about Vidar and Knightmare technology. The Knightmares are more than 30 years old, with combat units less than 20 years old. So, Vidar will be a prototype 5th Generation Knightmare that has higher performance than the Gloucester but wasn't chosen for mass production because it was too expensive and hard to control. Alex will pilot Vidar sometime in the middle of the story after Kimaris is damaged which he will have some parts of it to be added to his new Knightmare with upgrades and be pro at piloting it than the last pilots that failed.

Also, In the next chapter, I will have Alex's harem update again and the rise of his team to take form.