It was three twenty in the morning in St. Petersburg. Underneath the Command Ops is the brain of the Ruthenia Empire.
Alexander arrived at the Command Ops and everyone present greeted their emperor according to their job. If they are military personnel, they perform a salute, if a civilian staffer, a bow of the head.
"As you all were, ladies and gentlemen," Alexander beckoned them to sit and continue what they were doing prior to his arrival.
He sat on his respective chair and glanced around the personnel working in the Command Ops. Most of them have been working tirelessly since the war started. His frequent visit to the Command Ops had helped him familiarize the faces of the staff working there. Most of them haven't taken a break, which is bad for their health. Even though he would suggest they take one, they'll simply refuse a reason that the Ruthenia Empire is on a war footing and they can't afford that luxury.
Which is honestly, just them being stubborn.
Alexander's gaze shifted to the LCD mounted on the wall. As expected, it always looked the same, showing the world map with the coalition countries marked blue while the Ruthenia Empire marked red.
None of the territories of the Ruthenia Empire has been covered by a blue color, indicating that the enemy states haven't set foot on their soil yet.
"Tell me more about this emergency in the Britannia Empire, Sergei. So some of the royal families were killed and others survived thanks to our special forces arriving in time."
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Queen of the Britannia Empire, the Emperor of the Yamato Empire, the King of Norway and Sweden, and the Portuguese royal family, are alive. The rest that wasn't mentioned were killed before our special forces arrive at the hall where the Black Hand is holding them. However, we have a chance to end the war. The Queen of the Britannia Empire, Her Majesty, Diana Rosemary Edinburgh, is confirmed alive. Her appearance to the public would surely resonate around the world. The countries would listen to her explanation as her country is the reason why all of western Europe is at war with us, Your Majesty."
"You're right," Alexander agreed. "If we want to end this war, Queen Diana is our only chance. But I'm concerned about the internal affairs of the Britannia Empire."
"I agree, Your Majesty. Their Prime Minister is part of the Black Hand and is the one executing the royals. Factoring that in means that the Britannian government is compromised and is under the direct control of the Black Hand. So even if Diana were to appear in public, the Black Hand operatives in the Britannian government might turn a blind eye and continue the war even with her full opposition to it."
"Well, we are going to need every chance that we can get. Diana is still the newly crowned Queen of the Britannia Empire. The people will listen to her, forcing the mole in the Britannia Empire to disappear without a trace. Let's prioritize her safety first, take her to the Ruthenia Empire, and prepare for a press conference as soon as she arrives,"
"Yes Your Majesty, we will be extracting every royal family out of the Britannia Empire. Although there is one challenge that poses a threat to their safety. We can't differentiate who is our enemy and who is not in the streets, so we have to be careful about getting all of them out," Sergei said and continued. "How about we use every asset near the Britannia Empire to help secure their extraction?
Sergei suggested, prompting Alexander to go into pondering mode. He knew what Sergei was suggesting to do and the Britannian citizens weren't going to like it. However, in exchange for possible peace, he's not going to waste it.
"Fine," Alexander's gaze flickered to Kutnetzov and gave him a look.
Admiral Kutnetzov tipped his hat in salute at Alexander, knowing very well what he was asking.
"I will personally handle the extraction operation, Your Majesty. I think it's time for the world to show just how mighty and superior our new naval forces are."
"Good. Use everything at your disposal, even if it's deadly, as long as our guest has been taken to safety, everything will be worth it…"
After saying that, Alexander yawned. He hasn't had enough sleep yet and the sleepy sensation is starting to take its toll. Alexander leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax for just one moment…and a moment after, he is starting to drift to sleep.
"Your Majesty?" Sergei called.
His eyes snapped open when Sergei called.
"I have an idea to deal with your sleepiness," Sergei said and flicked his hand. A servant carrying a steaming mug of coffee walked forward.
Sergei offered Alexander, "Please drink it. You'll feel better after a few sips,"
The servant handed the steaming mug to Alexander. Alexander took the warm mug and inhaled the smell of freshly brewed coffee. He took a sip and his fatigue started to fade away. When he took another sip, he could feel his energy returning to him, making him feel energized. His eyelids drooped slightly but he kept them open to keep up appearances and give the impression that he hadn't fallen asleep just moments earlier.
"Now then, Your Majesty," Sergei continued, "feeling better now?"
Alexander looked at the mug and commented. "The Command Ops really brew the best coffee compared to the Winter Palace. Okay, what should I do? The war hadn't been a disadvantage for us. We are winning on every front. Now that we have confirmed the status of the Emperor of the Yamato Empire, we can now assume that the Yamato Empire won't join the coalition anymore. This will be our plan. Once Diana arrives in the Ruthenia Empire, I want every broadcasting station in the world to broadcast her speech live. Let's hope that her army will punch some sense into her soldiers and her people, revolting against a rogue government. If it is successful, the Britannia Empire will gradually exit the war.
"How about the Deutschland Empire and the Austrean Empire? Their emperors are dead. Can we really get them to end the war through dialogue?"
"There is also a possibility of the Black Hand incursion on their government. Should they decide to continue the war then we'll have no choice but to respond accordingly."
"And the Francois Republic and Sardegna Empire?"
"It will be the same," Alexander said. "We are getting closer to eliminating all of the Black Hand operatives in the world. The moment we confirm that the President of the United States is the mastermind of them all, then I'll show him how mad I am at him."
Alexander glanced at the nuclear football.
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