July 20th, 884.
In the early morning hours of a brisk London day, the city awoke to the sounds of bustling commerce and the creaking of wooden carriages rolling across cobblestone streets. It was the dawn of a new era, as the British Empire stood on the cusp of its zenith, poised to leave an indelible mark on the world.
The late nine hundredth century was a time of unprecedented growth and prosperity for the empire. Its roots extended back to the Age of Discovery, when intrepid explorers and merchants set sail for distant shores in search of untold riches and opportunities. As these pioneers established trade routes and settlements, Britain's sphere of influence began to expand, fueled by an insatiable thirst for resources, knowledge, and power.
Over the centuries, the empire's reach stretched across the globe, encompassing vast swaths of territory in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. By the 1880s, the sun never set on the British Empire, as its dominions and colonies encircled the Earth. The empire's wealth and influence were built on the foundations of naval supremacy, technological advancements, and a complex web of trade and diplomacy.
With each new conquest and acquisition, Britain's global footprint grew, forging an empire that would shape the course of history and leave a lasting legacy on the world. As the people of London went about their daily lives, they were living witnesses to the extraordinary rise of a world power—or maybe not.The Crimean war was not going favorable to the Allied forces as the Russians continued to push them out of their shores. The introduction of the AN-M1 rifles manufactured by the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company proved to be a game-changer. Tactics and strategy that worked well with muskets doesn't seem to work anymore against the semi-automatic action of the AN-M1 rifles. If one were to gain an upper hand over its belligerents, one must adapt to the new warfare and come up with new tactics and strategies.
Within the ornate walls of Buckingham Palace, the air was thick with tension as King George surveyed the situation unfolding before him. The throne hall, adorned with gold leaf and intricate tapestries depicting the glorious victories of the empire, felt cold and uninviting. Sunlight streamed through the towering stained-glass windows, casting an array of colors across the polished marble floor, which only served to highlight the somber atmosphere.
King George, a tall, imposing figure draped in regal finery, sat heavily upon his throne—a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with carved lion heads serving as armrests and the crest of the royal family emblazoned on the high backrest. His deep-set eyes, once alight with confidence and pride, now bore the weight of disappointment and concern as he looked down at Prince Alexander and Lady Penelope Ascart, both kneeling before him with their heads bowed.
The king's disappointment was evident in the tightness of his jaw and the barely audible sigh that escaped his lips. News of the British Empire's setbacks in the Crimean War had reached him, and the once-unwavering belief in victory now appeared to be wavering.
"Rise, both of you," King George commanded, his voice echoing through the hall. As Prince Alexander and Lady Penelope stood, the king continued, "Alexander, may I ask what's going on in Crimea? It has been eight months and there's barely any progress at all?"
Prince Alexander, straightened his posture and locked eyes with the king. "Your Majesty, there are several factors contributing to our setbacks in Crimea," he began, his voice steady and clear. "Although our men are also armed with the AN-M1 rifles, we have not been able to utilize them as effectively as the Russian forces. The Russians have quickly adapted to the new weapons and have developed tactics that make the most of their capabilities, outpacing our own forces in the process."
"Moreover," he continued, "the lack of communication among the allied forces has resulted in disorganized assaults and sieges. Without a unified command structure and efficient coordination, our combined efforts have been insufficient to counter the well-prepared and rapidly advancing Russian army."As Prince Alexander finished his explanation, the silence in the throne hall grew heavier. King George's brow furrowed as he considered the grave implications of what he had just heard. After a long moment, the king spoke.
"So, what you are saying is, the Russian forces are good and we are bad? Is that what you want to tell your father? Alexander!"
Prince Alexander hesitated, his face revealing a mix of determination and humility. "No, Your Majesty," he replied with conviction. "What I mean to say is that we have encountered unexpected challenges that we must overcome. The Russian forces have shown themselves to be formidable adversaries, but we have the strength and resources to adapt and outmaneuver them."
A fire ignited in Prince Alexander's eyes as he continued, "We must learn from our mistakes and devise new strategies to exploit the weaknesses of the enemy. We should invest in the training of our soldiers to better wield the AN-M1 rifles and establish a more effective communication network among the allied forces."
King George, though still troubled by the situation, couldn't help but feel a spark of hope as he listened to his son's passionate words. "Very well, Alexander," he said, his voice imbued with the authority of a king and the warmth of a father. "I trust in your ability to lead our forces and bring us the victory we so desperately need. After all, we are fighting to protect the integrity and dignity of the British Empire."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Prince Alexander bowed reverently. A moment later, he looked up again. "Your Majesty, if I may ask, why did you summon us here from the frontline? The war is far from over."
"Because, I want to talk to you about something, between you and Lady Ascart over there," King George said, looking at the beautiful lady standing next to Prince Alexander.
"Lady Ascart, I have been informed of your remarkable achievements in this war. Your medical expertise has proven invaluable, reducing our soldiers' fatality rate to a mere ten percent. This exceptional accomplishment has allowed our brave men to return to the frontlines and continue fighting for the glory of the British Empire."
"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty," Penelope bowed her head.
"Though I'm sure you are eager to return back to the front line and tend the wounds of our injured soldiers there."
"That's quite correct, Your Majesty. The soldiers who are under my care are waiting for me to come back."
"In that case, I'll make this brief. Lady Penelope, my son, has expressed his interest in you becoming his wife. And based on your recents achievements you have made to the British Empire, where the people have taken a liking to you, makes you a very good candidate as the Crown Princess of the British Empire. There is also a rumor of you two going out, so I will announce to the public of your engagement and the impending royal wedding. I believe that a union between you two will not only strengthen the bond within the royal family but also inspire the people of the British Empire."
Both Prince Alexander and Lady Penelope exchanged glances, their faces flushing with surprise.
