A day has passed since Alexander left the aircraft carrier. The Baltic Fleet of the Ruthenia Empire linked up with the Northern Fleet to commence an operation of blockading the isles of the Britannia Empire, cutting it off from the world.

It is easier said than done but the two majestic naval fleets of the Ruthenia Empire were facing a challenge in dealing with the combined fleet of the coalition forces. The Francois Republic, the Deutschland Empire, and the remaining warships of the Britannia Empire.

Even when all of that was happening, the Ruthenian citizens didn't even know that their country was at war with Europa. Thanks to the efforts of the Ruthenian government controlling all the media and the press, the dissemination of information was restricted. In short, the citizens of the Ruthenia Empire continued living their daily life as if nothing was happening outside of their country. The television shows that the broadcasting networks are transmitting to their television weren't changed.

Of course, there are foreign embassies in the Ruthenia Empire that will be the ones to announce that they are at war with the Ruthenia Empire. But not even newspapers or press even entered their embassies to hear their side. And should they attempt to share the information with the people of the Ruthenia Empire, the Ministry of Interior with its secret police force would silence them.

***

Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg. Alexander, Sevastian, and Rolan arrived at the palace square of the Winter Palace. The area was cleared and protected from every corner by the Palace Imperial Guards.

Alexander exited the helicopter and there he saw Sophie, waiting alongside high-ranking officials in the Command Ops.

"Alexander!"

Sophie felt the urge to run and hugged him tightly so that she couldn't let him go anymore. But her body won't comply, her being pregnant made it hard for her to do a simple action such as running.

Alexander noticed her intention by looking at her face. He smiled warmly and dashed towards her.

Sophie spread her arms, welcoming Alexander with open arms. As soon as Alexander arrived, he felt a strong force wrapping around him. Alexander chuckled stiffly, surprised at his wife's strength. He kissed her repeatedly on the forehead before moving down to her lips.

The staffers of the Command Ops and the Imperial Guards smiled genuinely at the reunion of the Emperor and Empress of the Ruthenia Empire.actionThey let them have their moment as in the next minutes, Alexander would have to go down to the Command Ops and fulfill his constitutional role as the Emperor and the commander-in-chief of the Ruthenia Empire.

"I'm sorry if I made you worry," Alexander said softly after releasing his lips from hers.

"It's fine…what's important is that you returned safely. I missed you so much...we missed you so much" replied Sophie sweetly

as she caressed his cheeks tenderly. "Now go and take care of your duties, dear husband. Everything will be alright."

Alexander shook his head and whispered. "No, let me cherish this moment with you for a while. I know I have arrived home but only to be separated again."

Sophie giggled. "Silly, our home is just across your office. Why are you making it sound like we are going to be separated over long distances?"

"Because, when we were escaping from London, our helicopter was falling to the ground. You, Anya, and my sisters crossed into my mind. Imagining what if I died there…"

Sophie placed a finger on his lips, shushing him down. "You are alive, and that's more important. Now, as my husband and the emperor of the country who is at war with all of Europa, I suggest that you go with them now."

Alexander kissed Sophie on the lips one last time then nodded slowly as he started walking towards Command Ops staffers.

But before he could take his third step, he stopped and turned around to see Sophie for one last time.

"Sophie," Alexander called.

She looked confused but responded nonetheless. "Yes?"

"You did a very good job taking the helm of the Ruthenia Empire while I'm away," Alexander praised her sincerely.

"Uhm...thank you? I guess," Sophie twirled a single strand of her hair around her index finger.

He then proceeded to walk away. Rolan and Sevastian followed behind him. On the other hand, Sophie was being escorted back to the Winter Palace where she'll stay with her daughter and Alexander's sisters.

"Your Majesty. We are glad for your safe return here in St. Petersburg," Sergei bowed in front of Alexander as he approached. "As you can see, the Ruthenia Empire is on the war footing."

"Yeah and thank you for waiting," Alexander said. "Now, let's begin by telling the citizens that we are at war and face a threat of an invasion of a foreign country."

Sergei raised his head. "It's a great idea, Your Majesty. The longer we keep the truth from the people, the bigger the consequences will be."

"Do you want me to schedule a press conference, Your Majesty?" Sevastian asked.

"Please do so, Sevastian," Alexander agreed and started walking into the General Staff Building.

After entering the building, Rolan spoke. "Your Majesty, it's time for me to leave."

"Hmm…why?" Sevastian asked curiously.

"It's none of your concern, Sevastian. It's a mission that His Majesty personally asked me to do."

"As a National Security Advisor, I think I'm just as important an official in the Ruthenia Empire, I'm sure His Majesty wouldn't mind," Sevastian glanced briefly at Alexander.

"No, Sevastian. Rolan is right, he doesn't have to share the details of the mission with you as he works under me," Alexander said, prompting Rolan to proceed with a nod of the head.

"What kind of work is that, Your Majesty?" Sevastian wondered. Beads of sweat started forming on his forehead as he feared that Alexander had seen through him.

"A type of work that will eliminate the Black Hand, I guess," Alexander said flippantly as they watched Rolan's figure disappear from the distance.

"Black Hand huh?" Sevastian muttered. He doesn't know if it's a good thing. He wasn't a close affiliate with the Black Hand. So nothing will be used against him if Rolan were to find or locate a high-ranking official in Black Hand. "I understand Your Majesty if it's to exterminate the organization disrupting world peace."

"Let's go," Alexander resumed walking.