Two Black Stork and one Smew helicopter hovered over the Sea of Yamato, heading towards the military airbase in Primorskaya Oblast. Their helicopters only have a range of about 600 kilometers. The distance between Sakhalin and Niigata is over 1,000 kilometers away. Hence the need for refueling in one of their air bases.
"This trip wouldn't be as comfortable as the one you just had, Your Imperial Highness," Rolan said, glancing at the three who were sitting in front of him.
Although the Smew was designed for comfort, it pales in comparison to the one they'd flown to get to Sakhalin.
"It's okay," Christina smiled, assuring him. "The interior is just as great as the airplane. You don't have to worry about our comfort. In fact, this was more than enough."
Rolan rubbed the back of his neck. "I see. If something feels uncomfortable…please let me know."
Christina nodded and Rolan's gaze shifted to the window beside him. There was nothing but darkness surrounding them. Only a small ray of moonlight could illuminate the dark night scenery.
There was a moment of silence in the helicopter, only the muffled sound of the blades rotating atop the helicopter can be faintly heard.
Until...one of the Grand Duchess broke the silence and started a conversation.
"Sir Rolan...care to tell us about yourself?"
Rolan blinked and turned his head to the source of the voice. It was the Grand Duchess Tiffania Romanoff.
"About me?" Rolan hummed before shaking his head. "There's nothing much in my life that you would find interesting, my lady."
"Ehhh...." Tiffania drew out. "But you've been working for our brother for almost five years. You are always in the palace yet you rarely interact with one of us, thus making us curious about your past. I won't force you if you don't want to talk about it. If I offend you in any way, I apologize."
Just as Tiffania was about to bow her head, Rolan stopped her.
"Oh...my lady, please don't bow your head in front of a common man like me," he waved his hand and forced a smile to his lips.
"Is that so?" Tiffania bit her lower lip, placing a hand over her legs.
"Actually, I'm quite curious about your life, Rolan," Christina joined the discussion.
"Do you really want to know about my past?" Rolan asked, looking at the three. Anastasia's head was resting on Christina's shoulder, sleeping soundly.
"Just as Tiffania said earlier, you don't have to tell if you don't want to. But I would appreciate it if you share a little about yourself. You know, to pass the time," Christina explained, giving him an understanding look.
Rolan sighed softly, appearing to be somewhat vulnerable to share his past. This was for the best. He has been working in the Winter Palace since he was transferred as the head of security for Alexander. It would feel weird if the family he was working with doesn't know him.
"I'm actually an orphan, Your Imperial Highnesses. I was adopted by Baron Makarov who trained and educated me. He was a General for the Imperial Ruthenian Army but now he retired from service. I wanted his legacy to continue by becoming a soldier myself. And I became a soldier at the age of 18, participating in military expeditionary campaigns, most recently the war with the Angorian Empire, a war that made me famous..."
"The Reaper, was that the title?" Christina mumbled under her breath, her eyebrows slightly furrowed and eyes glued to his face.
"...Yes! That's exactly what it means. I've become well known among the soldiers in the Ruthenia Empire, earning the title of Reaper," Rolan paused, recalling how he got his title from a bloody war.
"So from a nobody to an Emperor's head of security. I must say, it was fascinating," Tiffania remarked. "Thank you for sharing your brief history with us."
"I'm honored that you appreciated my somewhat ordinary story, Your Imperial Highnesses," Rolan bowed his head and smiled gently.
"So...Sir Rolan. Mind if I ask you some personal questions?" Tiffania asked softly.
"What is it, Your Imperial Highness?" Rolan inquired.
"You are in your mid-thirties, do you have a wife or something..." a nudge hit Tiffania on her left side. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, looking at Christina.
"Why would you ask something so ridiculous?" Christina muttered in disapproval.
Tiffania pouted. "Why, aren't you curious too, sister?"
"What are you talking about Tiffania...I've never once been curious about something from Sir Rolan..."
"But you said earlier that you were curious about his life," Tiffania retorted.
"No! It was a...different topic! I was asking about his life before becoming our brother's security, not if he has a wife or something..." Christina defended herself and looked at Rolan. "Right Sir Rolan?"
"Indeed, Her Imperial Highness, Christina didn't ask me such a thing. You were the only one, Tiffania."
"So do you have a wife or not?" Tiffania asked him candidly.
"Due to the nature of my work, I haven't had the luxury to socialize, as I must stay with His Majesty when he is working. So I don't have a partner yet."
"That's sad..." Tiffania whispered and leaned closer towards Rolan. "Then one last question. Who is more beautiful...me or my sister?"
"Ngh~!" Christina's cheek reddened and glared daggers at Tiffania. "Why would you ask something so embarrassing again Tiffania..."
"Why? You don't want to know his answer?" Tiffania smirked mischievously and looked to Rolan once again. "So, between us? Who is more beautiful?"
Rolan gulped. This is going to be the toughest question he ever had to answer. He could either lie to them all and pretend he isn't interested in answering their questions, or he would have to answer truthfully and be honest. The last option is the most painful. No matter which one he chooses, he'll end up hurting the other.
He scanned the appearances of the two Grand Duchess and there's no denying the fact that both of them are beautiful beyond comparison. He could easily answer that both of them are pretty but he doesn't think Tiffania will like that answer. Well, he could try at least.
"Both of you are beautiful, Your Imperial Highnesses."
Tiffania rolled her eyes and sighed disappointingly. "Boring. There's no both in the question. Only me or my sister. One last chance...who between us is more beautiful? Don't worry, I won't get angry if you choose her..."
"Then your sister, Your Imperial Highness," Rolan answered so suddenly that it took both of them by surprise.
"WHAT?!" Tiffania blurted out. "I asked who is prettier between the two of us but instead you chose my sister?!"
"But you said you won't get angry if I choose your sister..." Rolan repeated calmly while maintaining eye contact with Tiffania.
"Ughhh~!" Tiffania groaned and buried her face in her hands. "May I at least know the reason why?"
"Her Imperial Highness Christina has this mature charm about her. A voice so motherly that could make a man at ease during turbulent times and a smile that makes even the darkest of days seem brighter. I can't describe it better," Rolan stated and watched as a blush tinted Christina's cheeks.
Seeing that, he started blushing too, he just said it straight, and now that he realized that he might have overstepped his bounds.
"Well...you're beautiful too, Tiffania, you have a unique charm as well. Your soft-spoken voice trails like the wind through the forest; charming, gentle, and kind. And a smile so sweet that anyone who sees would let out a sigh of admiration like a beautiful painting hung in a gallery."
Tiffania's gaze softened slightly from his flowery words. She crossed her arm and looked down, averting eye
contact with Rolan with a faint hint of pink on her face.
"Well...I guess I could accept your answer."
"Sir, we're approaching Malaya Kema airspace," Rolan received a word from his earpiece.
"Very well..." he responded, pressing his earpiece and looking at the sisters. "Your Imperial Highnesses, we will land shortly to refuel..."
