"What is this sudden change in the atmosphere? Why are they glaring at me subtly," Alexander wondered inwardly as the head of state of the nine powers was gazing at him intently.
They were all seated around the long table and the dishes that they'll eat later are being prepared by the manservants of the Britannia Empire.
"Alexander, I wish to talk to you about the incident that occurred in the Han Dynasty," Kaiser Wilheim spoke.
So it was that huh? Are they pissed about the Boxers killing their diplomats?
"Well, I thought my men made it clear that if they decide not to come with us, we will leave them and have them defend themselves," Alexander replied.
"Your country boasts advanced technology, an aircraft that can fly so high that it is undetectable by naked eyes and radars. I'm sure your country had seen the movements of the Boxers that besieged the International Legation Quarter, killing hundreds."
"Oh?" Alexander mused. "Uncle, are you blaming me for what happened in the International Legation Quarter?" he met his eyes and stared at it as if they were having a staring contest.
"So you knew that thousands would come the day after you evacuated your diplomats and citizens out of the Legation Quarter?" Kaiser Wilheim is trying to pin him.
"I don't know what you are talking about, uncle. You are overestimating the abilities of my military. And even if we detected the Boxers, they already considered the possibility of the Boxers coming back for another round. So it was not our fault that your men died there."
"Overestimating the abilities of your military? Don't give me that crap, Alexander. You already sent a man-made satellite into space. That alone was enough indication that your country is far ahead in every aspect…I hate it when someone is lying in front of me…"
Alexander clicked his tongue. "It is their decision to stay. We offered them help and they declined. We respected their decision and left. It's a simple concept. So don't implicate us…I'm not only saying this to you but to the nine great powers as well," he finished and glanced at the head of states of the nine powers.
They averted their gaze, avoiding eye contact. But one of them didn't falter.
"My, Uncle…Cousin…this is not a place to quarrel," Diana said, her hand resting on her chest, "This is a celebration of your safe arrival in the Britannia Empire. Let's not make it a bitter memory for me and for everyone involved."
Alexander and Kaiser Wilheim sighed then looked away.
Diana heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, they stopped before things got out of hand. Anyways, she needed to change the topic so everyone to forget what just happened.
"So everyone, let me say this once again. I'm pleased that you graced the Britannia Empire with your presence. Especially me, who will be having my crown ceremony on April 5th. I hope you enjoy your dinner here…and dance with your partner if you have the time…"
"Sister…father is asking for you."
Behind Diana was a princess with pink hair. It was Diana's sister.
"Did he tell you why? You see that I'm entertaining our guests here," Diana said.
"No, he didn't say anything. He is just calling for you. Maybe it's important," Anne replied.
Diane let out a sigh. "Fine…"
"Who is the young lady?" The President of the United States asked.
"Ah! This is my sister, Mr. President. Anne Mary Edinburgh," Diana introduced her sister.
Anne lifted the side of her hem and lifted it up as she curtsied respectfully to the head of state. "A pleasure to meet you, everyone."
Alexander watched as her gaze set upon the President of the United States. His brows furrowed as he noticed her pupils move as if telling something.
They stopped immediately after noticing that Alexander was looking. Do the two have a past relationship perhaps or have they met each other? Oh no, that's not possible, the President himself was the one who asked for her name.
"So everyone...I will have to excuse myself for a moment. But I will return back to you shortly," Diana informed everyone as she prepared to leave. "Sister, I'll leave you in charge here. Please do not let our esteemed guests get bored…"
"Okay, sister. I'll take it from here for a while," Anne answered before giving a small smile.
Diana nodded. "Very well."
Shen turned away and headed toward where her father wanted her. As soon as she disappeared from their sights, Anne took over her seat across from Alexander and stared at him.
"I remember you," Anne mused. "You are the one who keeps bullying my sister during our childhood days am I right?"
After saying that, every head of state glanced at Alexander.
"I do remember that and I apologize for my immature antics at that time. I'm sure you understand, I was a child at that time," Alexander tried to explain.
Anne shook her head and beamed a smile. "You don't have to apologize for something that happened in the past. Especially when it was our childhood days. We all make silly mistakes.
Alexander chuckled at her answer. Though he wondered why she was speaking to him so suddenly?
"Your Royal Highness…"
"Please call me Anne…you are an Emperor anyways so you don't have to be formal to someone of the lower rank…" Anne said.
"Thanks for the advice, Anne. But allow me to insist on addressing you the same way I address your sister. This is me being polite and courteous…" Alexander said.
"Fufufu…I can't believe that the man who developed the Ruthenia Empire by leaps and bounds is you…I expected that you would be…hmm… never mind," Anne trailed off.
Alexander narrowed his eyes at her suspicious behavior.
"Are you perhaps expecting something from me?" Alexander asked warily.
Anne chuckled and shook her head. "No...not really. I believe everyone must have an impression of you after your streaks of achievements."
"Oh, I think I'm getting it now. Well, Your Royal Highness, I'm a man who does whatever he likes in his leisure time. But in times of crisis and need to deal with a dangerous situation, You wouldn't believe that you're speaking to the same person," Alexander said and shrugged.
Anne giggled at his response.
Five minutes later, Diana returned to the long table.
"Pardon for the sudden excuse, gentleman. Anne, thank you for handling them when I'm away. You may leave now," Diana said.
"As you wish, sister." Anne rose from her feet and walked away.
Meanwhile, Alexander was beginning to feel bored with the ball. So he watched the people dancing along to the smooth classical
music played on the big stage while he sipped the wine in his glass.
Alexander stood up and walked over to Diana's seat.
"Uhm...Alexander? Do you need something?"
"Diana...can I have this dance?"
