RM Vol 3: For a World without Boundary – Chapter 27: Wilhelmshaven Pretzel

RM Vol 3: For a World without Boundary – Chapter 27: Wilhelmshaven Pretzel

Rosa and Mary arrived in Wilhelmshaven with enough fanfare befitting a well-regarded ally of their stature. Yuki was there to welcome them before extending an official invitation for them. One that pertained for them to join the award ceremony for the crews of RMS Bismarck and RMS Prinz Eugen. Of course, they accepted without hesitation. After all, they were briefed on the occasion while they were still in the air. What the Reformist envoy hadn't accounted for though was that just how grand the whole ceremony was.

The ceremony attracted thousands upon thousands of spectators with even many more watching the occasion live from elsewhere. Banners, flags, and coats of arms were hung everywhere with streams of people watching the procession of military bands and units parading all over the coastal city. Proudly on display along Wilhelmshaven's coast were the Reichsmarine's major spoils of war, the HMS King George V and HMS Ark Royal, attracting most of the curious and excited Belkan citizens. And when it's time to award the men and women who made the capture of these warships possible, you better believe that a window or two had been cracked due to the citizens' shout full of fervor.

The atmosphere back then was like it had been ignited by a spiritual flame. But with Yuki feeling mischievous, she kicked it up a notch, adding fuel to the fire. When the ceremony was over, Yuki announced an impromptu festival with free food and drinks. She even went as far as collaborating with "The Brightest Star" and "Miss Pink Elf♪" to make a commemorative song about Bismarck for the military band to play. It's being performed on the stage right now, enrapturing the spectators in the beats as they bob their heads up and down.

Currently, Rosa and Mary are boarding the HMS Devonshire, the heavy cruiser that had been captured alongside HMS Fiji when the attack on Ark Royal happened. Right now, the two cruisers are berthed in a restricted area of Wilhelmshaven, far away from the bustling activities but still offer a good view of the entire proceeding. Soon, Rosa and Mary are guided to the bow of the Devonshire where a coffee table has already been laid out. There, the pair are welcomed by Yuki personally as she steps in, hooking her arms with Rosa and Mary. With a cheery smile on her face, Yuki says.

"I hope you two have been enjoying the day as much as I do." The trio then heads for the table. "The music surely was a bit of a surprise but it seems fitting, don't you think?" Yuki pointed at the city from which Rosa could hear the music blasting.

"From the mist, a shape, a ship, is taking form

And the silence of the sea is about to drift into a storm

Sign of power, show of force!

Raise the anchor, battleship's plotting its course..."

Rosa giggles as she and Yuki take a seat, with Mary taking the chance to pour them coffee. "Believe me, each trip to Belka has always been an experience, Yuki. I would dare say that Belka, as a country, is changing day by day. Thus keeping it fresh for Mary and I who are toiling away in Luxembourg."

Hearing that, Yuki raises an eyebrow at Mary who is putting down a coffee pot. The maid in question just chuckles. "She is just jesting, Yuki. With all the funds you provided for us, we are living a lifestyle befitting of a royalty." The maid then presents the coffee for the two princesses, with milk of course. "But it has come to my mind that despite all the amenities Luxembourg has to offer, it's still not as glorious as Berlin. A matter that Rosa has been hard at work to remedy."

Rosa raises her mug at that. "But of course, I can't fall behind Belka now. That would make me lose all face as an ally, no?"

Yuki smiles, nodding at that assertion before turning over behind her shoulder. "Hey Erika, Lola! Want to join us?"

Yuki's bodyguards for this trip, and also her friends for years now, shake their heads. "Maybe another time, Yuki. This space is a bit too open for our liking."

Yuki nods understandingly. "Just give me a shout if you want a coffee." Ever since what happened in Arash, Yuki's guards are much stricter with her protection whenever they can. It's why Yuki always treats them well.

Facing Rosa and Mary, who is standing behind her Ustian counterpart, Yuki gestures to the snacks on the table while sipping her iced milk coffee. "You should try some pretzels, there are many flavors to choose from. Oh, and I heard from a little birdie that Rosa here knows how to bake now. I reckon that it had been an endeavor to teach her the way of a pastry chef, Mary?"

Smiling, Rosa stands up before walking over to Yuki, leaning down into a hug. "Thank you, my Marshal." The Ustian princess then lightly pecks Yuki's lips, casting a smile on the Marshal. Mary just watches the proceeding with a heartwarming smile.

Yuki, on her part, chuckles with a rosy tint on her cheeks. "You're Belka's ally, it would be unsightly if our ally is not up to par."

Rosa laughs, following along. "Figured there's another motive for gifting me with free stuff. You're just slowly tightening your hold over me, hah."

Yuki smiles before kissing Rosa lightly. "Aren't I always? Sooner or later, our two nations will be one big family. And that also includes you and Mary."

"Well, I sure like the sound of that." Mary interjected from the side, causing Rosa and Yuki to chuckle.

Rosa then moves back to her seat and Yuki lets her and Mary take an overview of the documents she handed over. Around ten minutes and two emptied mugs later, Rosa puts down the documents, massaging the bridge of her nose, and is dizzied by the paperwork. "OK, as much as I am enthusiasted by the new toys. This is clearly above my know-how."

Yuki giggles, offering a way out for Rosa. "I can help you with some advice now. After that, the matter should be left for your Minister Francis and my people to iron out."

Yuki wipes her fingers clean with a tablecloth before raising two fingers. "Right now, you have two options in how to outfit your budding Navy. One is to immediately commission them and sail them around whenever you need. I reckon that there are a few coastal towns that would love some friendly faces protecting them. But in my opinion, this is ill-advised."

"How so?" Rosa straightened up, taking Yuki's words very seriously.

"The issue is that you will be facing logistical problems down the line. Without modification, your fleet, which consumed materials sourced from Ustian and Erusean shipyards, will be falling apart in a year. Sailing in this day and age is resource-consuming, and while you can reap the immediate benefits now in the Months of Demons, you will be left without a ship once we're done with it." Yuki explained concisely.

"I see now why that would be unwanted for the both of us." Rosa nodded.

"Good, then we will no doubt go with the second option. It will involve our spared naval yards taking in the cruisers and destroyers, and refitting them to our export specifications, much like what we are doing for the Long Dynasty. While we're doing that, we will start training the ship crews that you pick on how to operate these new vessels. Since when we're done, you will have to rethink your naval doctrine. I have put forth the name of the one to be in charge of training your sailors. It will no doubt be a familiar face, with you having just seen him on the stage earlier." Yuki gestured at the documents.

"Really?" Rosa raised an eyebrow while skimming the papers once again. She then comes across a name and a picture. "Oh! I see! It's Captain Raymond of the Prinz Eugen! No wonder you asked me to award him the medal instead of you."

Yuki nods. "Considering that you will soon be working together, it's better for you to know the man first. He's a talented cruiser Captain and one that specializes in fleet coordination. As you would have seen from his effort alongside the Bismarck. The man will no doubt bring the few vessels that you have into a force to be reckoned with. Especially with the upgrade package we are considering installing on your ships."

Rosa smiles, glad that the trip here has borne her unexpected fruits. "While I would like to know more, I don't think I will understand most of them. I will just leave that in your capable hands, Yuki."

"In fact, why don't we just enjoy the rest of the day? I would like to show you my baking skills later with the rest of your family."