The Sun rose once again over Fort Spearhead marking a new day for this strange world. Today however is different. The rising sun marks the third day since the arrival of the ambassadors, and now it is time for them to meet the King. According to letter sent by the King, there would first be a banquet at night then the proper negotiations would begin the next day. So Nelson then instructed Karl and the others to pack a change of clothes and wear the best outfit they have for the Banquet. Sadly their “Best” clothes didn’t look good enough so Nelson had to make a rush an order of clothes from Earth and get them better clothing.

Since they plan to leave for Lancia in the afternoon this didn’t affect their schedule, but it did give Nelson a bit of a headache. Especially Steven and Yamato since both of them only brought working clothes and sleeping clothes, nothing else. Karl had a decent suit but it was cheaply made so Nelson had to get him a new one. Leia and Susan on the other hand only had office clothes,while decent, it wasn’t suited for a party let alone a royal banquet.

They then discussed how they are going about to ensure their safety in the capital. Nikolai wanted them to have an escort of 10 soldiers equipped with Class 2 exoskeletons and Clearance level 1 “dumb” rounds. However Nelson opposed this suggestion since it will give the other party the wrong message. Plus he also thought that coming there was a form of intimidation, since it would look like they don’t feel any threat coming into their capital unguarded.

Still Nikolai insisted that there should at least be a small group of men camping on the outskirts of the capital just in case something unexpected happens. Nikolai also wanted them to carry weapons for self defense. Nelson was given a hand gun since he had experience with handling fire arms, the rest them were given Tasers.

According to the letter from the King, he wanted the delegation to land a square directly in front of the Capital. It seems the King is informed about the existence of the airbus and made plans to accommodate it. Nelson knew the King wanted to show off the majesty of the capital and also give them a “warm” welcome. He had to admit this was a pretty clever move for the King.

The trip to Lancia would take about 4 hours even with the air bus since it is located at the heart of the Alerian territory. After eating their lunch and checking whether everything was in order, they finally changed into their new outfits and prepared to board an Air bus.

“Alright everyone, I will remind you for the last time that we are representing Earth. So be at your best behaviour, especially you Steven. I don’t want you creeping out the locals with your sudden outbursts” Nelson commanded

“Yes we understand” The rest of them said in unison

Nelson was about to turn around when Leia walked forward and called for his attention

“Uh, Excuse Mr. Nelson” Leia said Timidly

“What is it-” Before Nelson could finish his sentence Leia’s hands were already on his tie. Apparently it was a bit undone.

“There, much better” Leia said to him with a beaming smile on her face

“Thank you” Nelson replied

The delegation then boarded the Air bus, thus began their journey to Lancia. Karl can barely hold in his excitement as he eagerly stared a window in order to see the changing land below him.

“This marks the beginning of my long quest for knowledge” Karl excitedly said in his heart.

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A very large crowd has gathered around the large square in front of the castle. The people here have gathered eager to witness the arrival of the Outsiders. While they have heard the stories, seeing them in person was a completely different matter and excitement can’t be felt in the air. They wanted to see what these people who commanded great power looked like. But not everyone in the capital was excited.

The King kept walking back and forth in the throne room picturing all the different scenarios that could happen in the incoming encounter. His mind raced as he thought about every possibility, every question, every answer, every outcome. At this point it becoming borderline mania, after all who could blame him? His Kingdom and his throne hung in the balance.

Two figures then entered the throne room. A tall man with Silver hair and a face that looked like it was chiselled by master artisans, and a woman with long flowing silver hair whose beauty radiated in the room even though she looked frail and sick.

“Father” the two figures then approached the King.

The King upon realizing who they were immediately stopped his erratic act and regained composure.

“A-ahem, what is it my children?” The King asked and then looked at the woman

“My dear Alea, are you sure you should be getting out of bed? You should conserve your energy for the banquet” The king then said to the princess

“I’m fine father, I am more worried about you. Me and Brother here think you are being too hard on yourself” Princess Alea said with concern

“She’s right father” Her brother added.

“This outsider business has been eating away too much at you. Please if it’s too much let me handle the negotiations father.” The man said

The King, touched by their concern relaxed a bit.

“Thank you for your concern, Theodore and Alea, but as a King this is a burden I must carry alone”

“But father, I am next in line to the throne and will be King someday. It is okay for me to help you carry this weight” Theodore exclaimed

“But you are not King yet” The King said as he patted Theodore’s shoulder

“Plus I am your father before I am King, what kind of father will allow his beloved children to suffer with him?” The King sad with a smile as he looked at his children with loving eyes

“But”

“But”

“No more my children, you do not have to worry about me. I am still strong even in my age. The Outsiders might be powerful, but that doesn’t mean I will lose to them. Be still and watch your father work.” The King said

“And hey, maybe you will learn more about Kingship from this encounter Theodore” The King sad as he looked at his son. He tried his best to look proud and strong for his children.

The Prince and the Princess then hugged the King tightly.

“Promise us you will be okay” Alea asked the King

The King kissed her forehead

“I promise I will” The king then said with a smile

A knight then entered the throne

“Your majesty a large metal object was spotted a few kilometres from the city walls. The Outsiders are here my King” The Knight said

“I see then let us be off” The King said but his children held on to him

“Father, at least let us welcome the Outsiders with you” Theodore said, his eyes showing that he won’t be taking no for an answer. It reminded the King of his wife.

“I understand, then come with me my children” The King said as he walked with the Prince and Princess side by side.