Azur Lane: Kaiserin (Book 1)

Ch50: Kaiserin

Even as the vehicle carrying me rolls down the streets into Berlin, only sporadic fighting can be heard. The army has already crushed the enemy's resistance with the aid of KANSEN and overwhelming air superiority. Now, even with minor street fighting still taking place, the citizenry has already begun taking to the streets in their thousands cheering on as the Sensenmänner march ahead of the convoy as an army retaking the city. It is merely symbolic since it was the recruits from the camps that did the fighting but the meaning it brings isn't lost on any who watches as we pass by. As they all cheer on, I can't help the smile that spreads across my face.

This was quite a remarkable plan to begin with but the fact that things went this smoothly goes even beyond my wildest imaginations. In a single stroke, I have eliminated any opposition to my immediate ascension within the mainland and even if the generals in the East wish to oppose me, they cannot do so with their forces tied down fighting the Northern Parliament thus giving me free rein to mop up any other loose ends before turning to deal with them.

I have also kept my promise to those that had been severely oppressed and given them the opportunity to have justice likely securing their undying loyalty in the process. At the same time, I've moved against the Sardegna Empire before they could truly pose a threat whilst simultaneously ensuring that the Royal Navy will not intervene. Now, the only ones left to handle will be the puppet government the Fuehrer had set up within the Vichya Dominion and my position will be firmly secured for what is to come.

Clarissa: We've arrived, Eure Hoheit.

Nodding, I watch as she gets out and makes her way around to my door before opening it. She offers a hand as I reposition myself to get out and after a brief consideration, I take it. Standing, I glance around to find an ever-growing crowd gathering around the Reichstag building. 

Clarissa: They are all gathered for you-

Me: Not yet, but soon enough.

Turning, I make my way up the stairs. I'm followed closely behind by Clarissa but soon I'm joined by Roselyn who's finally returned from her trip to Leningrad where she relayed some instructions I had to my general staff who're still operating from the city.

Me: I see you've made it in time.

Roselyn: I'll always be by your side.

I smile in response as all three of us wait on Roon, Eugen and the others to catch up to us. As we wait, I notice more and more of the army that had been taking the city arriving amongst the crowd. I suppose their arrival means they've finished fighting the small pockets of resistance that had remained.

Me: We have Heinrich within custody, yes?

Clarissa: I handpicked the team sent in to capture him personally. We should be receiving a report on their success momentarily.

Rather confident aren't we? Still, the Sensenmänner have yet to fail me so I see no reason to doubt them, especially given they underwent winter training under my mother's care and survived. I know KANSEN who wouldn't dare dream of such a thing.

Roon: I told you, you're not getting to-

Eugen: You don't get to make that decision. I will see-

Roon: You'll have to get through me first!

Despite now being close to us, neither seemingly recognise we're there as they square off against one another. Rossiya and the others give them a wide berth as if not wanting to get involved but don't try to stop them from fighting. It seems I really must do everything myself.

Me: Ladies!

They both stop and after seeing me walk toward them, Roon's head falls embarrassed.