Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

XXIX. Hugo

Tuesday, 3rd of October, 1939 consisted of me waking up at 7:30. It wasn't often that I woke up around this time, because I tend to wake up at three and a half hours ago, with the occasional 6 AM days. I would go my usual routine and all after staring at the ceiling for a good five minutes, mentally preparing myself for today. I mean... With Alexander, you really have to be on your toes, and attentive. Zone out for one moment and you'll probably miss some important information. He'll put you to the worst sort of punishments in Regius Obligatus, not that I am aware of these... punishments. Anyway... back to today.

It was fifteen minutes later that I was in my casual tuxedo before I started to clean the suite (now that I got a better look at the room) for the sake of it because the suit contains - or will contain - important confidential papers after Alexander arrived here in Berlin. After finishing cleaning the suite, I grab my wallet, keys and my satchel before going out of the suite, and lock it. I put the keys and wallet into the breast pocket of my jacket as I made my way to the dining hall where the hotel's serving breakfast.

After arriving, I acted all normal, not drawing any attention to anyone because who knows anyone here in the dining hall is a Nazi spy, a Soviet spy, or a member of Regius Obligatus and Absconditus Custos? One of the main lessons that I have learnt from Alexander (there were many if truth be told) [and... I borrowed this lesson from a page of Regius Obligatus and Absconditus Custos because it's crucial to play by the book. Yet, it is not, if you know what I mean?], that in an unfamiliar setting, it is absolutely necessary to act normal, but you must have full attention in your background and landscape. You must be aware. You must be alert.

I stayed silent as I sat, and ate. It would be another half hour that I would finally get my French arse out of the dining hall, and into the city inside a Volkswagen. It's a tad bit weird driving on the right side, considering I used to drive in the left side back home in London. But, I did have a fair amount of practice before I arrived here while I was in France. I would rather prefer riding on a Royal Enfield, but if you really want to blend into Nazi Germany and not draw any attention to yourself, better get used to supporting German products. You all must really be wondering why I'm relaxing in Berlin, despite everything that is happening in the world right now? Alexander specifically told me to relax and enjoy the autumn breeze of Berlin and not to worry about anything for the day. Weird, right? But no matter since he even goes on to say that I need a break. Like I actually need it.

I would mindlessly go around the city, trying to pass the time. Of course, there a lot of Nazi flags that were hanging from the buildings promoting Nazism. I would be hanging out in the city for the rest of the day until something caught my eye as I drove past a newspaper stand.

DER PRINZ VON WALES: TOT IN EINEM FLUGZEUGABSTURZ

(THE PRINCE OF WALES: DEAD IN A PLANE CRASH)

I read it and I immediately pulled to the side, parking the car. I got out and immediately took the newspaper, as I took out my wallet and paid the newspaper seller. I nodded thanks, before heading back to the car and driving to a local cafe on the same street. I sat there at a table, after ordering a cup of coffee, as I opened up the newspaper to the desired page about the story. So, Alexander told me to relax and sneak up behind on me with this. Why shouldn't I be surprised?

I stayed there for another half hour before I actually got going. I headed to the Volkswagen and entered it before making my way to the Regius Obligatus base here in Berlin. For the rest of the day, I would be preparing for the worst after hearing Alexander's death as there is really no time to mourn. Regius Obligatus and Absconditus Custos have work to do.