GATE: Rise of the Kaiserin

Vol.2 Ch.1: Welcome to Alnus Garrison

The Alnus Garrison, a ginormous frontline fortress built with heavy concrete walls around it. Outside the walls, there are three defensive lines; the furthest first line is the infantry trenches, where most of the foot soldiers are stationed to guard and repeal enemy attacks. Second, with fortified sandbags and heavy iron beasts named as tanks to support the infantries with medium-range combat capability. Lastly, closet to the walls where the artillery batteries put on hold with the role of long-range bombardment and anti-air support by large calibre auto-mechanic cannon turrets to shot down incoming wyverns.

Besides the military headquarters, the facilities in the fortress are absolutely refined and in perfect complement; Military hospital, horse shelters, military residences, maintenance workshops, an airfield, hangers you name it, they have it. More special about it is with the new establishment of a refugee camp and town. The town is built by the foreign citizens from the Saderan Empire who fled to seek protection from the current war, moreover, the camp is where the refugees live. To support their own living, they sell and buy goods from kingdoms in Germania along with other merchants from other kingdoms too. Since the war has started, the living standard in the refugee settlement grows rapidly in development. Besides that, security in the town is very strict and safe, thanks to the Germania military police and prison volunteers for those who are hired from the Battle of Italica. Children are very curious about the battle beasts that Germania had, so some military personal volunteered to show a display to entertain them.

Now as for Princess Pina herself, she will see it for herself.

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After arriving at the front of the headquarter, while getting off the car, Princess Pina asked Empress Victoria, "Erm, your majesty? Can we talk for a moment? Just the two of us?" The empress replied, "Sorry your highness, I have something to do but I will rendezvous with you in a moment, Colonel Trudanya will be your guide today." After she leaves, the Colonel leads their way to the waiting room, "This way please." While following, Bozes can see the princess is upset, "Your highness, are you alright?" "God damn it! My chance to persuade has passed!"

Soon, in the waiting room, while sitting and waiting, Princess Pina and Bozes are observing the desk in front of them. "I have never seen such a smooth desk." Then, they both stand up as the door opens and enter Feldmarshall Von Moltke and her majesty. Empress Victoria introduced to the princess, "Princess Pina, this is Graf Helmuth von Moltke, Generalfeldmarschall of the Imperial Army of Germania." Moltke sends his regards to the princess and Bozes, "This is my honour to meet you, your highness. And you too, Lady Bozes. Please sit." They sit and the first part of the negotiation begins.

"Why has her highness suddenly decided to visit us? Have you an important matter to discuss?" Asked Moltke and the princess replied, "I have come here to apologise about the misconduct we did about the agreement with her majesty." He nodded and continued, "I have received reports about it if there is something annoying the princess mediating for your empire, maybe we should reconsider the treatment of the agreement." "No, that's..." Princess Pina cut in, "...are you going to invade Italica if we can't keep the agreement?" "No no, this is for the position of Italica to remain neutral and to reduce any misunderstanding conflict between us." After Moltke finished, the princess takes a deep breath and said, "Very well, I will accept this to reconsider the agreement with her majesty agree." Empress Victoria nodded to Moltke as he understands her message, "Then this shall settle." Then Colonel Trudanya enters and salutes to Moltke, "Sir, everything is ready. We can begin the inspection at any time." "Good job Colonel. And your highness, Colonel Zellerin will guide you for the rest of the garrison visit." Princess Pina gives her gratitude, "Thank you for everything, Graf Moltke." With the first part of the negotiation goes well, it is time for the army inspection,

As the guests arrive at the military parade ground by car, the band plays along as Empress Victoria with Princess Pina walk to the centre platform, then the band plays the national anthem of the Germania Empire. 

^[Behüt' dich Gott * Der Trompeter von Säckingen]

After the anthem, the empress invites the princess to walk along and inspect the army. As they walk, Princess Pina is amazed, "Such discipline and neat formation, that's why they can win such war with that spirit." She thought. After they return to the platform, three "iron wyverns" with coloured smoke tails fly above their heads with proud noises they make.

During lunch, Empress Victoria is pleased that the princess and Bozes are enjoying their meal. "The food from Germania are fabulous! They are like from the gods!" As Bozes gives a taste on a hot corn soup, she has never felt that lightness and creaminess from such content. Sitting along with the empress there are Grand Duchess Alexandra and Generalfeldmarschall Moltke, then Moltke spoke, "I have a gift for you, your majesty." He passes a file to her as the grand duchess is surprised, "What it will be, Generalfeldmarschall?" As the empress opens the file, he continued, "Is about the 'beast' you designed by your own hands, your majesty. Thanks to our genius engineers, they managed to bring her alive." With a refile, she smiled, "Well, I am looking forward to this. Make a recommendation for them, they deserve the highest civilian order." "As you wish, your majesty." Moltke takes his leave and Princess Pina asked, "The beast he mentioned are alike to those iron elephants, right?" Empress Victoria closes the file and turns to her "Almost, but even bigger, shall we wake her up? You may like her as you ride on her." The princess smiled, "Sure." But in her heart there are worries.