Thirty minutes earlier.

meters away from the winter palace, an edifice known as the General Staff Building that served as the home of the military headquarters of the Ruthenia empire. A man strides through the hallways of the military headquarters.

His name is Rolan Makarov.

The man stood at an astonishing height of 6’6. His build was well-muscled, but his frame was lean. He wore an impeccably tailored black three-piece suit that left no detail of his frame untouched. Gold hair was slicked back and fell in a wave over one side of his face, giving him a rugged, careless look. A square jaw and a set of cold blue eyes completed the ruggedly handsome look. His skin was pale white and his eyes were sharp like steel and looked as though they could see straight through everything. His body seemed to sparkle with power, strength, and authority.

His name is Colonel Rolan Smeryakov. During the Rutho-Angorian war that happened fifteen years ago, he was feared as Ruthenia’s master close-combat combatant. He was known as “The Reaper.”

Arriving at his destination, he knocked on the door. Moments later, the door opened and a civilian man peeked his head out of the door. Upon seeing who it is, he waved him in.

The 50-year-old man looked like a scholar. He was wearing a pair of round glasses and a black suit.

“Colonel Makarov. It is an honor to meet a war hero such as you.” the man exclaimed, excitement was evident in his voice.

“The honor is mine, sir. If you don’t mind me asking, why did you call me here?”-.

“Hoh? Straight to the point huh? I like it.” The man walked to his desk. He opened up a drawer and took out an envelope. He handed the envelope to the colonel.

“What’s this?” Rolan asked as he tore open the envelope and emptied the contents. He saw a reassignment paper.

“You know about the current issues in Imperial Family of Ruthenia right?”

“Yes, I heard it in the newspaper. The emperor and the queen were killed in an explosion thrown by a syndicate known as the Black Hand. Though they succeeded in killing the head of the empire, they failed to kill the heir apparent, His Imperial Majesty, Alexander Romanoff. I believe he will be crowned as the new emperor in…I don’t know, did they announce the date?”“The Minister of the Imperial Court hasn’t made an announcement, but I believe it will happen soon. You’ll be reassigned as the head of the imperial guard tasked with guarding His Majesty effective immediately.

The news shocked the colonel.

“Are you serious sir? You’re putting me as the head of the Imperial Guard?” He asked in disbelief.

The man nodded. “Our new emperor is a rather progressive man who has made progressive reforms such as transitioning from autocracy to constitutional monarchy, promised radical reforms, and implemented policies to ensure that the welfare of the citizenry will be protected. These policies and reforms sparked outrage from conservative politicians, nobles, and the aristocracy who feared that these reforms will threaten their power and influence in the government. Because of this, we have a reason to believe that there will be a plot to assassinate our new head of state. In addition, the Black Hand still lurks in the shadows within our country’s borders, constantly threatening his life. We need someone loyal to the crown, a man who will protect the prince with his life. And we believe you’re the right person for that kind of job.”

Rolan was speechless. He didn’t know what to say. He was deep in thought.

“Are you refusing?”

“No sir, I am not.” Rolan snapped back to reality and answered without hesitation. “I will accept this assignment, and I’ll protect the prince with my life as I believe it is the greatest honor I can ever have.”

“I believe so too, colonel.” The man smiled. “Now head there to the royal palace immediately, the prince along with the two princesses, Her Imperial Highnesses Christina and Tiffania, are planning to go on a trip. You’ll be debriefed as soon as you arrive there.”

Rolan pocketed the files inside the manila envelope and saluted.

…

Back in the present time, Alexander, Christina, and Tiffania were walking out of the door towards the state car.

Alexander’s eyes wandered around the contour of the vintage car. Based on the exterior design, the windows, and the number of seats inside. He deduced that the car in front of them is strikingly similar to that of a 1931 Daimler Double-Six 40/50.

The side door of the car opened as a tall man exited. The first thing that caught the prince’s attention was the man’s height. Standing at a staggering height of 6’6. He is 18 centimeters taller than him.

Alexander was not the only one who was shocked by the man’s height, even Christina and Tiffania were overwhelmed.

“Your Majesty,” The man spoke as he kneeled in front of him. “I’m Rolan Smeryakov. As of today, I’ll be your head of security.” He said with a solemn bow.

“Ah…so you’re the one huh?”

“You were already informed, sir?”“Yes,” he confirmed. “After all, I’m the one who requested from the General Staff for a security detail.”

“Is that so?” Rolan let out a chuckle and stood up. His eyes flickered to the two grand duchesses who were looking at him with their heads up. He let out a smile as he placed a hand on his chest and bowed. “Your Imperial Highnesses, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

The two princesses gracefully bowed in return.

“So, shall we head out?”

Rolan nodded. He opened the car door for Alexander and the princesses. He closed the door after the three of them got in. The prince sat in the middle and the two princesses sat on his sides. Rolan sat at the front.

“Your Imperial Majesty,” Rolan spoke to Alexander as the chauffeur starts the engine. “Where should we go first?”

“The City Hospital No 40 first then to the Kirov Plant,” Alexander answered as he leans back in his seat. He wiggled between the two as he find it difficult to find a comfortable position.

“Understood,” Rolan acknowledged and pulled out a map, then turns his attention to the chauffeur. “We will take this route.”

“Yes sir.”

In the backseat.action

“A little cramped, isn’t it?” Tiffania suddenly blurted out. “Can you move a little bit to the right, Alexander?”

With a moment’s hesitation, he moved to the right as carefully as possible, trying not to hurt Christina.

“That’s better,” Tiffania commented.

A short silence fell upon them as the car slowly drove through the busy streets of the capital city.

Peering through the windows, Alexander observed the scenery outside the car. He saw a plethora of automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. People were walking and going about their business in the streets. He also noticed the presence of grandiose baroque and neoclassical edifices which were still in use as well as the abundance of old and classical buildings. He hasn’t been to St. Petersburg in his past world but it sure gives a similar vibe and look.

Meanwhile, in the front seat, Rolan was studying the surroundings just like a commander investigating the topography of a battlefield. There could be an enemy nearby that could pose a threat to the convoy so he’s watching out for that.

Fortunately, they didn’t run into any unexpected obstacles so the state car arrived at the city hospital without incident.

“Here we are, Your Majesty,” Rolan announced.

Alexander thanked him and stepped out of the car, then headed to the front entrance with his two sisters and a security detail dressed in black suits with Rolan issuing out orders to his men to stay on high alert.

The reason for them coming here is to check the condition of the people who marched on August 1st who suffered injuries and heatstroke. This is just a simple gesture but if people who will witness him inside spread the word that he visited them personally, he’ll gain a lot of support from the people.

Simply put, this is just a photo opportunity for him. Though this sounded like politics, it wasn’t his only intention. This is also his chance to learn more about the people.