Chương 25: Day Before the Coronation
The night sky was filled with stars as the moon shines brightly that it illuminates the night sky. The weather in Vienna was cold but it was not too cold as Alexander and Ana strolled around the nearby area of the hotel.
"So, what do you think?" Alexander asked.
Ana's hand was in Alexander's. Her gaze was fixated on the stars and the moon.
While the coronation will be held tomorrow, Alexander figured that it would be best to explore the capital city of the Austrean Empire to pass the time.
Their first destination was the Ring Road.
First, they'll have to obtain cash for their trip. As prudent as Alexander would be, he already ordered Rolan, his chief of security, to go to a bank that offers exchange service to withdraw the local money in Austrea.
Rolan, who was walking behind the two all the time, approached Alexander and handed him the money.
However, Alexander raised his hand, stopping him. "You hold it," he simply ordered.
"Understood,"
The three entered the car and began to move towards The Ring Road.
As they passed by several buildings and shops, Alexander had to admit that the capital city was one of the most beautiful cities he had ever seen.
The street lights gave off a bright yellow glow that illuminated the corner of the street they were on. The night sky was decorated with glittering stars, and the moon was glowing in full radiance as it shined over the city.
The architecture of the buildings and shops was a mix of neoclassical and baroque designs that exude a sense of royalty with their majestic and splendid design.
As Alexander admired the view, he realized the car stopped.
"We're here," the chauffeur declared.
"I see," Alexander replied as he gazed into the brightly lit street filled with people, making the city lively and vibrant.
"So this is the Ring Road huh?" Alexander commented it was much livelier than what he had seen from his capital, the St. Petersburg.
The Ringstrasse or commonly known as The Ring Road. Alexander doesn't know much about the history of the city but years ago, ramparts stood here. Following their demolition and massive construction effort, it became the main road. From the car, he could see remnants of rubbles on some part of the city.
Vienna State Opera, the City Hall Rathaus, the Parliament Building, Museums, Library, Palaces, and any other major public institution are all built around The Ring.
Alexander and Ana exited the car. The soldiers who were guarding the car saluted to acknowledge their presence.
Alexander and Ana gazed at each other and then looked at the surroundings. "So, shall we go in?" Alexander asked.
Ana nodded in reply.
Holding hands, Alexander and Ana stepped into the Ring Road.
As they entered the street, they were greeted by well-lit shops on both sides of the street.
"So which one do we go to first?" Alexander asked.
"Hmm...how about there?" She pointed at the jewelry shop at the corner of the street.
"Okay then, I guess." Alexander acknowledged.
They entered the shop. A bell tinkled overhead as they entered, and they were greeted by a short and balding man who wore thin-rimmed spectacles. The inside of the shop was decorated using luxurious carpets and shelves filled with elegant and classy jewelry. A half-moon chandelier hung from the roof, diffusing warm light into the dim space. Behind a small counter on the far side of the room, displays showed off expensive rings, necklaces, and bracelets of silver and white gold.
"How can I help you today?" The man asked in a Deutsch language.
Alexander didn't get it at first but the moment he focuses his mind on those words, new information flooded his brain. It turns out that Alexander can speak four languages: English, Deutsch, Ruthenia, and French.
Thomas was impressed by this new information after knowing in the past that Alexander is a slacker.
"We're are going to browse around first, we'll let you know if we need anything," Alexander replied in Deutsch.
"Okay then, let me know if you need any help," the old man smiled back.
Meanwhile, Ana was staring at his brother, seemingly impressed.
"What's the matter?" Alexander spoke back in Ruthenian.
"No...nothing at all. I was just surprised that you can speak Deutsch brother,"
"It's a skill that an heir apparent must have after all, especially in diplomacy," Alexander replied back.
"I guess," Ana shrugged.
"Anyway choose something you want and let me know. So that we can hand it to the clerk for purchase."
"Okay."
Ana strolled around the store while she looked at the jewelry displayed on the glass display. Then her eyes stopped on a barrette butterfly clip that caught her attention.
Alexander and Rolan followed the princess as they noticed her staring at the jewelry piece.
"You like it?"
Ana nodded.
Alexander approached the center counter and handed the barrette to the clerk. "Can I have this one pls?"
"That'll be 1,192 krone."
Alexander beckoned Rolan to come. "Pay the price."
Rolan nodded and pulled out the money he exchanged earlier. Then, he handed the exact amount to the clerk.
Seeing that they've bought it, Ana beamed with delight. "Thank you, brother!"
"It's nothing, it's probably cheap anyway," Alexander assured. "Want me to put it on your hair?"
Ana nodded happily as she approached her brother.
Alexander then placed the butterfly clip on her hair. It suited her well as it matched her silver hair.
Finishing their business in the jewelry store, they left the store with Ana's hand holding Alexander's.
As they stroll through the busy street, Alexander noticed a hotdog standing by the corner of the street. The smell of the sausage wafted through the air making his stomach rumble.
"You want to eat?" He asked Ana.
"Sure," Ana smiled back.
The two approached the stand. As always, Rolan follows their tracks.
"Rolan, give me some money," Rolan pulled out a wallet and handed it to his boss.
"Excuse me, sir. Three käsekrainer, please."
While waiting for the order, Ana lightly tugs Alexander's sleeve, her face wearing a curious expression.
"What's wrong?"
"Uhm...brother where are the seats?"
"There's none."
"Eh?! How do we suppose to eat it? I can't see them using forks or knives."
"We eat it while standing," Alexander gave an obvious answer.
Ana got more confused. Her lack of experience in the outside world made her ignorant of the simplest of things.
"Hmmm...how do we do it?"
"Don't worry, Your Highness, let me demonstrate it for you," Rolan stepped in with a hotdog bun in his hand.
"Hold it by the bun, open your mouth wide, and take a bite." Rolan demonstrated, chewing the food and swallowing it down.
Ana tried it as Rolan instructed. She leaned over, opened her mouth, and bit the bun. She chewed it and swallowed the food.
"It's delicious!" Ana remarked happily, there was a ketchup stain on her mouth.
Alexander asked for a tissue and used it to wipe off Ana's mouth.
"I guess that's for today in Ring Road, how about we visit the Hofburg Palace?" Alexander asked.
"Sure," Ana agreed.
"Rolan, is the car ready?"
"Yes, sire."
"Then let's go."
...
Ten minutes later, Alexander, Ana, and Rolan arrived at the Hofburg Palace.
Parking the car just at the side of the street, the three exited the car and looked over to the palace looming in the distance.
The Hofburg Palace, located in central Vienna, was the official residence of the royal family of the Austrean Empire.
The black and yellow Austrean flag rippled in the wind on the balcony of the palace. Soaring high into the sky, the flag stood tall over the roof, waving in the wind.
The palace is as tall and majestic as the Winter Palace. Truly astonishing.
"So this is where Prince Licht lives right? I wonder if he's inside," Ana commented.
"He must be preparing for his coronation tomorrow," Alexander said.
"When will be your coronation, brother?"
"That's still undetermined, but I believe it'll happen soon,"
"Oh," Ana said. "I can't wait!"
Alexander smiled back, reminiscing their journey back to the Ring Road. He admits that the way of living is starkly different from the Ruthenia Empire. The Austrea is vibrant and lively while the Ruthenia is depressing and listless.
When he get back to Ruthenia Empire, he swore that he'll change the very Empire itself and make it the most powerful nation in the world.
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