Arrangement

The next day, Eliza arrived and entered Commander Alexander's office, saluting sharply. "Commander, did you catch the news yesterday?"

Commander Alexander looked up, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Ashfield's speech? Yes, I've seen it. What's the report?"

Eliza leaned in, delivering the revelation with a touch of drama. "The twist is, Azure King met his end at the hands of his own son."

Commander Alexander's expression shifted from curiosity to concern. "So, it wasn't a natural death as he claimed? What's the motive behind it?"

Eliza's voice echoed in the Commander's office. "Yes, according to Joseph, Azure King held Princess Scarlett captive. In a perilous moment, just as Azure King aimed to stab Scarlett, Ashfield made a decisive move and delivered a shot."

Commander Alexander pondered, "I see... when it involves their own kin, the laws seem to lose their grip."

Eliza continued, "Anyway, Commander, there's more."

"What is it?" inquired Commander Alexander.

Eliza explained, "This document details a report about Joseph. It appears that when he activated GENESIS's potential, his brainwaves underwent a drastic change. You can listen to this voice recording."

As Commander listened to the recording, he mused, "Hmm, it seems Joseph is becoming someone else. Could it be..."

Eliza interjected, "Yes, Commander. GENESIS seems to be exerting its influence on him. As for his true intentions, that remains uncertain."

Commander Alexander responded, "Well then... Eliza, I want you to keep a close eye on him. If anything goes awry, you know what to do, right?"

Eliza assured, "Roger, Commander! I'll do whatever is necessary."

Commander Alexander, puffing on his cigar, remarked, "Great. I know you'll never disappoint me."

He continued, "Anyway, tomorrow, I have an appointment. The government promoted me from Admiral to Fleet Admiral."

Eliza congratulated, "Congratulations, Commander Alexander. But why the long face? Isn't it something to celebrate?"

Commander Alexander chuckled, "Hahaha, it seems you understand. I always preferred being a Commander, but thank you, Eliza. Even though I'm an Admiral now, you still call me Commander."

Eliza smiled, "Don't you remember who trained us? It's you, Commander. I've always admired you."

Commander Alexander responded, "Anyway, Eliza, thank you for the report. Don't forget to keep an eye on the news tomorrow."

Eliza saluted once again and said, "Roger, Commander." She then left Commander Alexander's office.

At Empire of Crimson Land

Meanwhile, Joseph and Erina stood before the gates of the Empire of Crimson Land. "Joseph, are you sure about this?" Erina expressed her concern, as this was her first time visiting such a place.

Joseph reassured her, "Don't worry, Erina. Crimson Queen invited us. Remember?"

Joseph presented the entry pass to the guards, granting them access. As they entered, Erina couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the Empire of Crimson Lands. "Look at that, Joseph," she exclaimed.

Joseph smiled in agreement, replying, "It's truly amazing, isn't it?"

Erina replied, "Yeah, it's amazing. So, this is the royal life—simply amazing." They strolled through the streets, soaking in the views of the Empire of Crimson Lands.

Upon reaching the front gate of the Crimson Queen's Palace, guards instructed them to wait. Moments later, Benedict, the butler, appeared. "Hello, Joseph, it's been a while," he said, extending a hand for a shake.

Joseph shook hands with Benedict and replied, "Yes, Benedict, how have you been?"

"As usual," Benedict replied with a warm smile.

Erina, surprised, asked Joseph, "Wait, you know him?"

Joseph nodded, "Of course, I used to visit this palace. Oh, by the way, Benedict, this is Erina."

Benedict bowed respectfully, "A pleasure to meet you, Erina."

Erina blushed, impressed by Benedict's manners, and responded, "Nice to meet you too."

Benedict continued, "The Queen wants both of you to eat first, and then you will visit her."

As Joseph was about to reply, his stomach growled. "Yeah, looks like we're going to eat first," he said with a chuckle.

Erina giggled shyly at Joseph, and even Benedict couldn't help but chuckle. Leading them inside the palace, Benedict shared, "You know, thanks to you managing to save Princess Scarlett, the moment she arrived, everyone celebrated. Thank you, Joseph. Without the help of Silver Prism, the people of the Empire of Crimson Lands would have been devastated about Princess Scarlett missing."

Joseph blushed and humbly replied, "It's not much I did, Benedict. I just did what I could."

Benedict led Joseph and Erina to the dining hall, where Scarlett awaited them. "Joseph, Erina," Scarlett greeted.

"Hey, Scarlett," Joseph and Erina replied.

As Scarlett offered them seats, she instructed Benedict to bring their meals. When the dishes arrived, Joseph couldn't help but express his surprise, "Whoa, look at this."

Erina, feeling a bit shy, said, "Joseph..."

Scarlett chuckled and explained, "It's a well-done steak and a chocolate biscuit cake for dessert."

As Joseph took the first bite, Scarlett asked, "How's the taste? Do you like it?"

Joseph, after savoring the flavor, replied, "Yes, the taste is excellent."

"I'm so glad you enjoy it," said Scarlett with a warm smile.

Joseph continued, "But no one can beat Erina's omelette fried rice."Scarlett added, "I see..."

Erina modestly replied, "Nothing too impressive... it's just a simple dish."

Scarlett playfully suggested, "Maybe you can cook it for me, Erina."

Erina agreed, "Yes, sure. Feel free to visit us."

Joseph asked Scarlett, "Anyway Scarlett, do you know the reason why your mother wanted to see us?"

Scarlett replied, "I apologize about that, Joseph. It seems my mother didn't explain anything to me. I tried to talk to her about the reason, but as usual, she went silent with her cold demeanor."

After finishing their meal, Scarlett led Joseph and Erina to the Crimson Queen's painting room. Scarlett knocked on the door and entered, saying, "Mother, I've brought Joseph and Erina, as you wanted."

Crimson Queen, pausing her painting, acknowledged their presence. Scarlett arranged seats for Joseph and Erina. Crimson Queen, with her commanding demeanor, began, "So, how was your meal?"

Joseph nodded, "Yes, my Queen."

Crimson Queen continued, "I see. Anyway, how about you? This is your first time here. Did you enjoy the trip?" She addressed Erina.

Erina, feeling the weight of Crimson Queen's presence, nervously replied, "Y-yes, I liked it. This is my first time visiting the Empire of Crimson Land. Its buildings and landscape are outstanding."

Crimson Queen replied, "Good for you, then."

She continued, "Anyway, the reason I brought you here is this: Joseph, my daughter is in love with you, but I understand that you and Erina are in love. How about this, Scarlett, Erina, both of you marry Joseph."

Crimson Queen, breaking her usual cold demeanor, burst into laughter. "Hahahaha! What a brave girl."

Scarlett, witnessing her mother's unexpected laughter, was equally astonished. Joseph whispered to Erina, "Erina, she's a Queen. Lower your voice."

Crimson Queen continued, "How about this? I have a condition."

Erina asked, "What?"

Crimson Queen went on, "Everything will be arranged by me." She then called her designer, who presented the wedding dress designs.

Erina couldn't contain her excitement when she saw the beautiful dresses. "Oh my! How beautiful are these dresses? What do you think, Joseph? Which one would you like me to wear? I mean, both me and Scarlett."

."Joseph, bewildered and facepalming, muttered, "Oh gosh." He was surprised at how quickly Erina changed her mind. Scarlett couldn't help but chuckle, and they all joined together to choose their wedding dresses.

For an hour, they chose dresses, and after finishing, Crimson Queen asked, "So, how is it? Are you satisfied?"

Erina, blushing slightly and clearing her throat, replied, "Yes, I'm satisfied."

Crimson Queen added, "Good."

Joseph then inquired, "Pardon me, my Queen, but what is the reason behind this?"

Crimson Queen explained, "My daughter fell in love with you the moment she greeted you during both of your mech pilot tests. Initially, I ignored it, providing her with reasons to stay motivated. However, when Azure King kidnapped her because he wanted his son Prince Ashfield to marry my daughter, I decided that perhaps the best course of action is for Scarlett to marry you. The chances are slim if someone else comes to visit me and offers to marry her. It's hard for me to trust anyone because they seek my power. But you, Joseph, I can tell you are a good man."

Crimson Queen continued with a tone of apology, "I apologize for this sudden decision, but this is all my request."

After hearing this, Joseph turned to Erina, a mix of surprise and concern in his eyes. "Erina, what are your thoughts on this... are you okay with this?"

Erina took a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Hmm, it might be a good choice. It's okay for me. I understand, in order to protect Scarlett and Crimson Queen."

The room held a subtle tension as the trio navigated through this unexpected twist of fate, each considering the consequences of this arrangement.

Crimson Queen added with a regal air, "Alright, if you've already accepted, then tomorrow night will be your wedding day."

Joseph respectfully responded, "Yes, my Queen. Pardon me, but I must return to Silver Prism Motherbase to inform everyone about our wedding day."

Crimson Queen assured, "Don't worry, Benedict will handle it. He'll inform everyone about your wedding day. Joseph, Erina, both of you stay in my palace. I will provide a room for both of you. It's best for you to prepare while staying in my palace."

She continued, expressing gratitude, "Thank you so much, Joseph, Erina. With your gratitude, no matter what happens, the Empire of Crimson Land will always stand by your side."

Meanwhile at Goro Industry

Goro Hasegawa, its founder, was surprised by a visitor. When the door was knocked, his secretary announced the arrival of Oswald Orcaser, founder of VoyageCenturyCorporation. Goro welcomed Oswald, saying, "Well, well, what do we have here? Hahaha, have a seat."

Oswald took the offered seat, and Goro inquired, "What's the reason for your visit?"

Oswald replied, "It's about the Valkyrie Sisters. We need your help against them, as that trio of sisters keeps suing us and disrupting our fishermen."

"Sure, I can help, but with a condition," Goro stated with his menacing presence.