Chapter 109: The Military-Political Election—Tereishi Returns

In the year 2211, the United Kingdom officially declared its independence, severing ties with Europa. Outraged by this unilateral action, Europa’s leadership launched the “Dunkirk Incident” followed by the “London Harbor Incident,” aiming to pressure the King and Parliament of the United Kingdom into abandoning their bid for separation. Yet, defying Europa’s war-driven coercion, the United Kingdom quietly completed the construction of the “Fortress of the Century”—a monarch-class battleship capable of standing against Europa’s forces—firing the first honorable salvo of what would come to be known as the Glorious War.

The “London Harbor Incident” concluded with a decisive victory for the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, but this was merely the opening act of the conflict. Following the Battle of Saint George Sea, second only in scale to the war’s final confrontation, hostilities escalated further. The United States joined forces with Europa, entering the war. Though the precise terms of Europa’s promises to the United States remain unknown, the repercussions were swift. In 2212, the “Mexican Harbor Incident” erupted. With the United States involved, the United Kingdom’s long-time maritime ally and unrivaled naval power—the Gallic Empire—entered the fray. What was once a confident Europa-United States alliance suddenly found itself on the back foot: the United States fleet suffered a catastrophic defeat for the second time, Europa’s Mediterranean fleet was trapped in the Strait of Gibraltar, and the isolated Europa North Sea fleet endured heavy losses.

In 2213, the Brussels Incident saw Marshal William Wil’s forces storm the capital of Europa. Forced to capitulate, Europa signed the humiliating Treaty of Brussels, recognizing the United Kingdom’s independence, affirming its rights in the Calais region, and agreeing to pay war reparations to both the United Kingdom and the Gallic Empire.

On December 30, 2213, the United Kingdom formally established its Military Cabinet, operating independently alongside the traditional Parliament and Cabinet system.

By December 29, 2237, preparations for the ninth military-political election were in full swing. That evening marked the final public campaign rally, a historic moment as it was the first time in the United Kingdom’s history that all party leaders were also royal heirs—four successors to the throne.

“Good evening, citizens of the United Kingdom! Whether you hail from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, or any street in London, today you witness the ninth military-political election of our great nation,” declared the renowned radio host Phil Puss, presiding over the lively meeting at the United Kingdom’s Golden (Royal) Opera House.

“By now, you surely know that our Crown Prince officially entered politics earlier this year, and just last month, His Highnesses Quill and Charles of the United Kingdom both came of age at twenty-four. Not long ago, Princess Miller also joined the political arena. This gathering is therefore unprecedented—our very first public meeting featuring the royal heirs themselves!” Phil announced to the packed auditorium.

“Without further ado, let me introduce you!” Onstage stood several sofas and a table. On the left sofa sat a silver-haired young man; on the right, a copper-haired youth. “To my left, or your right, representing the Scottish Freedom Party, His Highness Quill!”

“I am Quill Mistra.” Quill spoke warmly, rising to perform the royal salute.

“To my right, representing the English Democratic Lionheart Society, His Highness Charles!”

“I am Charles Mistra!” Charles also stood and returned the salute.

“We regret that the Crown Prince and Princess could not join us tonight, but…” Phil’s voice trailed off into a familiar refrain. At nearly every event involving the royal heirs, the Crown Prince and Princess mysteriously vanished without explanation.

No sooner had he spoken than a stir rippled through the audience. A straight aisle at the center of the opera house connected to the VIP entrance, and from that direction emerged a young man in a black Welsh military uniform, accompanied by someone dressed as a doctor. The black-clad youth walked at a measured pace, provoking whispers among the crowd.

“Who is that? So brazen—don’t they know this is a gathering for the royal heirs?”

“Exactly, and right in front of the two princes…”

“Something’s off. Look at his face!”

“No way! His face… could it be…”

Seeing this, the two princes stepped forward instinctively. “Brother! What are you—”

The black-uniformed youth raised his right hand, silencing them. Then, turning, he removed his hat to reveal a head of pure golden hair, the emblem of the United Kingdom’s royal family and the color that had conquered the entire realm a decade ago.

“I believe many have already forgotten me. Tonight, I shall properly reintroduce myself,” he declared, handing his hat to the nearby doctor and performing a royal salute. “I am Treshi Mistra, Crown Prince of the United Kingdom! Today, I proclaim—I have returned!”

Treshi’s roar echoed throughout the hall. Noble guests and tens of thousands of citizens alike rose to their feet, a powerful aura filling the space.

“Long live His Highness Treshi Mistra!”

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Side note:

When I began writing three years ago, I had planned a storyline about the United Kingdom’s Brexit for plot convenience, never expecting reality to follow suit. Sometimes, life outpaces prophecy. In any case, the United Kingdom and Europa will continue to intersect in the tale ahead. (Please, let me not be so uncannily accurate again!)