On the national television channel, every show that the people were watching was instantly replaced by an emergency broadcast. Everyone was confused, wondering what was happening. It was the first time that happened on people's television and from the image flickering on the screen alone, they can tell that it was serious.

Seconds later, the bright red written text on the television screen was replaced by a view of a massive plenary hall of the Imperial Council Building.

At the center, a man was walking on the platform and stopped at the podium. The camera zoomed in and that's when the people recognized the person. It was their emperor, His Majesty Alexander Romanoff.

Alexander can be seen fixing his tie as if preparing for a speech. After that, he placed his hand on the sides of the podium, glancing around as if eyeing every member of the Council present in the plenary hall.

"My people, I know a lot of questions are filling in your mind right now. Such as what just happened? I was watching my favorite show and then suddenly the emperor showed up on the screen," Alexander casually said, making it a little bit lighthearted for the viewers before dropping the real thing.

"Well, the reason is quite simple, my people, I have an announcement to make. Don't worry, the show that you've been watching will return after my speech. First, you have to listen," Alexander paused and breathed deeply.

This was it, he will tell you that the whole of Europa is their enemy.

"Everyone, yesterday, at seven o'clock in the evening, in St. Petersburg time, the Britannia Empire declared war on the Ruthenia Empire for attacking London. Soon it was followed by the Deutschland Empire, Austrean Empire, Francois Republic, Sardegna Empire, Kingdom of Denmark, Kingdom of Belgium, and basically, every country in the Europan continent. Let me be clear, my people, that their allegation is nothing more but a lie. Fabricated so as to disrupt our peace-loving country. But, when my military officials showed me images that our neighbors were mobilizing our troops with the intention to march to our motherland, I had no choice but to respond accordingly.

"It is my duty, as the Emperor of the Ruthenia Empire, to protect the land and my subjects. I have made an oath to protect it all my life, never letting a foreign invader set foot on Ruthenia soil. And I will do just that by declaring war on the nations who declared war on the Ruthenia Empire!"

Alexander announced and every person in the Ruthenia Empire started feeling grim."I know that all of you are scared. Like how are we going to win a war against every great power in Europa? Well, the Francois Republic did it in the early years but lost eventually in the end. And do you know the reason? It's because their capital was captured. The Ruthenia Empire is different! Even if St. Petersburg has fallen, we will simply relocate to the new city and continue the fight. If that city falls, we'll move eastward until there is no more city left. We will fight to the bitter end and resist the invaders who come to destroy our homes and families. My people, are you going to stand by and do nothing as you watch an Austrean or Deutschlander march on our streets?"

"No!" the people shouted in their homes, in the streets, from the freezing tundra of Siberia to the sweltering desert of central Asia.

"Are you going to stand by and watch as they destroy your homes, kill your families, your mother, father, daughters, sons, and friends?"

"No!" The people removed their hats and paused what they were doing in the factories as they watched their emperor make a speech.

"No!" Alexander shouted fervently. "We are not going to let them march on our cities, our streets, our lands. We are going to fight to the bitter end until we are the ones marching on their cities, capitals, and streets. My people, I need you, the country needs you! Your country is calling for help and you will answer it! We will fight! So that the next generation will have a place to call, 'it's our country!'" Alexander concluded with a resounding cry.

The members of the Imperial Council stood and clapped, cheering. Their hearts filled with patriotism to the brim. Outside, the people jumped excitedly. Wanting to fight for their country.

Alexander walked out of the platform and returned backstage, where high-ranking officials waited for him.

"A magnificent speech, Your Majesty," Sergei praised. "You just motivated every citizen of the Ruthenia Empire to join the cause of defending our country."

"Well, I'm sending a strong message to our neighbors, that even if they gang up, we will never falter," Alexander said before his gaze flickered to Sevastian. "What do you think?"

"I'd say that we have to work hard and protect the country, Your Majesty. Teach them a lesson for declaring war on the Ruthenia Empire," Sevastian forced a smile.

Alexander scoffed inwardly and beckoned the Minister of Interior, Dmitri Kaniv, to come forward.

"What is it, Your Majesty," Dmitri asked as he stepped forward.

Alexander leaned close to his ears and whispered something. Sevastian tilted his head to the side puzzledly, wondering what the emperor was saying to Dmitri?

When Alexander finished whispering to his ears, Dmitri threw a cursory glance at Sevastian before bowing to Alexander.

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Sevastian gulped inwardly, sensing a trepidation coming off of the minister. He must have learned something. Sevastian is certain about that. Because if not, then why would Alexander have to whisper if he can tell it to the group.

Did Alexander see through him from his body language, choice of words, or anything? He learned that Alexander once interrogated a Black Hand agent that tried to kill him, and he made him drink a liquid that has a substance on it that will make him able to read the man like a book. Even without it, Alexander has a good eye for catching things up with a glance.

"Your Majesty, as your National Security Advisor, I need to know what you said to Minister Dmitri," Sevastian said.

Alexander glanced at him. "You don't need to, whatever I said to Dmitri is not your concern."

"Your Majesty, I know this is a bad time but do you feel wary of me?" Sevastian asked.

Alexander closed his eyes and sighed. "What are you talking about, Sevastian? Of course, I trust you. What I said to Dmitri is to make sure that the people are safe during the war. It's a job for the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

Inwardly, Sevastian's face contorted into infuriation. That's a lie and he knew Alexander was messing with him. He must have known it by now. But does he have what it takes to call him out? If he did, then that would betray the fact of laying low.

"I understand, Your Majesty."

With that, the high-ranking officials walked back to the Command Ops.