Note: If ever in doubt about Characters, I humbly suggest you go through the chapters of the Auxiliary volumes. The Auxiliary Volume contains an arranged List of Characters.
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In the planet 'Mahi' of the world 'Vishwa', the United Albion Empire is one of the Major Empires of the planet, and the biggest Empire of the Europa continent.
A few years ago, a revolution occurred in the continent, which lasted a few decades. At the conclusion of the Revolution, the Albion Empire came out as one of the Primary forces that dominate the Europa Continent. It has been spearheading the war of Conquest after the Elemental Revolution.
The Europa Continent follows its own Calendar called the Elemental Calendar. The day after the conclusion of the Elemental Revolution in the Europa continent is considered the first day of the Elemental Calendar.
As per the Calendar, the meeting of the Imperial Court takes place annually on the 2nd January at the Marble Hall of Buckingham Palace at the Imperial Capital Tamesis. As the first official day of the New Year, it is an important day for the United Albion Empire, since 31st December and 1st January are official holidays.
The annual meeting is attended by all major representatives of the various Ministries and the Nobles and was presided over by the Monarch - Empress Victoria.
"Hear ye, hear ye, announcing the arrival of Her Majesty Victoria Alexandrina, Empress of the United Albion Empire, His Highness Charles, Prince of Wales and Her Highness Diana, Princess of Wales."
At this announcement all the attendees got up from their respective seats to welcome their Monarch.
Empress Victoria said, "You may all sit down."
She then turned to Prime Minister Winston Churchill and said, "I hope you have prepared the Annual Report for us."
Prime Minister Churchill got up and with a proud smile replied, "Yes, Your Majesty! I have prepared the report as per your request. I shall report it one by one.
First, Entertainment. The poems and plays by William Shakespeare focusing on the achievements of our Empire have been well received by the citizens. The plays 'The annihilation of Mongols' and 'Defeat of Napoleon' are the most popular ones.
Further, Michael Crawford has adapted his plays into Magical TV Series. And his poems have been converted into Songs by the Beatles Music group led by John Lennon and Sir Paul McCarthy. Their Song 'Long Live the Empress' is constantly ranking Number 1 on the Nobles' as well as the Commoners' Ranking.
Second, Witchcraft Technology. Sir Isaac Newton, Alexander Flaming, Charles Darwin and Alan Turing are heading the Research and Innovation group of the Department of Witchcraft Technology. They have developed 20 new and advanced Magical Tools and Artifacts. Two new promising recruits, Stephen Hawking and Michael Faraday have joined us recently. With their contributions our speed has doubled.
Third, Transportation. Under the leadership of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, we have come up with new transportation systems. With the help of Michael Faraday, Trains, Ships, Tunnels and Bridges have all advanced further. We have also issued summons to the Wright Brothers to shift to the Imperial Capital Tamesis within a Month. So that we would be able to craft Artifacts capable of gliding and flying.
Fourth, Education. After defeating the Vikings, Sir Alfred the Great has proposed Primary Education to be taught in English rather than the common tongue of Mahi. We have started with this process in some of our colonies.
Fifth, Business. The Albion East India Company has been expanding rapidly. They have acquired business contracts with many foreign nations for example the Dai Oda Empire and the Qin Empire. They were refused entry into the Jambudveepa, and hence are planning to attack them starting with the Island nation of Aaryavarta.
Sixth, Exploration and Expansion. Explorers Sir Ernst Shackleton and Captain James Cook have discovered new potential territories to be included into the United Albion Empire. They have named them the Aloha Islands and the continent of Terra Australis Incognita.
Seventh, War. Vice Admiral Horatio Neilson defeated the ASEIN in a couple of battles and almost annihilated the Persian Fleet. Lord Oliver Cromwell suppressed the rebellion of the Allied Federations' Colonies. Duke Arthur Wellesley defeated the Napoleon Army that tried to attack the Albion Empire.
Those were the main highlights of this year. This concludes my Annual report in the seven areas as requested by Your Majesty!"
On hearing such a report, not only Empress Victoria but every member of the Imperial Court was delighted.
"We have had quite a few accomplishments these last couple of years" Empress Victoria remarked.
"It is as you say, Your Majesty" Charles, the Prince of Wales added.
"Your Majesty, if I may, I have something to report. I believe it's a matter of some concern." said Diana the Princess of Wales.
"Princess Diana, feel free to speak." Empress Victoria gladly granted her permission.
"I think the actions of the Albion East India Company are a cause for concern.", Diana expressed her thoughts.
"I agree as well, Your Majesty." Prime Minister Winston Churchill added.
"Why do you say so?" Empress Victoria asked.
"I am sure, Your Majesty has already noticed this. The Albion East India Company is supposed to be a Business Organization supporting the United Albion Empire. However, they have become a third power centre.
As per the Imperial Act, only two power centres are recognized. First is the Monarch, that is the Empress and second is the Parliament. Albion East India Company has its own Army now. And they advertise it openly. I am afraid they might try to influence the Power Balance either by approaching or disrupting the Imperial Court or the Parliament." Diana explained.
"What you said, is indeed true. We need to plan certain things in advance. I think Winston will be able to handle it efficiently, right Winston?" Empress Victoria expressed her faith in the abilities of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
"Your Majesty, I will try my best to not let you down" replied Prime Minister Winston enthusiastically with determination visible on his face.
At this point, William Wallace, the Captain of the Imperial Guard informed Empress Victoria that an urgent message has arrived.
The message was decoded by the Magical Decryptor and presented to the Empress.
After reading the message she started to smile and said, "I don't think we need to worry too much about the Albion East India Company for now. For the time being it has already been taken care of."
At these words, lot of people were confused.
Empress Victoria continued, "The Albion East India Company has suffered a huge loss recently. Not only their advanced reconnaissance unit, but the Primary Naval Unit was annihilated en route to the continent of Jambudveepa."
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Chapter End.