Alexander was standing at the helm of the ship, looking at the slowly approaching port with sharp eyes. If one looked at him and if they knew him for a long time they would realize that he was planning something, he was thinking about something very vigorously. The ship was slowly approaching the port of Waltrer City. He could see the General and some of his men standing at the port. His men were tense, hands were already on their weapons. He had just assembled an elite squad from his army and had decided to come to the Kingdom of Elpis. It was a strategic move on his part because Elpis would then be unprepared for his arrival. But still, looking at the General and his men standing at the port, Alexander was impressed with the readiness of the military of Elpis. Alexander told his men to stand at ease as he adjusted his spyglass to get a better view of the port and the city.
Port of Elpis
"Sir, should we surround the ships, our naval fleet has given the signal that they are now ready. We are just waiting for your signal sir."
"No, tell them to stay back. They are not showing any signs of aggression or anything. We can not act rashly in this situation. One wrong move could start another war. We don't want a war in our hands, let me tell you that, my friend. Tell our men to stand at ease and our naval fleet to just stay out of capacity, just in case something goes wrong."
The ship slowly came closer to the port. It was much larger than any of the ordinary ships. It would be able to fire many rounds of cannon at a time, that much he could say from looking at the structure of the ship. The ship slowly stopped at the port, the anchor being lowered into the water. Finally, after the anchor was lowered, the smaller boats were lowered into the water and he could see the King of Mercerus standing at the front of the boat which was fast approaching the dock. Behind him in many smaller boats, he could see the men coming behind the king. As the boats docked at the port, the King and his men got out from the boat and stepped onto the port, they had set their doot on the Kingdom of Elpis. The General began remembering the last time someone from Mercerus had set foot on their land, the situation was different back then and the result hadn't been good back then. But this time he hoped it would be different. He saw Alexander approaching him and he could feel the same aura of power and authority that his father used to exude. Time had passed away so fast, and he didn't even realize it. Even His Majesty was young. It looked like the younger generation had already taken the rein of power from the older generation. Maybe it was high time since he retired. Ah, how he wished he could just sit back at his farm, hire some workers to work on his farm, and live the rest of his life off it in peace. He had never married anyone, he didn't know why, he was just fearful to commit to anyone. Maybe this fear got rooted in his mind from looking at everyone losing their loved ones in the war. Ah, now was not the time to think about all this, he chastised himself. As Alexander approached him, he bowed his head a little, to show respect for his authority and the power it wielded, but did not bow down his waist as that would mean submission. He said," Welcome to Elpis, Your Majesty. I hope your journey was smooth and comfortable. Had you told us about your arrival earlier, we could have made better arrangements for Your Majesty."
Alexander just put a hand on the shoulder of the General and laughed. Looking at this, the soldiers of Elpis got tensed, but the General discreetly signaled them to be at ease and not to take any brash decision.
Alexander then said" Haha, so the rumors about the General are true. You truly look as powerful as they speak of you in stories. I am grateful that you came to welcome me all the way to the port. As for the living arrangements, I am a man of simple needs, I am sure that whatever you have arranged would be fine by me."
" You praise me too much, Your Majesty. I am nothing special. Let me help you get to your resting quarters." the General said as he started leading them to their quarters, thinking in his mind about the kind and honest nature of Alexander, which he surely inherited from his father.