The next morning, Eliza tuned in to the news, witnessing the day Commander Alexander was promoted from Admiral to Fleet Admiral. The broadcast displayed the ceremony, capturing the momentous occasion of his elevated rank with a grand and formal atmosphere. The news anchor detailed Commander Alexander's distinguished career and contributions to the military, providing viewers with a comprehensive overview of his accomplishments. As the ceremony unfolded, Eliza couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for her mentor, silently acknowledging his journey and the challenges that lay ahead in his new role.
Commander Alexander, standing tall in his new role as Fleet Admiral, took the podium to deliver an impassioned speech about his promotion. "Today marks a moment I never envisioned in my life – the day I ascend to the rank of Fleet Admiral. Regardless of your background – whether noble, mediocre, or from the lowest echelons of humanity – I call upon the people of Utopia to unite. Regardless of our positions, let us work together and strive for lasting peace!"
As Commander Alexander concluded his speech, the people of Utopia erupted in celebration, echoing their support for his vision. The broadcast captured the jubilation, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm from those watching on television.
As Eliza finished watching the news, she shut off the broadcast and prepared to resume her daily workout. Suddenly, her phone rang, and she swiftly answered, "Yes?"
"Hey Eliza, it's me, Aiden," said Aiden.
Eliza inquired, "Aiden, what's on your mind?"
Aiden continued, "Have you watched the news?"
"About Commander Alexander? Yes, I have. Why do you ask?" replied Eliza.
Aiden's voice echoed with concern as he continued, "Eliza, there's an unsettling scent surrounding Commander Alexander's promotion."
Intrigued, Eliza inquired, "What do you mean by that?"
Aiden elucidated, "Have you considered the connection? The absence of Fleet Admiral Garelick, the Commander's mentor. It's as if he's disappeared into thin air."
Eliza pondered this revelation and responded, "I see... framed within that context, it does raise concerns. The media painted a different picture, claiming Admiral Garelick fell victim to a terrorist group."
Aiden's frustration became palpable. He slammed his table, exclaiming, "It's all a fabrication! That man!, he's to blame for this chaos!"
Eliza inquired, "Who do you mean by that, Aiden?"
Aiden's tone carried a mixture of anger and sorrow as he responded, "It was White King's fault."
Eliza pressed on, "Is that why you harbor so much resentment toward him?"
Aiden sighed, "You never understand, Eliza. To me, Admiral Garelick was like a father. I was a war child, and the day he adopted me as his son was life-changing. He and his wife couldn't have children of their own. Before he left, Admiral Garelick's last secretive message to me was, 'Whatever happens, find White King.'"
"After that day, I made a decision to go against the White King and his elite unit, the Seven Sword Unit," explained Aiden.
Eliza inquired further, "Then what happened to you?"
Aiden responded, "Of course, I lost. Even though I was on the brink of death, he spared me and left."
"Anyway, Eliza... would you like to hang out with me?" Aiden suggested.
"No," Eliza responded curtly.
Aiden persisted, "Why? It's been too long since you've rejected me..."
Aiden, surprised, exclaimed, "What?! Joseph is getting married?! Well, congrats to him. Who's the lucky bride?"
Eliza disclosed, "The details are confidential, but I'll share it with you. Joseph is marrying Erina, and she's the daughter of Crimson Queen – Princess Scarlett."
"I see... Joseph must be quite special to earn the trust of the notoriously cold Crimson Queen," remarked Aiden.
"Anyway, Aiden, can you keep this secret?" inquired Eliza.
Aiden replied with a sly grin, "Sure, but with one condition."
Eliza, intrigued, asked, "What's the condition?"
Aiden continued, "You have to go out with me."
"I knew it," Eliza responded with her usual stoic demeanor. She added, "If that's how you want it, tomorrow come to me. This is your only chance."
Eliza ended the phone call and decided to continue her exercise routine. With an unprecedented intensity, she threw punches at the bag continuously, causing the sand to spill out. Pausing to catch her breath, Eliza sighed and murmured to herself, "After this, I'm going to miss teasing you," reminiscing about the playful moments of teasing Joseph.
At Night
At night, Joseph patiently awaited Erina and Scarlett. Jennifer approached him, and Joseph greeted her with a simple "Jennifer."
"Joseph, how are you?" inquired Jennifer.
Joseph replied, expressing his uncertainty, "I don't know about my feelings, Jennifer. Everything happened so suddenly... I never thought my life would take this turn. All I wanted was to fulfill our promise, Erina and I."
Jennifer, holding Joseph's hand, reassured him, "Joseph, it's okay to feel that way. Even I'm still shocked that you're getting married, but everything that happened must have a reason."
"Anyway, Jennifer," Joseph began, embracing her. "Thank you for taking care of me, for adopting me as your child. Without your care, I might not be here today." Jennifer remained silent, her smile conveying warmth.
Benedict approached Joseph and informed him, "Looks like they're ready. You should go, Joseph."
Joseph replied "Alright then... Looks like i had to go Jennifer, see you soon"
As Joseph arrived, he was pleasantly surprised to find both Erina and Scarlett looking exceptionally beautiful. "Both of you are stunning," he remarked with admiration. Joseph continued, "Are you guys ready?" Both Erina and Scarlett nodded, each holding one of Joseph's hands.
As everyone gathered in the Grand Hall of The Crimson, the announcer's voice resonated, "The brides have arrived." Joseph, Erina, and Scarlett walked together, making their way to the front of the priest, while Crimson Queen observed from her throne
The ceremony unfolded as the priest began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God to witness and celebrate the holy union of Erina, Princess Scarlett Winstanley, and Joseph."
The priest continued with solemnity, "Marriage is a sacred covenant, a lifelong commitment made before God. It is a union founded on love, trust, and fidelity." His words resonated in the grand hall. "For Erina and Scarlett, no matter what happens, always show tolerance to each other. For Joseph, always love and care for Erina and Scarlett with fairness. May your love grow stronger each day, rooted in the grace of the sacrament of matrimony, bearing witness to God's love for his people."
After the priest concluded his speech, Joseph, Erina, and Scarlett gracefully approached Crimson Queen. With deep bows and reverence, they praised her. In response, Crimson Queen unsheathed her sword and placed it gently on each of their shoulders. The grandeur of the moment echoed through the hall, marking the end of the ceremonial proceedings.
The post-ceremony banquet unfolded in the grand hall, adorned with lavish decorations. Musicians played enchanting melodies, creating a festive atmosphere. The aroma of delectable dishes filled the air as guests indulged in a variety of culinary delights. Laughter and conversations echoed, and the hall sparkled with the joyful ambiance of celebration.
After the ceremonial are over. Erina and Scarlett entered Joseph's room, finding him deep in thought. Erina, with a knowing look, said, "Troubled by something, Joseph?"
Joseph sighed, "Yeah, the ceremony... it's left me with a mix of emotions."
Scarlett, understanding, joined the conversation, "It was a lot to take in, wasn't it? The weight of our union, the responsibility."
Erina placed a reassuring hand on Joseph's hand, "We're in this together, Joseph. You don't have to bear it alone."
Scarlett added, "We'll face whatever comes our way as a team, supporting each other."Joseph, grateful for their understanding, smiled, "Thank you both. I'm lucky to have you by my side."
"Anyway, Scarlett, there's something I wanted to share with you about me and Erina," said Joseph.
"What is it, Joseph?" inquired both Erina and Scarlett.
Joseph continued, "Erina, do you remember the day when we found the GENESIS core and met with my father, discussing our goal to reach the surface?"
"Yes, Joseph, I remember," said Erina with a smile. Scarlett, intrigued, added, "Reaching the surface?"
Joseph continued, a glimmer of purpose in his eyes, "Yes, reaching the surface and claiming it. That's our promise, the very reason I pilot mechs." Scarlett, intrigued, questioned, "But isn't reaching the surface dangerous?"
Joseph, with a determined look, explained, "Yes, it's dangerous, but it's also our dream. The Surface holds answers about our humanity, mysteries we've yet to uncover. I want us to explore it together."
Erina, remembering their shared vision, nodded, "Our promise to uncover the truth, no matter the challenges."
Scarlett, intrigued, asked, "What awaits us there, Joseph?"
Joseph smiled, "That's what we aim to find out, Scarlett. A future beyond the confines of the known, a world of possibilities."
Scarlett, with determination in her voice, declared, "If both of you are aiming to reach the Surface, then count me in." Her words carried a sense of newfound unity and shared purpose.