The capital of Britain, London, once stood as the most prosperous city in the world. As the heart of the mighty British Empire, it could undoubtedly be regarded as the center of the globe.
Regrettably, such days have long since passed. The once invincible British Empire has crumbled in the wake of this war, causing London to lose its former grandeur. In fact, as war threatens to break out within its very walls, the city has been enveloped in a palpable air of dread and foreboding.
The residents of London had long since fled. Those who could escape have done so, leaving behind only the infirm and the helpless.
Over a million soldiers have flooded into London and its surrounding areas. Each day they work tirelessly, building defenses that have transformed the city into an immense construction site. The labor of these soldiers has borne fruit—London now bears little resemblance to its former self.
The once-bustling streets are now riddled with craters, surrounded by barricades and strongpoints. Many buildings have had their windows sandbagged, prepared to serve as strongholds should they survive the enemy's artillery. A machine gun placed atop one of these buildings could effectively lock down large areas, inflicting devastating casualties on the enemy.
Indeed, London has been completely transformed into a war zone, a city of soldiers. The only thought occupying the minds of those within its walls is the hope that they can defeat the Germans in the impending battle and preserve the city. Whether they will succeed remains uncertain.
At Buckingham Palace, the grandest of British royal residences, anxiety and fear have also taken root. The palace guards stand at attention, as though expecting an imminent attack. However, these guards, resplendent in their ceremonial uniforms, are no match for the seasoned veterans of the battlefield. If these palace guards are called to arms, it will be a sure sign that the war has reached a dire stage for Britain.
A car, bearing the insignia of the Prime Minister's office, rolled up to the gates of the palace. Once it came to a halt, Prime Minister Churchill and Secretary of War Richard Haldane stepped out, their expressions grave, as though they had been personally wronged by some grave debt.
"My Lords, His Majesty is waiting for you in his office," the attendant said.
With a nod, Churchill and Haldane proceeded to the office of King George V.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty!" Churchill and Haldane greeted with the utmost respect. Although the King no longer held real political power, he still commanded immense respect from the public, and these high-ranking officials showed him deference, as always.
"Please, gentlemen, take a seat," King George V said, his voice weary. His eyes were bloodshot, a clear sign that he had not rested in a long while.
Since the German forces landed on British soil, the King had been deeply troubled. Though he knew the likelihood of the British army holding back the German advance was slim, he still clung to the hope that a miracle might occur. However, it seemed that the Almighty had turned its favor from Britain. Not only did no miracle appear, but the British forces had been crushed in a devastating defeat.
"Prime Minister, Secretary of War, the German assault on London is imminent, isn't it? Can we withstand their attack here?" King George V asked, his voice devoid of hope.
"Your Majesty, we will do everything in our power to defend London. Over the past few months, we have been fortifying the city's defenses, and progress has already been made," Churchill replied.
"But, do we have any real chance of withstanding the Germans' assault?" King George V pressed.
"Your Majesty, I fear it will be incredibly difficult. The Germans' offensive capabilities have exceeded our expectations. While our fortifications may allow us to inflict damage on them, whether we can succeed is uncertain," Richard Haldane replied, his voice tinged with despair.
Following the disastrous Battle of Canterbury, the morale of the British forces had been severely shaken, leaving Haldane with little confidence in the battles to come.
"Is the British Empire doomed to destruction?" King George V lamented, his voice filled with helplessness.
The King felt an overwhelming sense of frustration. Why had his reign been marked by such misfortune? Under the reign of his predecessors, the British Empire had been a dominant force, constantly expanding its territories. No other nation dared challenge its supremacy. But now, under his rule, the empire had plummeted from its zenith to its nadir, without even a period of transition. The enemy had already landed on British soil—a first in centuries—and the very survival of the British Empire was at stake. If things went poorly, its annihilation could be imminent.
"Your Majesty, even if London falls, or the entire British Isles are lost, the British Empire will not be destroyed. We will continue the fight," Churchill said, his eyes glinting with determination.
Despite the dire circumstances, Churchill remained resolute in his belief that victory could still be achieved.
"Your Majesty, we have made preparations in Canada. The Foreign Secretary has already arrived there, and we have reached an agreement with the Americans. If our homeland falls, we will retreat to Canada and continue the fight. The United States has pledged its full support. We may fail in this war, but in the next, we will not be without the chance to defeat the Germans. As long as we can triumph in the next war, the British Empire can rise again!" Churchill declared.
"Canada?" King George V frowned. Though Canada was vast, its other conditions were far from ideal. The King clearly doubted whether relying on Canada could truly restore the British Empire.
"Your Majesty, the Germans are preparing to launch their assault on London. We strongly urge you to leave the city and go to Canada, where your safety will be guaranteed. You can also continue to lead the Empire's subjects in battle should the situation worsen," Churchill continued.
King George V hesitated. Though he feared death, he also felt reluctant to abandon his homeland. If he left, could he still be considered a king?
After careful consideration, King George V finally nodded, reluctantly agreeing to leave Britain.