Hà Nội, Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Grand Vista Hotel
Central Calendar 1637 (2028), March 22th, 20:00

A white colored hotel room on the 14th floor was lit up with lights as four occupants, dressed in aristocratic clothes, put down their bags in chairs near the beds. The four had on them encrypted magicomms to communicate amongst each other, as well as a code that was written on their arms: Pour la glorie, signaling they were intelligence agents from the Parpaldian Empire, unlike the crude appearance of the Lourian spies over the past few days.

"Her Highness seems to like to ramble her mouth about equality," an Agent said.

"You do seem to dislike Her Highness do you? Now, now, she did make our Empire strong as well." Another Agent rebutted him.

"I agree, however, take into consideration that she is the leader of the opposition who opposes war. With war comes the opportunity to exert out influence on the world lest we be conquered by a higher superpower like the Muians."

"Sigh. I understand your views on Her Highness, however she personally requested us to come here. That shows a level of trust that is rarely seen with her. Do you want to break her trust and get us all executed by guillotine? Careful what you say."

"Let us just get the job done, then we leave this barbaric nation. So what if they have buildings so majestic and so high, their military is most likely not on the same scale as our mighty Army and Fleet. Bah!"

The Agent just shook in his head in dumbfoundedness as his comrade kept on ranting about Remille being a bad example of a Princess in the Parpaldian Imperial Family, as well as how the nation they were supposed to gather intelligence in was a "barbaric" nation in his view and how they should have not bothered to come here, only doing so as a request from Her Highness herself. It was definitely going to be a long night, especially with how the Agents somehow managed to get past Vietnamese security, with the help of Vietnamese IDs this time, carefully trying not to make the same mistakes as the Lourian spies.

Needless to say, the police and military around the area already got wind of the Agents and were on the verge of launching their high profile raid. Elsewhere near the hotel, in a yellow colored room, there was a meeting filled with CSCĐ officers, dressed in their usual black uniforms, along with combat equipment, huddled around a map of the Grand Vista Hotel.

"Alright listen up, this raid was approved by the Army Senior Colonel in charge of this portion of Hà Nội himself, so have high expectations from him. He wants them captured alive so once we snag them, we hand them over to the Army and have them deal with the fallout from there. Now, here is the plan." The commanding officer, a police Senior Colonel, pointed to the entrance of the hotel.

"The hotel has been informed of us and staff will open the front doors for us. One group will take the front entrance. Highly risky so be careful and take the stairs; try not to create much noise as well. Another group will take a helicopter and take the roof of the building, and do the same as the first two groups. So far, just a simple plan. Is that understood?"

"Rõ!" All the officers acknowledged their superior's orders.

"Now let's get moving, this is an important operation, we don't want the Army breathing down our necks! It's either go big or go home!"

Swarms of officers loaded up the trucks, hung around their shoulders were either locally made PP-19-01 Vityazs or the newer AK-12SPs, an improved version of the original AK-12, which had problems that caused it to fail in combat in several instances. The switch from 7.62x39mm to 5.45x39mm was done to compete with the rising tensions made by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea and near the Sino-Vietnamese border, as reports of Chinese body armor stopping 7.62 were innumerable and caused great concern from Vietnamese High Command. The decision was that the police and the Southern military regions would start receiving the new AKs first as they were likely to engage in combat in the sea first or be on police raids, respectively. Then, they would trickle to the Central and Northern military regions afterwards. The program also included new equipment and is slated to finish within the next two years, however, due to the Summoning, there was some months of delay delivering the final batch of weapons to the Northern region, so they would have to wait a bit longer.

Police sirens from an Isuzu 1T4 blared into the night, as the streets were still busy with motorcycles and cars as people went on with their night, whether it be on dates or going to the movies. The truck went on a 20 minute long run, the officers treating it as just another raid at nightime. When the truck reached the hotel, the police officers disembarked, armed to the teeth as they expected some resistance. And they guessed correctly, as the Parpaldian Intelligence Agents noticed the police sirens and decided to arm themselves with specialized small pistols, however with the drawback of accuracy and range in place of mobility. Ducking behind the chairs and the bed, the Agents got ready for a reckoning.

As for the CSCĐ officers, the first group quickly took the stairs leading up to the 14th floor, courtesy of the hotel staff, while the helicopter, an Mi-17 borrowed from the Air Force, landed on the roof of the hotel as the other group quickly jumped off the helicopter and hurried down the stairs to rendezvous with the first group. When both groups reached the door on opposite sides, both their leaders radioed the commanding officer.

"Group 1 is in position," The first group's leader said.

"Group 2 is in position," The second group's leader followed.

"Đánh! (Go!)" Over the radio, the order was given.

"Rõ!" Both leaders reported back.

Opening the door with relative ease, the officers tossed a flashbang in, surprising the Agents as they were all blinded, including the one behind the bed. However, one of the Agents managed to fire off a shot of his pistol, hitting a CSCĐ officer, though with no injuries as the bulletproof vest ricoheted the shot off. The same Agent still showed some resistance, to which he was shot two times by the same officer with his AK-12. The others showed no resistance as they were still blinded by the flash, making it easy for the officers to arrest the three remaining ones.

"Operation completed. One enemy is down and three enemies captured." The first group leader looked around to see if there were any hidden objects, to which he found none.

"Acknowledged, head on out before it gets out of hand." The commanding officer ordered.

"Rõ."

The black uniformed officers, like how they went through the night, swiftly checked out of the hotel, the hotel staff greeting them with thank yous as they left, with nodding heads as a response from the officers. The three captured Agents would be handed over to the Army immediately for interrogation the following day.

All was well for the city, for now that is.

--------

Esthirant, Parpaldian Empire
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Central Calendar 1637, March 27th, 10:00

Remille was working on her daily paperwork when the door to her office slammed open, with a puffed up Kaios.

"Kaios, what is it, why are you leaking watery fluids?" The Princess raised her head in confusion.

"Your Highness, the spy group you sent...they have been captured!"

"When?"

"From five days ago!"

Putting two fingers on her chin, she thought of something.

"That was one day after we sent them, correct?" Remille asked.

"Correct, and they were captured the day they arrived."

"This nation is quick to capture foreign Agents and spies...very well, we will have to go with the backup."

"Opening diplomatic channels with them, but Your Highness-"

The Princess raised her hand, cutting Kaios off.

"I say again, Director of the Third Foreign Affairs office, you are to do exactly what I said prior. As I expected, the spy group failed. Now we negotiate officially, as the result of sending Imperial Agents for intelligence has been proven to be extremely risky. Have I made myself perfectly clear?"

Kaios clicked his tongue in his hesitation.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Very well, be on your way now." She waved her hand to dismiss Kaios.

The Third Foreign Affairs Director headed for the door, slightly loudly, causing a loud bang and for the Princess and the First Foreign Affairs Director to wince their teeth in return.

"I wonder why his mood worsened after you said that, Remille?" Elt asked Remille.

"I am not sure...maybe it could have done with the summoning of the spy group?" Remille continued filling her paperwork.

"It is highly unusual for Kaios to be in a bad mood. Usually he shows a calm demeanor when dealing with countries from the Outside Civilization Area. Princess, I think you ran him up a wall."

Said Princess giggled in response.

"Have I? I am stating the plain obvious. To be fair I think he wanted the Imperial Agents to succeed so his job would be a tad bit easier, however the expectations of them succeeding in such an environment were too high."

"Another one of 'Remille's theories'?"

"Most likely, it is just a theory of mine. I would not know how true it is until he says it or shows the suggestions himself."

"Your theories are usually correct for most of the time. Who knows."

"Haha, you believe too much in me. I am just a 19 year old Princess."

"Now, now, dear Remille, you mustn't downplay your efforts. After all, you and Emperor Ludius helped to keep the Empire stable...of course, with you regulating yourself to administration and diplomatic affairs."

Remille couldn't help but be bothered at the mention of Emperor Ludius. It was someone she loved, however, bothered by his ambitions of conquest, she was hesitant to pursue what she perceived as a warthirsty person.

"Yes, that's true..." She glanced down at the ground.

Elt tilted her head in confusion.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just..."

Remile shook her head.

"You know about Ludius's history, correct?"

"Hah...yes."

"That's where my hesitancy comes from."

Elt and Remille agreed not to speak of Ludius's past with the Imperial Princess. As she finished, Remille stacked the papers she had in hand.

"Elt, get me a delegation and inform the Vietnamese government that we are going to visit the country in a few days."

"Understood." Elt nodded her head.

"Let's go." The Imperial Princess ordered as she and Elt quickly walked out of the room, intending on the matter at hand to not spiral into more chaos.

"Time to see what this nation is capable of," Remille said with a determined face.

--------

Hà Nội, Socialist Republic of Vietnam
308th Division New Headquarters
Central Calendar 1637 (2028), March 30th, 09:00

"Ugh..such a lot of papers to do." In a similar fashion to a certain Parpaldian Imperial Princess, Colonel Cường, in the position of commanding officer of the 308th Division, was working on his stack of paperwork from higher up generals, as well as his subordinates. The papers ranged from the organization of the unit to a broken air conditioner.

"A broken air conditioner? Why didn't they just call Điện Máy Xanh or something to replace it?" He tried making a joke, although cringey and chuckled awkwardly.

"I think you mean calling the repairman." Captain Lương corrected, however, chuckling along with his old friend.

"So...have you heard?" The Spec Ops Captain asked Cường.

"Heard what?" Cường asked with a confused look painted on his face.

"The Parpaldian Imperial Princess and her delegation from the Parpaldian Empire are coming to formally open diplomatic relations with us."

"Didn't we capture their Imperial Agent group a few days ago? They did spill that the Princess sent them."

"We will wait and have to see. You can get the answer from her, after all, high command wants you to come and greet, seeing as how you're close to her age group."

"Let me guess, she's in her 20s?"

"She's about to turn 20 in a few days, so yes."

"But why would she be here if she's part of the Imperial Family? Unless she's the head of.."

The Colonel widened his eyes.

"...The Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

"Well shit. Good luck, man."

Cường shook in his head.

"Whatever, guess I have to get ready right?"

"If you mean change into the dress greens, yeah."

"Alright, you know what to do. Then again, they have seen you as commander so many times, I think they'll get the idea."

"Of course, I'll keep them in line. Chaos shouldn't happen...I hope."

Putting a hand on Lương's shoulders, he looked him straight in the eyes.

"I know you will. From what I read just now the Princess is heading here as well, so get the guys in formal uniforms as well. Be lucky it isn't summer."

"Acknowledged."

"Good, I'm off now." Putting on his signature officer's cap and formal dress green uniform, along with a white shirt and green tie, he headed for the exit.

"Imperial Princess, huh? Let's see how you do," He said to himself as he walked out of the office building and to the meeting place, the Bộ Ngoại Giao.

--------

Hà Nội
Bộ Ngoại Giao (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The clicking of black shoes by the people of the Vietnamese military rang in the front entrance of the building. All the High Command as well as Cường were dressed in their best, ready to greet the Parpaldian delegation with civilian officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The French architecture made the building an attractive site for tourists. Walking in front was the Minister of Defense, Army General Phạm Duy Minh, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs Phạm Mạnh Trường, technically a former Major General himself.

"So, son, you ready?" Minister Minh asked Cường.

"Đồng Chí Bộ Trường, I'm not so sure myself if I have to be honest."

"You'll do fine. Youngsters like you in a high position like this are rare and one of a kind. You made it this far, don't let the doubt sink you."

"Yes, I understand."

"Very well. Let's get this show rolling."

As soon as the Minister finished, a black Mercedes Benz carrying a former diplomatic plate of the Russian Federation in Vietnam, now used for the Parpaldian Empire, arrived at the front entrance. A red carpet was laid ceremonially as a Presidential guard opened the back door, showing a stunning figure, one that would make young men fall heads over knees over. The Parpaldian Imperial Princess stepped out of the vehicle, escorted by some Parpaldian Imperial guards behind her. Her features were shown more clearly: her clear white skin, golden eyes that shone in the bright sky, white hair resembling that of a goddess. She was mesmerizing and to the Colonel of the 308th Division, he was no exception. In fact, this might be the first time he may be getting a crush, however, shaking his head, he stood at attention like the others. Once she reached the front where the Vietnamese officials and military personnel were standing, she greeted them with courtesy by bowing her head slightly.

"Greetings, I am Princess Remille Lavigne, Comtesse de Meaux. I am part of the Parpaldian Imperial Family and head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is a pleasure to meet you all."

The Vietnamese officials bowed their heads slightly while the military saluted.

"Hello, Your Highness, I am from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Phạm Mạnh Trường; standing beside me is from the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense, Minister Army General Phạm Duy Minh." Minister Trường introduced himself and Minister Minh.

"Pleasure to meet you." Remille extended her hand to handshake the two Ministers.

As Remille came down the row of officials and military officers, she reached the young Colonel, who saluted her.

"Colonel Trường Văn Cường, Commanding Officer of the 308th Division, part of the 1st Corps. Pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

"Pleasure to meet you too, Colonel."

Remille smiled as she shook his hand, taking note of his features. His smooth black hair and brown eyes. It was almost as if this was the perfect type of man Remille would choose.

"Looks like you have a rival competing for my love, Ludius. You better start trying more." The Princess thought to herself as she greeted him.

She was escorted to the meeting room as the guards opened the door, revealing a massive table, one side with a small Vietnamese flag placed at the center left, and another small Parpaldian flag placed on the center right.

"This way, Your Highness." A Vietnamese guard led her to her seat, right in the middle between two war faction diplomats.

Colonel Trường sat next to Minister Minh and Minister Trường in the center of their side of the table.

"From the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, we would like to welcome the Parpaldian delegation to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam," Minister Trường said.

"For a barbaric country, you all seem to grasp the idea of hospitality." A Parpaldian delegate rambled his mouth.

The young Colonel cringed inside as he heard those words. Barbarism? Weren't they the ones who wanted to start diplomatic relations?

"Stand down, delegate. We are here to discuss formal matters, not spit insults at each other." Remille glared at the delegate.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I am sorry for one of my delegate's rudeness, Minister, forgive me." Remille looked back at Minister Cường.

"No worries, I understand where they might be coming from. Now, we start formal talks."

"Yes. When my country first heard about yours, we wanted to know more about it, and now we get the chance to do so. I would like to bring up the issue of...embassies first."

"Right. Since the Embassy of the Russian Federation is empty, you can set up a Parpaldian embassy in their place."

"May I ask then, what is this Russian Federation?"

"The Russian Federation, or simply, Russia, is the largest country by landmass in our former world, stretching two continents."

Needless to say, Remille was interested.

"I shall research later about your former world, it sounds quite interesting."

"I suggest you go to a local library and read about the history and geography of our former world, as we will be referring multiple times to our former world."

The Princess nodded her head in agreement.

"How about the trade of goods, Minister? What would you be willing to trade for us in exchange for open trade routes?" A Parpaldian delegate asked. However, since he was part of the war faction, he had other plans for using those trade routes...more sinister ones.

"How about commercial goods? Automobiles perhaps?"

"Automobiles? You mean the metal carriages we were taken from our residences to here?"

"Yes, what you would call "metal carriages"."

"Then it would be appreciated. I hope this will be the start of a glorious relationship between a superior nation and a barbarian country." The same Parpaldian delegate sneered.

The Vietnamese side were not impressed at the response as simultaneous glares were sent at the delegate, along with a facepalmed Remille.

"I think we should end this for today, we will continue tomorrow when my delegation gets over their...shock."

"I understand. Very well, this meeting is concluded. You are all dismissed."

Everyone stood up from their seats as the Vietnamese side went to shake hands with their Parpaldian guests, with some refusing to handshake with what they saw as barbarians. Remille meanwhile approached Cường.

"Hello, Your Highness. What is it you need?" The Colonel had a confused look on his face.

"I hate to ask you this, but, may I go visit your base? It is part of my schedule tomorrow, however I believe going today beforehand will be...helpful."

"Going unofficially? Alright, but don't you have your own escorts to take you there?"

She leaned closer to his ear.

"I am being monitored, so it's best I go with you."

"Monitored? Why?"

"I will explain further once we get out of the prying eyes of the Parpaldian delegation."

"Sigh. Understood."

The two Vietnamese Ministers who stood quite a distance noticed them together.

"Do you think the young one found his future wife?" Minister Trường joked.

"One can only say. For now I assume it's best not to assume, but at least he's talking to a woman normally and not having to reject them outright." Minister Minh sighed.

"I think it's best we take our cue to leave, Minister Trường." The Foreign Affairs Minister nodded as both left the meeting place with the intent of heading back home.

After a majority left and with some explanation from Remille to explore the city on her insistence without any escorts, the delegates and escorts reluctantly let her go, however they would be sure to bring this to the Emperor later. As the Princess and the Colonel headed out, Cường escorted her to a red military licensed plated Toyota Innova, they both left the ground of the Foreign Affairs for the 308th Division's New Headquarters. For Remille, this was the first time she got to see the city in full, as most of the Parpaldian delegation intentionally blocked her view.

"Your city seems exciting, Colonel Cường. The big towers, what are they called?" Remille asked in curiosity.

"They are called skyscrapers, made out of a steel structure and a base foundation."

"Wow...the skyscrapers are so tall and so...majestic.." The Princess put her hands on the window as she gasped in awe at the buildings.

"How about those four floored buildings with shops in them? Are they also houses owned by residents?"

"Usually yes. It saves money for the shopkeeper and they don't need to travel much, just to get supplies for the most part."

"I see, and the buildings are so colorful. Blue, yellow, red, white, it is an assortment. Such beautiful architecture."

The Colonel chuckled at the young Princess staring at the busy streets around them. She looked to be slightly younger than him, judging from her youthful nature. When they reached the Headquarters, the Imperial Princess giggled softly while covering her mouth with her hand.

"This is certainly bigger than what my country has to offer. Colonel-"

"Just call me Cường, you don't have to call me Colonel all the time."

"I understand. Then you can call me simply, Remille."

"Okay. Let's go."

--------

Hà Nội
308th Division New Headquarters

After providing his identification at the front gate, the guards of the base saluted to their superior and the Princess before the vehicle headed inside near the office of the Colonel, a black box like building that provided for a fresh view of the city.

"We're here, Remille." Cường got out from his driver's seat after turning off the Toyota as he opened the passenger's seat to the right and took Remille's hand for her to step off. As she walked, she couldn't help but admire what was around her.

"Seems like you enjoy the scenery."

The Princess looked at him with a brightful smile.

"Yes, indeed. It feels more...familiar and peaceful."

"You would be surprised, it does get chaotic here."

They reached the office building as Remille got her first taste of a modern elevator.

"So this is what they call an 'elevator'? It seems so...futuristic with these buttons."

"Yes, it is just a normal elevator, nothing special."

Remille lightly smacked his arm.

"Nothing special? To get this far is an accomplishment on its own!" The Princess pouted at the Colonel's statement, who gave a chuckle in response.

"I know, I know." He raised his hands in surrender.

Opening the doors to his personal office space, the Princess saw the stack of papers on his desk.

"Paperwork, I assume?"

"Yeah, it is."

Sitting back in the chair and placing his officer's cap on his desk, he looked outside at the cars on the streets.

"So, Remille, I believe I owe an explanation. C'mon sit down." He waved his hand to an empty chair as he gestured to an empty chair for her.

"Why are you being monitored closely? I noticed it back at the Foreign Affairs, you seem to be too closely surveyed by every action you make."

With this, Remille gave out a sigh.

"There are two factions within Parpaldia's government, the war faction, who hold a majority and the opposition. I happen to be a major figure in the opposition as I oppose useless wars that the war faction often advocates for. The war faction sees me as one of their political threats, hence why I am often followed by their political spies to keep me in check."

"Shouldn't that count as stalking? I don't think that's necessarily the best idea to try to upend your opponent." The Vietnamese Colonel had his hands wrapped under his chin, as if he was thinking of something.

"Most of the delegates you saw today who were rude were all from the war faction. I doubt that letting me go like this would slide, and they will most likely report it to the Emperor."

"Emperor Ludius, I assume?"

"Precisely."

"You are in a tough position then. I'm just a Colonel in the Vietnamese military, I'm not sure if I can help you."

"Considering you are close to my age group, to make it this far early would give you considerable leverage would it not?"

"Yes, but this is international affairs we are talking about, Remille. You're the Princess of an Empire and I'm a Division Commander of a Socialist Republic. Those two don't mix...or at least I think they don't."

Remille looked down in sadness.

"You are right, but we can at least try to curb the influence of the war faction. As soon as the war faction gets more information about your country, no doubt they would want to push Parpaldia into a war with your country for their profits and the countless technology they can acquire from you. This entire diplomatic relations meeting is used as an opportunity for them to know more so they can find ways to exploit you. You are just about high enough in the command structure of a military to understand the inner politics, but low enough to not make it so suspicious. That is all I am asking you."

"But are you sure about this? You are asking a person from another country for this task, and even then, I'm not sure if I can make your goal possible."

"Again, we can just..try."

With a sigh, Cường relented.

"Arlight, I will try, though it will not be easy. First, I have to convince my side to be more careful when approaching your delegation, then once we gather enough information about your country, that is when we can start thinking long term about curbing influences...economically that is."

"That is a good start. Try to limit the things you will trade so that the war faction doesn't get too greedy."

"Yes, and another thing."

"What is it?"

"If you are dealing with my country as a whole or me in general, I think it's best you learn Vietnamese and English quickly."

"You mean the Muian language? Why so?"

"English is considered an international language back in the world, which is why a lot of people speak it...including me, especially when you are dealing with the United States of America."

"I see. Then I will keep that in mind."

"Thank you, Remille."

Remille looked at the papers on his desk.

"So this is what a Vietnamese document looks like?"

"Yeah it does. Different from yours?"

"Yes, it is in a different format. For example we would have the imperial logo up here-"

And so the Parpaldian Imperial Princess and Vietnamese Colonel talked for quite some time, preparing for the days to come, starting a new relationship.

A/N: And that was Chapter 5. Hope you enjoyed it!

Featured equipment this chapter:

AK-12SP (Known as the STV-410 in Vietnamese service)

PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN (Known in Vietnamese service as SN9P-01)