The Secretary General
"…so, get ready. Besides, you'll definitely enjoy talking to him," said Gunther Elderich.
"I wonder what Uncle Victor wants to talk to me about, Papa?" Aubrey asked.
"To be honest, boy, I couldn't have guessed it myself. I met him almost all day, starting with breakfast, playing golf together, ends with drinking tea and he went to accompany his daughter," explained Gunther.
"Elxi is here too?"
"Yes, she came with her father. I heard that Princess von Rochelle really loves Earth..."
Seeing Aubrey chatting warmly on the phone with the person her lover calls: 'Papa', Marrie-Ellen watched him with a smile as if she was happy about it.
There's a reason why Marrie-Ellen is happy that Aubrey is so close to Gunther. Because she knew that Aiden and Gunther's relationship was not like Aubrey's relationship with their father.
The next day. Preceded by cars with people in suits and sunscreen glasses, a white luxury sedan arrived at The Chamber.
Victor von Rochelle got out of his flashy vehicle. He was greeted by Arthur and Araia Benedict, their top staff, including Aubrey who was standing in front of Benedict Engineering's laboratory.
"Welcome to The Chamber, Chancellor von Rochelle," Arthur greeted.
"Nice to meet you again, Mr. Benedict. Please, just call me: 'Arthur'," replied Victor.
It's a bit strange indeed. Before Victor had a meeting with Arthur, his daughter, and the Benedict Engineering staff, as Aubrey heard from his father last night, Victor kind of secretly wanted to talk to Aubrey alone.
Victor, who was now sitting in Aubrey's office, said to the designer. "I spent the whole day with your father yesterday. But that's how von Rochelle and Elderich should be. But your father… he's a little different, isn't he?"
What Victor said about his father made Aubrey smile. "The world advances means that our family rarely sees each other, isn't that right, Uncle?"
"Ha ha ha…! I like what you said, Kid. Maybe what you mean is: 'the politics of this world'... making our family not seem close," Victor said idly.
As someone who is highly respected at Cloudbase and even throughout the world, Victor von Rochelle does not appear to be a high-ranking official. He only wore a white shirt combined with expensive khaki trousers.
The government at Cloudbase can be said to be similar to the medieval era. There were Senators who were the executors of the colony's government. Above them are the Chancellors who rule over each Cloudbase.
The von Rochelle family is the ruler of Cloudbase Lilibet. Supposedly, the Elderich family is the one who rules over Cloudbase Charlemagne or Euro-2. However, the most respected there today is the Wildemann family.
Every 5 years the citizens of Cloudbase will choose who will be their Prime Minister or the person who leads the entire colony. Of course, this Prime Minister continues to comply with United Earth's policies.
"I've heard it all. As soon as I arrived on Earth, I immediately had to hold a meeting with the UEF to clarify whether the mysterious Mega Armor belonged to the colony or not," Victor brought up the recent horrendous events.
"The media said that the tension there was almost at the same level as the Eden incident. A bit excessive, maybe," said Aubrey as he adjusted his glasses.
"How could it not be, Aubrey? It's started with the same thing: Mega Armor. Everyone is still traumatized by the Eden incident. By the way, now, I want to hear it all from you."
Victor's words made Aubrey nod. Using the large screen computer in his office, Aubrey revealed all the information he had obtained over the past few days.
Starting from how Crow 01 aka Silver Bogey or actually codenamed Silveraven uses Rochellium fuel to the appearance of four new ELC Mega Armors and his meeting with Elon Abelman.
After showing all his findings, Aubrey and Victor sat back on the sofa where Marrie-Ellen relaxed last night.
It's not just that super comfortable sofa that's there. There were also several single soft sofas. Victor sat on the sofa which could be a bed, and Aubrey sat on his single sofa while enjoying coffee.
"Theft of Mega Armor's parts or frames I've heard of. But Aubrey, do you believe that Mega Armor which is currently undergoing feasibility testing could just be stolen by irresponsible parties?" Victor said sarcastically.
"That's why I said to Elon, Uncle. Benedict Engineering's Mega Armors will destroy their robots," Aubrey said casually.
"Ha ha ha! So, what did Elon say?"
"He is too stupid. Unlike his father."
"You know that Mega Armor with Rochellium fuel is currently entering the trial phase. Then... Klein Industries made an innovation that only we know about," Victor said again. His expression showed that Aubrey knew what he meant.
"The R-Core."
"Exactly," Victor confirmed. "Aubrey, people always say, we the von Rochelles and Elderichs are always in danger. But they also said… if something happens with Space Era one day, we are the one who can be the arbitrators."
Victor's words made Aubrey nod slowly. Victor smiled. He grabbed the clutch he was carrying, then took something from inside of it.
"Therefore, my child, I wish to entrust this to you," Victor said as he handed Aubrey a bright silver card.
Somewhat surprised to see Victor's gift, Aubrey slowly took the card that was held between Victor's fingers.
"Use it to the best of your ability. I told your father that maybe Aiden would hold it. But Gunther said, leave it to you."
The card in Aubrey's hand read: von Rochelle Tech Space Foundation. There is biodata as well as a photo of Aubrey there. On the back of the silver card, there is the writing 'authorized by' and Victor's signature is written on it.
"Aubrey Elderich, Secretary General…?" Aubrey read the title below 'von Rochelle Tech Space Foundation'.
"Before this day, there was no such position at our technology foundation. But today, I officially appoint you to this position."
A smile appeared on Victor's lips which were surrounded by sideburns. He winked. Aubrey, who had a cold expression, smiled thinly and briefly.
"What can I do with it?" Aubrey asked innocently.
"Everything I can. On my way here, I have taken care of all the necessary documents, and you don't need to come to Lilibet and then have an office there. One thing is certain: you can order the entire Von Rochelle Tech people to do whatever you deem necessary."
Once again, Aubrey nodded. Victor's smile widened and then one of the most influential men in space said again.
"Be one of my sons, Boy. You want to, don't you?" Victor said hilariously. This time, Aubrey answered immediately.
"Okay, Uncle. Thank you for placing extraordinary trust in me."
At a café called Se Détendre located in the busy downtown area of New Haven. Elxi von Rochelle sat with several of her female friends. Not many people know she is the daughter of a central figure in the Space Era.
Being able to study at Cloudbase is the dream of today's young people. Now, Elxi is meeting several friends who are studying with her at the Solis Space Institute.
"Have you ever met these Elderich children, Elxi?" LeAnn, one of Elxi's friends asked her after Elxi said her father met Gunther Elderich who had two sons.
"I did, but I've kind of forgotten. What I remember is that I did play with... the younger brother I guess... yes, because the older brother was a few years older than me if I'm not mistaken," answered Elxi as if trying to remember.
"Hasn't it ever occurred to you that one of them is married to you, Elxi?"
"Oh my God…! Like the story of kingdoms, right? The princess among handsome princes…"
"Your life is surreal, Elxi. Sometimes I want to be like you. But when I saw you had to go everywhere surrounded by elegant people who were drinking coffee and pretending not to know you, I didn't want to feel like it."
Elxi's friends commented on her. Elxi laughed because her friend, Nancy, offended her bodyguards who were drinking coffee and did not show that they were guarding the daughter of the ruler of the colony.
The door to Se Détendre opened. Riker Lynch stepped in along with Heracles. Then, the two of them sat at one of the tables there.
"You've been to the United States many times, and this is the first time you've set foot in New Haven, Heracles?" Riker asked.
"Yes, I am," the long-haired Heracles answered while looking around.
"New Haven is the capital of the Space Era, Heracles. How come you never visit us."
"Because 'the blues' smell is too strong in here?" Heracles hilariously replied with a low tone. The blues is the code used by ELC to refer to UEF because Stella Polaris' uniform is dark blue.
"Ha ha ha! Yeah, you're right. But this city was founded first before the Blues decided to be based here. After all, I love my hometown," said Riker. He continued.
"And to welcome you to New Haven, I'll pay for your food and drinks."
"Thank you, Riker."
At that time, Riker enjoyed the Se Détendre atmosphere while looking around. That's when he heard people talking to each other.
"Is it true that the girl sitting there is Elxi von Rochelle?"