[Kingdom of Fiesta]
The existence of artillery that could even pierce rocks. Its range extended several kilometers, and according to Mondio, there were over two hundred of them. Even the fleet commanders, who could hunt large magical beasts, had no choice but to fall silent at this.
“…So, this is the reason why the Solstice Empire became the ruler of the central continent?”
Someone muttered, filled with tension. Nodding, the purple-haired woman pointed to the top of the map.
“…It seems that the strait between the central continent and the western continent is where the ships travel. Although there are two countries in between, it’s possible that the Solstice Empire will eventually extend its influence to the Scuderia Kingdom as well.”
“From what I’ve heard, the Solstice Empire is likely the superior power.”
“…It might be premature to form an alliance with the Scuderia Kingdom.”
Listening to Mondio’s report, the atmosphere in the room shifted, filled with awe toward the Solstice Empire. Tran, however, raised a question.
“Is the Solstice Empire trustworthy? If they continue to invade other countries, could they eventually threaten the Kingdom of Fiesta…”
“…What about the Solstice Empire’s shipbuilding technology? Can they conduct long-distance voyages?”
“No, at the moment, they’re only sailing along certain coasts with medium-sized ships. However, the ships are quite sturdy, and there are no issues with steering. If we were to provide them with our magical tools, like the silver armor…”
The debate grew louder, and Mondio casually added his opinion. Several people sharpened their gazes at his words.
“That’s unacceptable. The magical tools used on the ships are a secret technique of the Kingdom of Fiesta. If the Solstice Empire gets their hands on it, it could become a serious threat to our country.”
“Indeed. At the very least, we should limit trade to locations far from military bases.”
Mondio’s suggestion was swiftly rejected, and the consensus against approaching the Solstice Empire too carelessly became stronger. Mondio, however, furrowed his brows in dissatisfaction.
“No, don’t you think this decision is too cowardly? On the contrary, we would gain the Solstice Empire’s artillery, their latest weapon. Just imagine it! The great fleet of the Kingdom of Fiesta, with the most powerful weapon, artillery, mounted on every ship! A force so powerful that no enemy would dare stand against it, a divine army born!”
Mondio spoke passionately, and everyone exchanged glances.
“A weapon that can reach several kilometers…”
“From the sea, it would mean attacking while moving, right?”
“That is certainly…”
They murmured, and Mondio smiled smugly. But a tall man interjected. In his early fifties, the man raised a hand and spoke.
“Is it wise to offer our greatest bargaining chip just because we desire weapons? At that moment, yes, we would gain the most powerful fleet… but what about in the long run? A powerful nation with such a vast land could soon gain access to our shipbuilding technology. In a few years, they could create a fleet larger than anything the Kingdom of Fiesta could build.”
The man’s words silenced Mondio, who lowered his head, slightly frustrated. As everyone paid attention to the man’s words, a bearded man sitting in a chair growled.
“…My brother, Doga, your thoughts are correct. But they are too passive.”
The bearded man said this while looking at the man called Doga, who narrowed his eyes and nodded.
“My apologies. But then, what does the king think?”
Doga asked, and the man referred to as the king lifted his gaze.
“First, it’s certain that the Solstice Empire will continue to expand its influence and eventually become the ruler of both continents. If that happens, our kingdom will eventually be at risk.”
As the king muttered this, Mondio smiled, feeling justified.
“That’s right! That’s why we should form an alliance first and ensure that we’re not invaded as a friendly nation! The Solstice Empire will cooperate with those countries that seek peace before fighting. Although some taxes and cooperation might be necessary, many nations still exist as they did before!”
Mondio said this while pointing to four small nations adjacent to the Solstice Empire on the map. However, the one-eyed man quietly voiced his anger.
“That sounds like becoming a vassal! We are the brave members of the Kingdom of Fiesta, both lawmakers and fleet commanders! How could we accept such a proposal that lacks any self-respect!”
“I-I mean no harm, Dabado! That’s not what I meant!” Mondio hastily tried to calm the one-eyed man’s anger, but Dabado, as he was called, only crossed his arms and glared at him. Observing this exchange with a cold gaze, Doga shook his head and then turned his eyes to the king.
“…King, please, what is your opinion?”
After Doga’s prompt, the king nodded slightly and answered.
“I understand everyone’s opinion. Based on that, I believe there is only one course of action for us.”
With that preface, the king looked around at everyone’s faces before opening his mouth.
“What’s important is information. We now understand the situation of the continents in the east and west. First, we need to thoroughly investigate what happened to the nations that were invaded or became vassals of the Solstice Empire. We also need to make contact with the Scuderia Kingdom again. We will act friendly with both nations, but we must never reveal the secrets of our ships.”
The king’s command was met with immediate nods, and everyone responded in agreement.
No comments:
Post a Comment