Chapter 346: Interlude (The Small Nation Bloc)
The Reputari Kingdom was recognized by all but a certain power as the most influential nation.
With its formidable naval strength, the kingdom’s port cities were currently experiencing rapid expansion.
In particular, the newly opened port town was expanding at an astonishing rate.
Vast tracts of reclaimed land were now home to sprawling warehouse districts.
The port itself was immense, with numerous merchant ships moored along its lengthy piers.
The number of piers was substantial, and the seabed had been dredged to a great depth, allowing even large cargo ships to dock during low tide.
Indeed, this port was frequently visited by exceptionally large cargo ships.
These massive vessels, painted pure white, were shrouded in secrecy, with little information released to other nations.
Sailors visiting the port spread various rumors about these unprecedentedly large ships.
Sometimes, the cargo ships unloaded massive crates in large quantities; at other times, they loaded vast amounts of ore spewed out by mysterious machines.
The large ships’ nationality was unknown, but some speculated they were experimental vessels built by the Reputari Kingdom, while others claimed they were visitors from another continent.
The surrounding area was heavily guarded, with numerous sentries watching for intruders.
As a result, no one had obtained accurate information, and only unconfirmed rumors circulated.
However, even more talked about than the large ships were the factory complexes sprawling outside the port facilities.
Giant tanks, distillation towers, and a network of pipelines crisscrossed the landscape.
The sight of such massive and unfamiliar equipment drew considerable attention.
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“…If only we could arrange a tour,” one diplomat mused.
“We have made several inquiries ourselves. However, our contacts have not been forthcoming,” another replied.
“Rumor has it that the area is under the direct control of the navy. The nobles are lamenting their lack of involvement…”
In a room within an embassy, a gathering masquerading as a party was, in reality, a clandestine meeting.
Ambassadors from countries other than the Reputari Kingdom were whispering amongst themselves.
“The ship in question… Since its arrival, everything seems to have changed…”
“Ah, the one from that country called Paraiso. Indeed, the timing coincides. We’ve heard various rumors, but what is the truth?”
“We are also gathering information. The most credible theory is that it’s a naval fleet dispatched from a country across the sea.”
“The one that conquered the Afrahsia United Kingdom?”
“Indeed. At the very least, all the embassies of that country have been seized by the military of this Paraiso. But whether they have conquered the entire country is impossible to verify.”
“…However, I’ve heard that the border regions have become quite troublesome. Is the mining of fuelstone dwindling in your country as well?”
The pointed question caused the other ambassadors to fall silent.
Of course, revealing one’s weaknesses to other nations was a poor strategy.
However, everyone understood that accurate information sharing was required in this setting. Hiding it would bring no benefit.
“Indeed… We have heard that our pioneer villages have disappeared without a trace,” one ambassador admitted.
However.
There was no need to reveal every detail. Only the facts needed to be conveyed.
Information such as the annihilation of a pioneer village that resisted Paraiso, including the knights sent to protect it, should remain confidential.
“Is that so in your country as well? We have heard that our pioneers disappear as soon as they are sent. It seems their borders are heavily guarded…”
The ambassadors from countries bordering the Afrahsia United Kingdom shared their information, causing the other ambassadors to frown in thought.
Everyone knew that the Reputari Kingdom desired fuelstone.
It was an unspoken truth.
“We have reduced the amount of fuelstone we trade, but they don’t seem to be pressing us as much as before,” one ambassador noted.
“Same here. Their demands on our country have remained the same, and they no longer demand penalties for shortages, which is a relief…”
“This is quite unsettling. It’s hard to believe they no longer need fuelstone…”
They all recalled the Reputari Kingdom’s new warships.
Massive hulls bristling with large-caliber turrets.
The steam billowing from various points during operation made the power source obvious.
After all, fuelstone-powered locomotives were widespread, even among civilians.
Although the technical details were hidden, the physical objects were there. Everyone knew the basic principles of the steam engine.
“…They must have found a stable way to obtain fuelstone…”
“Undoubtedly. As your country is likely aware, the number of locomotives has recently increased dramatically. Naturally, the amount of fuelstone consumed must have increased proportionally.”
“Surely, they can’t be obtaining that much fuelstone from us at the current trade rates…”
“We calculated the amount of fuelstone they would need at the current trade rates, and it amounts to a sum equivalent to a national budget every month. It’s hard to believe they could move that much gold without anyone noticing.”
“Indeed. Therefore, their trading partner is…”
“…Paraiso. If that’s the case, then the information about them occupying the Afrahsia United Kingdom…”
“Perhaps, just perhaps, it might be true… Hmm, this information must be brought back to our home country. I am truly glad I was able to attend this meeting. We must take action quickly.”
“We should refrain from trying to outmaneuver them. It would undoubtedly lead to mutual destruction. Only a country with the strength of Weizenland, at the very least…”
Conversely, Weizenland was a common neighbor to be wary of for the countries participating in this meeting.
In fact, several countries depended on food imported from Weizenland.
Previously, they had maintained a degree of cooperation to counter the common threat of the Reputari Kingdom, but that might no longer be the case.
Fortunately, the Reputari Kingdom did not have much territorial ambition.
However, if the Reputari Kingdom’s attention was focused on Paraiso, the situation would change.
Weizenland was a typical land power.
Previously, the Reputari Kingdom had stood in its way, suppressing its ambitions.
But if that restraint was removed, there was no guarantee that it would not bare its fangs at the small countries to the south.
“Hmm… It seems we are entering a difficult era. Perhaps we need to start discussing things with open hearts.”
“We here understand that, of course. But what about your home country…”
“…It will be difficult. The king is reasonable, but many of the nobles around him are stubborn…”
Diplomats dispatched to the Reputari Kingdom were in a position that required the most delicate maneuvering.
Therefore, most of them were highly competent.
Regardless of their home countries’ intentions, they were on terms that could be described as united at the field level.
Of course, the relationship between countries was different. It was rare for neighboring countries to be on good terms.
Even so, prior unity was essential to contend with the great power of the Reputari Kingdom.
“Let’s hope Paraiso doesn’t turn its fangs towards us…”
“We have no information about them… We must be even more cautious.”
Thus, the small nation bloc in the south was also being swept up in the great currents of history.
The small nation bloc, which had not been particularly prominent, is now in the spotlight.
I imagine they will be going through some very difficult times from now on…
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