Chapter 55: How to Proceed
July 2nd, 1938. At Gaborone, Votswana.
Prince Theodore Triesenberg's face was grim as he learned of the news about the defeat of the Matalebe soldiers in the Kingdom of Zambesi.
"They were defeated by Valorians? Not even a week has passed since they intervened and you are telling me how swiftly they were able to take down the rebellion?"
Prince Theodore couldn't just believe it. It was too fast for them to process. Although the Triesenberg Empire could do the same feat the fact that there are others who can do that troubled him slightly.
"That's correct, Your Highness," Lord Reginald confirmed. "But let's not be concerned over their defeat. Our intelligence officers in the Kingdom of Zambesi had piles of reports about Valorian's military capability. And based on those reports, I can safely say that their military is on par with that in the First World."
The First World is a term that refers to a category of a country that is a superpower. Currently, there are five countries belonging to that group, the Ruthenia Empire, the Francais Republic, the Britannia Empire, the Triesenberg Empire, and the United States of Fredonia.
In order to be part of it, one must have a strong economy, a strong military, and must have an expansive and colonial presence. There is also a council made up of that country called the First World Council which would act as a council which would act as a global arbiter.
The First World Council wielded significant influence over international affairs, dictating economic sanctions, military interventions, and trade agreements. Its primary goal was to maintain balance among the superpowers and ensure no single nation could upset the fragile equilibrium.
Each of the five superpowers had a permanent seat on the council, granting them veto power over major decisions. The council's reach extended far beyond diplomacy; it was a political and military force, often deploying peacekeeping missions or imposing blockades to keep rogue nations in check. To be a part of it was to shape global events, and to remain outside it was to be left vulnerable.
"On par with the First World huh? Well, that's such a hasty conclusion, Reginald. You are overestimating them too much."
"But Your Highness…if I may, one of our intelligence officers took a photo of a battleship that was on the Port City of Maputo. According to the report, the ship.is called the VNS Titan, a battleship unlike any we've seen before," Reginald said, handing a photograph to Prince Theodore.
"Based on the intelligence we gathered, the VNS Titan measures approximately 920 feet in length and displaces around 65,000 tons, making it one of the largest battleships afloat." Delve into more on m-vlem,pyr
Prince Theodore examined the photograph, his expression remaining stoic as Reginald continued.
"The ship boasts twelve 16-inch main guns mounted in four triple turrets, capable of firing shells weighing nearly 2,700 pounds at a range of over 23 miles. Its secondary armament consists of twenty 5-inch dual-purpose guns."
"How can you confirm that information? Did an intelligence officer board that ship and casually ask the crew of that ship about its specifications?"
Reginald shook his head. "No, Your Highness. This is an educated guess based on the intelligence we've managed to gather. Our agents could not get close enough to the ship to verify the specifics firsthand. However, using reconnaissance photos and comparing them with known blueprints of similar ships, our analysts were able to estimate its armament, displacement, and size."
Prince Theodore's eyes narrowed as he glanced back at the photograph. "So, you don't have solid proof, just assumptions?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Reginald replied, his tone calm. "But our analysts are confident in their conclusions. The VNS Titan's design and armament fit the profile of a super-battleship, possibly even surpassing some of our own warships in terms of raw firepower…"
Prince Theodore clicked his tongue in annoyance, prompting Lord Reginald to halt his explanation. The prince's expression darkened as he considered the implications of this new information.
Theodore doesn't want to admit that there is a nation out there that has a superior battleship than the Empire of Triesenberg. Even if they were assumptions, the specifications are just too good for comfort. The idea that another nation could rival or even surpass Triesenberg's naval capabilities gnawed at him.
Theodore had always believed his empire stood at the pinnacle of military power, and the thought of Valoria challenging that status made him uneasy.
And being uneasy is something he found himself uncomfortable with. He doesn't like uncomfortability. He wanted to be at ease at all times, he didn't like when there were others who were better than the Empire of Triesenberg. His pride won't allow him to accept that another nation might be ahead, even in a single aspect of military power.
His brow furrowed, and his hand clenched into a fist as he thought through the situation.
"This cannot stand," Theodore muttered under his breath, turning away from the photograph and facing the window, looking out over the city.
"What should we do, Your Highness? Should we report it back to the Emperor and act accordingly?" Lord Reginald inquired.
That question lingered in his mind. For him, reporting that there is a country that might be better than Triesenberg in one aspect would be a problematic ordeal for the Empire. He went here to prove to his Father that he can handle this affair. And if he were to report it, that would mean admission of failure.
"Hold that thought for now, I want to do something…" Prince Theodore said.
"What are you thinking, Your Highness?" Lord Reginald asked curiously.
"How soon can you arrange a meeting with a Valorian representative?" Prince Theodore inquired, his eyes still fixed on the horizon.
Lord Reginald raised an eyebrow, taken aback by the request. "A meeting with Valoria, Your Highness? Are you suggesting direct contact?"
"Yes," Theodore replied sharply. "I want to understand who we're dealing with. If Valoria is truly rising to the level of a First World nation, we cannot afford to ignore them."
Reginald hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "It can be arranged, but it might take some time. We don't know how to reach out to them yet and since they just intervened militarily, their military might be on high alert to the point that heading to their country would provoke an unwanted response," Reginald finished his brow furrowing.
"Just get it done, Reginald," Prince Theodore commanded his tone firm, leaving no room for further discussion.
"As you wish, Your Highness."