Conflict And Mediation Between Two Nations

Ian entered the audience chamber. He could see the ministers already waiting. He gave them a slight nod before taking his seat, and as he did, his secretary Mardin approached and spoke in a quiet voice as if reporting.

“The ambassador of the Moria Empire is currently waiting outside the chamber.”

“Is that so? Have him come in, then.”

As soon as Ian spoke, the message was relayed, and the doors swung open wide. The ambassador of the Moria Empire entered the audience chamber, his expression clearly showing his anger.

“Welcome.”

“King Ian! How could you do such a thing!”

“Hmm, what are you talking about? Isn’t it common sense to give context before jumping to conclusions?”

The ambassador flinched slightly at Ian’s calm words, then took a deep breath and continued.

“Our fishing boats were hit by shells from the Polia Kingdom’s navy patrol ships. How can this be acceptable!”

“Ah, yes. I’ve heard that report. From what I understand, your boats were conducting illegal fishing in our waters. We issued three warnings. Even gave them time to leave. But they completely ignored us and continued their operations. So they received the punishment for ignoring our warnings.”

Ian’s nonchalant reply left the ambassador feeling bewildered. Was this really acceptable behavior from a kingdom? They had dared to act aggressively toward the mighty Moria Empire. Even if they were just fishing boats, the fact that they knowingly attacked vessels of the empire was unforgivable.

“This is an incident we absolutely cannot overlook! It is an act of aggression against the Empire!”

“An act of aggression against the Empire? We merely exercised our sovereignty over foreign fishing boats that crossed our borders illegally. Who would let a thief who breaks into their house go unpunished?”

“A thief, you say? They were innocent fishermen! And you must immediately apologize for this incident and pay proper reparations! On top of that, release the seized boats and our citizens at once!”

“You speak nonsense. If anything, it’s we who deserve an apology and compensation. Why do you speak as if you’re the victim?”

“Do you truly wish to witness the Empire’s wrath?”

“Heh, you almost sound like you’re threatening me. Surely you’re not threatening the King of the Polia Kingdom? If so, I find that quite unpleasant to hear.”

Despite the furious cries of the Moria Empire’s ambassador, Ian replied without a hint of concern. The ministers could feel their hearts sink. Such behavior toward an imperial ambassador—no king had ever dared such a thing before.

Until now, no kingdom had dared to offend the Empire. This action seemed incredibly reckless. Meanwhile, the ambassador himself was dumbfounded by this young king’s audacity.

Did he not understand what made an empire an empire? Even if the Polia Kingdom had achieved great success against the Doicheun Empire, the Moria Empire still possessed the power to destroy them if it came to war.

“This matter will not be left alone.”

“I also have no intention of letting this matter slide.”

“When I return later, don’t regret it. Let’s see if you’ll still be so confident then.”

“And I hope you don’t regret it either, later on.”

“Tch… I’m leaving!”

The ambassador, seemingly about to say more, instead turned away and stormed out of the audience chamber. The ministers could not hide their concern and fear in their expressions.

Such a provocative act against none other than an empire seemed reckless. But not everyone thought so.

“How outrageously rude! They were in the wrong, yet still have the nerve to act like that! There’s a limit to shamelessness!”

The one who shouted was none other than Count Dimentis, commander of the Capital Defense Command. A few other ministers showed similar outrage at the Empire’s behavior. Those who didn’t share their views could only look on, bewildered by their stance.

At that moment, Ian’s voice resounded through the audience chamber, filled with dissatisfaction.

“I cannot overlook this incident. For them to act this way over something that happened in our waters is a clear sign of disregard and disdain toward the Polia Kingdom. Through this opportunity, I intend to show them that we are not to be taken lightly.”

Hearing the king’s firm resolve, many feared that another war might break out. The aftermath of the last war hadn’t even been resolved yet. If another war began, the economy might collapse in just a few years.

Most of the ministers in the chamber believed that King Ian, being so young, was handling the situation emotionally. Now that he had become king and taken the reins of power, they thought he might not understand how frightening the outside world truly was.

But despite their thoughts, Ian was observing the situation far more rationally than expected. In fact, he had deliberately provoked the ambassador.

‘There may be some minor clashes, but a full-scale war would be too costly for them too.’

The Doicheun Empire was still provoking the Leman Federation near the border. In response, the Moria Empire had also deployed troops to the Leman side to check Doicheun’s movements.

Though the Leman Federation was a landlocked country, a war with the Doicheun Empire would inevitably drag the sea into the battlefield. Currently, the Doicheun Empire was mass-producing warships like a factory.

‘Just as we’ve restored the combat strength of the warship that was sunk, the Doicheun Empire has not only recovered but increased its numbers even more.’

In response, the Moria Empire was also ramping up warship production. Naturally, in such a climate, the likelihood of the Moria Empire launching a full-scale war against the Polia Kingdom was extremely low.

‘The Doicheun Empire’s last war was both reckless and abrupt.’

Declaring war just for selling weapons to the Leman Federation was far from reasonable. Ian didn’t believe the Moria Empire would make such a move. If they did, it would only confirm Doicheun’s past actions were justified, prompting the Moria Empire to march on the Leman Federation.

‘For the Moria Empire, which can’t afford to waste its forces, waging war on us is nearly impossible.’

In conclusion, only small-scale clashes would occur, and the situation wouldn’t escalate too much.

‘Still, their shamelessness knows no bounds. Their faces must be made of steel.’

Was this what it meant to be a great power? To insist on being right with sheer force, even in unjust situations? Ian wondered—if the Polia Kingdom ever rose to such status, would they act the same?

‘If we become a nation with power rivaling an empire, we must never become like that. It’s disgraceful.’

With this determined thought, things unfolded just as Ian had predicted. The Moria Empire raised its voice in condemnation and immediately dispatched a fleet near the Polia Kingdom’s waters to “protect” their fishing boats.

The Polia Kingdom responded in kind, dispatching its own fleet to monitor and check the Empire’s actions. This escalation prompted varied reactions from other nations.

Some claimed the new king of the Polia Kingdom was reckless. Others admired his boldness. But one thing was clear: the new king, Ian, was not someone to be taken lightly.

His bold move against an empire made it evident what kind of approach the Polia Kingdom might take under his reign. Among the world’s leaders, Ian clearly belonged to the more aggressive category.

In any case, the sea around the southwestern part of the continent had become a perilous and intense scene. While no shots had been fired, the amassed forces were considerable.

The Moria Empire had dispatched four battleships, ten cruisers, and nearly eighty destroyers. In response, the Polia Kingdom sent three battleships, twelve cruisers, and about one hundred destroyers.

It was the scale of multiple fleets combined. Under such conditions, the surrounding waters had become too dangerous for any fishing activity. The fleets looked like they might clash at any moment, yet both sides were doing their best to avoid direct conflict.

Bridge of the Polia Kingdom’s Flagship.

“Truly, what a reckless king.”

Count Armand, Admiral of the 5th Fleet, sighed as he looked through his binoculars at the Moria Empire’s ships. If conflict broke out, they could end up losing much of the power they had painstakingly restored.

‘The only consolation is that the battleships refitted with 305mm naval guns are stationed here.’

They had even brought in newly deployed battleships. Since the older ships were equipped with 250mm guns that lacked punch, they had hauled over the ones that had just finished construction and sea trials. At least the 305mm guns provided some peace of mind.

‘Even if we do clash, the outcome will be very different from before.’

The results from the war with the Doicheun Empire were quite shocking. Because the enemy had much larger-caliber guns, their own ships had taken serious damage before they could inflict any. But now, they were armed with guns far superior to those of the past.

‘Come to think of it, I heard rumors that the Doicheun Empire had already developed even larger-caliber guns. To think they’re already that far ahead—it’s exhausting.’

They had just caught up, only for the gap to widen again. It was disheartening. The only relief was that the Moria Empire’s main guns were mostly 270mm.

Although they were known for their rapid-fire capabilities, from past war experience, Armand knew that no matter how fast the firing rate, it was the side inflicting more damage that had the clear advantage.

‘Still, good thing they haven’t come out aggressively.’

At the beginning of the encounter, there had been a few tense standoffs between destroyers. No actual fire had been exchanged, of course—just maneuvers and provocations, ships sailing aggressively near each other to test nerves.

Eventually, as more forces gathered, direct contact ceased. They were simply posturing now, standing off with shows of power. Still, the Moria Empire had one more battleship, and Armand thought it would be nice if they could dispatch one more to even the odds.

‘Unless they bring in more battleships, there won’t be any reinforcements for us, will there?’

If the enemy increased their battleship numbers, Polia might respond in kind and receive reinforcements.

‘More importantly, could His Majesty have anticipated all of this?’

It was already February. This tense standoff had lasted over two weeks. Armand wondered if it might end as just a display of force without escalation. If that were the case, then maybe this young king was far more capable than he seemed.

‘He never lacked ability. Come to think of it, he beat out all his brothers to ascend the throne.’

Remembering the current king, who once served under him before transferring to the 1st Fleet, Admiral Armand adjusted his sky-blue hair that had been tousled by the wind, straightened his hat, and sighed at the thought that they’d likely remain in this situation for a while.

As expected, February passed, and into March, the two fleets remained locked in a standoff. But eventually, a third nation stepped in—this time, the Noma Empire.

The Noma Empire was concerned that the Moria Empire’s prolonged focus on Polia would cause problems, so they took the initiative to mediate. The Doicheun Empire’s movements were becoming increasingly troubling. Already, over 100,000 troops were stationed along the border, and now another 50,000 were gathering.

World Era 1911, March 15.

Prince Alexei, the Fourth Prince of the Noma Empire, and the Second Prince of the Moria Empire visited Pullea, the capital of the Polia Kingdom. Since both had prior ties with King Ian, they came to represent their respective empires.

With this visit, the three gathered around a table in a palace meeting room. Under Prince Alexei’s mediation, the three agreed to resolve the current situation. Both nations recognized that continued confrontation would be detrimental.

‘We didn’t even get any compensation, and we wasted all that money just moving the fleets.’

Lately, Ian had come to feel that all this fleet movement resulted in was the draining of their treasury. Even after the war with the Doicheun Empire, they hadn’t received any compensation. And now, this incident was ending the same way—without restitution.

‘Just how much have we spent on military expenses?’

The naval budget had already been enormous, and now it was bound to increase even more. That was why it was necessary to accept mediation.

“Let us end this matter without further resentment from either side.”

“Agreed.”

At the Moria Empire’s Second Prince’s words, Ian nodded in agreement.

“I also hope no further bad blood arises from this.”

“As do I.”

“Now then, with this, let us consider the emotions between our nations resolved. Pahaha!”

Prince Alexei let out his signature laugh as he spoke, and Ian finally relaxed his expression. As Alexei extended his hand for a hearty handshake, Ian took it gladly. With this decision, the captured fishermen from both nations would likely be released.

As their handshake ended, Prince Alexei leaned in and spoke in a suggestive tone.

“Well then, shall we move on to the next matter…”