Chapter 101: The Kingdom of Superia

The geography of this world closely resembled that of my previous one.

Our homeland, Lunoa Kingdom, stood at the center of Europe, flanked by Friez Kingdom and the Rosha Empire.

To the north lay the Northern Sea Empire, which possessed one of Europe’s finest navies.

South of Lunoa Kingdom were its ally, the Austin Empire, and Ilhan Kingdom, home to the headquarters of the Kilt Church and long neutral as a mediator.

Of those countries, the Northern Sea Empire and Ilhan Kingdom were neutral.

Apart from those two, there was one more neutral region in Europe: a group of neutral states south of Friez Kingdom.

During the Age of Exploration, when European countries rushed overseas, the dominant power of that era had been the Kingdom of Superia, south of Friez Kingdom.

With colonies across the world, the Kingdom of Superia was called the empire on which the sun never set. It had unquestionably been the hegemonic power of its age—in other words, this world’s Spain.

There was no Britain in this world. Superia should have enjoyed eternal prosperity.

Instead, its own people fought among themselves and destroyed it. Now, dozens of weak states occupied the former Kingdom of Superia, none of them possessing a single colony.

The kingdom’s self-destruction had shaped the present age.

When Superia collapsed, Lunoa was still a loose federation of several countries and couldn’t be called a great power. Friez Kingdom, which had already been one of the great powers, rapidly expanded its colonies to take Superia’s place.

Until Lunoa Kingdom later gained strength at remarkable speed, Friez had been the leading candidate to become the next hegemonic power.

Friez Kingdom was like Britain and France combined. That was why victory remained distant for Lunoa even in a world without Britain.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the modern world wouldn’t exist if the Kingdom of Superia hadn’t collapsed.

Because the hegemonic power vanished, Friez Kingdom began racing to become the next one. Lunoa Kingdom unified and surged after it.

That road had led to this war.

“May I have a moment?”

“…What is it?”

A representative of the Duchy of Balse approached me. It was one of the many successor states—the remnants of Superia whose collapse could be called the root of the entire Great War.

“I have a request, knowing that you’re Lunoa Kingdom’s hero, Brigadier General Willard.”

“I’m listening.”

“Thank you. Allow me to introduce myself first. I’m Roy Hellrift, eldest son of the current head of House Hellrift, which rules the Duchy of Balse.”

“How courteous. Should I introduce myself as well?”

“No, no, that won’t be necessary. As a civilized man, I’m outraged by Friez Kingdom’s barbaric conduct and can’t forgive it.”

“Yes, quite.”

“As a state that observes international law, we’re determined to bring down the hammer of justice upon them.”

“Oh?”

“My country is prepared to declare war on the barbarians of Friez Kingdom. Of course, we must first reunify the Kingdom of Superia, but we’re prepared to do that as well. What would you say to an alliance between our countries? Our domestic situation makes it frustratingly impossible to act immediately, but I swear that we shall bring divine punishment upon Friez Kingdom.”

“…”

It wasn’t a bad proposal.

Declaring war in response to Friez Kingdom’s atrocities was a perfectly sound justification. Forcing Friez into a two-front war like Lunoa would greatly affect the course of the conflict.

It wasn’t a bad proposal—apart from being impossible to realize.

“Reunification. What a wonderful dream.”

The former Kingdom of Superia was divided to an astonishing degree.

Reunifying it now would be impossible. Friez Kingdom would interfere, and Lunoa Kingdom couldn’t afford to provide serious support.

How long would it take the Duchy of Balse to reunify Superia, consolidate the country, and declare war on Friez Kingdom? Even this prolonged Great War might end first.

“…You agree, then?”

“As a member of House Willard, I promise as much support as I can provide. To begin, I’ll arrange aid supplies through my trading company.”

Still, there was no harm in establishing a relationship.

There might be a second opportunity someday.

“Oh! That’s a most welcome offer. Now, regarding an alliance…”

“Regarding participation in the three-country alliance formed by Lunoa Kingdom, we must first consult the other two countries. Could you wait a little longer?”

“Oh, of course. We’ll wait as long as necessary.”

“Thank you. This has been a productive conversation.”

“Likewise.”

That was enough to establish a basic relationship.

“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

I bowed and left him.

I had intended to approach the Rosha Empire.

“May I have a moment?”

“Yes, of course.”

Immediately after my conversation with Roy Hellrift of the Duchy of Balse, a man in military uniform approached me.