How to Survive in the Roanoke Colony

Just to reiterate...

I went through a lot.

I experienced a massive explosion show literally in the center, and afterward, as soon as I woke up, I unexpectedly performed an embarrassing strip show.

Anyway, after barely winning the battle, I had to discipline some crazy knight fellows, and suddenly I had to stop natives from fighting each other.

Truly, since the battle in Florida, I've been running without a moment to breathe.

Anyway, I thought I might finally get some rest now.

That's what I thought, but.

"Reports keep coming in about whether our Knight Brigade should be active in the Florida Archbishopric!"

"That's not all. And regarding this recent matter with Sir Skinner, the Archbishop in Florida...!"

What's this? The work is doubling?

Actually, this result was predictable.

First of all, our sphere of influence has doubled in size, so it would be strange if the work didn't increase.

And it's not just that the land mass doubled.

Tens of thousands of liberated Africans, and even more natives, have now come under our control.

'...No.'

To be precise, under 'my' control.

The relationship between Virginia and Florida was that ambiguous and peculiar.

Virginia's government and church stand and move centered around 'my' authority, and at the same time, Florida's Archbishop swears allegiance to me as my vassal.

But it's not like I hold some official position in Virginia.

Union of Crowns? That's also ambiguous to say.

Allied nations? They're too close to each other for that.

Vassal state? Hmm.

Hmmmmm.

"..."

To be honest, the third one seems closest.

Economically dependent, military stationed, and even Florida's head of government swears allegiance to me...

...No.

I am not an evil imperialist. Although five of my six apostles are from England and Spain. Anyway, I am not an imperialist.

I took a deep breath to drive away these idle thoughts, then carefully re-examined the problems at hand.

The problems were numerous.

The Knight Brigade member's mistake in Florida, balancing trade with Florida, incorporating Florida's natives, and so on.

There are other important matters as well.

These two countries have a common enemy in Spain. Then how should the armies move together?

Knight Brigade members would need to be active in Florida, but then what about the nationality issue of the Knight Brigade? Does the Knight Brigade belong to Virginia, or to Florida? Should it be divided?

When a Virginian lives in Florida, or a Floridian lives in Virginia, under which legal order will they live?

These problems arose from different fields and different points, but in my view, the source of all these problems was clear.

'Isn't it because the relationship between Virginia and Florida is unclear?'

It's not just a simple alliance. It's also ambiguous to call it a traditional European union of crowns.

And there's nothing established about what the relationship between Virginia and Florida should be, or how to handle affairs between them.

Therefore, it needs to be established.

If everything becomes clear, the anxiety of Florida's natives will subside, and these trivial problems won't emerge one by one and become inflated.

Reassurance must be given.

People need to be clearly told that Florida will be equal and on the same level as Virginia.

And...

"Nemo?"

"What is it?"

"The Archbishop of Florida has arrived."

It seems I wasn't the only one with such thoughts.

The Archbishop of Florida came to Chesapeake, leading a dozen people. I was about to quietly invite him to Croatoan.

"Nameless One, I have much to tell you."

"Yes... I already know from the reports. Then."

"No. The situation has become more serious than when I reported. The Indians have gathered to protest, and they've begun blocking the paths where Knights travel."

"..."

The situation was more serious than I thought. With such a matter, it would be better for me to stay in Chesapeake to maintain quick communication with the assembly and the Council of Six.

"What is needed right now is trust. We need to instill in them the belief that Virginia's goodwill will make Florida healthier, and that there is absolutely no ill intent."

Trust, huh.

I thought for a moment.

And I recalled numerous events from history that I knew.

Will such events only happen with Florida in the future?

I don't think so.

We can't simply merge all those natives into Virginia. They already have their own independent political bodies, and the territories they occupy are larger than most major European countries.

We will eventually face similar problems with them too. This is just the first time, not the last.

So I said:

"...When people on earth give each other trust, they make firm oaths and promises."

"What?"

As always, pretending to be an angel who "doesn't know much about human culture."

"So, let's do the same."

I clapped my hands to awaken Alonso's spirit and said:

"Let's establish a 'covenant.' Between Virginia and Florida."

"...'Covenant (Alianza),' you say?"

"Yes."

A covenant that will eventually include numerous other countries beyond Florida.

At my words, Alonso nodded and left.

And I convened the assembly and the Council of Six.

They immediately got to work.

==

Virginia's Capitol.

The spacious meeting space was filled with tension. Everyone gathered in their seats was staring at the table without making a sound.

They too were vaguely thinking about it. About how this moment would be recorded in history.

It was an important moment.

And on the table, where everyone's gaze was focused during this important moment, was...

A thin booklet.

It was a booklet completed by many people who had worked day and night for the past few weeks. Its content wasn't long, but each phrase contained the concerns of numerous people.

But that booklet was still incomplete.

One procedure was needed for it to be complete.

And to carry out that procedure...

Click.

Someone had to be here.

When that someone entered Virginia's Capitol, everyone seated rose. He walked to the center of the conference hall and lifted the booklet from the table.

"Now, there's no turning back."

Those words were a solemn declaration.

"You have gathered here to represent the citizens of two communities. These words you've published will represent the will of tens of thousands and determine the lives of millions."

"..."

"..."

"..."

The lives of millions.