Chapter 158: Politics in the shadow of war
Alberto was sipping his tea in the quiet garden.
"So, has the situation calmed down?" Alberto asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
Elizabeth replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, our troops in Britannia have almost defeated the Latvian forces. Their numbers have been greatly reduced. However, there have been problems within Latvia. General Petrov has requested reinforcements. He has even requested nuclear bombs."
Alberto placed the teacup on the table and fell into deep thought.
"Has the situation really become that serious?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. The Latvian forces are gathering near the Ru River. There are warriors of other races there, as well as humans. They have brought many terrifying dark wizards and powerful magical weapons. According to General Petrov, if our forces clash with Latvia there, we will suffer many casualties."
The 1st Infantry Division, also known as the Eastern Division, was sent to conduct the invasion of Latvia. The 2nd Tank Brigade and the 1st Armoured Division were also sent. A large number of warships were also deployed in Latvian waters.
Alberto said in a firm voice, "Elizabeth, this is an all-out war. We are not just engaged in a battle here; we are facing a conflict. But we cannot use nuclear bombs so recklessly. They are our trump card, and we must save them for the final stage. However, I authorize their deployment. If it becomes absolutely necessary, they are permitted to use them. Also, order her to be sent there as well."
Elizabeth nodded. "Understood."
" Also, how much aid have we sent to Britannia?"
Elizabeth looked at a piece of paper and said, "Your Majesty, we have so far sent Britannia 50,000 tons of food supplies, 10,000 tons of medical equipment, 17,900 soldiers and the weapons and equipment they need, and 50 million gold coins in financial aid. In addition, we have sent them the necessary materials to rebuild 10,000 houses."
Alberto nodded. "That should suffice."
Then Elizabeth added, "Your Majesty, I have a suggestion. We should sell them our old weapons. We have a large stockpile of weapons from the First and Second World Wars in our arsenals. We could sell them to Britannia at a high price."
Alberto frowned slightly. "But if they turn those weapons against us, it could be disastrous."
Elizabeth smiled. "I have a plan for that. We have power, influence, and wealth. We should use this opportunity to significantly increase our influence in Britannia. They are very weak now, and we should capitalize on this. We should also expand our territories. In my opinion, we should establish a colonial empire."
Hearing this, Alberto remembered his past life. Britain occupied about 26 percent of the world's territory. The largest colonial empire in the world. Not only the British, but most of the countries in Europe established their colonial empires which gave them a lot of prosperity.
The British had occupied their colonies not just through military force but also through strategic maneuvers. For example, by the mid-19th century, about 80 percent of the British East India Company's soldiers were Indians. In other words, they conquered Indian territory using Indians. The British also sank Egypt into debt by lending money, forcing Isma'il Pasha to cede Egypt's shares in the Suez Canal to them. Eventually, they occupied all of Egypt.
Alberto said, "It wasn't a bad strategy. But we must be patient. First, we need to sink them into debt and then occupy their territories when they can't repay. Due to the Latvian invasion, they have lost many people, and a significant portion of their northern population has been displaced. I doubt they have the resources to compensate these people or rebuild their territory."
Elizabeth nodded. "You are right, Your Majesty. According to our analysis, at least two to three million people have been displaced from their homes in Farlstone alone due to the Latvian invasion. Additionally, a large amount of agricultural land has been destroyed. Many people have lost their jobs, and there have been significant casualties. In this situation, they lack the strength and capacity to address all these issues. With the aid we have sent so far and the resources they have left, they will only be able to rehouse and provide land for at most one million people."
Alberto nodded. "Very well. Inform Britannia that we will take responsibility for all forms of assistance and reconstruction in the areas destroyed by the war and for the people who have lost their homes. But in return, we demand control over those areas. We will govern them until we recover the money we have spent. In other words, those areas will remain part of Britannia, but we will temporarily assume control. However, the rulers of Britannia will retain some limited authority."
Elizabeth nodded. "That is an excellent idea, Your Majesty. Britannia has suffered greatly due to the war, and they have no choice but to accept our offer. If they refuse, a large number of people in Britannia could die from lack of food, medicine, and essential goods, which would lead to a catastrophic disaster."
Alberto nodded, "Proceed with all necessary measures. Queen Maria is very helpless to us in this situation and she is not in a position to reject any of our offers now."
"Also, Elizabeth, have you located where the nobles' family members are being held captive by Strom?"
Elizabeth nodded. "We believe they are being held in Duke Barco's castle. Strom hosted a banquet there, and it is the most secure location in the Elysian Archipelago. Therefore, we assume he has imprisoned them there."
Alberto said firmly, "Very well, send our special forces there to rescue them. Also, send our 8th regiment from Farlstone to the Elysian Archipelago."
Elizabeth nodded, "I understand, Your Majesty." Then she said again, "Also, Your Majesty, you have an invitation from Taku. They expect you to be there as the Emperor of the Bernard Empire."
Alberto sighed, slightly annoyed. "But didn't I say I would visit Taku after capturing Latvia?" Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire
Elizabeth nodded, "But it could affect our relationship. Since the King of Taku is interested in meeting you personally."
Alberto took a deep breath and said, "Very well. I will go."