There are many causes of war, but most often, it stems from greed.
Territory, resources, wealth, honor, titles, or religious interests, and so on.
Wars are fought to seize or protect various rights that each side holds.
And this war was no exception.
Especially for Alcyone.
*****
“Heh heh, looks like the profits are quite satisfying again, huh?”
“Is there any doubt, Your Majesty?”
Drake IV, the 17th King of the Alcyone Federation, smiled slyly as he gazed down at the treasure in front of him.
Mountains of silver bars, jewels, piles of spices, and even gold coins, which had been minted less than a year ago, were all stacked up.
It was truly a treasure of immense value.
And all of it was acquired without any significant cost—essentially for free.
“You’ve done well, Elizabeth. Thanks to you, the finances of our Federation are becoming more prosperous every day.”
“You’re too kind, Your Majesty. I simply acted out of patriotism as a citizen of the Federation.”
“Modesty, as always. But someone who has made such achievements should be allowed a little arrogance, don’t you think?”
The king laughed heartily, while the beautiful female pirate, pretending to be polite, bowed her head.
As one might infer from this short exchange, the two had a cooperative relationship.
One side provided supplies and places to dock, while the other shared the loot in return.
In other words, they were a state-sponsored pirate and their employer.
It was rare for a royal court to employ a full-time pirate, rather than just a privateer, but there were sufficient reasons for it.
‘The reason being…’
“The treasures you steal account for 30% of our annual budget.”
The profits were just too large.
How could they neglect such a valuable asset, a vital contributor to the Federation’s defense budget?
Without them, the funds to maintain the fleet and the guard would disappear immediately.
Every day, countless merchant ships and trade fleets crossed between the New World and the Spanish Empire.
The value of the cargo on each ship was enough to purchase valuable noble titles within the empire—floating treasure chests, so to speak.
The Federation was relying on the astronomical wealth contained within those ships to manage the nation.
Of course, this was done without permission, and on their own terms.
“Next time, how about capturing a ship carrying native slaves? I need some slaves for the palace.”
“If Your Majesty desires, I will gladly comply.”
This relationship had been ongoing for several years.
Drake IV had even gone as far as ordering Elizabeth to bring certain items next time, as if he had entrusted his goods to the Spanish Empire.
“Your Majesty! The Spanish ambassador has requested an audience!”
However, despite this one-sided parasitic relationship, disaster finally struck.
*****
“It’s been a while, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, it’s been a while. Is this our first meeting since the last banquet?”
“Indeed. The roast beef you prepared last time was truly magnificent.”
An uninvited foreign guest appeared suddenly, without notice or appointment.
The conversation between King Drake IV and the Spanish ambassador was cordial but incredibly cold.
While the topic of their conversation seemed ordinary, the atmosphere in their tone was filled with tension.
And it was only natural that it should be that way.
Considering the purpose of his visit,”But today, I don’t wish to talk about such trivial things. Considering what you’ve done up until now, Your Majesty.”
The ambassador straightened his back and glared directly at King Drake IV, making his demand clear.
“I’ll be direct. Please cease all acts of piracy targeting our merchant ships immediately.”
“Those are acts committed by criminals without my consent, so how can I control that—”
“Are you really asking me that when you’ve had pirate ships docked at the Federation’s premier port? Do you think that’s acceptable?”
Tch, so he already knows everything.
The King clicked his tongue inwardly.
Usually, he arrogantly dismissed the idea of looking at such a barbaric nation.
“It’s been confirmed for a long time now that you have close ties with the pirates.
Will you control and manage them, or continue your negligence and incur the Empire’s wrath?
Decide here and now!”
“…..”
Faced with the de facto ultimatum, the King closed his eyes in a moment of hesitation.
Would he submit for the safety and peace of the Federation, or resist for the slim chance of success and freedom?
If he chose the former, the country would remain safe, but the economy would shrink, and the future growth potential would be lost.
If he chose the latter, there was a high chance that they would be crushed by the Spanish Empire, but if luck was on his side, they might turn things around and seize some profit.
After a brief but agonizing decision, the King opened his eyes again.
He then spoke calmly.
“Go and fetch Elizabeth.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
When the female pirate who had gone to prepare for the guest’s arrival entered the room,the King introduced her nonchalantly, as the confused-looking woman stood before him.
“Ambassador, this woman is the leader of the pirates you were looking for. Her nickname… was ‘The Wolf of the Sea,’ if I recall?”
“This woman?”
The ambassador looked at Elizabeth with a mixture of elation and hatred.
Considering the suffering the Spanish Empire had endured because of her, it was a natural reaction.
There had been close to a hundred ships captured by her, so it was no wonder that he hated her.
“Your decision to willingly hand her over is a wise one, Your Majesty. I will contact my country and arrange for her immediate transfer—”
“No, I will be granting her a title.”
A title.
A mark of distinction between the ruling class and commoners.
It wasn’t something one could receive simply by being born a noble.
Only those recognized as heirs to the family—whether the eldest son or daughter—could claim it.
Only a few hundred people throughout the Federation held such a right.
Before the ambassador could fully understand the value and significance of the title, King Drake IV moved quickly.
“Elizabeth Tudor, kneel.”
Rising from the throne, the King walked toward her.
The pirate, sensing his move, lowered her posture, and as she did, the King unsheathed his sword from his side and placed it gently on her shoulder.
Once on the left, and once on the right.
A ceremony that had been passed down since the age of knights.
“I hereby appoint you as Countess Tudor from this day forward.
This title will be yours as long as you do not commit high crimes, including treason, and you may pass it on to your chosen heir.
Though you have no land, the sea of the Federation will be your domain.
Protect this land from external threats for all generations to come.”
In response to this declaration, the female pirate gave a graceful reply, which was unexpected from someone like her.
“I shall do so willingly, Your Majesty.”
“Such humiliation… I will report today’s events to my homeland. You will regret this!”
“Take care. I’ll arrange the return ship for you.”
The ambassador, furious at the public humiliation, cursed as he left, but the King didn’t care.
Since they had decided to go all the way, diplomatic breaches didn’t matter.
In fact, it was better this way.
If they made the confrontation clear, even the possible pro-reform factions within the country would quiet down.
If Spain was going to come at the Federation with the intention of destroying it, then they would have to fight hard together if they didn’t want to perish.
‘We just need to win, we just need to win. I’ve heard that they’re distracted with disaster recovery because of the flooding. There’s a chance to bet for the throne.’
Life is a gamble.
Rather than endlessly being cornered by the nobles and engaging in subtle power struggles, why not revive the monarchy through a historical victory?
Even if they lost, the worst that could happen was being deposed.
Would Spain really kill him?
Fortunately, the enemy was currently less capable of projecting power externally due to internal disasters.
Although Alcyone was a weak country compared to them, if they gathered all their strength, there was a chance of victory.
‘Just in case, I should prepare for exile.’
King Drake IV, with the heart of a beast, genuinely believed this.
After all, his life wasn’t the one at risk in the end.
*****
“Such a nuisance.”
Having received all this information from the organization, I felt anger rise once more due to yet another troublesome situation.
Damn it, if they wanted to join the fight, they should have done so sooner.
Why cause a fuss now?
I worked hard on developing international strategies and balancing power, only for it all to be ruined?
“A naval battle, no matter who wins, rarely results in a clear resolution…”
Naval warfare is different from land warfare.
Especially in island nations.
Even if they suffer a major defeat and retreat in battle, it doesn’t necessarily mean the nation is doomed.
Even if the fleet is destroyed and the sailors massacred, the army on the mainland can still protect the country.
As long as they defend key locations, they can endure for a long time.
“Indeed, this is troublesome. Alcyone is a country that’s had frequent civil wars, so their army is stronger than their navy.”
“They don’t exactly rely on foreign trade for their economy either.”
“Chances are, this will turn into a long-term war.”
Without conducting amphibious operations, it’s hard to defeat them.
Even if they couldn’t win, the war could drag on for years.
“If the two countries fight, won’t the shipping lanes be at risk?”
“That’s likely. Unless they’re fools, Alcyone will likely deploy a lot of privateers.”
If they attempted to disrupt trade and commerce, even the upper ranks of our organization would be threatened.
Naturally, the profitability they had worked hard to build would collapse.
Just the mere risk of being attacked at any time due to war would paralyze the shipping network.
Shipping insurance and transportation costs would skyrocket.
There must be a good way to solve this… ah.
“Chief Kalia?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“You mentioned Alcyone had frequent civil wars. What was the main cause?”
“It was religious issues. It’s a country with many factions of the Goddess religion. They’ve been fighting over it for centuries and still haven’t unified.”
Religion, huh. If stirred properly, it could be quite useful.