“Hmm…”
Enrico Dandolo, the 34th Doge of the Helvetia Republic, slowly flipped through the documents his officials had submitted.
“So this is the pamphlet circulating among the citizens these days?”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“And though we don’t know who wrote it, judging by the writing style, it’s presumed to be of foreign origin?”
“Yes. Most likely from the direction of the Allein Kingdom…”
“Interesting. Very interesting.”
It was a pamphlet containing the ideology of some “one nation” movement that had been spreading rapidly of late.
Though it was barely one-tenth the length of an ordinary book, its influence was impossible to ignore.
It was estimated that at least 40% of the republic’s educated class had already read it, and it hadn’t even been two months since its publication.
“Have you read it yourselves?”
“We reviewed it as part of the investigation. If there’s a problem with that, we’ll take full responsibility and accept any punishment.”
“No, I’m not here to reprimand you. I’m simply curious. What did you think when you read it?”
The speed at which this pamphlet had spread was unbelievable, especially in an era without the internet or radio.
Even the masterpieces of world-renowned authors wouldn’t gain popularity this quickly.
But Enrico Dandolo understood why.
After reading it himself, even he felt compelled to spread its message.
“…I was captivated. At first, I scoffed, but before I knew it, I was poring over every word, completely absorbed.”
“I felt my blood boil. For the first time in my life, I became acutely aware of — and proud of — my identity as a Helvetian.”
“If even we, seasoned and hardened by the realities of politics, felt this way, I can’t even begin to imagine how ordinary citizens must have reacted.”
“Indeed.”
The pamphlet’s style was direct and unambiguous.
It lacked the elaborate metaphors and flowery prose typical of this era’s literature, instead laying out its message in plain, straightforward language.
And yet it masterfully balanced persuasion with pressure — a perfect mix of carrot and stick.
It touched on people’s emotions, stoked their discontent, and guided them toward the author’s intended ideology.
It awakened grievances and frustrations people hadn’t even realized they harbored — and then offered a new vision they couldn’t help but embrace.
The skill with which it manipulated its readers was nothing short of art.
Even a pacifist with a modest, civic-minded mentality would find themselves transformed into a fervent nationalist by the time they finished reading.
The pamphlet’s words embodied the essence of the greatest propagandists of the 20th century — and they were just as powerful.
“At this point, trying to control foreign publications would be pointless, wouldn’t it?”
It didn’t take long for Enrico to reach his conclusion.
This was unstoppable.
Any attempt by the government to interfere would only backfire, fueling public dissatisfaction and anger.
In fact, it was only a matter of time before this ideology spread beyond their republic, taking root in neighboring nations across the peninsula.
Or perhaps it had already spread.
Rumors, after all, always traveled faster than anyone expected.
“The Kram Empire and the Navre Kingdom — they’re still unaware of the situation?”
“They likely have no idea. It’ll take quite a while before word reaches their capitals.”
“They haven’t declared war or severed diplomatic ties with us — why would they concern themselves with the opinions of mere citizens…?”
“Still, once they find out what’s happening, they’ll surely take action. There’s a high chance they’ll pressure us to censor and confiscate every single one of these pamphlets.”
But those larger nations would never bother understanding the nuances of the situation.
Enrico fully expected interference in one form or another before long.
“If that happens, just lie your way out of it.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Tell them we’re handling it well — no need to worry.
Meanwhile, we’ll push for the government to actively export these pamphlets.
No — we must do that.
Until there’s not a single person on the Helvetian Peninsula who hasn’t read it.
“Once that was done, they could boldly stand their ground.”
To Enrico, this entire situation was an opportunity — a once-in-a-millennium chance to unite all the people of Helvetia.
For far too long, the nations of this peninsula had been mired in infighting and internal competition.
Now, at last, there was a chance to consolidate their strength.
This was a chance that would never come again — and it must be seized.
For the sovereignty and independence of their people.
“Our republic alone can’t stand against foreign powers — we lack both financial resources and military strength. But if we harness the capabilities of the entire peninsula… well, that’s a different story.”
The small states of Helvetia were weak on their own.
Most of them could barely muster an army of 10,000 to 20,000, with populations numbering only in the hundreds of thousands.
When it came to industrial infrastructure, commercial power, and technological advancement, the Helvetian Republic was practically the only nation with a solid foundation.
“We must make all Helvetians yearn for unity.”
But if the entire Helvetian Peninsula united, everything would change.
A combined population of millions would easily support an army of over 100,000.
Their industrial and economic strength would finally rival the surrounding great powers — if not surpass them, then at least enough to prevent anyone from underestimating them.
In short… they’d become the minimum viable great power.
A nation that could hold its own among the giants of the international stage.
“B-But, Your Excellency… if this plan is exposed, the backlash.”
“It could lead to war!”
“We can endure it. Have you forgotten? We’re a peninsula.”
Even Helvetia’s geography worked in Enrico’s favor.
If foreign powers tried to retaliate, they’d face serious logistical challenges.
To invade Helvetia, they’d need to either launch a naval assault or march their armies from the north — both difficult, costly endeavors.
And the very nations most likely to interfere despised the idea of a united Helvetia — which meant they wouldn’t cooperate easily with each other.
“We just need to seize the initiative. If we strike first and hold our ground, this plan has every chance of succeeding.”
As long as internal stability was secured, the rest would follow.
If the small states of Helvetia banded together in unity and resolve, the dream of national independence would no longer be a distant fantasy.
For centuries, division had made that dream impossible.
But with this new ideology spreading like wildfire, hesitation was no longer an option.
It was time for action.
“The sacrifices will be immense.”
“A price we must be willing to pay. Or did you really think we could achieve unification without shedding a drop of blood?”
If tens of thousands died resisting foreign aggression, so be it.
In fact, it might even be necessary.
The more blood was spilled, the deeper the people’s anger would grow — and that fury would forge them into a single, unbreakable nation.
In the short term, the cost would be staggering.
But in the long term, it was the only path to true national strength.
And then…”Once the peninsula is unified, we will lead it. After all, no other nation here has the strength or capacity to take the helm.”
Enrico’s ambition burned brightly.
A unified Helvetian Peninsula would undoubtedly look to the republic for leadership, the only nation with the infrastructure, wealth, and political maturity to serve as its core.
And with that unification under his belt… who could challenge him if he sought to reshape the very structure of the state?
Why settle for a mere republic when a kingdom could be forged?
He would become the first monarch of a united Helvetia, founding a dynasty that would lead his people for generations.
It was a lofty dream — but with this opportunity at hand, it no longer felt impossible.
“If you understand, then go prepare. If we want to expand our territory, we’ll need to lay the groundwork first.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
As his ministers departed, Enrico leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes.
A future he’d never dared to imagine was now within reach.
No longer a mere elected official… but a king.
“I will make this happen — no matter the cost.”
For his own legacy — and for the generations to come.
*****
“He turned out to be quite the ambitious one, didn’t he?”
“So he really intends to unify the peninsula — even if it kills him?”
It didn’t take long for Enrico’s plans to reach our ears.
One of the maids working in the Doge’s residence happened to be our spy.
We’d expected him to stir up public sentiment — maybe cause some political disruption.
But an outright declaration of war?
That was more aggressive than we’d anticipated.
“Ismael, what’s our move now?”
Our branch leader turned to me, waiting for my opinion.
After a moment of thought, I answered.
“We should help the Doge.”
“Help him?”
“The more chaos he creates, the easier it’ll be for us to advance our own plans in the neighboring countries.”
“Indeed.”
“With the current military strength of the Helvetian Republic, they won’t be able to hold out for long… We’ll need to give them a little hint.”
This was a world where technology had already entered the early modern era, yet most countries still relied on mercenary groups as their primary military force — professional soldiers hired for pay.
Why this system persisted wasn’t entirely clear.
Perhaps it was because the presence of magic made individual combat prowess far greater than it ever was on Earth?
But then again, even the most powerful offensive spells amounted to little more than fireballs and ice arrows — hardly overwhelming in their destructive power.
In any case, this dependency on mercenaries meant that in a war where military strength boiled down to financial resources, the Helvetian Republic — with its limited funds — would quickly find itself at a disadvantage.
After all, a war fought with mercenaries was ultimately a battle of wealth.
And so, I planned to offer the Doge a new concept — a modern idea that could reshape his military: the citizen army.
“I wonder if the Doge will even understand the idea of conscription.”
It was time to call on the wisdom of Machiavelli.