Chapter 81: Campbell Reforms

International tensions were swirling, yet Franz nestled at home, doting on his children and grandchildren, seemingly oblivious.

It was, of course, impossible for him to be unaware. With so many countries that the British sought to woo, there were bound to be a few turncoats.

In international politics, it's always a minority that sticks to one path come hell or high water; playing both sides like a snake and rat is the standard maneuver.

The contention between Britannia and Shinra wasn't lopsided, and before the situation cleared, most nations wouldn't tie themselves exclusively to one side.

Shinra could rely on its land power advantage to coerce the nations of Europe to come aboard; the British, similarly, could use their maritime supremacy to gather allies worldwide.

Prevention was impossible; fence-sitters would only fall with the wind and could only do so, as this was the way of survival for small countries.