Ch9 The Breaking Point

Wallonia's Defiance

The War Room inside the Imperial Palace of Wallonia was tense. Maps of Altaires covered the long mahogany table, dotted with red and blue markers representing military forces. The golden crest of the empire shone behind Emperor Arthur Paulus Wallonia as he leaned forward, eyes sharp, taking in the reports from his advisors.

Across from him stood Erich, his closest confidant, flipping through a thick dossier filled with intelligence on Osteria. Lark, the Assistant Chancellor, adjusted his glasses while scrolling through logistics reports on a typewriter-like device. To the right, Admiral Vastar stood, arms crossed, his uniform pristine, waiting for his turn to speak.

"Let's summarize the situation," Arthur began, his voice calm but commanding. "Osteria demands we hand over the Nagata fleet, or they declare war."

Erich exhaled, shaking his head. "They're playing their cards too aggressively. This is a deliberate move to challenge us."

"They expect us to back down," Admiral Vastar added, his tone filled with restrained irritation. "That won't happen."

Lark lifted a document. "Strategically, Osteria's forces are outdated. Their fleet is large, yes, but their battleships and cruisers are modeled after pre-war designs. Their air force is weaker than ours. They're banking on their numbers and reputation, not technology."

Arthur remained silent for a moment before tapping his fingers on the table. "Then we respond accordingly. We will not comply with their demand. If Osteria wants to push us, we push back harder."

Erich raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain? This could escalate into something far bigger than just Osteria."

Arthur nodded. "We will defend Nagata's fleet. Issue a statement: Wallonia will not tolerate unprovoked aggression. If Osteria continues its hostility, we will respond decisively."

A moment of silence followed before Admiral Vastar smirked. "Finally. Now let's see if those Osterian dogs have the stomach for war."

A World in Shock

Across the seas, in the grand capitals of Altaires, newspapers spread like wildfire. Wallonia had crushed Soroental, a mighty empire, in mere weeks. The revelation shattered old assumptions about power.

In Tresnia, government officials celebrated—their sworn enemy, Soroental, was no more. Yet their elation was mixed with unease. Was Wallonia a liberator, or merely another rising empire?

In Balerick, opportunistic merchants calculated profits—new trade routes, business deals, and perhaps arms sales to those who feared Wallonia.

But in Osteria, the reaction was rage. The monarchy viewed Wallonia's defiance as an insult to their prestige, and calls for war echoed in their parliament.

Even the Gaion Empire, the undisputed naval power of the world, took notice. Was Wallonia an ally or a future rival?

The world was shifting. For the first time in centuries, a new power had broken into the global order.

The Central Continent: Müller's Imperial Council

Far from the chaos, in the Müller Empire, a meeting was being held inside the grand Imperial Palace. Emperor Heinrich of Müller sat upon his marble throne, surrounded by high-ranking officials. The World Union of Altaires (WUA), an assembly of diplomats and leaders from across the continent, had gathered for an emergency session.

At the center of the discussion: Wallonia's rise.

"Let's be clear," said Marshal Wiegand, Müller's top general. "Wallonia destroyed an empire in mere weeks. This is no ordinary nation."

"Their military technology is far beyond ours," added Lord Reinhardt, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. "If they can wipe out Soroental, what stops them from challenging us next?"

A delegate from Przesky, a staunch rival of Wallonia, slammed his hand on the table. "This is exactly why we must act! If we allow Wallonia to expand unchecked, they will be unstoppable!"

But Müller remained hesitant. The empire had always played a cautious game, avoiding direct confrontation unless necessary.

Emperor Heinrich finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "War is not decided by emotion alone. We will observe, analyze, and prepare accordingly. If Wallonia threatens our interests, then—and only then—will we act."

Silence fell over the council. The world was watching, waiting.

Breaking Point – Part II

The Battered Fleet of Nagata

The remnants of the Nagata fleet drifted across the vast ocean, their hulls scarred and their flags tattered. The once-proud warships, bearing the emblem of the Regency, were now nothing more than a broken armada struggling to stay afloat. Smoke still rose from the most damaged vessels, where engineers and crewmen desperately worked to patch the wounds inflicted by Osteria's overwhelming assault.

Princess Nagako of Nagata stood at the highest balcony of her temporary residence, a citadel-like hotel rising above the skyline of a Wallonian port city. Its architecture was a marvel—modern yet regal, with sweeping arches and glass panels that reflected the morning sun like a crown of light. The walls were adorned with intricate golden designs, and the furnishings within spoke of luxury that surpassed even the grandest palaces of her homeland. And yet, despite its beauty, the princess could not shake the heavy weight in her chest.

Her hands gripped the balcony railing as she gazed out at the sea. Below, the battered remnants of her fleet bobbed in the water, surrounded by the imposing might of the Wallonian Navy. She had risked everything on this desperate plea for help—had thrown herself at the mercy of an unknown empire. And now, she waited.

Behind her, Captain Aesuki Toranaga entered the room, his footsteps quiet on the marble floor. The grizzled veteran had served the Nagata royal family for years, his loyalty unshakable. Even now, with their kingdom on the brink of collapse, his resolve did not waver.

"Your Highness," he said, bowing slightly. "The Wallonian entourage has arrived. They will escort us to the capital."

Nagako turned to face him, her face betraying little emotion. "They took their time."

"A show of power, perhaps," Aesuki mused. "Or caution. Either way, we must be careful in how we present ourselves. We do not yet know if they are true allies or simply opportunists."

Nagako nodded, silently acknowledging the weight of his words. Then, with a deep breath, she stepped away from the balcony and made her way toward the elevator.

The Journey to the Capital

The descent was eerily smooth. The elevator, encased in glass, provided a clear view of the city below—a city far more advanced than anything she had seen in Altaires. The roads stretched in perfect order, cars glided seamlessly across the streets, and towering buildings stood as testaments to the technological prowess of this empire. The sight was humbling, a stark contrast to the war-torn lands of Nagata.

As the doors opened, a convoy of black automobiles awaited them. The vehicles were sleek, with shining metal frames and an air of authority. As Nagako stepped inside, she found herself seated across from Captain Aesuki and two of her closest advisors—Minister Hiroto Kashima and Lady Yumi Saekawa.

The car began to move, its interior eerily silent except for the gentle hum of the engine. The roads stretched endlessly before them, leading them deeper into the unknown.

Conversations in the Car

For a while, the group sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. But as the journey stretched on, it was Lady Yumi who finally spoke, her voice soft yet laced with curiosity.

"Your Highness, if I may ask... what do you truly think of this empire?"

Nagako turned her gaze to the window, watching the blurred scenery pass by. "I think they are an enigma. Their power is undeniable, but their motives remain unclear. They crushed Soroental with ease, yet they did not claim the land for themselves. That is not the mark of a conqueror—it is the mark of something else entirely."

"A calculated force," Hiroto added, adjusting his glasses. "One that seeks control through influence rather than outright domination."

Captain Aesuki scoffed, folding his arms. "Influence can be just as dangerous as occupation. If they turn us into a puppet state, we may never reclaim our independence."

Nagako nodded slowly. "Which is why we must tread carefully. We cannot afford to be reckless."

Lady Yumi sighed, glancing out the window. "And yet, what choice do we have? Osteria will not stop until we are erased from the map. If Wallonia is willing to stand against them, should we not embrace that chance?"

A tense silence followed. Each of them understood the gravity of their situation. This was not simply a matter of forming alliances—it was a matter of survival.

Arrival at the Imperial Chambers

After four hours of travel, the convoy finally approached the capital. But as they passed through several heavily fortified checkpoints, the road began to change. The asphalt gave way to cobblestone, and dense forests lined the path ahead.

Then, as they crested a hill, the sight before them left them speechless.

A massive structure stood at the heart of the landscape, its sheer scale dwarfing anything they had seen before. It was grander than any palace, its towering spires and sweeping wings stretching far beyond what they thought possible. Golden banners fluttered in the wind, each bearing the crest of the Wallonian Empire. Soldiers lined the entrance, standing in disciplined silence.

Nagako leaned forward, her brows furrowed. "Is this... the Imperial Palace?"

One of the Wallonian escorts turned in his seat, his expression neutral. "No, Your Highness. This is the Imperial Chambers."

For the first time since arriving in Wallonia, Nagako felt genuine shock. This was merely the chambers? If such a grand structure was not the emperor's palace, then what kind of ruler was she about to meet?

The convoy came to a halt before the massive gates, which slowly began to open. A Wallonian officer stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

"Your audience with His Majesty has been scheduled for tomorrow morning," he announced. "The Emperor and Chancellor are currently attending to affairs within the newly established puppet states."

Nagako glanced at her advisors, then back at the officer. "And until then?"

"You will be provided accommodations within the chambers. Anything you require will be made available to you."

The princess took a deep breath. This was it—the moment that would decide the fate of her kingdom.

With a nod, she stepped out of the car and into the unknown.

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