RM Vol 3: For a World without Boundary – Chapter 54-10: Stockholm Conference (Part 10)

RM Vol 3: For a World without Boundary – Chapter 54-10: Stockholm Conference (Part 10)

A week has gone by since the start of the Stockholm Conference, with many positive benefits to the majority of those involved. Of course, some are sullied in the process, either due to their insatiable greed or petty rivalry with one another. To that kind of people, nothing can seem to satisfy them, hence they're better off ignored so that the important talks can proceed. I am looking at you, Udina.

Anyway, in that span of a week, the conference has managed to produce the joint statement that has been much needed. As expected, before the release of the joint statement, the information about the follies of the Sardegnian Papacy had been leaked to the masses. While the Protestant populace in Sweden has faced little to no disruption, in fact, they even celebrate the falling of the Catholic Church while performing a period of mourning for the victims involved... The same cannot be said for anywhere else. Erusea and Ustio are put under religious turmoil. The United States has its populace going around hunting for priests and bishops, understandable considering the extent of their damage. Even the Long Dynasty also face a surprising number of public disorder due to the presence of a small but not insignificant community of Catholic followers.

Suffice to say, that only a rare few countries can proudly boast that they have escaped the revelation unruffled. Still, with the joint statement made and the promise, hollow as it may be, that the perpetrators have been rightfully punished, the world leaders are hoping that the situation won't deteriorate any further than protests and riots. Nonetheless, it's still better for them to return to their home nation soon in case of any unforeseen development. Fortunately, the Stockholm Conference is scheduled to come to an end in three days' time. A time period that is best used to tie up any loose end and secure any deal possible since it's a rare opportunity for many notable individuals to be gathered in one place.

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"In the spirit of cooperation, fairness, and upholding our prior commitment, the Belkan Reich will be pulling out its Armed Forces from the port city of Taranto, formerly the territory of the Sardegnian Papacy." Lu announced, confirming the suspicion that many had kept it to themselves. "Nonetheless, the need to maintain a neutral but safe humanitarian corridor for Sardegnian citizens is a must. As such, we hereby propose the ceding of the control of Taranto to the Spanish Inquisition. What say you all?"

As proper politicians and strategic thinkers, the people in the room can see that the move was made to spare Belka the trouble of having to manage an overseas territory that's in chaos. Other than that, it's also a public-winning move as Belka will be staying true to their promise of not grabbing the lands of the now-collapsed Sardegna. It's a move that one can not raise any objection to for obvious reasons, even though it will no doubt result in the polishing of Belka's name.

Well, one person can certainly object here, and that's the Spanish Lord Inquisitor himself. But as a follower of good Christianity, the man won't refuse the proposal. On the off chance that he did though, another bout of discussion will arise, and nobody wants to extend the conference needlessly with an issue that's rightfully isn't theirs. To maintain a secured corridor in Taranto, Sardegna, is to pour money with little to no return other than the possible promise of manpower. For countries that are so far off away from Sardegna, it's not a good sink to dump their precious tax money in.

As expected, Lord Inquisitor Camati voices his approval. "Aye to the proposal." The man nodded to the Empress of Belka.

Things could have been way different in another history.

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In a dark, non-descript boat warehouse that is situated by the wide shoreline of Stockholm, a group comprised of men and women from various age ranges unloaded crates and boxes of their small passenger ship. It's a weird choice of a harbor for a vessel that size nonetheless, being off the beaten lane and barely large enough to host a single walkway, there's not even a proper group of workers around. But it gives them secrecy, something that these seagoers turned unintended dock workers now value more than gold. Despite the overall ragged appearance of the group, with the clothes they wear having faded in any obvious color and marking, one can still make out that they're Sardegnians in origin due to the accent in the way they speak Erusean to the few locals that approach the harbor to see what the hubbub is. While no suspicion has been raised to the authority's ears, the leader of these Sardegnian sailors still advises the men stationed on the perimeter to always be on guard after sending the locals away. It has been a long journey for them all to get here, one that involved many bribes and favors being called by the leader of this Sardegnian expedition, he won't have their cover blown the moment they rest ashore.

On paper, they are allowed to dock for fifteen days to trade with the locals before setting sail to find a safe harbor accepting Sardegnian refugees. But the leader has a feeling that the cover won't fly for long since why would refugees from Sardegna sail this far North when there are better choices of destination down South? Nonetheless, he will take any breather he can get before getting his men and women square away in preparation for what's to come. It's also probably for the best that these brave people won't be able to learn of the news the local radio waves have been broadcasting. It would be damming to morale, one that they have been running on thus far, otherwise.

The passenger ship they had taken was running on radio silent for the most part, hence no one really knows what has been going on with the rest of the world. They do not need to know now. The leader has placed a gag order on the perimeter guards, men he can trust, so that no one would know of what has transpired in the Stockholm Conference.

Once again, they do not need to know. Sardegna must remain a spotless manifestation of the Lord. Only then will they bravely martyr themselves for the Papacy.

Deus Vult.