July 2nd, 1938. At Gaborone, Votswana.
Prince Theodore Triesenberg's face was grim as he learned of the news about the defeat of the Matalebe soldiers in the Kingdom of Zambesi.
"They were defeated by Valorians? Not even a week has passed since they intervened and you are telling me how swiftly they were able to take down the rebellion?"
Prince Theodore couldn't just believe it. It was too fast for them to process. Although the Triesenberg Empire could do the same feat the fact that there are others who can do that troubled him slightly.
"That's correct, Your Highness," Lord Reginald confirmed. "But let's not be concerned over their defeat. Our intelligence officers in the Kingdom of Zambesi had piles of reports about Valorian's military capability. And based on those reports, I can safely say that their military is on par with that in the First World."
The First World is a term that refers to a category of a country that is a superpower. Currently, there are five countries belonging to that group, the Ruthenia Empire, the Francais Republic, the Britannia Empire, the Triesenberg Empire, and the United States of Fredonia.
In order to be part of it, one must have a strong economy, a strong military, and must have an expansive and colonial presence. There is also a council made up of that country called the First World Council which would act as a council which would act as a global arbiter.
The First World Council wielded significant influence over international affairs, dictating economic sanctions, military interventions, and trade agreements. Its primary goal was to maintain balance among the superpowers and ensure no single nation could upset the fragile equilibrium.
Each of the five superpowers had a permanent seat on the council, granting them veto power over major decisions. The council's reach extended far beyond diplomacy; it was a political and military force, often deploying peacekeeping missions or imposing blockades to keep rogue nations in check. To be a part of it was to shape global events, and to remain outside it was to be left vulnerable.
"On par with the First World huh? Well, that's such a hasty conclusion, Reginald. You are overestimating them too much."
"But Your Highness...if I may, one of our intelligence officers took a photo of a battleship that was on the Port City of Maputo. According to the report, the ship.is called the VNS Titan, a battleship unlike any we've seen before," Reginald said, handing a photograph to Prince Theodore.
"This cannot stand," Theodore muttered under his breath, turning away from the photograph and facing the window, looking out over the city.
"What should we do, Your Highness? Should we report it back to the Emperor and act accordingly?" Lord Reginald inquired.
That question lingered in his mind. For him, reporting that there is a country that might be better than Triesenberg in one aspect would be a problematic ordeal for the Empire. He went here to prove to his Father that he can handle this affair. And if he were to report it, that would mean admission of failure.
"Hold that thought for now, I want to do something..." Prince Theodore said.
"What are you thinking, Your Highness?" Lord Reginald asked curiously.
"How soon can you arrange a meeting with a Valorian representative?" Prince Theodore inquired, his eyes still fixed on the horizon.
Lord Reginald raised an eyebrow, taken aback by the request. "A meeting with Valoria, Your Highness? Are you suggesting direct contact?"
"Yes," Theodore replied sharply. "I want to understand who we're dealing with. If Valoria is truly rising to the level of a First World nation, we cannot afford to ignore them."
Reginald hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "It can be arranged, but it might take some time. We don't know how to reach out to them yet and since they just intervened militarily, their military might be on high alert to the point that heading to their country would provoke an unwanted response," Reginald finished his brow furrowing.
"Just get it done, Reginald," Prince Theodore commanded his tone firm, leaving no room for further discussion.
"As you wish, Your Highness."