Chapter 207
Chapter 207
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 207
Chapter Title: War is Diplomacy (2)
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There is a maxim that applies to both diplomacy and war.
"Today's ally becomes tomorrow's archenemy."
This saying has been proven true in countless wars that shook the world, and it has served as an effective diplomatic strategy for centuries.
The most prominent example is how the leading socialist nation, the Soviet Union, and the champion of capitalism, the United States, once treated each other as brothers and joined forces against Nazi Germany, even aiding one another.
Yet after emerging as superpowers on opposing sides through World War II, they became mortal enemies who could not share the same sky.
The key point is that one of the strategies I'm about to propose draws direct inspiration from this.
"A fine plan even before preparing for full-scale war. Very well, let's hear it."
"It is to shatter the alliance between Stockholm and Sweden. Then, the Reich Empire and the Kingdom of Sweden join hands to strike at the Kingdom of Stockholm."
"Those two are already in a close alliance. How exactly do you plan to break it?"
Over the past few years, they have exchanged ambassadors in each other's capitals, and the nobles along their borders have alternated hosting social gatherings to openly flaunt their close ties.
As a result, politicians and nobles across the Europan continent are all but convinced that a marriage alliance between them is imminent.
Your Majesty is right that, with such intimacy, shattering their bond through ordinary means seems virtually impossible...
"Even if they had sealed a marriage alliance, I would honestly have no idea where to begin. But as it stands, Sweden and Stockholm merely maintain friendly relations—their alliance offers little real benefit to Sweden. Why? Because after Stockholm seizes the north, all it plans to hand over to Sweden is a paltry few gold bars."
"According to testimonies from Ishtaven's followers and reports from the Foreign Minister and Intelligence Bureau, those two nations allied to divide the Reich Empire's northern territories amicably. Doesn't that mean Sweden and Stockholm each get half, which benefits both?"
"As Your Majesty says, Stockholm might honor the alliance by splitting its newly acquired northern lands with Sweden. But look at the map and the geography. Sweden is a full day and a half away from the Empire's northern regions by sea. Holding the territory would require constant troop deployments and food supplies—an impossible strain. In the end, this war benefits only Stockholm."
No matter how vital territorial expansion is, one must only seize what one's national power can sustain. Overreach, and those new lands will never truly become yours—they'll slip away eventually.
All the resources, cash, and manpower invested in conquering and holding them would go to waste, resulting in catastrophic losses.
Thus, while the Kingdom of Stockholm—merely an hour away by warship from the northern territories—might manage, the Kingdom of Sweden could never hope to maintain half the land Stockholm carves out for it.
Stockholm, now holding half the new northern territories, will dredge up every excuse to pick fights with Sweden. Before long, overwhelmed by the burden of administration, Sweden will hand the land back to Stockholm in exchange for a token sum, settling the matter with a treaty that acknowledges the loss.
In that process, the Empire will lose all control over the north.
Stockholm fights easily by borrowing Sweden's strength to seize the north, then holds out just long enough to claim the vast lands for itself alone.
In short, it's a war where only Stockholm reaps the windfall.
"Just as you say. And once Sweden secures the remaining northern half that way, they'll move the Grand Duchy of Warsaw to avoid our scrutiny. The Empire won't be able to turn its eyes north toward Stockholm's gains for a while."
"Then Stockholm hands northern management to that traitor Ishtaven, fully incorporating the north into its fold. From the Empire's perspective, we'd gain yet another bordering nation."
"Just thinking about it fills me with irritation and rage. But if Sweden allies with us as you suggest, the Empire's north would be secure, wouldn't it?"
Even if the Kingdom of Sweden allied with the Reich Empire, the northern border wouldn't stabilize overnight.
The root of this trouble is Stockholm's king, and as long as he harbors ambitions on the north...
He could breed more turncoats like that deserter Ishtaven to destabilize the northern territories.
But that issue resolves itself if I crush Stockholm decisively in direct combat and pull their fangs—the north will stabilize.
"For true stability, I must achieve an overwhelming victory against Stockholm as Northern Army Commander."
"You've never once failed my expectations. I won't worry about you faltering against mere Stockholm upstarts. However, persuading the Swedes this time will require proper compensation. Have you something in mind?"
"The Reich Empire takes part of Stockholm's south as spoils of victory, while Sweden claims the north. Plus, hundreds of thousands of gold, and a contract bearing Your Majesty's personal seal."
The Emperor's seal is a bit excessive, but without it, Sweden won't even listen.
Still, for an alliance proposal like this—refined from my draft and reviewed by the Foreign Ministry—it's not odd to send the Foreign Minister, another minister, or even the Chancellor.
Yet for some reason, His Majesty eyed me with clear expectations.
"Ahem, ahem. Ahem, ahem. Regrettably, the Chancellor is tied up with estate issues in Innsbruck. The Foreign Minister leaves for the Franco Republic in a week. Oh dear, who to send? This is. Quite. The. Dilemma."
"Then perhaps my father-in-law..."
"He's on a week's leave. No need to summon him. Ah, and the Crown Prince is off negotiating in Chekovia right now."
......This is a complete dead end.
"If Your Majesty entrusts it to me, though my experience is limited and my rank modest, Major General Peter Jaeger will attempt to persuade the Kingdom of Sweden."
His Majesty beamed as if he'd been waiting for those exact words.
"Ah, sending you—a mere major general—to distant Sweden. The other generals might feel slighted, but don't worry. I'll smooth it over. Depart for Sweden from the north by ship in a fortnight. I'll attach a Foreign Vice Minister as aide, along with my signet ring and documents granting your authority."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall repay this grace."
"Good, off you go. Oh, and you might attend social gatherings. Even on official business, bringing Louise is wise. As your legitimate wife and Fourth Imperial Princess, she'll elevate the delegation's stature. Besides, she'll turn twenty in a month—bring back good news upon your return."
Hearing this, I was certain.
His Majesty is stacking merits for my promotion to general upon the Crown Prince's ascension, while keeping me from fraternizing with the other generals.
And as I left the office, I overheard what I shouldn't have.
"Jaeger is only 29 now, so at least 25 years as enemy of the state. No, by then he'll have piled up unprecedented feats in Empire history, so even at retirement age, we can insert a special clause—just 100 years, no more, no less..."
......Isn't that a bit much?
And two months later, I was escorted to the palace in Oslo, Sweden's capital.
"Greetings, Major General Jaeger. I am Amadeus von Brahe, Sweden's Foreign Minister. It's a pleasure to welcome you from so far away. Please, have a seat."