Though I’m not a soldier, studying history and learning about various wars has made me realize one thing.
In war, the outcome is often determined not by a single battle but by who’s prepared before the fighting even starts.
What’s truly important is the preparation made in advance.
"Nobody really knows how things will turn out in this world."
Even the East India Company, known for its expertise in manipulation and division, probably never expected that their sepoys would rebel against them.
They treated the so-called 'uncivilized Indians' rather humanely.
Reasonably high wages, honor, considerable social standing... For an Indian, these were generous perks.
Given that, the East India Company’s army even included sons of Indian nobility as soldiers.
"But over something as trivial as ammunition...”
England would ultimately fail in its attempt to make India a permanent colony.
"Isn’t that right, Mayor?"
Mayor Guillaume nodded as he listened to my words.
"Yes, that’s true. Ten years ago, I never thought our city would develop to this point. Sometimes, I pinch myself, wondering if it’s all a dream."
When I first arrived in Guillaume City, it was just a small port town.
Now, compared to those early days, its population has grown significantly, and trade frequency and scale have increased dramatically.
To exaggerate just a bit, you could say that what used to be a rural area has now experienced 'new city development,' with property values and house prices soaring.
As the center of this growth, Mayor Guillaume must have made a considerable fortune.
Corruption and collusion between politics and business are commonplace in both the Tuscany Empire and the Kingdom of Lyon.
Mayor Guillaume, cautiously reading my expression, asked,
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"We’re planning to hold a small ball tonight in your honor, Baron. Would you honor us with your presence to strengthen the ties between the Rothschild Barony and Guillaume City?"
When someone in a high position uses modest words like 'small,' you can be sure they’re lying.
It’s like a woman, after spending two hours doing her makeup in preparation for meeting her boyfriend, says, "This is what I look like without makeup."
She has clearly done her best to look as beautiful as possible.
If I were to turn down this invitation, it would break the relationship with the other party. So, I would generally accept and attend.
However, I was here not for friendly gestures or to discuss trade.
War was my purpose.
I didn’t have time to laugh and chat about who was better between us at some ball.
"I’d love to, but the reason I’m here today is not simply to strengthen our friendship or discuss increasing trade volume."
When war breaks out, the busiest people are soldiers, followed closely by merchants.
Soldiers, as the ones directly involved in the war, must prepare supplies, consider strategy, and prepare for every aspect of the conflict.
Merchants, on the other hand, must predict price hikes, increased demand for certain goods, and jump in to make profits.
"I’m here as a merchant, just as I was when I first saw you. I’ve come to warn you that your business is about to collapse."
"Is our Guillaume City going to collapse?"
"You must have already heard the news, but your lord, Count Guillaume, sent the thieves' guild to raid the Rothschild Barony. He and I have become mortal enemies."
Just thinking about it makes my blood boil.
I’ve never used direct force to plunder someone’s territory or harass innocent people.
And now, that evil Count Guillaume dared to raid Bío Village?
He touched innocent people, and if he had even a shred of decency, he’d be begging for his life right now, kneeling and pleading.
What kind of monstrous person is he?
If I get the chance, I’ll make sure to kill that scoundrel, Count Guillaume, with as much pain as I can inflict.
Mayor Guillaume’s expression turned serious.
"The reason our city has prospered is because of the trade routes, such as the seaweed, coffee, textiles, and cotton that Baron Rothschild facilitated. I’m fully aware of that. So, I want to show as much support as I can to Baron Rothschild and, if possible, I’d like to become even closer to him."
Whether it’s the Tuscany Empire, the Kingdom of Lyon, the Holy Empire, or the Kingdom of Granada, the high-ranking figures of the Albanian continent love to form alliances.
Even though alliances are often betrayed when necessary...
It’s safer to be betrayed four or five times than a hundred times.
‘That’s why we make so many political marriages, saying "We’re family."’
Mayor Guillaume is also well aware that the prosperity of his city came from my influence.
He’s trying to deepen his relationship with me so that his family’s position in this city will be secured for generations.
"But Count Guillaume is my lord. How could I betray him? It’s my honor and duty as a noble to remain loyal."
There’s a reason I’ve come all this way to try to bring Guillaume City and this man into my camp.
First, Guillaume City is a port that connects the Tuscany Empire and the Kingdom of Lyon.
If I successfully secure this base, it could be said that I’ve already won more than half of the war.
Securing this place would make it possible to transport the necessary supplies for an attack on the Kingdom of Lyon via shipping.
This would reduce the logistical burden by 30% to 50%.
‘And Guillaume City is also a core area of my interests.’
Economically speaking, Guillaume City is essentially a colony of the Rothschild Barony.
No, all the politicians are on my side, so in fact, it’s under my influence.
But now, if that evil Count Guillaume purges the loyal faction controlling the city...
I would lose a huge portion of my interests.
So, I had no choice but to defend my interests, help with the war, and even gain some credit with the Emperor by stepping in personally.
"Your loyalty is admirable. But let’s be honest with each other."
Mayor Guillaume depends on me to survive.
Thinking about it this way, it feels almost like I’ve trained him myself.
He’s tasted the wealth of the Rothschild family, and without me, he’ll surely suffer withdrawal symptoms.
If I’m right, I’d stake my wrist on it.
‘And if he’s truly loyal to Count Guillaume...’
Let’s think about it logically. Given that I’ve just declared hostility to Count Guillaume, does it make sense for us to be having this conversation now?
The moment he’s asked to betray, he would either point a knife at me or, seeing our past relationship, might spare my life but tell me to leave.
"If a war breaks out between the Kingdom of Lyon and the Tuscany Empire, do you think you and your family will be safe? Let’s take a close look at this."
Mayor Guillaume swallowed nervously.
He didn’t affirm or deny my words, but his silence spoke volumes.
‘Silence is always an affirmation.’
"If I were Count Guillaume, looking at the officials in Guillaume City, I’d think this. Until now, maintaining a good relationship with Baron Rothschild has been profitable, so I’ve quietly tolerated it... But soon, we’ll be at war with him."
This wasn’t anything more than stating the obvious.
But listing these undeniable facts before giving my opinion was a persuasive tactic.
‘By adding my opinion to an obvious fact, I’m making my stance seem natural.’
"Those who’ve been accustomed to Rothschild’s ways may start thinking about turning on him. And let’s be honest, you know that there are plenty of people who could replace you, don’t you?"
Mayor Guillaume couldn’t bring himself to deny what I said.
"Besides, you and the city’s officials, they’re all rich, right? So, Count Guillaume will likely draw his sword, get rid of the traitors, and seize a huge fortune."
Politics works like this.
If there’s someone who might betray you, the safe move is to strike first.
Just like we get vaccinated to avoid terrible diseases.
"Do you want to live?"
No one in this world wants to die.
Of course, everyone wants to live.
"If you want to live, bring all the city’s trusted officials and high-ranking bureaucrats to the ball. I’ll show you the way to survive."