Read Daily Updated Light Novel, Web Novel, Chinese Novel, Japanese And Korean Novel Online.
Forged in Iron and Ambition (Web Novel) - Chapter 869: After the Crown
Chapter 869: After the Crown
This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl
King Ananda Mahidol better known as Rama VIII sat on a veranda within the Grand Palace. The open air wafted through the silk canopy, which provided shade to his table.In the distance, the dark storm clouds of a monsoon gathered. But they were not an immediate threat. Rather, the cold breeze provided an otherwise enjoyable experience in a season of heat and humidity.
Emperor Yasuhito sat across from Rama, as the two enjoyed a nice, warm cup of tea brought forth to them by some palace servants.
The Japanese Emperor’s eyes did not drift to the temptation waiting before him. Instead, he thanked them quietly before bringing his attention to the immediate matter at hand.
"It is a curious thing... For the first time in history, an empire has risen to the status of undisputed hegemon of the world. And yet, despite wearing the crown they bear no responsibility for the world around them...."
Yasuhito had gotten straight to the point, causing Rama to place his teacup on its saucer. Folding his fingers, he gazed at the chessboard lying between the two of them. Moving a pawn forward as he did so.
"In my experience dealing with the Grand Prince of Tyrol and former Reichsmarschall, he is a most astute and erudite man. He understands something that few men in his position are willing to admit. Overexpansion is the death of every hegemon. It is perhaps the greatest act of wisdom for a conqueror to defeat all of his enemies and simply retreat inward, focusing on the internal development of his own nation and the welfare of its people."
Yasuhito did not respond immediately. He shifted the frame of his glasses ever so slightly before moving his knight several positions, taking one of the pawns of the Thai King that had walked right into his path.
"A wise move on behalf of his own nation. However, this presents some difficulties for the rest of us. If Germany will not rule the world... who ensures it does not burn in their absence?"
Rama moved his bishop diagonally, seizing the Japanese Emperor’s knight while placing himself in a position for his next aim.
"No one... All we can do is ensure our own borders hold. The German Reich has wiped the slate clean. Berlin has decided Europe is enough for its own sphere of influence; the rest of us are left with our own freedom, and the chaos that comes with it. Do you not wonder about the intent behind these last two wars that have utterly changed the course of human history?"
Yasuhito looked up from the board, not playing his next move, instead gazing at the Thai King who was now relaxing in his seat, his teacup in his hand once more, while one of the servant girls stroked his shoulders.
"You speak as if you have some insight into the mind of a man who brought the world to its knees and then left it there...."
Rama shifted his gaze over to his pieces, which were one move away from checking Yasuhito’s king. The gesture caught the Japanese Emperor’s attention, causing him to swear under his breath.
"Shit... I am forced to concede...."
Rama simply took a sip from his crystal glass before moving his knight into position, knocking over the Japanese Emperor’s king despite victory already being his.
"You don’t see it do you? Just like how you didn’t see my move just now... Berlin has consolidated Europe under its influence."
Rama said, his gaze returning to the board.
"Beyond that... nothing. That is why he has made no moves to interfere in India or Burma. Why Cambodia and Vietnam are left to my direction, and why despite Malaysia posing significant security challenges to global maritime trade, he has not acted. The world knows not to mess with any ship bearing the red, white, and black of the Reichsbanner, and he doesn’t care to teach us that lesson again unless he has to."
"...Nothing," Yasuhito repeated slowly.
His fingers tightened around the porcelain cup.
"So the absence is the message."
Rama leaned forward and poured himself another glass of tea. Taking a slow but measured sip, as if preparing his thoughts.
He didn’t confirm, nor deny the Japanese emperor’s understanding. He simply gazed out towards the ocean, and the storm clouds that were gathering ever closer to his shores.
"If he did care in the slightest, we would be seeing werewolves in our backyard, now wouldn’t we? If you wish to discuss joint security measures regarding the Malacca Strait, I am all ears. After all, several merchant vessels bearing my nation’s flag have been attacked by pirates over the course of the last three months..."
Yasuhito leaned back and smirked as he heard this. He too had been suffering from piracy attacking his merchant shipping near the Malacca Strait.
"I was waiting for word from Berlin on how I should proceed to act. But it would appear that is no longer necessary... Not only is Malaysia in a state of utter chaos, but my intelligence suggests the Dutch are preparing to withdraw all forces from Indonesia, which means soon that will become a significant risk to stability in the region as well. If you’re willing to commit to joint anti-piracy measures, I can spare the naval forces necessary to assist in that regard."
Rama raised his teacup in the air in a symbolic gesture of friendship.
"To mutual cooperation and gain...."
The Japanese Emperor accepted the toast as the two monarchs quickly began to draft a formal proposal for joint-maritime patrol over the South Pacific and strategic merchant lanes in the region.
In the following weeks, headlines would reach the world of Thai-Japanese flotillas firing upon suspected pirate vessels with utter impunity, and thorough reprimands from the nations from which the alleged pirates originated.
But neither Thailand nor Japan cared. There was no world hegemon anymore, which meant that such conflicts were dealt with blood and iron, not formal debate in some global assembly.
