As the Reich continued to develop, and the reign of Hans continued, years went by, and for a while things across the world were mostly peaceful. Having been united under the prodigal scions of Berengar, most of the world's leaders were slow to anger towards their brothers, and because of this were more tolerant over offenses.
However, as time passed, one region in particular became disputed between two major players. The Crimean Khanate had extended to the borders of Mongolia, and shared its borders with several major powers, and though they had spent the last decade or so trying to establish a proper and modern nation state. They were in many ways behind those who got an earlier start.
For example, the Indian Empire had entered the age of steam power. It was not exactly difficult for them to achieve after reaching a peak pre-industrial society, and with his father's blessing, Arun, as well as many of his peers, entered the age of industry.