A Waste & Sense of Progress

Empire of Triesenberg. March 25th, 1938.

At the Royal Palace of Triesenberg, Prince Theodore was having his jasmine tea while reading a newspaper that covers the ongoing tension between the Qing Dynasty, and the Yamato Empire in the East.

He had been following the issue since it had started. The Qing Dynasty is a powerful nation in its domain and the Yamato Empire is challenging it. It was not only him who had been keeping tabs on it but the Empire of Triesenberg as well. They knew at one point in the future, those two would go to war with one another and it would be up to the country in the west to choose a side.

While he was engrossing himself with detail, there was a knock on the door. 

He glanced at the door as he set down the newspaper, wondering who might be interrupting his morning routine.

"Enter," he called out.

The door opened, and his chief advisor, Lord Reginald Huxley, stepped into the room. Reginald was an elderly man, with a sharp mind and years of experience in the court. His presence usually meant important news.

"Your Highness, may I have a moment of your time?" Reginald asked, bowing respectfully.

Theodore nodded, intrigued. "Of course, Reginald. What brings you here so early?"

Reginald approached and handed Theodore a sealed envelope. "A report has come from Admiralty. You should read it."

Theodore took the envelope, noting the Admiralty seal, and carefully tore it open. He pulled out the letter and began to read. As his eyes scanned the lines, his expression darkened.

"The battleship carrying Alexander to his exile at the Red Island has been sunk due to a severe storm. All hands, including the crew and guards, are presumed lost."

Reginald watched Theodore closely, gauging his reaction. "Your Highness, are you... concerned for your brother?"

Theodore's grip tightened on the letter, his eyes flashing with anger. "Do not mistake my feelings, Reginald. Alexander is not my brother, never was, and never will be. He is a bastard, an embarrassment to the royal family. My concern is not for him but for the battleship and the crew we lost. Their lives and the ship's value far outweigh that of Alexander's, even the fuel."

Reginald nodded, understanding the prince's stance. "Of course, Your Highness. What do you propose we do next?"

Theodore took a deep breath. "What a waste… Do you have any idea how much it costs to construct those battleships? It's 15.5 million Reichsmarks, and that's not even accounting for the training and lives of the crew."

Reginald remained silent, knowing it was best to let Theodore vent his anger. After a moment, the prince continued. 

"I thought our ship was designed by the best of the best, why was it sunk by a storm? Do you know what would happen if this news were to be released to the public? We are going to be a laughing stock, the dignity of the Empire of Triesenberg will be tarnished."

"Do you suggest that we keep it under the radar, Your Highness?" Reginald asked carefully.

Theodore nodded slowly. "Yes. The last thing we need is for our enemies to see a chink in our armor. We must ensure that this incident is contained. Make sure that the families of the crew and guards are compensated quietly, and let the news die a silent death."

"As you wish, Your Highness," Reginald replied, bowing slightly. "I will see to it immediately."

Theodore watched as Reginald left the room, and once he left, he rose to his feet and walked over to a large window where it offered a panoramic view of the royal gardens.

"Ahh…mother, if you weren't so supportive of my older brother, you wouldn't end up in the place where you are now," Theodore muttered under his breath. Now there is only one person that could hinder him from achieving his goals. 

His older brother, Prince Edward.

Prince Theodore's thoughts drifted to his older brother, Prince Edward. Edward had always been the favored son, the heir apparent, the one who could do no wrong in their father's eyes. Despite his resentment, Theodore knew that Edward's popularity and influence were formidable obstacles in his path to ultimate power.

Theodore turned away from the window. He knew that to secure his place, he needed to outmaneuver Edward, and he would do whatever it takes to achieve it.

***

Six months later, in the country of Valoria.

Alexander was in his vehicle, seated next to Julieanne, who had been organizing papers containing various reports on the city's progress. As they drove through the streets of the capital, Alexander gazed out the window, marveling at the rapid transformation taking place.

Wide asphalt roads crisscrossed the urban landscape, smoothly accommodating the flow of sleek, newly manufactured cars. Pedestrians walked along pristine sidewalks lined with ornate street lamps and meticulously maintained greenery.

Neoclassical Baroque palaces stood as architectural masterpieces, each serving as headquarters for various government departments. Their grand facades, adorned with intricate carvings and stately columns, exuded an air of authority. The buildings' design seamlessly blended with the city's overall aesthetic, creating a harmonious and visually pleasing environment.

Alexander took note of the ongoing construction of subways, a project that promised to enhance the city's transportation network. Workers diligently laid tracks and assembled the stations.

Water pipelines and electrical poles were also being installed throughout the city, ensuring that every corner of the capital would have access to essential utilities. Alexander watched as workers maneuvered heavy machinery such as bulldozers, steamrollers, and cranes to shape the city's infrastructure. 

"I have never witnessed such a development," Alexander observed. "If this was in Triesenberg, it would take years for it to be completed…but here? It's almost as if the city is growing right before my eyes." 

Julieanne simply smiled at Alexander's enthusiasm with the progress of the construction.

"Where are we going again?" Alexander asked.

"To the Department of Defense Headquarters," Julieanne replied. "You will meet with the Defense Minister where you'd tour around the finished military facilities."

"Military huh? I wondered what they have for me," Alexander said, grinning. For him, the military is one of the important pieces in a nation as it needed a military to achieve a will of the nation.