Chapter 85 Can't Say I Didn't Try

“What did you just say?” Diana narrowed her eyes, and her calm and gentle demeanor disappeared instantly.

Alexander anticipated this reaction, after all, the Britannia Empire and Ruthenia Empire are geopolitical rivals. If one were to overtake one another could result in a conflict that may drag others into it.

“I’m saying, we want the Britannia Empire to recognize our claim in the Manchuria region…” Alexander repeated. “We’ve been negotiating with the Han Dynasty for months but we still can’t find an opening because of the conflict that may arise after the deal. One of which is the Yamato Empire. Since you’re friends with them, I was kind of hoping your country talk to them, pacify things out,”

“Alexander…you know what you’re asking right now is impossible right? Even if you treat me, there’s no way the Parliament would agree to that wish of yours,” Diana said, her arms crossed over her chest as she gave him a stern look.

“Wait what…?” Alexander blinked several times in confusion.

“We are a constitutional monarchy and the royal family is just a simple figurehead. We don’t have actual powers. So it’s actually up to the parliament and to the prime minister…The only difference between our countries is the head-of-state. In your new constitution, prior to adopting a new system, you chose to retain your powers by making yourself as the supreme chief-of-staff for life…”

“I understand where you’re getting here and I don’t need a lesson about the constitution. What I’m confused about is that you can fulfill my first three terms but not this one?”-.

“There’s a limit, Alexander,” Diana said, her eyes glinting. “The Britannia Empire has anticipated that you’ll demand something in return if my treatment is successful and they are prepared for that. The first three are something we can agree upon because it’s beneficial to our countries’ relationships and economies. But the last one? I don’t think it’ll get through the order of business.” Diana said with a sigh. “To put it simply,  anything my father and I do now will look like we’re doing Ruthenia’s bidding. Do you understand now?”

Alexander bit his lip before nodding “Well, can’t say I didn’t try,” he smiled awkwardly.

Diana rolled her eyes at Alexander’s comment, “Why are you expanding into the Han Dynasty?”

“Both of our countries are imperialist, Diana. I don’t think it’s wise of you to ask something that you already knew the answer to,”  Alexander countered. “Expanding on the far east has been one of the major goals of the Ruthenia Empire. I’m simply upholding it as the Emperor of Ruthenia. Oh, by the way, want to know what makes an emperor successful in Ruthenia?”

“What is that?” Diana asked while narrowing her eyebrows slightly.

“Produce an heir and conquer territories,” Alexander answered simply.

“So that’s how it is huh? You annex Manchuria and you’ll be loved. Hmm…I get it now,” Diana said in a way that suggested sarcasm. “However, a piece of advice, don’t do it, Alexander.”

“Why?” Alexander asked.

“Because we know why you want Manchuria so much. That region is rich in natural resources,”

She said and continued. “After making the Kingdom of Choson a protectorate, do you think the Yamato will be satisfied with just that? Like western powers, the Yamato Empire is an imperialist who would conquer land after land. However, the problem is that they lack land or natural resources. The Choson peninsula didn’t satiate their hunger and thus is looking for more, which is Manchuria. Resources-riched, sparsely populated, and a huge plot of land. For a densely-populated and resource-poor Yamato. What do you think they’ll do if you purchase Manchuria?

Alexander couldn’t agree more with her explanation. Not only that, she hit the mark as to why Alexander is looking to expand his territory into Manchuria. It’s rich in natural resources such as iron and oil. A resource the Yamato badly needs as it lacks natural resources of its own. There’s a high chance that the Yamato will be aiming for self-sufficiency in natural resources as it is deemed essential for their survival.

“So, the Britannia Empire doesn’t want us to take Manchuria but is it okay if it’s Yamato?”

Diana only gave him a wry smile. Alexander scoffed as he already knew the answer to it. The Britannia Empire will do whatever it takes to contain the Ruthenia Empire.

However, too bad for her, Alexander still has some tricks up his sleeves.

“If the Britannia Empire won’t help us recognize the acquisition of Manchuria, then I guess we’ll ask other countries. Hmm…what about the Deutschland Empire? That’s right, the Deutsch will be happy to help as long as they’ll get a premium and exclusive trade deal with us. I believe you’re already familiar with television, right? Fun fact, that’s not the only thing we’re building,” Alexander leaned closer to her face and whispered. “We are building something better than that, enough to make everyone envious,”

Diana grabbed Alexander by the shoulder and pushed him, “Oi…do you think you can tempt me that easily? And if you align yourself with the Deutschland Empire, what do you think will happen to your French investors? They’ll threaten to pull out trades and investment deals…”

“I don’t think so, I’m confident that they’re going to stay,”

Diana’s eyes narrowed as she couldn’t get a read on Alexander anymore. Though she understands the reason why he’s doing this is to force her to accept his terms, though she doesn’t have the ability to do so, what’s more threatening is that leaning toward their main rival in the mainland Europa, Deutschland Empire, if Alexander is crazy enough to align with them, it’ll be bad for Britannia Empire, both literally and figuratively. Because if they do, Britannia will be isolated.

Not to mention, their electronic technology is more advanced than the rest of the world. The inception of technology and a word from him saying they are building something better is enough to take Ruthenia as seriously as possible.

In addition, does Ruthenia have close ties with the Francois Republic, the Deutschland Empire, and the Kingdom of Norway? Diana doesn’t want to imagine.

“Fine…fine,” Diana yielded with a deep breath. “I’ll consult with my father and the parliament, see if we can ensure the support you’re looking for…I’ll try…”

“Diana,” Alexander cut her off. “Let me say this before you complete your sentence. Remember that on this day I gave you a chance. Television is just the beginning. Once you see what we are creating you’ll remember every second of this moment, regretting it. I don’t want you to try, I want you to do it. And by doing, I mean your guarantee.”

Diana couldn’t finish her sentence after hearing that.

Seconds later, there was a shout from behind.

“Your Majesty!”

Alexander and Diana looked back to the source and saw Imperial Guards rushing towards them. One of them was Rolan.

“What is it?” Alexander asked the moment Rolan arrived in front of him.

“Sir…” Rolan leaned over to Alexander to whisper into his ear. “The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei, ordered me to deliver a message.”

“What is it?” Alexander whispered back in reply.

“We’ve received word from Vladivostok in the Far East saying that the Yamato Empire has declared war with the Han Dynasty and is now mobilizing its troops stationed in the Kingdom of Choson.”