Lardin Avenue, Esthirant, 12:37 PM

Kaios walked through the streets of Esthirant in a hurry. While he did, he couldn't help but look all around at the vast difference the capital has went through in such a short time. Italian cars were becoming more prominent over carriages, new Italian restaurants and shops opened up, and some locals have even started to wear fashion made by Italian companies.

Kaios realised then just how far Italy has influenced Parpaldia, but how much did Parpaldia influence Italy? Last he visited, the only notable difference there was is the fact there were a lot of Parpaldian tourists that visited Italy. And a fashion trend called 'Parpaldia chic' but that was about it.

The man sighed deeply. It was almost like that Italy was gaining its grasp on Parpaldia, but surely not. What was sure is that Italy does indeed have a grasp on the Rodenius continent. And as such, he marched to the Italian Embassy.

Soon enough Kaios eyed the tricolour flag of Italy as it flew on its flagpole. He showed his ID to the gate guards and with that he entered inside. The embassy was a small building that was owned by a noble that recently died but despite that, it was grandeur as any other government building.

Kaios entered the lobby which was the closest to Italy you could get aside from going to the country itself. A modern lobby with technology everywhere, and employees who wore modern fashion. Kaios walked up to the receptionist as he spoke, "Hello? It's me, Director Kaios. I wish to speak with Ambassador Catalano?"

The receptionist, a young man in his twenties, looked up and smiled, "Oh, Sir Kaios. Good morning to you. Ambassador Catalano's just in his office. Let me ring you up," He said before he pressed a button and spoke into the talking machine. "Ambassador? Sir Kaios is here to see you."

"... Send him in, thanks Enzo!"

Enzo then directed his hand to the stairs, "He's just up in his office."

Kaios nodded, "Thank you." He started to head up the stairs of the embassy as he passed by various staff. Kaios checked his watch. Remille and Ludius should be done with lunch so he has enough time to relay whatever would happen at the meeting. With that, he reached Antonio's door and soon he knocked on it.

"Come in!" Kaios then opened the door and entered. Antonio's office was very much modern which contrasted with the traditional walls and floors of the room. "Ah, Director Kaios. What brings you here?"

"Hello, mister Catalano," Kaios said with a smile as he soon sat down. "I received the umm... latest translated newspaper from Italy. And I saw that... your nation declared war on Louria?"

Antonio blinked before he had a more concerned face, "Yes we have. Refugees have reached our southern shores and we cannot exactly deal them efficiently at least not yet. So we decided to strike the problem head on... Besides, the war crimes they have committed are abysmal."

'That's the same things our soldiers do,' Kaios thought to himself before he cleared his throat and spoke. "Ah that's the business of a barbarian nation, really but umm... you see Parpaldia has relations with Louria."

Antonio eyed Kaios as he clasped his own hands together and spoke, "Does Parpaldia have an embassy with Louria?"

"Well no-"

"A defensive pact? A trade deal? Or anything at all?" Antonio asked, eyebrow perked up.

"Uh, well Parpaldia has supplied Louria with military equipment in exchange for heavy compensation. But in that sense, we do have some ties with Louria. When we heard the news that Italy has declared war, I cannot help but think we need a discussion about this," Kaios said.

Antonio closed his eyes and looked out the window, "Director, there are many things on this world that are absolutely unacceptable on mine. Rape, pillage, murder... slavery."

Kaios tensed up at the last part.

"And when we saw that Louria not only caused the war, but indulged in these heinous acts, it was in our best interest to intervene. Call it more as a... pacification operation. We didn't even mobilise all of our armed forces, just a couple dedicated troops."

"I see... it was just troubling is all. We weren't made aware of Italy's intentions to get involved with Rodenius," Kaios said with a frown.

"Director, you were the one who told me to not indulge with the continent when we met. So I assumed you did the same. If anything, neither Louria nor Qua-Toyne has an office in the Third Foreign Affairs building. It would have been really great if you told us first," Antonio said as he looked to Kaios.

"I... I understand. My superiors won't be happy but I'll take the blame for it," The man said as he looked down.

"There's no turning back now, director. Our troops have sailed and our planes are in the air. I'm sorry but the operation will continue. We will do our best to minimise damage against Parpaldian assets, but really are there even any in Louria?"

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"No, none at all. At most our cargo ships would bring the weapons needed," Kaios said.

"And is the trade still ongoing?"

"No, it has been a while since Louria ordered any more equipment," Kaios said before he stood up. "I apologise again, ambassador. I wish your men good luck."

Antonio nodded, "Thank you."

Kaios then walked out of the office as he gulped. No matter what the young man made him nervous when he talked with him.

Because behind Antonio was the strongest nation he has ever seen in his life.

...

There were only a few times were Remille was absolutely baffled and gobsmacked, but this really took the cake, "I'm sorry, Italy is WHAT?"

Ludius meanwhile stared darkly down to Kaios who stood there like a lost little boy. Kaios then spoke, "I-Italy is at war with Louria. Or what they refer to as a 'pacification operation', y-your majesties," he said nervously as he gulped.

Remille looked around in disbelief before she scoffed, "How could you let this happen you insolent old man? I thought you had Italy's influence under control!" She said in anger as she looked down to Kaios.

"It was the fault of barbarian refugees from Rodenius, mistress Remille! They— they sailed north after Louria declared a surprise war on Qua-Toyne. Now Italy established diplomatic relations and is in a coalition against Louria," Kaios said as he looked up to the two defiantly.

Ludius closed his eyes before he sighed deeply, "This complicates our plan for domination in Rodenius... That fool, Hark has always been one of the stupidest men I have ever had the displeasure to meet," He said before he crossed his arms.

"I-I agree, your majesty. As such, um, I made sure to cut off any private trade deals with Louria just to not get on Italy's bad side... I expect total capitulation in a month," Kaios said as Remille then scoffed.

"If they're lucky. I'm sure they wouldn't even last like two weeks. You bumbling fool, if you twisted your way through diplomacy Italy wouldn't have meddled in our affairs!" She said in anger.

"I agree. I would have your head on a pike, Director Kaios, but unfortunately you're the most valuable asset we have regarding Italy. And that's not a high title... I expect you to work without pay for the foreseeable future," The ruler said with a frown.

"T-thank you, your majesty, that's more than enough..." Kaios said with a shameful tone.

"Hmph. We should at least give Louria a warning that Italy is coming. Do that and make yourself useful and ask for a military attaché with Italy as well," Ludius said with an irritable tone as Kaios simply nodded.

"Yes your majesty..."

"Good. Now leave," The emperor demanded before Kaios nodded again and bowed before he walked out. He sighed deeply. "Great... Now Italy is getting into our business."

Remille nodded solemnly as she looked to the side thoughtfully, "That continent was supposed to be ours. Louria was supposed to do the hard parts for us to easily take them... Now it's out of grasp."

Ludius stood up as he frowned deeply. He went to the window to eye the gardens outside the palace as Remille followed. With that he spoke, "And this is just the beginning. If Italy talks to any other nations on our continent, who's to say he won't interfere in whatever war?" He said before he looked to Remille, "I don't think we can afford to play it any safe with the south. Our northern doctrine is the only option left."

"I agree," Remille said with a nod, "But what about Fenn or Altaras? We've gotten too far to stop now." She said with a sigh as she looked up to Ludius who in turn looked down.

"I'll see to it that Arde would back down. If not, it'll be a very awkward situation with Italy." Ludius said. Remille looked down in disappointment before she perked up as the emperor continued. "Remille, we'll have to make our moves now. Or else we would never be even able to take over the continent."

Remille stood there. With hesitation, she opted to keep quiet.

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Castle Hark, Jin-Hark, Lourian Kingdom

There were only a few times that King Hark wasn't enjoying his time at the baths. And no matter how beautiful the concubine or how warm the waters, Hark sat there with a displeasured look as he stared at nothing in particular. He had his hands clasped as he sat there before the doors opened again.

General Patagene walked through. And the man had a more nervous look on him. Hark looked back with furrowed eyebrows as he spoke, "Well? Any news on the vessel that attacked us?"

"Y-yes your majesty... good news and bad news," Hark perked an eyebrow up. "The good news is we have identified the nation of the origin of the vessel. A nation called Italy."

"Italy? Never heard of it. Fantastic then. And the bad news?"

"B-bad news. Mana communication feed from the Parpaldian Empire," He said. He then pulled out a piece of paper as he read it. "Italy has declared war on the Lourian Kingdom on the behalf of the Principality of Qua-Toyne and the Kingdom of Quila. Expect attacks coming soon."

Hark went wide eyed and stood up, outraged. Once more Patagene looked away for the mercy of his own eyes, "The audacity of them! First they have the gall to attack our ship now they decided to declare war without even establishing diplomatic relations first? The gall!"

"I-I agree your majesty. As such I've told the army, navy, and wyvern corps to prepare for any oncoming attacks. We're ready," Patagene said with a nod.

Hark scoffed, "Good. They want a war do they? Then they can come get the wrath of the Lourian Kingdom!"

——————————————————

Port of Maihark, Qua-Toyne

General Hanki stood at the docks with Kanata and Haluta as they watched giant metal ships start to arrive at the port. There he could see strange looking men and machines get off from the metal ships as they started to head their way out west.

Kanata stood there with a big smile as he sighed in relief, "Look at all those... beasts! And those ships. It seems like it isn't the end of Qua-Toyne just yet," he said with an excited grin.

Haluta nodded, "Indeed. Qua-Toyne is sure to live another day with our new allies. General Hanki, have you spoke with the Italians yet on our new strategy?"

Hanki looked up to the prince and nodded, "Yes your highness. With our collective minds we have devised a strategy that is sure to push out the Lourians out of the country... But the duration of the operation leaves me skeptical."

"Whatever do you mean?" Kanata asked as he looked to Hanki.

"Well, they say that if all goes well, we could push out the Lourians in a day. Or quicker even. I'm not sure if I should believe them but really so many unbelievable things have happened lately. After Italy is prepared, we expect our first offensive operations to start tomorrow," Hanki said with a sigh.

Haluta blinked and looked up to the Italians who continued to unload their equipment. As he stood there, he could only wonder one thing.

How powerful is Italy, really?