Published: July 5, 2025
The worries of Harbor Chief Yoltar seem never-ending.
Yes, Yoltar is nothing more than a harbor chief.
His jurisdiction is limited to the country's only trading port, Jerdan Port and its vicinity.
He is not responsible for the country's diplomacy.
Even so, he can't help but feel that ignoring a foreign king isn't the best course of action.
Today marks the third day since the Skizblaznil Vessel from the Naitorei Kingdom has docked.
There has still been no contact from the royal palace or the government.
Moreover, although Yoltar himself was unaware, his younger subordinates were familiar with the terms "Naitorei Kingdom" and "King Abel".
The bards sing about "that", don't they?
With such worries piling up, Yoltar still has his daily tasks to attend to.
If the country officially joins the Eastern Nations, diplomatic matters will at least follow the policies of the Eastern Nations.
He may have to constantly seek approval... Depending on the situation, officials from the Bardale Principality might come to oversee matters.
"While it may reduce the need for decisions and the fear of responsibility like the current government and royal palace... it might be lonely for the citizens of the Jerdan Kingdom."
Yoltar mutters.
The Jerdan Kingdom is, in a sense, a center of trade due to its position at the midpoint between the eastern and western coastal areas.
However, even if they amass wealth, they cannot funnel it into military power.
In fact, to be more precise, they are not allowed to.
Who forbids them?
The two great powers of East and West.
Of course, the Jerdan Kingdom is an independent nation.
However, when it comes to military strengthening, both countries have imposed tangible and intangible obstacles.
The king has even been explicitly threatened.
In fact, there have been instances of assassination.
Did the citizens rise up in anger?
No, of course not.
The two great powers collaborate to preach the value of peace to the citizens of the Jerdan Kingdom, warning that possessing military power would only draw them into war. They assure them that they will protect them when the time comes...
A small nation sandwiched between two great powers... The citizens of the Jerdan Kingdom, indoctrinated with such consciousness since birth, do not desire to see their nation's military might strengthened.
Even if that is the result of cleverly guided thinking.
Even if some have realized this, few bothered to listen to their words.
Thus, although the Jerdan Kingdom has a certain level of economic scale, it possesses almost no military power.
They had no option other than to accept the "demands" of the two great powers.
In every age, great powers act according to their own logic.
"If we officially join the Eastern Nations, we will have to operate under the logic of the Bardale Principality... That may be the case, but if it doesn't worsen the lives of the citizens..."
Yoltar sighed.
He found this situation to be very complicated.
As he contemplated these matters while handling his daily tasks, his aide entered with a knock that barely registered.
"It's terrible, Chief! The Fundebie Kingdom's navy fleet has appeared outside the port. They're seeking to dock the Papal Barge."
"Fundebie Kingdom? The Papal Barge?"
Despite his aide's frantic demeanor, Yoltar tilted his head in confusion.
He certainly knew where the Fundebie Kingdom was.
It could be said to be a center of the Western Nations, housing the Holy See.
He understood the significance of the name of the ship.
The Pope must be aboard.
Speaking of which, he recalled hearing that the 101st Pope had been born not long ago.
But why would such a person come here?
The distance from the Western Nations to the dark continent is by no means close.
They would have to cross the rough outer seas.
In the past, there had been no stories of a Pope making such a journey to the dark continent... At least, Yoltar had never heard of such a thing.
Regardless, Yoltar's answer was already determined.
He could not refuse to accept them.
"Let them in. Also, contact the royal palace and government immediately."