Chapter 84: Shackles for Freedom 2

Seated upon the lord’s throne, Count Turen’s countenance was etched with conflicted emotions.

‘My capable son has granted us a reprieve, but we remain beset by obstacles.’

Bohemia’s miraculous victory had undoubtedly afforded them a moment’s respite.

Yet Turen was acutely aware that this was merely the beginning.

The Imperial forces had occupied the neighboring Palatinate, prompting unrest among many lords.

While the Palatinate’s conqueror, General Spinola, would be preoccupied securing that region for some time, he would likely mobilize again once stability was achieved.

Indeed, his younger daughter’s urgency in arranging Santana’s engagement stemmed from a desire to find any semblance of stability amid this precarious situation.

Either solidifying Bohemia’s internal unity through matrimony with one of the Thirteen Noble houses or forging an alliance with neighboring territories to counter the Emperor.

In that regard, the engagement with Estel, the ruling power in Lepsodia – a nation bordering Bohemia with ties to the Dragonian Empire – had alleviated Turen’s concerns considerably.

‘Moreover, fortunately, in the wake of our victory at White Mountain, more and more parties have declared their intent to join our cause. If we can effectively combine their strengths, we may stand a chance against the Emperor.’

From this perspective, their current circumstances seemed decidedly positive.

Yet Turen understood all too well that their situation was not without drawbacks.

‘However… this could also become a burden upon us in its own way.’

While alliances meant amplified might, they also entailed greater responsibilities.

With the Palatinate’s downfall contrasting Bohemia’s resilience, they had suddenly emerged as the de facto leader of the heretical alliance.

The growing number of allies was undoubtedly welcome, but it also meant Bohemia now shouldered corresponding obligations and burdens.

One need look no further than Prince Friedrich, presently occupying this very lord’s castle in Bohemia, as a prime example.

‘Though we benefited from his aid in this war, we are now duty-bound to reclaim his Palatinate from the Emperor’s occupation. A rather inopportune development given our ongoing recovery efforts from the previous conflict.’

Deploying Bohemian forces was currently unfeasible.

Yet the prevailing sentiment among their new prospective allies unanimously demanded the Palatinate’s reclamation – a call the alliance’s de facto leader could hardly ignore.

Thus, this fresh quandary vexed the troubled Count Turen.

At that moment…

“Father, it is Santana.”

“Ah… Enter, my son!”

The welcome voice from beyond the door prompted Turen to rise expectantly, receiving his proud son.

“Is that so, Father? The lords of the Holy Empire…”

“Indeed. So many already seek an alliance with us.”

Surveying the list of names before me, I slowly nodded.

From those frequently mentioned in the original to entirely unfamiliar ones.

Their combined might would undoubtedly constitute a formidable force – potentially enough to oust Spinola from the Palatinate and launch a major counteroffensive against the Emperor.

However, such optimism regarding our current circumstances would be unwise.

“Having so many lords on our side would certainly be advantageous. But mishandling this could also bring grave detriment to Bohemia.”

“Ah, you perceive correctly. That is my very concern. Naturally, none of them seek this alliance with purely benevolent intentions. Each undoubtedly harbors their own ulterior motives.”

“If not managed properly, they could become burdensome… No, worse than mere burdens, potential saboteurs.”

For the gravest threat often came from within one’s own ranks.

The Palatinate’s downfall, after all, had ultimately resulted from an internal betrayal – Mansfelt’s treachery proving the decisive blow.

“Unreliable allies can prove more dangerous than outright enemies. In that regard, we must exercise utmost care in forging this alliance.”

“Utmost care, you say… Do you have a particular approach in mind?”

My father’s keen interest prompted me to calmly outline the measures I had contemplated.

To prevent allies from exploiting our cooperation only to abandon us in crisis – the proverbial ‘rat fleeing a sinking ship’ – we needed to take decisive precautions.

And having lived by the ways of trade negotiations, I knew precisely how to proceed.

‘When lending to those lacking credibility, thorough safeguards are imperative. Securing collateral is essential, not just upfront interest payments.’

In the northern city of Hanover within the Palatinate, its ruling lord, Heinrich, read the letter before him with dismayed bewilderment.

“This… This is…”

“A response from the Bohemian lord. It states that he is willing to forge an alliance if you accept the conditions listed below.”

“No, that is not what I meant! Even so, such demands… Are these truly terms one would impose upon a prospective ally?”

The conditions stated for joining the heretical alliance were as follows:

First, all alliance members must fully commit their forces to aid any endangered ally, with the nearest parties responding first.

Second, all alliance military forces must operate under the supreme command of Bohemia’s ruling lord, Count Turen, upon the outbreak of war.

Third, a deposit of 10,000 talers must be paid to join the alliance. This deposit would be returned upon victory, but forfeited if one withdrew or betrayed the alliance.

These were merely the major stipulations, excluding minor demands regarding logistics, armament management, and so forth.

Essentially, a stark declaration: only those willing to devote themselves fully to the alliance need apply.

In modern terms, it amounted to outright exploitation – a supremely one-sided ‘contract of submission’.

Recognizing this, the lord who had initially sought a casual alliance affording easy profits could only reel in dismay.

“…I, too, found it unacceptable and lodged a protest, inquiring further…”

“And? What did the Bohemian lord say?”

The exasperated Lord Heinrich prompted his subordinate, who hesitated before relating the response:

“He said to forget it, then. That he had no need for allies who merely paid lip service…”

“…I see… So that’s how it is…”

A blunt rebuttal, striking straight to the heart of the matter.

Slowly shaking his head, Heinrich let out a deep sigh.

“Haah…”

“So… What shall we do? Even so, an alliance on such terms is…”

“…Go and inform them… That we accept the conditions and request admission into the alliance…”

“Huh?… Y…Yes?”

“Also, take the 10,000 taler deposit with you… It seems most of my planned ventures will have to be suspended for the time being.”

Under normal circumstances, such terms would be unacceptable.

Yet in their current predicament, neither he nor most lords had any choice but to acquiesce.

‘Our territory’s strength alone cannot withstand the Emperor’s might… Any feeble resistance would only lead to utter devastation like the Palatinate. For now… Aligning with Bohemia, the only force to have defeated the Emperor, is our sole path to survival – no matter the conditions.’

Thus, those who had initially sought easy gains were forced to fully commit to this war.

However, not all made the choice to join Bohemia’s alliance.

Some opted for a far more perilous path…