Chapter 202 Kingdom of Elandric
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
In the late 19th century, Swedish political scientist and statesman Johan Rudolf Chellen, while working with geographer Friedrich Ratzel, began examining how geographic factors influenced the likelihood of armed conflict, laying the foundation for the study of geopolitics.
Around the same time, U.S. Navy officer Alfred Thayer Mahan observed British flags flying across Caribbean islands and concluded that naval power would become crucial for political and military dominance, proposing his sea-power theory.
Building on this, British geographer and politician Halford John Mackinder developed the Land Power theory and the Heartland concept, while Dutch-American political scientist Nicholas John Spykman later introduced the Rimland theory.
Eventually, German general, geographer, and geopolitician Karl Haushofer brought the study close to maturity, a discipline later employed by figures like Henry Alfred Kissinger, a Jewish-American diplomat. Today, geopolitics serves as a vital global tool for interpreting international affairs.
* * *
Arriving finally in the Kingdom of Elandric, the view through this lens was fascinating.
Elandric had once been absorbed by the Yugan Empire but regained independence thanks to bold policies enacted by the 22nd emperor, Yuri El Yugan, later hailed as a wise ruler. These territorial reductions and separations restored previously annexed kingdoms. Originally a hub for both commerce and piracy, Elandric had been reintegrated into Yugan Empire territory at one point.
Knowing his empire’s limits in budget and military strength, Emperor Yuri’s calculated policies allowed Elandric to thrive independently once more. The Grand Duke of Yugan became king, later adopting the higher title of High King, while participating in the Yugan Free Cities League, maintaining vibrant trade relations.
Of course, not all neighboring states were allies. The northern European-like terrain faced occasional military clashes with the Caesaran Empire over high-quality, high-purity magic stones carried by mountain and riverside floods from the Lukurusa Theocracy.
Strategically, Elandric now served as a buffer state between Yugan and the Caesaran Empire, preserving Yugan’s national strength—a critical geostrategic role.
On a lighter note, the locals’ imposing appearances—men wearing wolf and bear pelts, Vikings with horned helmets—were terrifying to behold. Eye contact? Definitely avoided.
Approaching Elandric’s borders, dense forests and roaming wolves or bandits made travel arduous. Lodgings were another challenge: coarse bread was bearable, but bits of husks, sawdust, and small stones embedded in the loaves made chewing a gamble—oh, how he longed for properly sifted white bread.
To secure proper meals and access to Elandric’s royal library, the first step was to meet Mr. Baldric and arrange an audience with the High King.
* * *
”Ah, Baldric, my friend…”
At the Elandric Merchant Guild headquarters, Ayumu greeted Mr. Baldric with a warm hug. Through him, an appointment was arranged to meet High King Karl Ewan Bellnah. The king, busy with affairs, agreed to see Ayumu that evening and, fortunately, invited him to a dinner reception.
Meat was costly, rare for commoners, and in this world often spoiled without refrigeration—green, inedible, even for nobility. Only those with high-quality magic stones and magical devices could enjoy truly fresh meat.
Ayumu anticipated that the High King’s table would feature fresh meat served on silverware—a welcome change. Excitement surged as he prepared for the banquet.
* * *
”Greetings, High King Karl Ewan Bellnah. I am Special Honorary Count Sanai, entrusted with Old Capital Keldan under the Free Yugan Coalition and serving Emperor Rai El Yugan,” Ayumu said with careful courtesy.
”It is a true honor to meet Your Majesty. I hope this occasion remains in your memory,” he added, observing formal protocol. Beside the king stood likely Queen Guinevere and Princess Lana, sister to Crown Prince Erik. Unlike the disheveled Crown Prince, these women’s beauty radiated warmth and charm, inspiring a sense of calm in those around them.
”Ah… so you are Special Honorary Count Sanai. Your deeds in Yugan have reached my ears,” the High King remarked.
The conversation warmed with talk of cola, a favorite of the king. Once the mood lightened, Ayumu shifted to his purpose:
”And so, Your Majesty, the matter I wish to discuss is…
As I mentioned when requesting an audience, I seek access to Elandric’s royal library to consult rare texts regarding the treatment of Crown Prince Aare’s illness.”
The High King’s response was firm. “Count, I regret, but such access is impossible. These treasured books are humanity’s heritage. Even at the risk of displeasing Emperor Rai, I cannot permit it.”
Ayumu, undeterred, continued: “I understand… though recently, Your Highness’ son, Crown Prince Erik, visited me. In keeping with my original request to view the royal library, I was shown the IOU Document Prince Erik authored, demanding repayment of 400,000 gold coins to gain access to the books or commission a proper Knight Order.”
”Four hundred thousand gold coins… that is an immense sum,” the king murmured, visibly shaken.
Indeed, 400,000 gold coins far exceeded Elandric’s capacity, strained by constant military skirmishes with the Caesaran Empire. Yet, despite the stakes, Ayumu secured permission to view the treasured texts, achieving his goal.
(As a side note, by taking the IOU Document, I may have incurred the High King’s displeasure!! Eek!!!)
Naturally, I spent the rest of the meeting nervously rubbing my hands together, trying desperately to smooth things over. High King Your Majesty! Long live! …Please don’t get angry, okay?
To be continued…
Notes:
• Kingdom of Elandric – A nation mentioned on the map.
• Baldric – The branch manager of the Elandric Merchant Guild.
• Elandric Merchant Guild – A merchant guild with a branch where the potions were sold.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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