Editing Tytania:Volume 4 Chapter 2 (section)

=== I ===
“Tytania hereby declares full-scale war against the Kingdom of Elbing.”

When Idris’ declaration was broadcast to the entire universe, it did not, strictly speaking, cause a wave of upheaval throughout human society. After the initial shock, some people simply accepted it, thinking, ''“Ah, so that is how it is?”'' However, this was only true for a portion of the inhabitants of Uraniborg; everyone else, from the leaders of the planetary governments to the common people, was left speechless.

“What? How could Tytania declare war on the Kingdom of Elbing of all places? It is like an elephant picking a fight with an ant.”

“It must mean that the Kingdom of Elbing was aligned with the Duke Jouslain faction.”

“Yet, surely that would not concern Elbing alone.”

Naturally, something far greater than mere agitation struck the Kingdom of Elbing. They had been breathing a sigh of relief, believing ''“our nation is now secure”'' after receiving favour from Duke Jouslain, a member of the unparalleled Tytania’s highest leadership, only to be struck directly by a political and military bolt of lightning. Screams erupted throughout the panic.

“What on earth was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs doing!? If Princess Lydia became favoured by Duke Jouslain, doesn’t it mean that she draw Duke Idris’ hostility in equal measure? Isn’t the net result just zero? No, now that it has come to this, the result is a negative. Why did they not create more options for us?”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of course, offered a rebuttal:

“Why are you complaining only now? When the Princess came under the protection of Duke Jouslain, did the entire government not rejoice? We all said that Elbing was finally secure.”

“Even so, was the failure to prepare alternatives not the negligence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? We should have established friendly relations with Duke Idris as well.”

“That is easier said than done. Besides, with what budget are we to fund such ventures? Has it even existed!?”

As the conversation turned to matters of finance, both men fell silent, doing nothing more than sighing in concern for Princess Lydia’s grandfather, the King, who lay upon his sickbed.

Neutrality.

At that time, it undoubtedly must have been the most significant proposition within the Milky Way galaxy.

In the fields of politics, military, and economics, human society was divided into two: “Tytania” and “the rest”. Within “the rest” were everything from radical anti-Tytania factions to weak organisations that only engaged based on common sense when necessary, otherwise remaining almost entirely disconnected.

In any case, the one fact that had been clearly recognised was that ''“Tytania stands united, while the rest doesn’t”''. However, now, the glass known as the “order of the universe” had been overturned. Tytania had split apart.

Tytania, which had been inviolable and impregnable.

Now, Tytania had divided into two factions, and the sun they worshipped above their heads had become two. Those of higher rank were so shaken they felt like crying out, “My God!”, but that very God had transformed into “Janus<ref name="ftn7">“Two-faced divinity” (双面神) pronounced “Janus”. Janus was a Roman god notable for being represented with two faces and the month “January” is named after him.</ref>”, leaving them powerless to do anything by human strength.

As for the common folk, some enjoyed irresponsible gossip as mere accompaniment to their drink, taking it all quite lightly, while others clutched their heads, worrying about their future businesses. For the vast majority, whether optimistically or pessimistically, they could not escape the excitement.

Among the scattered remnants of humanity throughout space, there was likely no one whose connection to Tytania was non-existent. There were those directly subordinated to them and those in open rebellion, of course, but the list was far too long to count; it included “people whose acquaintances’ acquaintances belonged to Tytania’s subordinate organisations”, “people dining in restaurants owned by a chain that was a subsidiary of a subsidiary of a subsidiary of Tytania”, “those reshaping deserts under Tytania’s planetary development projects”, and even the “devoted fans of music programmes produced by Tytania”.

Driven by varying degrees of anxiety and curiosity, they could not help but engage in conversation with anyone they knew.

“Either way, isn’t Tytania going to win? We might as well let them carry on as they please.”

“And then, once it’s all over, are we to be condemned as mere opportunists? I wouldn’t be happy about that.”

“Well then, are you in any position to judge who will emerge victorious?”

“Hmph. And I suppose someone like you is capable of making such a judgement?”

“There is no way I could. If I were capable of such a thing, I would have become something like a Tytania merchant fleet captain by now.”

At that moment, the tavern door swung open, and as a soldier clad in a Tytania uniform appeared, the flood of rumours was instantly dammed. The Tytania soldier scanned the interior of the tavern with an unfriendly gaze, occasionally making overbearing remarks such as, “Sounds like an interesting tale; let me hear it too,” but in truth, it was they who were more famished for information. A clever soldier would slip into the tavern in civilian clothes and casually lend an ear to the gossip.

“Regardless of anything else, the difference in military strength between Uraniborg and the Ariabert-Jouslain Alliance is vast. Ten to one—no, perhaps even more. Even if they win a fleet battle or two, the AJ Alliance will lose in the end.”

“There is another way to look at it.”

“What is it?”

“Do you wish to hear it?”

“Stop being so dramatic.”

“The point is, no matter which side we choose in this next battle, it won’t constitute any real resistance against Tytania. ‘History is written by Tytania<ref name="ftn8">“Winners are loyalists” (勝てば官軍) is the Japanese expression equivalent of “history is written by the winners”. But here, word for “loyalist” is pronounced “Tytania”.</ref>.’ We can decide when the time comes. Don’t you agree?”

“Even if victory becomes apparent…”

“Then you simply side with them. Tytania only cares about maintaining its dominion over the universe; they aren’t looking to destroy everything. They won’t bother paying attention to every little movement made by insignificant small fry like us.”

“I see. However, if that were the case, I wonder why the most insignificant small fry, the Kingdom of Elbing, was targeted.”

The heated conversations of the people drifted through the far reaches of space, showing no sign of dying down.



Why had the Kingdom of Elbing been targeted?

There were those who knew the exact reason, as well as or even more than Idris did. These were kin who resided on planet Bargash, and they were not allies of Idris, but now his sworn enemies.

Duke Ariabert Tytania.

Duke Jouslain Tytania.

Viscount Balamy Tytania.

Though the third of these was not even within Idris’ consideration. He hardly even bothered to remember him, and even if he did, it would only have been in connection to his feud with Radmoth. He believed that the man was of a sort that would perish alongside Jouslain should the latter fall, and even if he managed to escape, he was not worth pursuing in earnest.

Of course, Balamy could not afford to ignore Idris. This had become especially true since Idris had declared war on Elbing.

Balamy grit his teeth. His previous prediction regarding Princess Lydia had proved utterly mistaken. Idris had no intention of letting go the Kingdom of Elbing. No matter how insignificant it might be. Furthermore, now that it had become clear that the kingdom could serve as a powerful weapon against Ariabert and Jouslain, there was no reason for him to hesitate in using it.

“He will surely be loathed.”

Balamy could not help but sigh.

Would Ariabert and Jouslain submit unconditionally to Idris in order to avoid an attack on the Kingdom of Elbing? Such an option was impossible. Regardless of whatever justification they might have, Ariabert and Jouslain will turn their backs on the Kingdom of Elbing. It would mean abandoning the motherland that Princess Lydia loved so dearly. And Balamy would have no choice but to follow the two dukes. It was this sense of helplessness that drove Balamy to make such an emotional and futile outburst.

“Lord Idris is a coward!”

Jouslain’s reaction was calm:

“I do not believe that Idris is a coward.”

“Lord Jouslain…!”

“If I were Idris, I would likely do the same. I would destroy the Kingdom of Elbing as an example while simultaneously advertising our own ruthlessness in failing to save Elbing. It would be killing two birds with one stone.”

Ariabert also interjected with composure:

“Lord Balamy, this is not a battle for justice. This is carnivores preying upon one another.”

“Is there… no other way?”

“There might be, but I cannot commit suicide alongside Elbing. More importantly, Lord Balamy, can you truly leave Princess Lydia to her fate?”

This was an instruction to leave, as the two dukes intended to confer privately. Suppressing his anxiety and frustration, Balamy withdrew.

“Lord Ariabert, I shall leave all matters of troop deployment to you.”

“There is a problem we must discuss before that. You’ve already said this to Lord Balamy, but could you bring yourself to cast aside the Kingdom of Elbing?”

Ariabert levelled this blunt, unadorned question at Jouslain.

“That’s…”

Jouslain hesitated. His mind was not merely racing with emotion but with political calculation. He could not yet fully predict how the smaller nations would react if he stood by and watched the pitiful destruction of the Kingdom of Elbing.

“Lord Jouslain, I had hoped to see you rendered speechless by a question once, just once, before your death. I did not expect it to come about in this manner.”

Ariabert laughed. Knowing that there was such composure in that laughter, Jouslain felt a sense of relief. Knowing that an ally more reliable than himself existed was infinitely reassuring before the coming battle.

“Now then, I wonder how long we can keep this hidden from Princess Lydia.”

“It is not something that can be kept hidden indefinitely. I have even considered informing her ourselves, but… no, let us leave her be. I would prefer to let events take their course.”

“If that is what you say, Lord Jouslain, then let us do so. To be honest, I would rather focus on the battle than dwell on such matters.”

Jouslain nodded and lightly tapped the surface of the desk with the back of his hand.

“Then do that. I find even commanding ten ships to be difficult. I shall leave all operational command to you, Lord Ariabert, or rather, I am entrusting it to you.”

“If you entrust it to me, I cannot refuse.”

Ariabert responded earnestly, uncrossing his arms and straightening his posture.

“Then I shall take up the task. We shall move the troops towards the direction of the Kingdom of Elbing as soon as possible.”

“Towards Elbing?”

“That is the crucial part. It is quite dull not to be able to take by surprise a clever opponent. Instead, we shall move our troops towards Elbing, then change course midway to strike the expeditionary fleet of Uraniborg directly from their flank and rear.”

Ariabert’s expression was filled with quiet confidence.

“Furthermore, if we win that battle, the prestige of Uraniborg will suffer a significant blow. We can unsettle the opportunists, and as for Idris, we shall leave him foaming at the mouth.”

He intended to utilise the Uraniborg side’s invasion of Elbing as part of the AJ Alliance’s operational manoeuvres. Ariabert had convinced Jouslain that he was not merely a battlefield commander but an exceptional strategist.

A tactical victory as a political triumph. It was a concept Jouslain had not considered. While he had always recognised Ariabert’s military talent, Jouslain realised that he had grown even further.

Of course, at that time, the two dukes did not yet know who the commander of the Uraniborg expeditionary fleet was.