Editing Tytania:Volume 1 Chapter 5 (section)

=== IV ===
Once the extravagant party ended at dawn, Duke Jouslain Tytania set about his various duties. They included launching an investigation into the activities of the “Blaze Flag” fleet.

The space pirate band known as the “Blaze Flag” fleet was not a permanent presence. It first appeared in 360 SY, motivated by resentment towards Tytanian control over interstellar shipping routes.

They included small and medium ship owners put under pressure by Tytania. Local lords who were forced to purchase supplies from Tytanian merchant ships at exorbitant prices. Mine owners whose promising mines were bought out by Tytania at low prices when still under development. The families of officials murdered for prosecuting Tytanian crimes. And even the families of soldiers who died fighting against Tytania’s fleet. And the families of those who were purged by Tytania. Their only commonality was their “anti-Tytania resentment” that gave to that group an impression of being a “list of Tytania’s criminal records”. Tytania wasn’t a criminal syndicate, but it never hesitated to commit political and legal crimes to protect its interests.

Thus, the “Blaze Flag” became a symbol of the anti-Tytanian. Gathered under that flag, they were connected by emotions rather than as a cohesive organisation, and their influence greatly depended on the capabilities of their leaders. Their authority wasn’t clearly defined, and disputes and conflicts over leading rights and obedience duties were constant. They didn’t have a permanent pool of funds, and, of course, no established command structure.

To put it bluntly, their struggle was merely acts of individual defiance against Tytania, such as raids, plunder, and vandalism. Ironically, that’s what made them virtually impossible to eradicate.

The reason Zarlisch Tytania was able to achieve such a resounding victory this time was because the “Blaze Flag” fleet had grouped and launched a large-scale attack for the first time in a long while. While in small groups the “Blaze Flag” fleet excelled in rapid guerrilla warfare, they were poor when it came to unified action as part of a large force and therefore didn’t stand a chance against Zarlisch’s prowess.

When facing unfavourable odds, the “Blaze Flag” fleet tended to disperse due to individual skill and judgement instead of offering a futile resistance, which resulted in low casualties despite crushing defeats. But this time the outcome was different. Zarlisch had ordered his main force to attack the centre of the “Blaze Flag” fleet while simultaneously cutting off their retreat with a separate detachment to outflank them, launching a fierce assault both from the front and the rear that annihilated them.

This victory satisfied Zarlisch in various ways. First, because victory was always a joyous thing. Second, because while Ariabert had gained notoriety by triumphing after a defeat, Zarlisch had achieved a military feat that equalled or even surpassed this, which satiated his competitive spirit.

Tytania was the largest and most powerful military force in the universe. According to the Vardana Empire laws, it was merely the private army of the Tytania clan, and yet, no national army could match its strength and achievements. This had been the case ever since the founder, Neville Tytania, steadfastly upheld his stance: “Who cares about nations? Who cares about national sovereignty? Only Tytania may govern Tytania.” For those who held nations as holding supreme authority, it was a bout of unforgivable arrogance, but when they were told, “If you don’t like it, come at us with true strength,” they could do nothing but grit their teeth and back down.

Furthermore, small and remote nations were not even capable of waging interstellar warfare or even decent civilian interstellar travel, and it wasn’t rare that their very survival depended on trade with Tytanian merchant ships. Such nations feared to displease Tytania and diligently bestowed medals and ranks upon Tytanian leaders. It cost them virtually nothing to do so. It was the painful wisdom of poor countries.

Jouslain himself, besides his rank as vice-admiral of the Vardana Empire, held numerous other ranks from various countries, such as fleet admiral, admiral, and vice-chancellor, “as many as there were on the legs of a centipede”. He felt somewhat pressured but accepted them silently as a token of friendly relations. Of course, it went against the order of nations for a courtier of one country to accept an official rank in another country, but in the case of Tytania, no one dared to openly criticise them for it.

“Does having power mean that it is fine to violate national laws?”

The response to that argument was:

“National laws and such are but a means to oppress the weak. If you believe that national laws represent ultimate justice, then why don’t you go ahead and show us that you can uphold that justice?”

It is said that a Tytanian declared these words. Who exactly is unknown. Since it sounds like something a Tytanian would have said at any point in history, it might be an apocryphal quote.

Once settled in one of the finest hotels in Kafir, Jouslain was immediately surrounded by petitions of people who wished for an audience with him, and among them, a card that read “Special Envoy of the Kingdom of Elbing” caught his attention.

Jouslain tilted his head as he looked through his memories the way Balamy did a few days earlier in front of the military standard of Tytania. He nodded as he recalled the small kingdom that has bestowed the three titles of vice-chancellor, duke, and full admiral upon him.

Last year, in that small country, a dispute over the royal succession had been resolved through Jouslain’s mediation and intimidation. The envoy had come here travelling on a foreign official ship to offer his gratitude. Jouslain dismissed his staff’s opinion that there was no need to see him.

“No, he took the trouble to come visit me. I shall at least meet with him and accept his greetings; it shouldn’t take long.”

Hearing that the envoy had to hitchhike all the way here by travelling on another country’s official ship, he couldn’t help but feel amused and sympathetic. Perhaps as some gesture of defiance, Jouslain decided to prioritise the envoy of that poor and small country over the delegations of wealthy merchants and envoys from larger nations who were waiting in the hotel’s VIP suite.

That being said, he didn’t go as far as to personally greet him at the entrance. Having various documents to approve, Jouslain remained seated at his desk in the study room, signing and making corrections, when the silence was shattered by the voice of a child:

“How disrespectful can one be in front of royalty! Stand up and bow!”

The Tytanian looked up in surprise and saw a child of about 10 years old glaring at him behind his desk. Though small in stature, it seemed unyielding in spirit. Its chestnut hair was short, but its clothing was that of a girl.

Jouslain let down his pen and exchanged glances with Balamy, who was standing before him as part of his senior ''aide-de-camp'' duties. When he asked for the child’s name, he received an indignant reply:

“I am Lydia, second princess of the kingdom of Elbing. Is this the kind of courtesy that Tytania shows to an international envoy? I am most disappointed.”

“… I apologise. Please have a seat, Your Highness.”

Jouslain stood up and offered the chair himself. Balamy seemed to mutter something to himself as a way to express that there was no need for that. The princess sat down, but only her eyes were visible above the desk. And yet her demeanour was truly dignified.

“I have always wanted to meet with Duke Jouslain Tytania. I have heard that he is the most reasonable person in the Tytania clan.”

“I am gratified, Your Highness.”

“But contrary to my expectations, you are quite inconsiderate. One should at least offer tea when a guest visits. As small and remote my country is, we understand even that level of courtesy.”

“I apologise. Adjutant, bring tea to Her Highness at once.”

Balamy suppressed an expression of displeasure, bowed, and began to walk away. Suddenly realising he was forgetting something, Jouslain called him back and, with a suppressed smile, asked the princess:

“Your Highness, what kind of pastries would suit your palate? If there is anything you desire, I can have it prepared.”

“A royal must not express likes and dislikes when they are offered food.”

“Most splendid. However, since we haven’t prepared anything yet, feel free to order whatever you wish.”

“I see, in that case a cream puff and an orange bavarois would be fine.”

“Very well. Adjutant, Her Highness made her order; bring it here as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, at once.”

With what sounded like a grunt, Vardana Balamy Tytania, commodore of the Vardana Empire, left the room. Dangling her legs energetically in the air, the princess realised it was impolite, quickly stopped, and asked the following:

“Is that person also a member of the Tytania clan?”

“Indeed he is, Your Highness. He is a cousin of mine, and I have great hopes for his future.”

“He’s a handsome man.”

“He would have been most pleased to hear this.”

“However, his expression lacks composure. His manner of speaking is stiff and lacks ease. He won’t be popular with women like that. A man’s worth goes beyond his looks.”

In spite of his efforts to maintain composure, Jouslain’s lips involuntarily curved into a smile.

“Well then, Princess, may I ask what business made you take the trouble to come all the way here in person?”

“Oh, that’s right.”

Taking her mind temporarily away from the handsome man and the pastries, the princess sat up straight in her chair.

To sum it up, the state-owned vanadium mine, which was the country’s only source of revenue, had depleted, and they had suffered from three years of poor wheat and crop harvests, so they had accumulated a huge debt towards Tytania. The resolution of their succession dispute last year had yet increased that debt. They now had no other choice but to have their entire country placed under Tytanian administration, but how could they secure Tytania’s trust?

“Thus, it was decided that I would become a hostage and be sent to Uraniborg. I came here with my lady-in-waiting and don’t have enough money for the trip back, so I can’t leave. Sending me back is useless!”

Far from being remorseful, she was boasting.

“Very well. Then I, Jouslain, shall take responsibility for Your Highness’ care. Do not worry,” replied Jouslain as Francia’s face came to his mind.

Even if Francia were to become jealous of such a young girl, she would never be cruel to her. It would be even better if they could become good friends. Jouslain’s personal wealth could well cover the debts of one small country. He didn’t want to dampen the spirits of this lively little princess.

At that moment, the door opened, and a young man who was far too handsome and refined to be a waiter brought a tray in. He had brought a cup of honeyed tea and some snacks for their little guest.

“Your eyes are scary. It’s a shame to ruin such good looks like that.”

There was probably no one in the universe who would dare speak to a Tytanian in this manner. But even Balamy could only respond, “Thanks”, with a wry smile.

“It’s the kind of eyes that are plotting treason. Even though his features were completely different from yours, my uncle, who coveted my father’s throne, had eyes just like these.”

The princess took a spoonful of whipped cream. She was unaware that she had left the two Tytanians speechless.