Building an empire which the sun never set

The war officially began with Syvatoslav's assault on Oria Fortress. The surprise nighttime attack allowed their forces to swiftly capture the strategic stronghold, marking the first major engagement of the conflict. Following this, Syvatoslavian forces launched a coordinated offensive along the Tursk River, aiming to breach Usman Empire's defensive lines and secure a corridor into enemy territory. Simultaneously, in the eastern Black Sea region, Syvatoslavian troops began striking border towns and fortifications, attempting to overwhelm Usman defenses in the rugged, mountainous terrain.

Drawing from past military strategies, Syvatoslavian forces used a combination of rapid infantry assaults and cavalry raids to destabilize the frontier. Cities such as Karagoz and Duralova, both key trade and military hubs along the border, suffered intense bombardment and subsequent infantry charges. The Usman defenders, though initially caught off guard, managed to regroup and fortify their positions, particularly in the eastern Black Sea region, where Syvatoslav's forces struggled to achieve decisive breakthroughs due to the harsh terrain and well-defended passes.

Three weeks after the initial invasion, news of Syvatoslav's aggression reached Pendralis. The government immediately issued an official condemnation, denouncing the war as an unjust act of aggression and formally declaring Syvatoslav the aggressor. In addition to issuing a formal condemnation, Pendralis sent a diplomatic message to Syvatoslav demanding a withdrawal, though few expected it to be heeded. Meanwhile, Pendralisian envoys reassured the Usman Empire of their continued support, signaling that further actions might follow if the war escalated.

Arthur awoke early that morning, aware that a crucial government meeting regarding Pendralis' response to the conflict was scheduled for later in the day. After a brief morning run, he returned to his chambers, took a quick shower, and dressed in a formal suit. As he sat down for breakfast, his servant brought him the morning newspaper. The front-page headline captured the urgency of the moment: 'Syvatoslavian Aggression Continues—Usman Defenses Hold, but For How Long?' The ink smelled fresh, the paper slightly crisp under his fingers. The article detailed how Oria Fortress had fallen in a surprise night attack and how Syvatoslavian forces were now pressing deeper into enemy lands, attempting to breach the Usman defensive positions.

The newspapers were filled with scathing critiques of Syvatoslav's brutal expansionism, painting a picture of a kingdom ruled by unchecked aggression and militaristic tyranny. Editorials condemned King Ivan's reckless ambition, arguing that his war was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to seize land and resources under the guise of protecting Syvatoslavian minorities.

Reports from the front lines described atrocities committed against Usman civilians—towns pillaged, families displaced, and forced conscriptions sweeping through occupied territories. In occupied regions, Syvatoslavian forces had begun expelling those who did not belong to the dominant Syvatoslavian ethnic group, forcing them to flee as military units seized control of key areas.

Merchants expressed fears that Syvatoslav's unprovoked aggression would destabilize trade routes, leading to widespread economic uncertainty. Diplomats warned that if Syvatoslav's actions went unchallenged, it would embolden them to expand their influence further, threatening the fragile balance of power across the region.

At precisely 9:00 AM, the meeting commenced. King Cedric turned first to the Foreign Minister, Edward Langford. "What is the current state of the war?"

"Your Majesty," Langford began, "following their capture of Oria Fortress, Syvatoslavian forces have continued their advance along the Tursk River. For the moment, the Usman Empire appears to have stalled their progress. However, in the eastern Black Sea region, Syvatoslav has begun attacks on Usman border towns to put pressure on Usman defenses and disrupt reinforcements moving west. However, the mountainous terrain and well-defended passes have slowed their advance, forcing them into a prolonged engagement with little strategic gain."

Langford continued, "Additionally, the Frankish Kingdom and other nations that feel threatened by Syvatoslav's expansion have also issued formal condemnations. Their governments view this as a destabilizing conflict and are considering economic countermeasures."

Arthur then spoke up. "Even if we do not directly enter the war, we should take immediate steps to harm Syvatoslav economically. A trade embargo against them—specifically targeting their access to Pendralisian goods—would deal a significant blow to their industry."

King Cedric nodded before turning to Finance Minister Henry. "What do you think?"

Henry took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "Your Majesty, our trade with Syvatoslav primarily consists of agricultural imports—mainly wheat and barley. Our exports to them include textiles, iron, and steel-based consumer goods such as furniture and kitchenware. We also supply them with large quantities of cotton and woolen fabrics, ready-made garments, and industrial textiles. Additionally, their factories rely on our steam engines, textile machinery, and metalworking tools to function. High-quality iron and steel rails, construction materials, and ship components are also among our exports. Beyond industrial goods, we provide them with cutlery, clocks, fine household items, and decorative ceramics, which are sought after by their aristocracy. Lastly, though they have domestic coal reserves, they import high-quality Pendralisian coal for industrial purposes. Furthermore, Pendralis is a major supplier of precision tools, glassware, mechanical equipment, and fine ceramics, as well as processed chemicals and dyes necessary for their textile production." We also supply them with large quantities of cotton and woolen fabrics, ready-made garments, and industrial textiles. Additionally, their factories rely on our steam engines, textile machinery, and metalworking tools to function. High-quality iron and steel rails, construction materials, and ship components are also among our exports. Beyond industrial goods, we provide them with cutlery, clocks, fine household items, and decorative ceramics, which are sought after by their aristocracy. Lastly, though they have domestic coal reserves, they import high-quality Pendralisian coal for industrial purposes." In addition to these, other major exports include precision tools, glassware, mechanical equipment, and fine ceramics. Pendralis is also a major supplier of processed chemicals and dyes, which are essential for Syvatoslav's textile production."

"Following the lifting of previous export restrictions," Henry continued, "we have also been supplying them with steam-powered machinery for civilian industries, along with various production tools. If we impose an embargo, their nascent industrial sector will suffer greatly, as they still rely on foreign imports for many consumer and production goods."

After further discussion, King Cedric issued a directive to Henry to prepare a list of restricted exports, specifically targeting Syvatoslav's war capabilities. The embargo would include iron, steel, coal, and shipbuilding materials, all of which were crucial to sustaining a prolonged military campaign. However, recognizing Pendralis' dependence on Syvatoslavian grain, the government opted for a selective embargo rather than a full trade cutoff.

King Cedric then addressed Foreign Minister Langford again. "Send envoys to the Frankish Kingdom and other nations that feel threatened by Syvatoslav's aggression. We must coordinate similar economic sanctions across multiple countries."

Next, the King turned to Minister of Defense Daniel. "What is the status of our fleet in the White Sea?"

"Your Majesty," Daniel replied, "following our treaty with the Usman Empire, the naval base on Cyprus Island in the eastern White Sea has been completed. With Cyprus under Pendralisian control, the navy could threaten Syvatoslavian supply routes and cut off reinforcements in the Black Sea if war became inevitable. If intervention becomes necessary, we can swiftly deploy warships into the Black Sea."

The meeting continued for another two hours as the council debated potential strategies. Finally, the session concluded, and the ministers dispersed.

Afterward, Arthur left the palace to join William in overseeing the ongoing mass production of weapons. As he traveled to the industrial sector, he reflected on the meeting's outcome. He doubted that the Usman Empire could hold back Syvatoslav indefinitely. From what he understood of King Ivan, the man would take everything he could unless forcibly stopped. At some point, Pendralis would have no choice but to intervene militarily.

Yet, despite Arthur's conviction, his father and many within the government remained optimistic. As Arthur left the council chambers, his mind remained restless. He knew Syvatoslav would not stop at the Tursk River. King Ivan was a man of ruthless ambition—he would take what he could until someone forced him to stop. The Usman Empire, even with Pendralisian backing, was not a true match. Their armies relied on outdated command structures, their logistics were brittle, and their political stability was fragile.

Arthur exhaled sharply, adjusting his coat as he stepped into the cool morning air. His father and many within the government believed that Usman would endure, but Arthur saw only cracks waiting to shatter. If Syvatoslav broke through their defenses, the empire could collapse entirely. And then what? Would Pendralis be forced to fight a desperate war to contain the chaos? Would other nations seize the opportunity to expand their influence? The war was already a reality—Pendralis just hadn't acknowledged it yet. Yet, despite these fears, many still placed their trust in the Usman Empire, believing that Pendralisian military support would be enough to hold Syvatoslav back. Arthur wasn't so sure. But Arthur wasn't so sure. As he reached the industrial district, his thoughts remained fixed on the inevitable escalation of the war. The coming months would determine not just the fate of Usman empire, but the future balance of power across the entire continent.