Multiple Parties Mobilize

Arthur found Manuel II's request somewhat headache-inducing.

It wasn't that Arthur still harbored resentment over the war he had once fought with Portugal. The war had ended in Australasia's complete victory; even if there were any lingering resentment, it should have been the Portuguese who felt it.

The main reason was that Arthur was not certain Manuel possessed the means or ability to rule Portugal.

If Manuel were restored to the throne only to be overthrown again by furious Portuguese citizens, the resulting spectacle would be quite something.

It was much like a political investment: if it succeeded, both sides would profit, but if it failed, Arthur would still suffer some consequences.

After all, although the government would firmly carry out his orders, helping another country's royal family restore its throne was clearly somewhat too selfish.

If the country could not gain sufficient benefits, Arthur would not do it, even if it required only one of his ideas.

That said, as countries that had once signed the European Royal Family Joint Declaration, the other monarchies did indeed have reason to help the Portuguese royal family.

Whether they could give Arthur enough motivation to support Manuel's restoration would perhaps depend on the price Manuel was willing to pay.

Although they were technically family, Arthur certainly would not help Manuel for nothing.

After all, the forces involved would be Australasia's military power and international influence. Arthur still had to treat that matter cautiously.

Of course, Arthur also treated Manuel's request as an examination, using it to test the three youngsters, William, Peter, and George.

The three had different ideas.

As the youngest brother, George's thoughts were relatively simple. He believed that as long as they helped Manuel ascend the throne, Australasia would receive sufficient compensation, making the deal worthwhile.

William and Peter,