The Pressure at Sea

In Cologne, in the reception room of the Naval Ministry building, the damp autumn breeze slipped through the half-open blinds, mingling with the scents of tea and invigorating herbs inside.

A huge map of the world hung on the reception room wall. The unexplored regions were shaded gray, while deep-blue shipping lanes snaked across the light-blue seas like veins, linking important ports and trade hubs.

Frederick sat in the seat of honor before the map and took a sip of tea.

He had come straight here as soon as he got off the train, wasting no time, and had declined all meetings. Meanwhile, Maria had been circulating the talking points they had agreed on during the train journey through salons and tea parties among the noblewomen.

Today, Lilu and Baron Adiken had returned, and the key figures of the Rhine Alliance navy had gathered. Frederick therefore called this meeting, attended by only four people.

As the saying went, the fewer people in a meeting, the bigger the matter. Everyone was extremely serious and attentive.

To Frederick's left sat Alfred, who oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Naval Ministry. The official, renowned for his meticulousness, carefully separated an intelligence report into three copies and handed one to each of the others.

His voice was steady, though the gravity in his expression was hard to conceal. "Sir, everyone, the intelligence department has repeatedly confirmed these reports."

"Angland's so-called 'fleet of friendship' is far larger than any ordinary ceremonial visit could justify."

He drew a deep breath and began reading the key figures listed in the report, his brow furrowed with worry. "At the heart of the fleet is an Oak-class first-rate battleship, with three sturdy gun decks and more than a hundred powerful Magic Storm Cannons."

"Accompanying it are three Constellation-class second-rate