At that moment, a voice came from outside the door.
"Your Majesty, Governor Ramaroson Andrianjaka has an urgent matter to report. The Austrians have attacked."
"What? How far have they gotten?"
"They haven't landed yet."
Ranavalona I let out a long breath of relief.
"Have Ramaroson Andrianjaka wait in the side hall."
"Yes."
A quarter of an hour later, in a side hall of the Imerina royal palace.
"Ramaroson, what exactly is going on?"
Ranavalona I spoke with some displeasure. The Kingdom of Imerina had been invaded more than once or twice, but this was the only time Ramaroson Andrianjaka had arrived looking so bedraggled, his hair seemingly scorched.
"Your Majesty, the Austrians have destroyed all our coastal defense installations."
To Ranavalona I's ears, that was another pointless remark. After all, whenever a great power came, didn't they always destroy the coastal defenses first?
"Ramaroson Andrianjaka, if you waste any more of my time, I'll throw you to the crocodiles."
Ramaroson Andrianjaka's throat worked as he spoke.
"Yes, Your Majesty the Queen. The Austrians' firepower is extremely fierce. Mahajanga Port has already fallen into their hands."
Ranavalona I's eyelid twitched.
"Will their ships sail upriver?"
Ramaroson Andrianjaka shook his head.
"No. Their ships are too large. They would only run aground if they entered the inland rivers."
Ranavalona I breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
"No matter what terms they offer, we refuse them. If they dare enter the interior, you will destroy them at any cost. Do you understand?"
Ramaroson Andrianjaka's eyes nearly split with fury. If things really were as usual, he would not have needed to come here himself. Nor did he want to see this old monster.
"Your Majesty, their only demand is the return of the prisoners. These enemies are truly different this