Tyranny of Steel

In the city of Anangpur, Emperor Dharya Tomara sat at his dining table. Today was not a normal day for the man who ruled over the entire Indian subcontinent. A prestigious guest from beyond his eastern border had come to visit.

King Kriengsak of the Uthong dynasty, who ruled over the Ayutthaya Kingdom, had travelled a long way to visit the young Indian Emperor. With the world rapidly changing around him, Kriengsak felt a need to seek protection from a major power.

If he failed to do so, then his realm would soon fall prey to the more predatory Empires of this world. However, the man was still undecided between becoming a tributary of the Indian Empire or the Ming Dynasty, thus he had decided to meet with both Emperors and discuss what concessions he could gain in exchange for his allegiance.

By now Dharya had become an efficient statesman, at least capable enough to be a proper subordinate to the Reich, and thus he had put on a large feast for his foreign guest, while showing off the wealth he had obtained from his ties to Germany.

"King Kriengsak, I must say, it is indeed my greatest honor to host you here in my home. I understand you have some concerns, specifically regarding the current political crisis which faces southeast Asia.

I want to assure you that if you choose to align yourself with India, I will allow you to rule over your own lands with little interference. A yearly tribute is all I ask in exchange for my protection. As you may already be aware, the alliance between my Empire, and the Reich is a strong one.

Kaiser Berengar von Kufstein is, in many ways, like a father to me. He took me in when I was forced into exile and provided a proper education for me regarding how to effectively rule over a nation. I assure you, if Japan, or the Ming dynasty were to attack your lands, then not only would the full weight of the Indian Army be at your beck and call, but the German Army would also be available to aid you. This is something that the Ming Dynasty can not provide you with."

Though there was a lot of truth to these words that Dharya had spoken, King Kriengsak was not entirely convinced. It wasn't just a matter of defense of his lands that had caused the man to seek an ally, there were other concerns which he had. Naturally, he was quick to give voice to these.

"While it is true that the Indian Army has been armed, and trained by your German counterparts, your navy is severely lacking when compared to the Ming Dynasty. Emperor Zhu Wudi has purchased a large amount of warships from the Reich, including a heavy cruiser. Even Empress Itami herself isn't foolish enough to interfere with their territorial waters.

By aligning myself with your Empire, and by extension the Reich, I will be opening up my maritime borders to the Japanese Navy, should Germany and Japan end up in an armed conflict. Who will protect my trade then? Certainly not you! Whereas the Ming are neutral in this brewing conflict, and their navy can provide more than enough protection for my trade fleet in the event of an all out war in the east."

Dharya knew this matter would be mentioned eventually and was quick to throw shade at his rival's naval capabilities. He did so after drinking from his chalice, which was filled with imported wine from South Tyrol.

"While it is true that the Ming Dynasty boasts a more capable navy than my Empire. I must remind you that the majority of the warships they have purchased from the Reich are none other than littoral combat ships. Small craft designed to protect the Ming coastline. They are not capable of deploying into deep waters, let alone protecting your trade fleets.

As for the Ming's actual deep water naval capabilities, they have a few dozen obsolete armored frigates, and one cruiser. Which, if I'm being honest, is entirely ceremonial, as the Ming sailors do not even know how to properly operate the vessel. The only reason they have such an advanced warship is because the Kaiser wished to antagonize Empress Itami.

Should the Japanese Navy truly turn hostile against your trade fleets, then the Ming do not have the ability to protect your maritime commerce. Something which isn't an issue for the Germans. By submitting to me, you are, in turn, submitting the Reich, who are more than capable of protecting their tributaries and allies."

Silence prevailed in the room for some time, as the Thai King considered his options carefully. Dharya's words were mostly correct. The warships that Germany had sold to the Ming were designed with one purpose in mind: coastal defense. As for the others, they were so obsolete they had no chance of standing against the might of the Japanese Navy.

There were even rumors that Japan was watching Indochina with a close eye and could pounce on the region at a moment's notice. If the Japanese were to truly invade the area, then it would be all out warfare between them and the Ming Dynasty.

If he were to side with the Ming, and this scenario were to occur, then he would be dragged into a war either way. The only difference was, the Ming could not protect him, while the Indians and their German allies could.

Initially, Kriengsak had planned to speak with both Dharya and Zhu Wudi, but after hearing the Indian Emperor's argument, he was fully convinced that siding with India was by far the better option. Thus, with a heavy sigh, the Thai King bowed his head in respect before announcing his decision.

"You make a solid argument. I am more inclined to pledge my allegiance to your Empire than the Ming, however if I were to do this, then I would demand access to the German markets in exchange for our allegiance."

Upon hearing that he had succeeded in convincing the man, a wry smile emerged on Dharya' lips as he nodded his head in agreement with this demand, before voicing his thoughts.

"I would expect nothing less. Do not fret, such a thing can be easily arranged. For now, let us enjoy this feast. We can discuss the exact details of this treaty in the coming days. Please enjoy yourself!"

King Kriengsak did not refuse this offer, instead he made a toast to the Indian Monarch and their newfound relationship. After drinking his fair share of wine, and eating more than enough food, the man scampered off to the quarters he was afforded for the night where he passed out.

As for Dharya, he stayed up late into the night, thinking about the upcoming war that was bound to be bloody. The new equipment that the Germans had sold to his army was terrifying, to say the least. Though he did not know whether Japan's army was more advanced, he knew that as long as India received support from Germany, they could play a pivotal role in the war that was on the horizon.

However, he couldn't help but feel worried about the near future. Not only for himself and his people, but specifically for his sister. Priya had been living with Berengar for some time, and now carried his child in her womb. This worried the man. Although he had witnessed just how effective the German Army was in warfare, rumors from further east said that Japan's army was just as mighty.

Undoubtedly, a bloody conflict was about to take place, and in the event that the Reich was defeated at the end, Priya would surely suffer dearly for her relationship with the Kaiser. Dharya needed no further proof than the horrific acts he had seen in the Japanese Army and their allies commit in the field of war.

In the end, all that Dharya could do was put his faith in Berengar, and the man's ability to emerge victorious. After all, he doubted Japan had the ability to project strength a world away. That was something only the Germans were capable of in this world.

Thus, after drinking quite a bit of wine, Dharya made his way to his bedroom, where he was all alone. Despite being an Emperor, Dharya had yet to marry, nor had he taken a lover. His life was far too busy to entertain a woman. Instead, he lived a lonely life in this palace by himself with nothing but his servants to keep him company. After climbing into his bed and pulling the covers over him, he fell into a deep sleep.

In the coming days, the Indian Empire would sign a treaty with the Ayutthaya Kingdom, establishing the realm as a tributary beneath their Indian overlords. In doing so, Dharya opened up the land to German trade routes. Something which had helped many a nation prosper over the past decade.