April 16th, 1938.


    At the capital of Votswana, Gaborone.


    Prince Theodore''s aircraftnded on the airfield of Gaborone, a sight that immediately struck him as unusual. The airfield was packed with Triesenberg aircraft, from bombers to fighters.


    As the aircraft came to a halt and the door was opened, Prince Theodore stepped out, and the first thing that weed him was the intense heat. The sun zed down, reflecting off the tarmac and making the air shimmer. Theodore squinted slightly, adjusting to the brightness and the sweltering temperature as he descended the steps.


    The heat was oppressive, almost suffocating, but Theodore maintained hisposure, his expression calm and unreadable. He was greeted by a delegation of Votswanan officials, led by General Mabasa, whose uniform seemed to soak in the sun''s rays, making him appear even more imposing.


    "Your Highness," General Mabasa greeted, offering a stiff bow, sweat already forming on his brow. "Wee to Gaborone. We are honored by your presence."


    Prince Theodore''s gaze swept over the Votswanan officials with a hint of disdain as he continued, "I need a room with air conditioning," he said loftily, his tone making it clear that this was not a request but amand.


    The expectation of deference was evident in every word; after all, he was an imperial prince of the Empire of Triesenberg, and these men were, in his view, subservient to the power he represented.


    General Mabasa stiffened slightly, but he quickly masked any irritation. "Of course, Your Highness," he responded, bowing his head. "We have prepared amodations suitable for your stature. You will have all theforts you require."


    Theodore gave a curt nod, acknowledging the general''s words without a hint of gratitude. He was ustomed to this treatment and expected nothing less.


    The Votswanan officials led Theodore through the building, the air noticeably cooler as they entered. Theodore''s entourage followed closely behind. As they walked, Theodore observed the surroundings with a critical eye, noting the attempts to impress him with grandeur and luxury. While the Votswanans had clearly gone to great lengths to amodate him, he remained unimpressed.


    In his mind, nothing couldpare to the opulence of the Triesenberg Empire.


    They reached the designated room, where the temperature was indeed a relief from the stifling heat outside. Theodore stepped inside, his gaze briefly surveying the space before he turned to General Mabasa.


    "This will do," Theodore said dismissively, making it clear that he expected no further conversation on the matter.


    General Mabasa bowed again. "I am pleased it meets your standards, Your Highness. If there is anything else you require, do not hesitate to inform us."


    "I have a question though. Why is Governor Von Strauss not here? Didn''t he receive a letter informing everyone that I would being here? Get him here."


    General Mabasa nodded and quickly left the room. Meanwhile, Reginald turned and looked at Prince Theodore and spoke.


    "I can''t believe that we were received by those negros. I don''t even know why we put them in an official military position."


    "Well that is because he did something remarkable by preventing his own people from rebelling against the Empire,"Theodore


    continued, his tone indifferent as he nced at Reginald. "It''s a strategic move, nothing more. By elevating men like Mabasa, we keep the local poption in check. They see one of their own in a position of authority and believe they have a voice when in reality, all decisions are made by us."


    Reginald chuckled darkly. "And they think they have power. It''s almost amusing."


    Theodore gave a slight nod, his thoughts already drifting away from the conversation. "They are useful for now, but we must never forget that they are only as valuable as the control we maintain over them. The moment they be a liability, we cut them loose."


    Reginald''s smile widened. "Of course, Your Highness. It''s the way of the Empire."


    Before Theodore could respond, there was a knock at the door, and General Mabasa re-entered the room, followed closely by Governor Von Strauss.


    "Your Highness, I apologize for the dy in my arrival," Governor Von Strauss stammered, his face flushed with anxiety. He bowed deeply, his posture almost desperate in its attempt to convey humility. "Please, Your Highness, ept my sincerest apologies. I was informedte, and there were unforeseen circumstances that required my immediate attention.


    I assure you, it was never my intention to offend or disrespect you."


    Prince Theodore remained silent, his cold gaze fixed on the groveling governor.


    "Your Highness, I beg your forgiveness," Von Strauss persisted, his tone edging into a whine. "I am fully at your service and will ensure that everything is arranged ording to your wishes. Please, do not let this unfortunate dy tarnish your view of our operations here."


    Theodore finally spoke, his voice cutting through the air like a de. "Governor Von Strauss, your negligence is noted. It is fortunate for you that I am more interested in the report that you have for me."


    Governor Von Strauss nced down at the documents containing intel about the Kingdom of Zambesi''s intent of establishing diplomatic ties with the Valorians. He quickly recovered, realizing that he was being granted a reprieve, albeit a temporary one. He straightened up, clutching the documents tightly as if they were a lifeline. He cleared his throat, trying to regain some semnce ofposure.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Von Strauss said, his voice steadier now. "I have gathered detailed intelligence regarding the Kingdom of Zambesi''s recent diplomatic overtures towards Valoria. It appears they are seeking to establish formal ties, likely to leverage Valoria''s technological and military prowess for their own strategic advantages."


    Prince Theodore''s eyes narrowed slightly as he listened, his expression unreadable. "I don''t care about the Kingdom of Zambesi''s intentions or about them. What I need to know is the Valorians. That new country with a modern naval fleet. Do you have any information aside from that?"


    Governor Von Strauss shook his head. "I have none, Your Highness."


    "Then in that case I want to have one," Prince Theodore demanded. "There is only one way for us to learn about the Valorians and that is through the Kingdom of Zambesi."


    "What do you propose, Sire?" Reginald inquired.


    "It''s simple. We are going to enter the Kingdom of Zambesi with an army."