Being a democracy, in an era where everyone yearns for freedom, the Kingdom of Kylia has a great advantage over non democratic states, is that it's easier to recruit civilians deep within States hostile to Kylia to become spies.
Шпигун or Shpyhun sighed after he took a sip of his beverage, listening closely to a conversation taking place at an adjacent table.
Two years ago he was a poor clerk who lived in a thatched hut on the outskirts of the Coastal city of Rosa when suddenly he was contacted by Kylian spies seeking to recruit intelligence officers to gather information. Shpyhun eagerly agreed when he was promised of becoming a Kylian citizen.
The group of intoxicated knights were engaged in a boisterous discussion about the current state of affairs between the Kingdom of Kylia and the State of Rosa.
"I can hardly believe that those foolish Kylians actually believe that the State of Rosa will abide by the Kylian Peace Treaty all the way!" one of the knights slurred.
"Ever since the Coalition started getting ambitious, this plan has emerged," another responded. "If we really wait until the peace treaty is over and attack with the Coalition, not only will we need to share the profits but we will also be ridiculed by all of the Valor States for lowering ourselves to the Coalition."
The spy's attention was piqued by this revelation. His mission was to gather intelligence on the coalition's intentions, and this information was invaluable.
"So what do we do?" a third knight inquired.
"We must demonstrate to the Coalition that we are not to be trifled with," the first knight declared, forcefully pounding his fist on the table.
"We will strike Kylia hard one year before the treaty expires and make the Coalition face the consequences of provoking us Valor States."
"As an old Hylian saying goes 'kill the chicken to scare the monkey!'"
"We will then demand exorbitant reparations and territorial concessions from the Kingdom of Kylia!" he laughed drunkenly.
The spy's heart raced as he processed the information.
It appeared that war was on the horizon, and he needed to report back to his superiors without delay.
As the officials continued discussing their plans, the spy discreetly exited the bar and made his way back to his headquarters.
He swiftly relayed the gathered intelligence to his superiors, who would in turn transmit the information to Kylia City.
One year later.
After Kylia briefed the intelligence report she immediately issued a national emergency and rushed toward the capitol building. There, political leaders with high standing such as Prime Minister Fermer, Blacksmith Stalevi, Advisor Roshi and President Zoloti were discussing with military leaders Sergeant Odin, Sergeant Yuter, Sergeant Vahon, Sergeant Aviasti, Sergeant Artyleria, General Komada, Admiral Viyskovo and General Morskyy on the impending threat from the State of Rosa.
"Your Majesty," Prime Minister Fermer began, bowing slightly as he entered the room. "The war we were preparing for is now looming over us, the State of Rosa will likely perform a surprise attack, with the Coalition declaring war after news of a Rosian attack, we must prepare our defenses and strategy accordingly."
Queen Kylia nodded, scanning the faces around the long, polished oak table. Each military leader bore a different expression—some grim, others resolute. "What are our other options? Can we negotiate for peace, or is that a futile endeavor?"
Kylia asked this not because she yearns for peace but because if Kylia can strike another favorable deal with the Rosians for a few extra years of preparation, she may choose this option as long as the benefits are big enough.
President Zoloti, who manages foreign affairs for the kingdom, leaned forward. "Negotiations proved unsuccessful in the past, Your Majesty. Neither we nor the Rosians can accept a new peace treaty, the Rosians will never secede their interests to the kingdom and we already spent too much on the military to back down."
General Komada crossed his arms. "If we wait until they strike first, it will be too late. We need to preempt their attack. We have the advantage of surprise if we mobilize our troops immediately."
"A bold approach, Komada," Admiral Viyskovo interjected. "But attacking the Rosian homeland will leave our north and eastern borders open to a Coalition counter attack. We must be cautious, the Coalition will not stand idly by if we strike first."
"I agree with Admiral Viyskovo." Sergeant Odin nodded thoughtfully. "Most of the time the defending party has extreme advantages against the aggressors, while fighting both the Rosians and the Coalition would be a bit of a stretch, defeating them separately should be no problem at all."
"I also agree with Admiral Viyskovo, I'd say we let them Rosians attack!" President Zoloti exclaimed. "With the Rosians being the aggressors and breaking the treaty, our demands of war reparations will be seen as credible internationally, this will allow us to demand more after the war."
Seeing that everyone in the room agreed to defence, Queen Kylia nodded in agreement then moved onto a different subject. "The current size of the Kylian Armed Forces is composed of 200 men, however the kingdom's mobilization capacity is around 2000 men. Once we fully mobilize, only one-tenth of our troops will be elite. While the rest won't be cannon fodder, being that we have been training the population for years now, it's best to immediately increase our standing Armed Forces to 400 men."
"To further increase combat effectiveness we can enact multiple military drills this year in order to further increase cohesion between the old and new troops." Added Sergeant Vahon.
"Also we should increase our efforts of stockpiling our supplies of weapons, ammunition, food and declare martial law." Advisor Roshi suggested.
"This will ensure that we are well-equipped for battle and prevent any spies from infiltrating," Sergeant Yuter agreed.
"Very well, it is settled then," Queen Kylia announced, her voice carrying the weight of the decisions being made within the war room. "We will double the size of our standing army to 400 by the week's end. Sergeant Vahon, I entrust you with overseeing the training routines. Emphasize rapid integration and cohesion-building exercises. Advisor Roshi, you begin the immediate stockpiling of essential resources. I want our reserves maximized within the next month. And yes, we will declare martial law. Effective immediately."
"This war will be a gamble of life and death for the Kingdom of Kylia."