"United States of Erdöl… what a strangely fitting name…" Armin II murmured as he read the report on the tribes beyond Hohenzollern and the Triple Monarchy.
After three months of brutal conflict and conquest, they had successfully merged all the tribes into one nation; a Federation of United States with moderate autonomy, but mostly under the control and protection of a federation government that would be elected fairly by the people.
"But this happened faster than expected…" he turned to his head of intelligence with a questioning gaze.
"Your Majesty, we found traces of industrial, financial, and military support for these tribes," the man wiped the beading sweat from his forehead.
"Who was it?"
"Hohenzollern and the Kalmar Union."
"Those rats… always scurrying around to cause issues. How much have they helped?"
"Uhm… from what our spies have uncovered, quite a bit. The tribes were originally living in an agricultural society. However, Hohenzollern was able to provide not just technology, but also set up industrial bases within the main 9 tribes that had united. On the other hand, Kalmar, in their infinite wisdom, expended time and resources to successfully teach 3 of their founding 11 meditation techniques to the 9 tribes, making sure 3 tribes had access to 1 technique each."
"…" Armin II was at a loss for words. Not only had Hohenzollern built up the industrial foundation of the newly formed nation, but Kalmar also added to the fire with some of their founding meditation techniques, techniques that would even have its use in the German Reich.
"As of now, Your Majesty, the United States could be considered still a newly formed nation. However, within a few months at most, once the nation digests all the benefits, it could be considered on par with the Tsardom, lacking the united decision-making, but also lacking the deep-seeded corruption since it is merely a newly formed nation."
"Sigh… and thus a new nation is born… One with enough foundation to challenge the very powers that allowed for its creation," Armin II sighed as he watched his head of intelligence rearrange the south-eastern territory, by erasing the lines of division inside, forming a single United States.
Suddenly, Armin II sat upright with a contemplative look on his face as he motioned for his head of intelligence to approach his throne before whispering to him, "Send in more spies. Spend as many resources as need be. Take my grandfather's help if you have to. I want us to have control of their military by the end of the year. The Great War between our neighbours is reaching a stalemate, and I envision Hohenzollern and Kalmar will use this new-formed United States against the Triple Monarchy. I want us to have control over the strategic decision-making of this army."
"Understood, Your Majesty. It shall be done. And what would you have them do when they join the war?"
"Invade the Triple Monarchy by crossing our land," Armin II said with a grin on his face, "But not yet. Only when I say so. Call the Ministers here at once. We must transition into a military economy within 6 months, and begin training of reserve Magi as though they were part of the original army."
"Understood," the bald Jerry left, soon replaced by other bald and much older Jerries.
"Your Majesty, this move would strain our budget beyond what is possible," the minister of finance in charge of the national budgeting and finance spoke up in protest.
"The surrounding nations will also be greatly alarmed. They might even chose a ceasefire to take us on," the minister in charge of geopolitics concluded while shaking his head.
"This will also greatly affect how many candidates join the various academies as they would be pulled in by the military instead. Research into…" the minister for Magic paused for a moment before forcing himself to continue, "Space Magic and Space Runes would be greatly hindered."
"We are prepared for war," The generals in charge of the military simply saluted, firmly loyal to the king.
"Money is not an issue. We no longer utilise gold and silver as currency. The paper-money we print can be increased for spending."
"But-" the finance minister tried intervening but was cut off.
"I know. We would have to shift from the backing of gold and silver. And on, we will not be doing that. We can recover the gold and silver from the other nations we conquer. It will only be a temporary deficit," Armin came to an arbitrary conclusion that would haunt his successors for generations.
"As for the research, I know it is a long-term project. My grandfather was the one to initiate it, and he too knows he might not be able to complete it within his lifetime. He also knows that the Space runes and Space Magic is the only way forward into Rank 4, so he will be studying that for as long as he can. A year or two of no new blood into such a long-standing project will not affect it too much."
The minister for Magic simply nodded in resignation, preparing himself to be roasted alive by his compatriots when he returned to them with the news.
"Alright then, that settles it. We will enter the war in about a year's time, I want the nation to shift into a military economy, prioritising recruitment, travel, logistics, and government spending towards the military and the supporting industries. I know we do not need guns to fight even the likes of Hohenzollern, but we do need medical supplies to help the wounded. We also need to produce more of the Mana potions we developed in secret, as well as the other tools to boost Magic offense and defence. I also don't want any of this magical technology to fall into the hands of the other nations; especially not the Kalmar Union, the Tsardom, of the newly formed United States."
"Your Majesty," the ministers bowed before taking their leave.
{AN: Erdöl means Oil in some languages... from my understanding at least. Lmfao}