Chapter 28: The Shadow of War – 1937–1939
By 1937, the world was sliding toward war. Japan had invaded China. Germany had remilitarized the Rhineland and annexed Austria. Italy had conquered Ethiopia. The League of Nations was powerless.
Adrian watched from Koningstad, his heart heavy. He knew that he could not stop the war, but he could prepare his kingdom for it. He ordered the military to full readiness, built new coastal fortifications, and expanded the submarine fleet.
In 1938, a delegation from Nazi Germany arrived in Koningstad. They sought to purchase oil on credit—a deal that would strengthen the German war machine. Adrian met with them in the palace.
"Herr Schacht," Adrian said to the Reichsbank president, "you ask for oil. What do you offer in exchange?"
"Gold, Your Majesty," Schacht replied. "And the friendship of a resurgent Germany."
Adrian studied him. "Your country has repudiated its debts. It has expelled its brightest minds. It has begun to rearm in violation of every treaty. Why should I trust you?"
"Because we will pay in gold, not promises," Schacht said. "And because, when the next war comes, you will need friends on both sides."
Adrian agreed to the sale, but he also quietly increased shipments to Britain and France. He was walking a tightrope, and he knew it.
That summer, a young British intelligence officer named Ian Fleming visited Zeelandia. He was there to assess the kingdom's strategic value. Adrian met him for dinner at the palace.
"Your Majesty," Fleming said, "you are sitting on a treasure chest of oil. The Germans want it. The British want it. How will you keep both sides happy?"
Adrian poured wine. "By selling to both. And by making it clear that any invasion will be met with armed resistance. We are not a colony, Mr. Fleming. We are a sovereign nation."
Fleming nodded. "I will report that to London."
"Tell them also," Adrian added, "that Zeelandia will accept refugees. Jews, intellectuals, anyone fleeing the Nazis. We will not turn them away."
Fleming raised his glass. "To humanity, then."
Adrian smiled grimly. "To survival."
---