Following the king's command to prepare for war, the atmosphere in the throne room became charged with heated discussions regarding logistics, strategy, and, most importantly, the financing of the impending conflict. It was well understood by all present that war required an immense amount of resources, both material and financial. Henry, the Minister of Finance, was the first to raise the issue. "Before anything else, we must determine how we are going to fund this war," he stated firmly, his sharp gaze sweeping across the assembled officials.
Some suggested imposing a new war tax to generate revenue quickly. However, the potential consequences of such an action were troubling. Increasing taxes abruptly could trigger an economic shock, potentially slowing down growth and burdening the already strained economy. The ministers engaged in a lengthy debate on whether the kingdom could sustain such a move without jeopardizing the prosperity they had worked so hard to build.
Arthur, who had been listening attentively, leaned forward and finally spoke. "We do not need to raise war taxes," he declared confidently. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. "Instead of burdening our people with increased taxation, we can issue government war bonds. By offering these bonds to the public, we can channel idle capital into financing the war effort while allowing investors—both private individuals and wealthy merchants—to profit from their contributions. This will not only provide us with the necessary funds but also stimulate economic growth. Moreover, many of the wealthy merchants and industrialists have already suffered financial setbacks due to Aragon's actions. Their trade routes have been disrupted, and their profits have dwindled due to Aragon's oppressive policies. By purchasing these bonds, they would not only invest in their own prosperity but also contribute to the kingdom's stability. Furthermore, with their economic interests at stake, these merchants and financiers will be highly motivated to support efforts to counteract Aragon's aggression, ensuring that their influence and resources align with our war objectives. The money raised from these bonds will be used to produce weapons and essential military supplies, fueling industrial activity and, in turn, increasing tax revenue naturally. Once the war is won, repaying this debt will be far easier.""
His argument was met with contemplation. Some ministers exchanged glances, impressed by the young prince's foresight. The idea of war bonds was not only practical but also ensured that the economy would remain stable and even thrive during wartime. Gradually, murmurs of approval filled the chamber. The council members acknowledged that Arthur's plan was superior to a tax hike. With this decision made, they moved on to the next phase: implementing the strategy.
It was agreed that the government would immediately begin the sale of war bonds, and with the funds raised, large-scale orders would be placed with factories to produce weapons, ammunition, and military supplies. Simultaneously, the generals and strategists pored over the most recent maps of Aragon's territory, laying the groundwork for the invasion plan.
Once the meeting adjourned, Arthur returned to his chamber, deep in thought. He sat at his desk, contemplating the preparations for war. The kingdom possessed a modernized army equipped with advanced weaponry, highly trained soldiers, and superior battlefield tactics. On paper, they held an overwhelming advantage against Aragon's forces. However, Arthur knew that war was unpredictable, and unexpected challenges would inevitably arise. He needed to anticipate potential problems before they had a chance to cripple their campaign.
As he analyzed every aspect of the upcoming war, a realization struck him—an oversight that could become a severe weakness. Food. No matter how well-trained or well-armed an army was, soldiers needed to eat. The logistics of supplying food to thousands of troops over an extended period of time would be one of the greatest challenges of the war effort. Spoiled provisions or disrupted supply lines could lead to disaster on the battlefield.
Arthur knew that traditional food preservation methods—such as salting, smoking, and drying—were insufficient for maintaining a steady supply in a prolonged conflict. The solution lay in a technology that he had previously shelved due to more pressing concerns: canned food.
For some time, he had funded university research into preventing scurvy and improving food preservation techniques, primarily to support his long-term plan for oceanic exploration. However, with war looming, priorities had shifted. The resources that had been set aside for naval exploration would now be redirected toward large-scale canned food production.
Determined to act quickly, Arthur retrieved a stack of blank paper and began sketching out his plans. He drew inspiration from Nicolas Appert, the inventor credited with developing the first method of food preservation using airtight glass jars. Appert had pioneered this technique in 1809 after years of experimentation, seeking to create a reliable way to store food for Napoleon's military campaigns. Arthur intended to refine this method by using tin-plated steel cans instead of fragile glass. With Pendralis possessing an abundance of iron and the infrastructure to mass-produce steel, this adjustment would make production more efficient and practical for wartime conditions.
Once he had finalized his blueprints, Arthur wasted no time. He left the palace and headed straight for the industrial district to meet with William. Upon arriving at the factory, he was immediately recognized by the gate guards, who were accustomed to his unannounced visits. One of them hurried inside to inform William of Arthur's arrival.
Moments later, William emerged, his face brightening with curiosity. Bowing slightly, he greeted Arthur. "Welcome, Your Highness. What brings you here today?"
Arthur nodded in acknowledgment. "Good to see you, William. As you are aware, tensions with Aragon have escalated rapidly. The government has made the final decision—we are going to war."
William, who had been taking a sip of tea, nearly choked upon hearing this. Coughing into his sleeve, he quickly composed himself. "Pardon my reaction, Your Highness," he said apologetically.
Arthur waved it off. "It's understandable. But I came here for a reason. We are about to place massive orders for military supplies, so I need you to ramp up production immediately. Additionally, I need you to construct a new manufacturing facility as soon as possible."
William nodded. "Understood, but what will this new facility produce?"
"Canned food," Arthur answered. He proceeded to explain the concept, outlining the process of sealing food in airtight containers to preserve it for extended periods. William listened intently before responding. "The concept is simple, Your Highness. We can establish the necessary factory within two weeks. However, I will require experts in chemistry and biology to ensure food safety and quality."
Arthur reassured him. "I have already arranged for scholars and scientists from the university to assist you. Additionally, you may recruit trained personnel from the institution to oversee the production process, particularly those who have recently graduated and possess the necessary expertise."
After discussing the finer details, Arthur returned to the palace to present his plan to the king. He entered the throne room to find King Cedric and Henry engaged in a discussion regarding the upcoming war bond sales.
Upon noticing Arthur's arrival, the king greeted him. "Arthur, we were just finalizing the war bond issuance process. Henry has arranged for the announcement to be published in tomorrow's newspapers. Sales will begin at the start of next week."
Arthur nodded approvingly. "Excellent. I have also devised a solution that will significantly enhance our army's efficiency during the war."
The king's interest was piqued. "And what solution is that?"
"Canned food," Arthur replied, proceeding to explain the advantages of preserved rations in military logistics.
When he finished, King Cedric was impressed. "If these canned provisions truly offer the benefits you claim, they could revolutionize how our army operates. Once the initial tests confirm their effectiveness, I will approve their mass production for military use."
Arthur spent the following two weeks overseeing the development of the first canned food factory. With the expertise of university scientists, production trials were conducted, and soon, the first successful batches were produced. The army quickly placed large orders after validating their durability.
Meanwhile, war bond sales surged. Wealthy merchants, banks, and industrialists—who had suffered from Aragon's oppressive trade policies—invested heavily in the war effort, eager to see a resolution in their favor. With unprecedented financial backing, Pendralis's war machine roared to life. Factories operated at full capacity, warships neared completion, and troop training intensified.
While Pendralis prepared with unparalleled efficiency, Aragon lagged behind. Burdened by a weak economy and inefficient military organization, their preparations moved at a sluggish pace. Many of the elites from various kingdoms believed that Pendralis, coming from afar, stood no chance against Aragon, which had both superior numbers and geographical proximity to the Maraz Strait. However, while the world expected an easy Aragonese victory, they were about to witness something unprecedented. Pendralis was no ordinary kingdom, and this was no ordinary war. The tides of history were shifting, and soon, the world would realize that they had greatly underestimated the rising power of Pendralis. Thus, the stage was set for a clash that would defy all expectations. Pendralis, with its unmatched discipline and innovative strategies, would soon prove that true power lies not in numbers or proximity, but in vision, adaptability, and the will to reshape destiny. The world watched, unaware that the dawn of a new era was upon them—an era that would forever bear the mark of Pendralis.