Stranded - A Nuova Italia AAR

[blklizard]

So the soldiers accidentally slaughtered a village?

According to official reports (from Michael), they were the aggressors.

Chapter 387

The exploration fleet had returned from its latest assignment with the crews busy restocking supplies. Sini learned that the new Doge wished to see him which saw him rather puzzled until he learned that Bassiano had earned himself a term and officially became the new Doge of Nuova Italia. There was still hostilities between the two men after Zhou chose to marry Bassiano and, while Sini didn't admit it openly, he detested Bassiano and, if given a choice, he would rather not see him at all. However, it wasn't exactly a good idea to turn down the request of the new Doge when Bassiano specifically asked for him.

Sini made sure his officers were clear on how to restock everything before he left the ship. The sooner the ships were restocked, the sooner he could leave the capital and head to faraway lands where his past with Zhou could be somewhat forgotten. The explorer wasn't too thrilled when he realized he couldn't forget Zhou completely. She was like an angel when they first met and, as he fell love with her, he managed to imprint her into his memory. No amount of exploration or other distraction could remove her just as there was little he could do to heal a nasty looking scar from one of his battles.

A group of soldiers escorted him to the palace where Sini expected to see Bassiano and Zhou. Instead, he was met with a beautiful woman smiling at him. The woman wasn't as beautiful as Zhou but she had an aura around her that put her almost on par with the Chinese princess. Sini looked around to notice his escorts had already left leaving him and this woman alone. The woman asked him to walk with her to a garden in the palace where she could explain. As though pulled by some force, Sini found himself following the woman deeper into the palace not knowing what fate awaited him.

The explorer had spent nearly his entire life in the ports or out on sea. He never had a chance to see the palace so this was a rare treat for him. Sini was also wondering what this was all about since he recalled that the Doge specifically requested him. He wondered why Bassiano wasn't there to meet him and chose to instead send this woman in his place. It certainly wasn't a norm to have such a gorgeous woman waiting at the palace doorway to welcome guests so something was definitely up. Yet, the woman made it difficult for Sini to ask her any questions as she walked in a fast steady pace which gave little chance for conversation.

 

[Cityracer]

When Sini finds out what's really going on, I don't think he'll be happy.

 

[Michaelangelo]

Lol, so weird seeing the Doge play matchmaker with the explorer and some random woman.

 

[blklizard]

When Sini finds out what's really going on, I don't think he'll be happy.

I'm sure he'll be pretty happy about the outcome as you will learn shortly.

Lol, so weird seeing the Doge play matchmaker with the explorer and some random woman.

I wouldn't call her a random woman.

Chapter 388

The explorer and the mysterious woman were soon at a quiet garden where no one could disturb them. Sini was seated when the woman started explaining the purpose of his invitation. As she went on, Sini became more convinced this was some sort of prank being pulled on him. Yet, he was too polite to interrupt the woman so he allowed her to finish. Once she finished, the woman could see that Sini didn't believe a word from her. Then, Zhou coincidentally appeared out of nowhere and politely announced her presence. She explained that she felt her presence might be necessary for this occasion.

Even after all this time, Sini was still breathless upon seeing Zhou just as his first time. She hadn't changed and, not thinking it was possible, Sini thought she might be even more beautiful. When Zhou came and explained what the woman said was true, Sini still shook his head in disbelief. Here was a beautiful woman who was almost as gorgeous as Zhou wanting to not only marry him but also head out to sea with him. Sini had experienced many things throughout his life including a poorly ended love story. The explorer didn't think something this good could possibly be a reality for him.

Several minutes later, the explorer was in the woman's quarters. He learned her name was Camilia and she was apparently a descendent of Gian, the first general of Nuova Italia. She, like Sini, both had Italian blood in them. As a descendent of Gian, Camilia inherited his thirst for adventure which was why she agreed to going with Sini to sea in the first place. When Gian passed away, his family was quite wealthy so there was no reason for anyone to be risking their times when they could all live in luxury. Since she was young, Camilia hated being stuck in one place and yearned for a chance to leave the capital and explore other places.

When Camilia heard that Zhou was looking for a wife for Sini, she jumped at the opportunity. With the thirst for adventure from Gian and the natural beauty from her mother, Camilia was the perfect candidate for this position. Upon returning to her quarters with Sini, Camilia worked quickly to organize their marriage that would satisfy Sini. She knew the explorer worked on a tight schedule so she wasn't going to dawdle. Sini allowed Camilia to do all the planning as he was still recovering from what he perceived as a perfect dream. Later that night, Sini returned to his ship with Camilia as his wife. They set sailed the next day for India.

 

[Cityracer]

This seems too good to be true. It might be about time for that horrible disease to strike.

 

[blklizard]

This seems too good to be true. It might be about time for that horrible disease to strike.

I just feel bad for Sini.

Chapter 389

Bassiano stared at the document in his hands with disbelief. He looked at his advisers for confirmation and saw them nodding their heads. The new Doge was truly amazed that they had came this far since Michele first landed in Sumatra with an uncertain future. The island of Sumatra was filled with people of various religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Sunni. With the arrival Michele and the other Italians, there would also be Catholicism added into the mix making Sumatra very diverse. Sadly, such diversity was also the root to many of the conflicts that would ultimately see Sumatra unified under Nuova Italia.

When new territory was conquered, the Republic never actively pursued to converting the local populace. Given how Nuova Italia was surrounded by dangerous enemies, it was ill-advised for her to create more problems like having religious zealots rebelling against her. Therefore, the Republic had been passively promoting Catholicism across the region and tried to use reason, as oppose to force, to convert the people. Such a passive stance would be frowned upon back in Europe but it was necessary in the hostile Sumatra where Nuova Italia had to carve out her own nation.

As more wars were won, Nuova Italia began encompassing more people who followed a different faith. The people feared persecution for following a different faith but the Republic did no such thing bringing about peace and stability to the new provinces. The peace and stability also brought about a chance for communication and understanding. The conquered people were willing to accept the missionaries and hear what they had to say. The lack of hostilities made the teaching of the Bible much easier and, as a result, more people were willing to follow Catholicism which seemed to be the true faith.

Bit by bit, the religious landscape across Sumatra began to change. No one really noticed until one of Bassiano's advisers decided to investigate the religious situation in Sumatra. The information to be acquired from this investigation could affect future decisions and reforms. The findings were put in the document which Bassiano held in his hand. Apparently, all the people of Sumatra, at least the majority, were following Catholicism. There were naturally minorities but the island of Sumatra was more or less unified under one faith. This uniformity would bring about more stability and prosperity for Nuova Italia.

 

[Michaelangelo]

That's the most successful blind date I've ever seen.

Looks like the Sunni faith is ready to disappear from Southeast Asia soon enough.

 

[Cityracer]

Nuova Italia's level of civilization is what has allowed us such success in converting. Those European savages and their Inquisitions will never achieve what we have.

 

[blklizard]

That's the most successful blind date I've ever seen.

Looks like the Sunni faith is ready to disappear from Southeast Asia soon enough.

I don't know. You don't seem that aggressive in the region.

Nuova Italia's level of civilization is what has allowed us such success in converting. Those European savages and their Inquisitions will never achieve what we have.

Indeed, Nuova Italia will rise far above the other European nations. It's a shame we don't know how they're doing.

Chapter 390

Bassiano stood before his people who were grief-stricken about the passing of a great man. He himself was speechless when he heard this great man, after fighting valiantly against a disease, succumbed to the incurable disease. Nuova Italia had lost another great man who had brought the Republic glory. Without his contributions, the Doge feared that Nuova Italia might be heading down a different path. A path in a world filled with far more dangers and enemies. He stood before the people to give his final speech about this great man before they give him the funeral he deserved. This would be their final goodbye to a great man.

As he took a breath to speak, he couldn't help but feel tears streaming down his cheeks. There had been a number of occasions where he spoke with the man as they discussed about various topics unrelated to politics. In a way, the man acted like his mentor by sharing what he learned and what he observed. Losing such a mentor only brought more pain to Bassiano who took a moment to recompose himself. Once he recovered from his temporary emotional breakdown, he took another breath and began his speech. Otherwise, they would be standing out here all day.

The Doge had his wife to help him with the speech. Zhou, since becoming Bassiano's wife, had been working tirelessly to learn about the history of Nuova Italia. It certainly amazed her that the founders were people from distant lands and were stranded in Sumatra with no help or even certainty for the future. Somehow, Nuova Italia rose up and grew to the nation that dominated all of Sumatra and other parts of Southeast Asia. Soon, Zhou had a better grasp on Nuova Italian history than Bassiano and, as a result, could contribute quite a bit to the speech given how much she studied about the man's past and his contributions.

While Bassiano continued his speech, he tried his best ignoring the crowd filled with weeping people. This was an emotional day for everyone and, according to reliable sources, nearly everyone in the capital along with many from neighboring towns and villages came to this funeral. Once the speech was over, Bassiano turned to Antonio once again and thanked the general for his great services. Soldiers then carried the general to his final resting place where everyone had a final chance to say their goodbyes. Late that night, Antonio's grave was covered but his legacy would live on in the hearts of the people.

 

[Cityracer]

I see what you did there. At least my prediction was half right.

 

[blklizard]

I see what you did there. At least my prediction was half right.

What did I do?

Chapter 391

Under the cover of the night, the Nuova Italian First Fleet moved out of the capital harbor. All the civilians were either asleep by then or were in their homes trying to sleep. The Nuova Italian First Army was only notified hours ago that they must move at once. No one knew what was happening but, with the discipline instilled into the soldiers, no one questioned their orders and they were ready at the harbor at the designated time. As soon as the soldiers arrived, they moved in an orderly fashion onto the ships which, upon reaching full capacity, began to set sail. The ships were already fully supplied by the time the soldiers arrived.

The Doge was in his study at the time looking over the documents that were handed to him a month ago. He still looked over them for some sort of misunderstanding or confusion but the letters on the paper didn't lie. Of course, he also had intelligence from the spy network confirming the information on the documents. He only wondered why the situation had deteriorated so quickly and feared that this was inevitable. He tried for several nights to possibly avoid this conflict but he had to put the Republic first. The threat was real and, unless he took action, Nuova Italia would be in grave danger. After another few minutes, he gave up and threw the documents onto his desk.

Bassiano walked over to the window and stared at the harbor. He might not be able to see much but he anticipated that the warships had left already. No one in the capital would be any wiser when they woke in the morning which was the entire point. This enemy of Nuova Italia must be hit hard before she could react. Bassiano knew the outcome of this war could change the future of the Republic in Southeast Asia. Nuova Italia had grown powerful over the decades but she still had many enemies wishing to undermine her control of her territories. Unless she fought back and crushed her oppositions, the Republic would always be threatened.

Exhausted from the workload over the last month, Bassiano retired from his study and headed back to his quarters where Zhou was already asleep. While Zhou might have wanted to aid him, she was, after all, pregnant so she needed her rest. Looking at the round belly of his wife, Bassiano was glad he could have some good news amidst these uncertain times. He quietly slid into bed and fell asleep the moment he closed his eyes. For once in a long time, Bassiano slept without having a single dream. When he woke up the next day, the war would have begun and another enemy of the Republic would suffer the consequences of antagonizing Nuova Italia.

 

[Michaelangelo]

I wonder who this enemy is. I honestly don't even remember. It's been too long.

 

[Cityracer]

A preemptive strike, I like it.

I wonder what Sini is up to. Perhaps he's being killed by some angry natives.

 

[blklizard]

I wonder who this enemy is. I honestly don't even remember. It's been too long.

I don't think you're joking around.

A preemptive strike, I like it.

I wonder what Sini is up to. Perhaps he's being killed by some angry natives.

Who said he will be killed by natives?

Chapter 392

The Nuova Italian ships closed in on their unsuspecting prey. The soldiers were given quick talks from their officers who were slightly nervous about this attack. Since the passing of Antonio, there was never really anyone who could replace him. There were a few officers who stepped up to lead the soldiers but none were willing to be the successor of a titan like Antonio. The general position would be kept empty for the campaign unless a promising young man could prove his worth in the upcoming conflict. Until then, the soldiers were content with their officers who, having worked under Antonio, were all veterans when it came to wars.

When the ships were nearly upon the coastal city, the sun was only just rising. The defenders were just waking up with no knowledge of this attack. If any of them had stared out at sea, they would have seen a massive navy bearing down on them. Instead, they went about their daily business as they prepared for what could be another boring mundane day. They were about to learn this day would be massively different and some of them might not even live to see the sunset that very day. Without being aware of the attack, the defenders were going to let the Nuova Italian soldiers reach land without any resistance.

The attackers kept silent and scaled the walls the moment they reached land. The first few Nuova Italian soldiers reached the top of the walls just as a small patrol was passing by. The men in the patrol were discussing about women when they were suddenly greeted by foreign soldiers with weapons unsheathed. Before they could sound the alarm, they were cut down and their bodies were dumped into the sea. As more Nuova Italian soldiers scaled the walls, those atop the walls were progressing to the nearest gates where the defenders were still unaware of the attack.

Within the gatehouse, the defenders were enjoying an earlier version of cards with the spectators placing bets on the winner. They weren't expecting any problems expect for the occasional drunkard who tread too close to the gatehouse. As they were focused on the card game, the attacking soldiers descended and made short work of them. The gatehouse was captured and the Nuova Italian soldiers poured in through the entrance. The civilians, upon seeing soldiers, quickly made way as they weren't about to be tangled up with armed men. They could only watch as more and more Nuova Italian soldiers poured in through the gates.

 

[Cityracer]

Seems like a tactical operation, I wonder if it will continue so smoothly.

 

[blklizard]

Seems like a tactical operation, I wonder if it will continue so smoothly.

Well, let's just say that things aren't exactly going smoothly back home either.

Chapter 393

Bassiano was walking down the hallway when a man suddenly grabbed him and dragged him into an empty room. The Doge wouldn't have complied had this man not claim the Republic was in danger and they had to talk in secret. Bassiano recognized the man as Ferma who was one of the more influential nobles. The expression on the man's face indicated that he was worried about something which seemed alarming to the Doge. Bassiano might not know Ferma personally but he knew the man to be a relatively carefree man who had a positive attitude towards everything.

To see Ferma so distressed definitely worried Bassiano so he was willing to spare a moment to listen. Ferma looked out in the hallway and, checking that no one was nearby, quickly shut the door so he and Bassiano could speak in privacy. Even with the door closed and the two men standing at the far end of the room, Ferma was still whispering to the Doge as though he worried a louder conversation might be overheard by those wishing him harm. Bassiano watched as Ferma paused to collect his thoughts after reassuring the Doge this was worth his moment and patiently waited for Ferma to share with him this danger he spoke of.

Ferma began with the belief he and other nobles had regarding the Guilds Faction which was definitely dominating the government. He explained that he feared a few of the more influential members of that faction were plotting something. They were exactly sure what this plot might be but they suspected something like overthrowing Bassiano and take control of the government. While Bassiano was competent and was introducing policies that were helpful to the Republic, the few individuals had their own agendas they wished to pursue and Bassiano happened to be an obstacle in their way.

The Doge listened carefully and made a few notes in his head. He had heard rumors that, as the Guilds Faction grew stronger, a few of its leaders were becoming more ambitious. He could see their ambition in the policies they were introducing which aided their faction while failing to assist the Republic as a whole. Bassiano had rejected a few of those policies and he could see he antagonized those men. He promised Ferma he would look into the matter so the two of them exited to return to what they were doing. However, neither of them noticed the man in the shadows not far from them.

 

[Cityracer]

The plot thickens.

 

[blklizard]

The plot thickens.

Indeed.

Chapter 394

Bassiano rushed to the courtyard where a person was reportedly murdered. The idea of a murder taking place on palace grounds shocked the Doge. He and his top advisers rushed to the scene where a crowd had already gathered. At the sight of Bassiano, the people made way so the Doge could go ahead unobstructed. Bassiano stopped before the bloody corpse and the sight itself was nearly enough to make him puke. When he looked at the face to see who it was, he felt a chill going down his spine because he recognized the murdered person. This was Ferma who had spoken with him the day before.

Since they went their separate ways, Bassiano attended to a few issues that involved the Republic. He especially needed to check on the war with Sunda which had been going rather well. The surprise attack on multiple fronts had caught the Hindu nation completely off guard and saw Nuova Italian soldiers making excellent progress. He was planning to investigate the matter Ferma discussed with him when he received news of a terrible murder in the courtyard. After he arrived and identified the victim, Bassiano felt he was running out of time as this enemy of his didn't hesitate to kill.

As a precaution, more bodyguards were assigned to Bassiano until the murderer was found. Bassiano sent his best men to investigate but he was assuming the worst. If what Ferma said was true, then the murderer could easily get an alibi from his fellow faction members. In addition, there were no clues left at the crime scene and the corpse revealed nothing substantial to suggest who was the killer. The Doge knew that, to find the culprit, he needed to uncover this conspiracy that was surrounding the Republic. With the influence the Guilds Faction had over the government, Bassiano feared he might be already too late.

Despite how daunting his task appeared, Bassiano understood that he couldn't back down. As the current Doge of Nuova Italia, he must do everything in his power to maintain balance of power within the government. If one faction grew too powerful, then more policies would be passed benefiting that lone faction while the other factions suffered. As a result, the Republic would, as a whole, be harmed since not every aspect of the nation would be accounted for. As an additional precaution, Bassiano assigned bodyguards for his wife and newborn child. He wished to take nothing to chance.

 

[Michaelangelo]

Ah, it was Sunda. I knew they'd be targeted sooner or later. Just forgot when.

I seem to remember this as one of the in-game events. Much more entertaining when written out in narrative.

 

[Cityracer]

The Guild faction's attempted coup is really no surprise. Previous Doges failed to maintain the balance for a long time.