Chapter 553: The Schleswig-Holstein Question

King Alvar of the Kalmar Union sat upon his throne with a stern expression, for the last few years he had maintained a peaceful co-existence with the Austrians, and although he had faced pressure from his more fanatical Catholic subjects to fund the Papacy's crusade against the German Reformation, he had abstained from doing so.

For a long time now, Alvar had maintained an attitude of disregarding southern affairs. After all, they were so far away from Austria and its neighbors that even trade between the two kingdoms was difficult at times. However, things were different now. Austria's territory grew with each year, to the point where a sizeable chunk of the western Baltic was now under their control.

However, this matter wasn't the greatest concern of the Kalmar Union, rather with Berengar's propaganda of uniting the German-speaking regions, there became a prominent question in the minds of the Kalmar Court. What would Berengar do about Schleswig-Holstein, which was currently under their rule?

Schleswig-Holstein was a province under the control of Denmark, however despite being ruled over by the Danish crown, the overwhelming majority of its denizens, including the nobility, were ethnic Germans who spoke the German tongue. Obviously, with Berengar's open attempts to unify Germany, there was a serious worry within the Kalmar Court whether Berengar would break his non-aggression pact with the Kalmar Union.

It was because of this that the Scandinavian King's court now met to discuss the troubles that presented themself with Austria's expansion into the North. One particular minister, who wore a catholic pendant, was practically spitting as he screamed at his Reformist counterparts.

"King Berengar von Kufstein has declared war on the Northern German Alliance. In doing so, he seeks to unite all the German-speaking regions beneath his banners! He has already expanded into the Baltic, and shows his malicious intent by investing in the construction of several Naval bases, and the expansion of the region's port cities!

Until now, we have acted with indifference towards Austria, and maintained our non-aggression pact with them. However, their monarch's ambitions are too grand. If Berengar successfully lays claim to Northern Germany, then his armies will sit on our southern borders. After all, he has made his desire to unite the German-speaking regions well known. Who is to say he values our treaty, then?"

King Alvar sipped on his wine from his golden chalice as he listened to his ministers debate over what to do with Austria. It was hard enough maintaining the balance between Catholics and Reformists in the Kalmar Union, however, this minister made a valid point. Just when the Scandinavian King was about to speak up, another minister who represented the Scandinavian Reformists scoffed as he interjected on behalf of Berengar.

"You speak out your Arse and you know it! The Kingdom of Austria may appear to be hell bent on conquest, but they have always valued their alliances and treaties. Just look at how they treat the Sultanate of Granada and their Byzantine allies.

King Berengar has even gifted his two greatest allies advanced technology in the fields of agriculture and industry, which has allowed the two realms to expand their military capabilities! Not once has he shown hostility towards us, and we should not be quick to bare our fangs out of fear of an invasion that will never take place!

Provoking the proverbial Lion to the South would be a foolish endeavor that would surely result in our doom. Rather than condemn ourselves to needless destruction, we must maintain our diplomatic ties to the Kingdom of Austria and seek to further relations. So far all we have done is maintain a non-aggression pact, and allow free trade with Austrian merchants.

However, with their expansion into Northern Germany, the Crown of Austria will surely invest into rebuilding the North German States into industrialized regions similar to that of the Austrian heartland! We should seek to take advantage of this and invite further trade opportunities with Austria before they achieve victory in this conflict!

The territory of Schleswig-Holstein has always been difficult to maintain control over. The Germans who live there are fiercely proud people. I say it is better to offer the region to Berengar in return for technology that will make our lives easier here in the North! Perhaps even a more permanent alliance could be brokered via matrimony? I hear the man has several sons."

Though King Alvar was initially leaning towards the previous minister's argument, after hearing the reformist speak, he was now convinced that peaceful relations were the route to go. With Berengar's current rate of expansion, it was only a matter of time before he turned his sights to Schleswig-Holstein, and defending a region that was constantly on the brink of rebellion, against a united German Army was more trouble than it was worth.

Besides, it was not like the Kalmar Union could win a war with Austria. Alvar knew this well. If losing Schleswig-Holstein was an inevitability, he might as well get something out of it. Thus, he agreed with the Reformist, the Kalmar Union's best course of action was to negotiate a peaceful transfer of the region to Berengar's future Empire, in exchange for technology that would allow them to become far more wealthy, and powerful.

After scratching his thick golden beard in thought for some time, a brilliant idea formed itself in Scandinavian King's mind. Thus, he proclaimed his intentions for all within his court to hear.

"I have decided on a course of action. We will cede Schleswig-Holstein to the Kingdom of Austria in exchange for technology, wealth, and a permanent alliance via marriage. As far as I am aware, Berengar has multiple wives and multiple sons. Surely one of them can marry one of my grand-daughters when they come of age."

The Catholic Minister was about to interrupt his King's statement when Alvar glared menacingly at him, instantly silencing the man before continuing this train of thought.

"Schleswig-Holstein has little value for our great union, anyway. If giving it over to Austria means avoiding a war, while securing the aforementioned benefits, then to me, it seems like the most appropriate decision I, as King, can make.

This settles the matter. I will dispatch an emissary to the Kingdom of Austria immediately, where he will make our intentions known to the Austrian Crown. As for negotiations, I would like to meet with King Berengar face to face after he has seized Northern Germany for himself."

The ministers bowed their heads regarding the King's words, after which they all accepted his decree.

"As you command, your highness..."

After saying this, the various ministers left the confines of the Throne Room, where only the Reformist Minister who had made such a suggestion remained behind.

"Your Highness, you have made a wise decision. A war with Austria would only result in defeat. This way we can get rid of a troublesome region, while securing an alliance with the most powerful realm in the Western World."

King Alvar nodded his head in agreement to these words before addressing his minister.

"Indeed, when I first met Berengar, I thought little of him. He was nothing more than a lowly Duke asking for a non-aggression pact with my great Kingdom. I merely signed the treaty on a whim because I enjoyed his company.

To think that in a few short years he would become not only King, but the most powerful man in Christendom, I must say I truly underestimated him... Erland, my old friend, I can only trust you to send this message of peace to Kufstein. Thus, it is your responsibility to speak with the Royal Family of Austria and convey our intentions."

The Reformist minister named Erland smiled gracefully before bowing to the King.

"You honor me, King Alvar. I assure you, I will not fail you in this vital task. The Austrian Crown will hear of our peaceful intentions, and I will secure an audience between the two of you when Berengar returns from his campaign."

Alvar smiled when he heard such confidence from his minister. After doing so, he sighed heavily before dismissing the man.

"Very well. Prepare for the journey. I want you within the City of Kufstein as soon as possible. Do not return until you have succeeded in your task!"

After hearing his orders, the Minister quickly departed, and gathered his supplies. It was a long journey to Kufstein, and he would have to sail around the coasts of Iberia in order to get there peacefully. Perhaps by the time he arrived in the Austrian Capital, Berengar would have already completed his war. Only time would tell.

As for King Alvar of the Kalmar Union, he sank back into his throne in silence, as he dwelled upon Berengar's rapid rise to power. He shuddered to think of what the world would look like in ten years after Germany was united into a single Empire, and the Papacy's crusade failed miserably. It was looking like the centuries old balance of power that had been maintained in Europe would come crashing down, and in its place German hegemony would rise.

If such a fate was inevitability, then Alvar had no intentions of getting in its way. Rather, he would seek to gain as many benefits as possible for himself, his family, and his realm. This decision to appease Austria was one that would surely invoke the ire of the Catholics within his realm, however, he would deal with such a situation when it came to pass.