Tyranny of Steel

Berengar sat behind his desk. In front of him was a troubling report, which was gathered by the Department of Naval Intelligence. Standing before him was none other than his Grand Admiral Emmerich, who had handed the dossier over to his emperor.

”I ’m sorry, my Kaiser, but it appears your third wife Honoria has gone a bit rogue in the development of her colony. As you can see in great detail, we have confirmed the mass implementation of slave labor. She has used her privateers for the most part to round up and force the natives into bondage.

Her excuse for such actions was that she found herself alone in a hostile land, incapable of defeating the enemy while expanding upon the settlement. Thus, she has used some unconventional methods to increase labor and decrease threats to the colony.

I know you are morally against slavery, and I thought it was best to bring you this news in person. As for how you wish to handle the situation, I will leave it to your discretion. ”

Berengar sighed heavily as he gazed upon the report sitting front of him. He silently flexed his fingers in contemplation while wondering what to do about this scenario. After several moments of silence, Berengar sat upright in his chair and poured himself a chalice filled with wine. He took a few sips before asking a question to his Grand Admiral.

”Do you know why I outlawed slavery, Emmerich? ”

Emmerich shook his head silently, allowing his Emperor to respond to his own question.