Chapter 290: Preparing to Visit the Kalmar Union (1/2)

As the war for Iberia began to erupt between Granada and the newly established Iberian Union, Berengar sat back and expanded his naval forces. At the moment, the most critical area he was lacking in was Naval Power, and as such, he had further focused his efforts in that regard.

With the expansion of his naval might, the increase in demand for Oak became a reality as such, Berengar had begun to rely on imports from the Kalmar Union to sustain his growth. With the rise in trade between the Duchy of Austria and the Kalmar Union, the beliefs of the German Reformation began to spread to Scandinavia, in particular Sweden.

In its own form, a new Reformist movement had begun to appear in the region. With it, calls for aid to Austria were made by many Reformist noblemen within the Kingdom. As such, Berengar, who was sitting on his Ducal throne, began to read a letter with the seal of the Scandinavian Monarch embossed upon it.

The letter expressed interest in Reformist views and a willingness to discuss matters of importance between the two leaders. Berengar read the letter with a complicated expression on his face. Though Sweden was a major component of the Protestant revolution in his previous life, it was still a century too early for them to accept such beliefs.

Yet, due to his intervention, not only Sweden but all of Scandinavia had begun to be affected by Reformist thought. Unlike in Germany or Bohemia, the Reformist movement appeared to be peaceful in the North. Truthfully Berengar was in awe over such results, and as such, he was pretty cautious in the way he decided to handle this information.

After all, unlike the Byzantine Empire and the Emirate of Granada, one day, if all went as planned, then Berengar would share a border with the Scandinavians, and the idea of the conflicts resulting because of this was not a slim possibility.

As such, Berengar began to tap his armrest repeatedly as he thought about how to proceed with this invitation. While doing so, Honoria came into the room and spotted Berengar deep in thought. On her shoulder was her trusty eagle Heraclius who, as usual, gazed at Berengar with a watchful eye.

Heraclius was no fool, he knew that Berengar and Honoria were now in a relationship, and because of that, he was exceptionally cautious around the man; the eagle's job was to protect his master, and as such, he refused to allow a playboy like Berengar to break Honoria's heart.

Thus when Honoria approached Bernegar with a happy face, the eagle screeched at Berengar with hostility. Upon doing so, Berengar simply stared down the bird with a smile on his face. Ever since he had first bedded the princess, the eagle had become quite aggressive with him.

Nevertheless, Berengar did not think much of it and smiled amicably at the girl and her companion as she leaped into his arms and greeted him.

”Berengar! What are you doing here sitting on your throne by your lonesome?”

Upon hearing this, Bernegar sighed and handed the letter over to Honoria, allowing her to see the invitation in his hands after she read through the contents of the letter, a shocked expression formed on her lips.

The fact that a monarch of a powerful region like the Kalmar Union had invited him to stay in its capital and discuss matters of religion and trade was a big step forward; as such, she was delighted to see that Berengar was finally making friends.

”I'm impressed! First the Granadans, now the Scandinavians! You are beginning to make some allies!”

Upon hearing this, Berengar nodded his head and sighed before expressing the thoughts on his mind.

”So, do you want to sail with me up to Copenhagen?”

Upon hearing this, a broad smile formed across Honoria's lips as she grabbed ahold of Berengar and hugged him once more.

”Of course!”

After Berengar had missed their trip last year, Honoria fell into a deep depression; even though they finally became a couple, Berengar had taken Adela with him to his diplomatic visit to Granada shortly after, which had considerably gotten on her nerves.

Now that she could finally have some alone time with Berengar, she would not miss the opportunity; as such, she immediately released her hold over Berengar and scurried off while informing him of her intentions.