Book 9: Chapter 2
The Ulbeth Alliance was a nation consisting of four city-states that had fought over the hegemony of the coast of the West prior to unification. The quartet constantly waffled between allies and enemies, and battle raged. However, as trade and communication extended beyond the Far West, leaders worried about growing foreign pressure.
“Won’t other nations overtake us if we keep fighting like this?”
“Still, it’ll be tough to join forces now.”
“No…it might be easier than we think.”
Around the same time, solidarity among the cities’ people was curiously on the rise. Foreign culture was strange and incomprehensible, but the citizens of all four city-states shared regional commonalities. Because of this, they sympathized more with familiar rivals than unknown outsiders. Of course, some believed their shared history of bloodshed meant cooperation was out of the question. A neighboring conqueror was better than a foreign one, though.
As public sentiment and politics mixed, the four cities came together to form a kind of allied nation rarely seen on the continent.
“A coalition of city-states is quite ambitious.” Ninym skimmed over documents inside a carriage headed for the Ulbeth Alliance. “Holy Elite Agata is their international spokesman, but the government is run by city representatives who share equal authority… It’s like having several kings in one country, yet they make it work.” She glanced at the man in front of her. “Wouldn’t you agree, Wein?”
Her master was presently staring out the window.
“Yeah. A parliamentary system isn’t uncommon, but not many city-states push the limits of an alliance and agree to equal representation.” Judging by his tone, Wein was impressed with Ulbeth. “Trailblazing means fewer examples to work from, so it’s a real challenge. Neighboring countries aren’t a great reference when your own method breaks the mold. Most are monarchies, so Natra stole a page right out of the handbook.”