***
The British ambassador met with Prince Jason shortly after the formation of the Montugan navy. Although some dust had settled since the day the three French frigates had arrived in Monte Vista, it was clear that Lord Graveny regarded the incident as something of a sore point.
‘You will be aware, your highness, that Britain offered Montuga a helping hand which was declined on the grounds that Britain’s involvement in Montuga would make things worse not better. Imagine my surprise then when I noticed three French warships entering Montuga followed not too long afterwards by about seven royal navy warships.’
‘I can well imagine, your excellency.’ Jason tried to come across as sympathetic apologetic. Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Montuga had been cordial over the past few years despite the unwelcome competition the Monte Vista Trade Centre provided to British maritime interests. Jason harboured no desire to change this. After all, it seemed that France was likely to remain a common enemy to both countries for the foreseeable future.
‘His majesty’s government objects to what it perceives as the blatant exploitation of the fearsome reputation of the royal navy by Montuga in order to sow the seeds of confusion amongst its enemies.’
‘Without making any admissions in that regard, your Excellency, Montuga apologises for any embarrassment or offence it may have caused to Britain. Fortunately Montuga now has its own navy and such an incident will not reoccur.’ This seemed to placate Lord Graveny.
‘Furthermore,’ Jason added, ‘I refuse to believe for one minute that his majesty’s government is not delighted about the fact that our little ruse prevented the kingdom of Montuga, and more importantly, the Monte Vista Trade Centre from falling into the hands of Britain’s arch-rivals. So maybe we can do with a little less of the mock outrage.’
Lord Graveny grinned at Jason guiltily.
‘Off the record only of course your highness,’ he whispered, ‘his majesty’s government was most delighted that France’s attempt to invade your country failed.’