Republic of Lyuden Aliases: The Merchant State / The Mercenary State / Armed Neutral State National Motto: "Gain Without Fighting" Overview A solitary maritime nation that belongs to neither faction, despite boasting overwhelming military and economic power during the World War era. Even with world-class military strength, it shows absolutely no interest in territorial expansion or hegemony. The foundational philosophy of the state is that "it is more profitable to trade with other countries than to rule them." It is located south of the Continental Alliance and the Maritime Coalition. Founding and Demographics Prior to its founding, this region had long been a hub for pirates, privateers, maritime merchants, mercenaries, arms dealers, artisans, and financiers. Eventually, they formed a community and established a nation based on the philosophy that "rather than fighting and trading for other countries, it is better to create our own country." Therefore, it has a unique origin where the government did not create the nation, but rather a community centered around mercenaries and merchants gave birth to the nation and government. Politics and Diplomacy The government is not the state itself, but rather an agent managing the interests of the national community. Commercial profit is prioritized over politics, and diplomacy feels more like "interstate business negotiations" than "interstate friendship." The concept of friendly or allied nations is weak, and they fundamentally view other countries as "trading partners." They practice a highly merchant-minded diplomacy, prioritizing mutual benefits and contractual terms over ideals in treaties and agreements. Economy and Resources Rich in iron ore, coal, forests, agricultural products, and marine resources, the nation possesses a high degree of self-sufficiency, handling everything from resource extraction to industrial manufacturing and shipping internally. It features large-scale industrial zones and massive ports, exporting weapons, ammunition, fuel, machinery, food, and pharmaceuticals worldwide. During wartime, the defense industry and shipping sector experience rapid growth, and the longer the war drags on, the more their profits multiply. Stance in the World War When the World War begins, they declare armed neutrality and sell military supplies to both the Coalition and the Alliance. On the surface, they maintain absolute fairness and stick to the stance of "taking neither side." In reality, however, because a prolonged war is more profitable, if one faction appears close to victory, they may adjust the state of the war behind the scenes by leaking information to the opposing side. Traces of information warfare are thoroughly concealed, and while suspicions exist, they never leave definitive proof. "The Indispensable Nation" As the war intensifies, nations become increasingly dependent on Lyuden-made weapons and military supplies. Consequently, no matter how much suspicion grows against Lyuden, they cannot cut off trade. Furthermore, because Lyuden possesses world-class military power, the chances of winning against them are slim. Additionally, an implicit deterrent exists: any nation that attacks Lyuden faces the threat of Lyuden entering into military cooperation with the opposing faction. As a result, nations have built a complex relationship of "untrustworthy, yet impossible to make an enemy." Territorial Policy They have no ambition for territorial expansion. The former mercenaries know the losses of war, and the merchants dislike the maintenance costs, administrative burdens, and extended supply lines of occupied territories, so they do not view acquiring territory itself as a benefit. They judge situations not by "can we win?" but by "is it worth it after we win?" and prioritize securing markets and trade routes worldwide over conquering other nations. Navy The absolute specialty of the Lyuden military. Because their ancestors were pirates, privateers, and maritime merchants, naval combat and navigation techniques have been passed down as national traditions. They excel exceptionally at route selection, understanding currents and weather, convoy escort, maritime reconnaissance, and tracking or evading enemy fleets, placing importance on "not going where the enemy has the advantage before the battle even begins." Beyond simple vessel performance, they possess one of the world's finest navies, distinguished by the ability to read the sea itself. Air Force Viewing aircraft as "new trade routes," they invested heavily in aviation technology ahead of other nations. Consequently, the Air Force is also at a world-class standard, possessing high capabilities across a wide range of fields including long-range reconnaissance, maritime patrol, air transport, air superiority combat, and bombing. They excel particularly in cooperation with the Navy, having built a unique tactical system that integrates maritime transit and air power. Army Relatively weak compared to the Navy and Air Force. The weaponry itself is of the highest global standard, actively introducing the latest tanks, artillery, firearms, and communication equipment. However, they lag behind other great powers in terms of soldier proficiency, officer corps, and experience in large-scale land offensives. This is because they do not prioritize territorial expansion or expeditionary warfare, focusing primarily on homeland defense. While strong in defensive operations, coastal defense, and fortress warfare, they are unsuited for a war that involves advancing while maintaining vast occupied territories. Military Philosophy Lyuden's military philosophy is to "overwhelm at sea, secure dominance in the air, and avoid overextending on land." They do not fondle war itself, and the mindset of "Don't be a hero. Come back alive" is deeply ingrained in the soldiers. Military power exists not for conquest, but to protect the nation's independence and trade routes. The Essence of the Nation Lyuden is neither a pacifist state nor a malicious hegemonic power. They simply place the highest priority on protecting their own profits and freedom. They avoid war, do business when war begins, and even manipulate the state of the war behind the scenes if necessary. However, only when their own country is invaded do they refuse all compromise and exercise overwhelming military force. "Merchants before a nation. Survivors before merchants." That is the state known as the Republic of Lyuden, built by former mercenaries and merchants.