Previous Chapter: A Tremor Strikes the Empire 3
Capital Hilkiga, Kingdom of Riem, Third Civilization Area
Feldas, Chief of the Foreign Diplomatic Measures Department’s Maritime Nations Division, was preoccupied with his thoughts. They have just been ordered by the King to expel Mu diplomats and freeze the assets of Japanese businesses and citizens. They were to implement these measures soon but the expulsion of Japanese citizens in the kingdom was postponed for later. In the letter issued by the King, they were told to absolutely convey the thought that they bear no hostile will against Japan.
However, from whatever angle anyone approaches this, it is clear that what they’re doing conveys hostile intentions. Still, they were ordered to say otherwise. The Japanese ambassador was scheduled to come and likely discuss this matter.
“Hm. Whatever. We won’t be attacking their country in any form whatsoever.”
Feldas, who has been in deep shit before, was brimming in confidence.
Knock knock (TL Note: Who’s there?)
Someone was knocking on the door.
“Chief Feldas, the Japanese ambassador has come to see you.”
“So they have…”
Bracing himself, he headed for the reception room.
・・・
Japanese ambassador Shirokawa waited in the reception room. From the moment he entered the room, he felt tense and tingly. Since Japan is considered a major power, it would be division chief Feldas and his subordinates who will be taking point for the side of the Kingdom of Riem. Their talks started with the topic of economic measures towards Japan.
“Regarding the freezing of Japanese assets, what do you intend to convey with such action? The Government of Japan expresses its regret and dissatisfaction with your country’s behavior. We would like you to promptly lift these measures.”
Fielding a terrifyingly menacing look, Shirokawa requested the rollback of Riem’s measures from Feldas. His large build added to his sense of intimidation, enough to convey his vigor.
“This is for the Kingdom to decide. It is too late to overturn.”
Feldas asserts.
Japanese businesses have moved to all sorts of countries and the Kingdom of Riem was no exception. With many businesses having found their footing in the kingdom, they were boosting both the Kingdom’s and Japan’s economy. If their assets were to be frozen, the economic damage would amount to several tens of billions of yen, making life for the individual Japanese citizen in Riem far more unbearable.
“That is undoubtedly regrettable. When you do get to the point that you freeze our assets, Japan will be forced to take retaliatory measures, such as an export ban and the freezing of your assets. I am requesting that you immediately lift these measures.”
“There is… no other way.”
“Then, for all intents and purposes, we will consider that your country is taking a hostile stance against Japan. Are you certain about this?”
Dropping his tone, Shirokawa glared at Feldas. Feldas returned the glare by looking down on Shirokawa.
“How scandalous. We are not taking hostile measures against you. It is simply our opposing economic opinions. It doesn’t mean that we have taken up arms against you.”
“Then I will ask. Your country has given the port of Xenia to the Gra Valkas Empire and has also severed diplomatic relations with Mu. If other countries were to see this, how many of them do you think would think that your country bears no hostile intention? Every single one of them would come to the conclusion that you are taking a hostile stance.”
“The only country we have severed ties with is Mu. We are still open to Japan.”
“That is simply sophistry. Mu and Japan are allies and we are currently at war with the Gra Valkas Empire. You have given your ports to a country we consider an enemy and have expelled Mu, the owner of an airfield located in your country. No matter how you put it, this is preparation for an attack by the Gra Valkas Empire on us.”
“We cannot say for sure. You may judge our actions to be hostile, but our country doesn’t intend to rise in arms against you.”
“In that case, you will not permit the entry of warships and warplanes into your territory, right?”
“If they’re stating that their war machines will enter our country for the purpose of an attack, we will naturally decline. However, if they are simply visiting out of goodwill, then we will also naturally accept.”
“So you’re basically still letting their military forces in??? Even if you change the way you call it, it’s still the same. The Government of Japan will deem these actions as hostile.”
“It won’t be an attacking military force. In the end, as long as it is a goodwill visit, we will accept them. Let me repeat once again, we bear no hostile intention.”
Feldas broke into an unpleasant grin. He then started to speak in a manner that felt retentive.
“We will declare to the world that our country bears no hostile will against Japan. I believe that your country is not barbaric enough to launch a preemptive strike on our port simply because there are enemy ships in it. Since it is important that we say it clearly, I will repeat once more: Our country bears no hostile will against Japan. We will absolutely never forgive you in the event that our country suffers any damage. In the unlikely event that the forces of the Gra Valkas Empire that are visiting our country attack your country out of their own will, that is their fault and not ours. We absolutely do not condone any attack against our own.”
“What sophistry… Let me tell you that it is permitted by law in Japan to launch an attack on military forces that have displayed an intent to attack us.”
“Wouldn’t that only apply to the country of interest which is trying to attack you? I don’t think you have any laws permitting you to attack a country which bears no hostile intention, no?”
“You have given us enough information on the attitude your country has taken. I will contact you regarding the opinion of Japan at a later date. There is nothing more to say.”
Ending the meeting short, Shirokawa leaves the room.
Left in the room is the Riem faction. One of the younger staff worriedly asks Feldas.
“Are you sure about this, chief? If our port gets attacked, we will suffer horrendously! At this point in time, Riem’s might is incomparable to that of Japan’s!”
“Hmph. Those guys are bound by their laws. Despite their power, they’re incredibly stupid. They will never attack first. By the time the Gra Valkas Empire goes all out on them, their power to resist will be wiped away clean. We don’t know how many ships the empire has, but what we do know is that they possess so much more than what Japan has. Their impressive production capabilities are second to none. While their ship speeds are largely the same, the empire’s firepower wins. The results of a naval battle between them are as clear as day… In the end, the kingdom is secure.”
He continues.
“Even without Japan, our country will benefit from developments that the Gra Valkas Empire will introduce to us. With early stage technology transfer, we will be incorporated into the Gra Valkas Empire, and by the time they subjugate the entirety of Philades, everyone else will become slaves to our impressive industrial might. Even those bastards from Japan will be forced to bow down to us! We will be swimming in the success of our development! Hahahaha!!!”
Negotiations between the Kingdom of Riem and Japan broke down. The Japanese government worried over their actions.
At a later date, the Gra Valkas Empire donated a large quantity of vessels to Riem. Under the name of the Kingdom of Riem, vessels went back and forth between the countries, enabling the redevelopment of port facilities and their airfield.
・・・
Ministry of Defense, Japan
Suzume, who works for the Ministry of Defense, was going through his usual routine of watching over the pictures taken by their reconnaissance satellites. He was amazed by the speed of the recent buildup of destroyers by the Gra Valkas Empire as well as the conversion of their tankers into light aircraft carriers. However, the location of their production facilities have already been pinpointed and the ports where the ships have been gathered identified.
It was his usual job to monitor the massive fleet moored in Leifor as well as the Gra Valkas Imperial Navy bases. As if he were expecting nothing new, he nonchalantly looked over the images.
“Hm?”
The things that he always expected to see weren’t reflected in the images. He tried reloading them again but the images nevertheless showed nothing.
“Does this mean…?! They’ve already moved!!!”
He immediately hurried to report this development to his superiors which reached the Prime Minister on that same day.
・・・
Prime Minister’s residence, Tokyo, Japan
An emergency meeting between the ministers was held to determine the road Japan will take. Officials from the Ministry of Defense were giving an explanation of the summary.
“We have confirmed that early yesterday, the aircraft carrier task forces of the Gra Valkas Empire have departed from every single port within the empire. Furthermore, the majority of the fleet deployed at Leifor has also disappeared. We’ve already confirmed beforehand that they were ready to do so and it appears that they have finally done it.”
“Where are they heading?”
“They appear to be heading east, but we have not yet pinpointed their specific location.”
“How many are they?”
“Their number is considerably large. It also appears that the entirety of the fleet deployed to the west has also moved, and if every ship that has disappeared were to take part in the attack, we are looking at 98 aircraft carriers including light aircraft carriers, 23 battleships, 74 cruisers, 828 destroyers, and an unknown number of supply ships. If we also include the bombers and fighters offered to the Kingdom of Riem for use, we are looking at a 1620 strong air force. It is a considerably large force.”
Silence.
Under the pretext of provisions, the Gra Valkas Empire has built up an airbase in the Kingdom of Riem that can accommodate fighters and bombers. They are nominally under the military of the Kingdom of Riem, but they are practically at the disposal of the Gra Valkas Empire.
“Wait! The number that you have mentioned just now far exceeds the expected number of enemy ships from the previous report! What happened?!”
The Prime Minister shuddered in fear at the actual force deployed which far exceeded their expectations.
“It seems that they have forcibly converted tankers into aircraft carriers in a short amount of time, similar to what the United States had done in the Second World War. We are assuming that, just like before, their defensive capabilities are low and are slow to move. Furthermore, they have mass-produced a massive amount of destroyers, inflating their numbers at an unbelievable pace. A considerable amount of time has also passed since the world conference, so it is believable that they have increased their numbers in that window of time.”
Having entered into a wartime regime, the Gra Valkas Empire has pumped out massive amounts of converted aircraft carriers along with destroyers. The overall firepower encompassed by these new additions far exceeds their initial assumptions.
“Are they really going to attack?!”
“The Ministry of Defense is assuming that they will.”
“Tsk! Will… will we be able to fend off such a massive fleet?”
A massive force for violence which could only be described as staggering. While they enjoy an advantage in having more advanced weaponry, the number of Japan’s proud escort ships pale exceedingly in comparison to that of their enemy.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that we exist simply for this purpose. We will undoubtedly force them back.”
“I admire your spirit, but what about the problem at hand?”
Improvements to the anti-ship missile launchers of the escort ships are still not ready. With the tremendous disparity in numbers, it cannot be straightforwardly said that they’d be able to carry out their task without anxiety.
The white-bearded, sharp-eyed Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications suddenly stood up. After catching everyone’s attention, he began to speak.
“We will certainly defend Japan! I am not exaggerating when I say that this is our first true military crisis since the transfer! An invasion of the mainland… In the great war of 70 years ago, Okinawa fell. What everyone witnessed was nothing short of hell. However, in the 70 years since then, we have the technology that we have fostered and cultivated. We must absolutely never let a single Japanese citizen die at the hands of the enemy! In this time of national crisis, it is imperative that we unite!”
The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications turns to the Prime Minister.
“Prime Minister, at this point deep into the crisis, you won’t restrict the use of weapons, no?”
…
“Of course I won’t!”
The Prime Minister’s loud voice trembled across the room. The normally benign Prime Minister set his foot down and put strength into his words. With the room now quiet, the Prime Minister began to speak with strength.
“There will be no restriction on the use of weapons! I hereby order all facets of the Self Defense Force to defend Japan with every inch of firepower at their disposal! I am also directing every single related ministry and agency to aid the Self Defense Force and utilize every single asset in Japan to drive our enemy away!”
“Of course!!!”
The Government of Japan moved in its entirety to stand against their looming enemy.
・・・
Capital Hilkiga, Kingdom of Riem
Inside the royal study, King Banks satisfactorily perused through the documents on his table.
“Hahaha! It’s not that I know that the kingdom is secure or I know what will happen to Japan… All I know is that to make an enemy out of the Gra Valkas Empire is nothing short of pitiful.”
From within the tranquill study, the faint sound of voices from the other side of the door could be heard.
“Out of the way! It’s an emergency!”
“But His Highness isn’t scheduled to meet with Sir Kirtana today…”
“The future of the kingdom is at stake! Move!”
With a knock on the door, Kirtana, one of the lords of the capital entrusted with general affairs, enters the room. His face was blanketed in sweat.
“Your Highness! Please forgive my sudden intrusion! After some investigation after the reports, I came as soon as I could so as to not hamper the kingdom’s affairs!”
One could guess that something of the essence had occurred from Kirtana’s expression.
“What happened?”
“This morning, we have received 2 messages of interest. The first is from the Gra Valkas Empire. They said that in a month, 52 destroyers and 12 supply ships will arrive at the port that has been established beforehand…”
“Oh? Wasn’t that already decided in the talks? With the discussion over, it was now a matter of when they will come, no? If they make use of the port to its fullest, we might just be able to accommodate that much.”
“Yes. However, the empire stated that en route from the empire to the kingdom, the ships will be provided to us. Once they enter the port, they will be returned to the empire.”
“What do they mean by that?”
“In other words, en route to us, they will be flying our flag. Once they enter the kingdom, they will be raising their banner instead.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if they had the guarantee of safety? If they were harassed by the Holy Mirishial Empire, these destroyer types of ships would surely get beaten up easily. Still, they’re so few. I was expecting a lot more… Wait, does that mean Riem isn’t the only port they got their hands on?”
“I don’t know, but they may have given thought as to keeping their number few. Anyway, the real problem is with the other message.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a message from the Holy Mirishial Empire.”
Kirtana shows the message they got from the magical comms.
~~~
Document from HME to 3CIV, No. 12545
Holy Mirishial Empire Foreign Affairs Ministry, Department in Charge of the Third Civilization Area, Philades Continent Division
We are requesting your country to rectify the decision it made the other day to accept a fleet from the Gra Valkas Empire. We recognize that the distinction between preparation for military attack and that of a goodwill visit is nothing but sophistry. In the unlikely event that the Gra Valkas Empire fleet visiting your country for “goodwill” purposes does not return to its port of origin and attack another country, we will recognize your country as belligerent to the attack and an ally of the Gra Valkas Empire, prompting us, the Holy Mirishial Empire, to issue a declaration of war on your country.
~~~
“What!!! This…!!! No!!!”
King Banks’s understanding could not keep up. The Holy Mirishial Empire and by extension the Central World isn’t as much of a threat as the Gra Valkas Empire, but they were still a nation that held exceptional power. Before the Gra Valkas Empire appeared, they were none other than the world’s most powerful. Adding insult to injury, the Holy Mirishial Empire is merely a hop across the great ocean from Philades and represents a far closer threat to home.
“Your Highness! The Holy Mirishial Empire isn’t as naive as Japan! Something on the level of toppling a country from the Third Civilization Area will be easy for them! Once they identify us as an enemy, whether it be a merchant ship or a warship, they will surely be sunk one by one! The citizens of the kingdom that are in the Holy Mirishial Empire and by extension the Central World will be taken captive!”
King Banks found himself lost in thought. The influence the Holy Mirishial Empire possessed over countries was also nothing to snuff at.
“Your Highness! If the Holy Mirishial Empire will get serious in taking measures, things will go south! Can’t we reconsider the arrival of the Gra Valkas Empire fleet?”
“It’s… no use… Even if we rise up in arms, their airbase lies at the heart of our kingdom! If we resist, those bastards will simply crush this castle!”
“Then what if we take hold of their weaponry…”
“Do you really think we’ll win? We are going up against an enemy that is far better than those Parpaldians ever were in their heyday! Ugh… We have no choice but to press forward. Not even the fleet of the Holy Mirishial Empire could easily reach us with the Gra Valkas Empire stationed here. They’re also exhausted due to the recent great naval battle. They shouldn’t be able to touch us within the next few years!!!”
The King of Riem spent the following night unable to sleep.
・・・
In the waters east of the Central World
A large number of wakes trace along the ocean surface. If there was somehow an enemy lookout looking at the scene that unfolded, they’d probably be correct in saying that they couldn’t see the sea. A massive fleet, the largest in the history of the Navy of the Gra Valkas Empire, advanced across the oceans of the new world towards the east.
The seabirds that leisurely floated on the ocean surface were startled by the march and immediately took flight.
To the inhabitants of this New World, the fleet is the strongest in recent memory. To the Japanese, the massive fleet felt like it dwarfed the US Navy fleet that had participated in the Battle of Okinawa.
The Gra Valkas Empire’s Japan Invasion Fleet marched to lay waste to the mainland cities of Japan.
Previous Chapter: A Tremor Strikes the Empire 3
Capital Hilkiga, Kingdom of Riem, Third Civilization Area
Feldas, Chief of the Foreign Diplomatic Measures Department’s Maritime Nations Division, was preoccupied with his thoughts. They have just been ordered by the King to expel Mu diplomats and freeze the assets of Japanese businesses and citizens. They were to implement these measures soon but the expulsion of Japanese citizens in the kingdom was postponed for later. In the letter issued by the King, they were told to absolutely convey the thought that they bear no hostile will against Japan.
However, from whatever angle anyone approaches this, it is clear that what they’re doing conveys hostile intentions. Still, they were ordered to say otherwise. The Japanese ambassador was scheduled to come and likely discuss this matter.
“Hm. Whatever. We won’t be attacking their country in any form whatsoever.”
Feldas, who has been in deep shit before, was brimming in confidence.
Knock knock (TL Note: Who’s there?)
Someone was knocking on the door.
“Chief Feldas, the Japanese ambassador has come to see you.”
“So they have…”
Bracing himself, he headed for the reception room.
・・・
Japanese ambassador Shirokawa waited in the reception room. From the moment he entered the room, he felt tense and tingly. Since Japan is considered a major power, it would be division chief Feldas and his subordinates who will be taking point for the side of the Kingdom of Riem. Their talks started with the topic of economic measures towards Japan.
“Regarding the freezing of Japanese assets, what do you intend to convey with such action? The Government of Japan expresses its regret and dissatisfaction with your country’s behavior. We would like you to promptly lift these measures.”
Fielding a terrifyingly menacing look, Shirokawa requested the rollback of Riem’s measures from Feldas. His large build added to his sense of intimidation, enough to convey his vigor.
“This is for the Kingdom to decide. It is too late to overturn.”
Feldas asserts.
Japanese businesses have moved to all sorts of countries and the Kingdom of Riem was no exception. With many businesses having found their footing in the kingdom, they were boosting both the Kingdom’s and Japan’s economy. If their assets were to be frozen, the economic damage would amount to several tens of billions of yen, making life for the individual Japanese citizen in Riem far more unbearable.
“That is undoubtedly regrettable. When you do get to the point that you freeze our assets, Japan will be forced to take retaliatory measures, such as an export ban and the freezing of your assets. I am requesting that you immediately lift these measures.”
“There is… no other way.”
“Then, for all intents and purposes, we will consider that your country is taking a hostile stance against Japan. Are you certain about this?”
Dropping his tone, Shirokawa glared at Feldas. Feldas returned the glare by looking down on Shirokawa.
“How scandalous. We are not taking hostile measures against you. It is simply our opposing economic opinions. It doesn’t mean that we have taken up arms against you.”
“Then I will ask. Your country has given the port of Xenia to the Gra Valkas Empire and has also severed diplomatic relations with Mu. If other countries were to see this, how many of them do you think would think that your country bears no hostile intention? Every single one of them would come to the conclusion that you are taking a hostile stance.”
“The only country we have severed ties with is Mu. We are still open to Japan.”
“That is simply sophistry. Mu and Japan are allies and we are currently at war with the Gra Valkas Empire. You have given your ports to a country we consider an enemy and have expelled Mu, the owner of an airfield located in your country. No matter how you put it, this is preparation for an attack by the Gra Valkas Empire on us.”
“We cannot say for sure. You may judge our actions to be hostile, but our country doesn’t intend to rise in arms against you.”
“In that case, you will not permit the entry of warships and warplanes into your territory, right?”
“If they’re stating that their war machines will enter our country for the purpose of an attack, we will naturally decline. However, if they are simply visiting out of goodwill, then we will also naturally accept.”
“So you’re basically still letting their military forces in??? Even if you change the way you call it, it’s still the same. The Government of Japan will deem these actions as hostile.”
“It won’t be an attacking military force. In the end, as long as it is a goodwill visit, we will accept them. Let me repeat once again, we bear no hostile intention.”
Feldas broke into an unpleasant grin. He then started to speak in a manner that felt retentive.
“We will declare to the world that our country bears no hostile will against Japan. I believe that your country is not barbaric enough to launch a preemptive strike on our port simply because there are enemy ships in it. Since it is important that we say it clearly, I will repeat once more: Our country bears no hostile will against Japan. We will absolutely never forgive you in the event that our country suffers any damage. In the unlikely event that the forces of the Gra Valkas Empire that are visiting our country attack your country out of their own will, that is their fault and not ours. We absolutely do not condone any attack against our own.”
“What sophistry… Let me tell you that it is permitted by law in Japan to launch an attack on military forces that have displayed an intent to attack us.”
“Wouldn’t that only apply to the country of interest which is trying to attack you? I don’t think you have any laws permitting you to attack a country which bears no hostile intention, no?”
“You have given us enough information on the attitude your country has taken. I will contact you regarding the opinion of Japan at a later date. There is nothing more to say.”
Ending the meeting short, Shirokawa leaves the room.
Left in the room is the Riem faction. One of the younger staff worriedly asks Feldas.
“Are you sure about this, chief? If our port gets attacked, we will suffer horrendously! At this point in time, Riem’s might is incomparable to that of Japan’s!”
“Hmph. Those guys are bound by their laws. Despite their power, they’re incredibly stupid. They will never attack first. By the time the Gra Valkas Empire goes all out on them, their power to resist will be wiped away clean. We don’t know how many ships the empire has, but what we do know is that they possess so much more than what Japan has. Their impressive production capabilities are second to none. While their ship speeds are largely the same, the empire’s firepower wins. The results of a naval battle between them are as clear as day… In the end, the kingdom is secure.”
He continues.
“Even without Japan, our country will benefit from developments that the Gra Valkas Empire will introduce to us. With early stage technology transfer, we will be incorporated into the Gra Valkas Empire, and by the time they subjugate the entirety of Philades, everyone else will become slaves to our impressive industrial might. Even those bastards from Japan will be forced to bow down to us! We will be swimming in the success of our development! Hahahaha!!!”
Negotiations between the Kingdom of Riem and Japan broke down. The Japanese government worried over their actions.
At a later date, the Gra Valkas Empire donated a large quantity of vessels to Riem. Under the name of the Kingdom of Riem, vessels went back and forth between the countries, enabling the redevelopment of port facilities and their airfield.
・・・
Ministry of Defense, Japan
Suzume, who works for the Ministry of Defense, was going through his usual routine of watching over the pictures taken by their reconnaissance satellites. He was amazed by the speed of the recent buildup of destroyers by the Gra Valkas Empire as well as the conversion of their tankers into light aircraft carriers. However, the location of their production facilities have already been pinpointed and the ports where the ships have been gathered identified.
It was his usual job to monitor the massive fleet moored in Leifor as well as the Gra Valkas Imperial Navy bases. As if he were expecting nothing new, he nonchalantly looked over the images.
“Hm?”
The things that he always expected to see weren’t reflected in the images. He tried reloading them again but the images nevertheless showed nothing.
“Does this mean…?! They’ve already moved!!!”
He immediately hurried to report this development to his superiors which reached the Prime Minister on that same day.
・・・
Prime Minister’s residence, Tokyo, Japan
An emergency meeting between the ministers was held to determine the road Japan will take. Officials from the Ministry of Defense were giving an explanation of the summary.
“We have confirmed that early yesterday, the aircraft carrier task forces of the Gra Valkas Empire have departed from every single port within the empire. Furthermore, the majority of the fleet deployed at Leifor has also disappeared. We’ve already confirmed beforehand that they were ready to do so and it appears that they have finally done it.”
“Where are they heading?”
“They appear to be heading east, but we have not yet pinpointed their specific location.”
“How many are they?”
“Their number is considerably large. It also appears that the entirety of the fleet deployed to the west has also moved, and if every ship that has disappeared were to take part in the attack, we are looking at 98 aircraft carriers including light aircraft carriers, 23 battleships, 74 cruisers, 828 destroyers, and an unknown number of supply ships. If we also include the bombers and fighters offered to the Kingdom of Riem for use, we are looking at a 1620 strong air force. It is a considerably large force.”
Silence.
Under the pretext of provisions, the Gra Valkas Empire has built up an airbase in the Kingdom of Riem that can accommodate fighters and bombers. They are nominally under the military of the Kingdom of Riem, but they are practically at the disposal of the Gra Valkas Empire.
“Wait! The number that you have mentioned just now far exceeds the expected number of enemy ships from the previous report! What happened?!”
The Prime Minister shuddered in fear at the actual force deployed which far exceeded their expectations.
“It seems that they have forcibly converted tankers into aircraft carriers in a short amount of time, similar to what the United States had done in the Second World War. We are assuming that, just like before, their defensive capabilities are low and are slow to move. Furthermore, they have mass-produced a massive amount of destroyers, inflating their numbers at an unbelievable pace. A considerable amount of time has also passed since the world conference, so it is believable that they have increased their numbers in that window of time.”
Having entered into a wartime regime, the Gra Valkas Empire has pumped out massive amounts of converted aircraft carriers along with destroyers. The overall firepower encompassed by these new additions far exceeds their initial assumptions.
“Are they really going to attack?!”
“The Ministry of Defense is assuming that they will.”
“Tsk! Will… will we be able to fend off such a massive fleet?”
A massive force for violence which could only be described as staggering. While they enjoy an advantage in having more advanced weaponry, the number of Japan’s proud escort ships pale exceedingly in comparison to that of their enemy.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that we exist simply for this purpose. We will undoubtedly force them back.”
“I admire your spirit, but what about the problem at hand?”
Improvements to the anti-ship missile launchers of the escort ships are still not ready. With the tremendous disparity in numbers, it cannot be straightforwardly said that they’d be able to carry out their task without anxiety.
The white-bearded, sharp-eyed Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications suddenly stood up. After catching everyone’s attention, he began to speak.
“We will certainly defend Japan! I am not exaggerating when I say that this is our first true military crisis since the transfer! An invasion of the mainland… In the great war of 70 years ago, Okinawa fell. What everyone witnessed was nothing short of hell. However, in the 70 years since then, we have the technology that we have fostered and cultivated. We must absolutely never let a single Japanese citizen die at the hands of the enemy! In this time of national crisis, it is imperative that we unite!”
The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications turns to the Prime Minister.
“Prime Minister, at this point deep into the crisis, you won’t restrict the use of weapons, no?”
…
“Of course I won’t!”
The Prime Minister’s loud voice trembled across the room. The normally benign Prime Minister set his foot down and put strength into his words. With the room now quiet, the Prime Minister began to speak with strength.
“There will be no restriction on the use of weapons! I hereby order all facets of the Self Defense Force to defend Japan with every inch of firepower at their disposal! I am also directing every single related ministry and agency to aid the Self Defense Force and utilize every single asset in Japan to drive our enemy away!”
“Of course!!!”
The Government of Japan moved in its entirety to stand against their looming enemy.
・・・
Capital Hilkiga, Kingdom of Riem
Inside the royal study, King Banks satisfactorily perused through the documents on his table.
“Hahaha! It’s not that I know that the kingdom is secure or I know what will happen to Japan… All I know is that to make an enemy out of the Gra Valkas Empire is nothing short of pitiful.”
From within the tranquill study, the faint sound of voices from the other side of the door could be heard.
“Out of the way! It’s an emergency!”
“But His Highness isn’t scheduled to meet with Sir Kirtana today…”
“The future of the kingdom is at stake! Move!”
With a knock on the door, Kirtana, one of the lords of the capital entrusted with general affairs, enters the room. His face was blanketed in sweat.
“Your Highness! Please forgive my sudden intrusion! After some investigation after the reports, I came as soon as I could so as to not hamper the kingdom’s affairs!”
One could guess that something of the essence had occurred from Kirtana’s expression.
“What happened?”
“This morning, we have received 2 messages of interest. The first is from the Gra Valkas Empire. They said that in a month, 52 destroyers and 12 supply ships will arrive at the port that has been established beforehand…”
“Oh? Wasn’t that already decided in the talks? With the discussion over, it was now a matter of when they will come, no? If they make use of the port to its fullest, we might just be able to accommodate that much.”
“Yes. However, the empire stated that en route from the empire to the kingdom, the ships will be provided to us. Once they enter the port, they will be returned to the empire.”
“What do they mean by that?”
“In other words, en route to us, they will be flying our flag. Once they enter the kingdom, they will be raising their banner instead.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if they had the guarantee of safety? If they were harassed by the Holy Mirishial Empire, these destroyer types of ships would surely get beaten up easily. Still, they’re so few. I was expecting a lot more… Wait, does that mean Riem isn’t the only port they got their hands on?”
“I don’t know, but they may have given thought as to keeping their number few. Anyway, the real problem is with the other message.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a message from the Holy Mirishial Empire.”
Kirtana shows the message they got from the magical comms.
~~~
Document from HME to 3CIV, No. 12545
Holy Mirishial Empire Foreign Affairs Ministry, Department in Charge of the Third Civilization Area, Philades Continent Division
We are requesting your country to rectify the decision it made the other day to accept a fleet from the Gra Valkas Empire. We recognize that the distinction between preparation for military attack and that of a goodwill visit is nothing but sophistry. In the unlikely event that the Gra Valkas Empire fleet visiting your country for “goodwill” purposes does not return to its port of origin and attack another country, we will recognize your country as belligerent to the attack and an ally of the Gra Valkas Empire, prompting us, the Holy Mirishial Empire, to issue a declaration of war on your country.
~~~
“What!!! This…!!! No!!!”
King Banks’s understanding could not keep up. The Holy Mirishial Empire and by extension the Central World isn’t as much of a threat as the Gra Valkas Empire, but they were still a nation that held exceptional power. Before the Gra Valkas Empire appeared, they were none other than the world’s most powerful. Adding insult to injury, the Holy Mirishial Empire is merely a hop across the great ocean from Philades and represents a far closer threat to home.
“Your Highness! The Holy Mirishial Empire isn’t as naive as Japan! Something on the level of toppling a country from the Third Civilization Area will be easy for them! Once they identify us as an enemy, whether it be a merchant ship or a warship, they will surely be sunk one by one! The citizens of the kingdom that are in the Holy Mirishial Empire and by extension the Central World will be taken captive!”
King Banks found himself lost in thought. The influence the Holy Mirishial Empire possessed over countries was also nothing to snuff at.
“Your Highness! If the Holy Mirishial Empire will get serious in taking measures, things will go south! Can’t we reconsider the arrival of the Gra Valkas Empire fleet?”
“It’s… no use… Even if we rise up in arms, their airbase lies at the heart of our kingdom! If we resist, those bastards will simply crush this castle!”
“Then what if we take hold of their weaponry…”
“Do you really think we’ll win? We are going up against an enemy that is far better than those Parpaldians ever were in their heyday! Ugh… We have no choice but to press forward. Not even the fleet of the Holy Mirishial Empire could easily reach us with the Gra Valkas Empire stationed here. They’re also exhausted due to the recent great naval battle. They shouldn’t be able to touch us within the next few years!!!”
The King of Riem spent the following night unable to sleep.
・・・
In the waters east of the Central World
A large number of wakes trace along the ocean surface. If there was somehow an enemy lookout looking at the scene that unfolded, they’d probably be correct in saying that they couldn’t see the sea. A massive fleet, the largest in the history of the Navy of the Gra Valkas Empire, advanced across the oceans of the new world towards the east.
The seabirds that leisurely floated on the ocean surface were startled by the march and immediately took flight.
To the inhabitants of this New World, the fleet is the strongest in recent memory. To the Japanese, the massive fleet felt like it dwarfed the US Navy fleet that had participated in the Battle of Okinawa.
The Gra Valkas Empire’s Japan Invasion Fleet marched to lay waste to the mainland cities of Japan.
