• • •
The busy port of Sollan was alive with activity under the scorching sun. The clamour of goods being unloaded and the general hum of commerce were abruptly interrupted by a military merchant ship, its flag red, white, and blue, forcibly anchoring in the harbour.
As the ship came to a stop, a tense scene unfolded. Soldiers clad in woodland camouflage, armed with M16A4 rifles, swiftly surrounded the vessel. Advisors from their allies supported them, and their presence signalled a serious escalation. The ship's vintage appearance and the sudden military response only heightened the tension.
A loudspeaker cut through the noise with a commanding voice:
"You are now within Alervon Kingdom waters! Reveal yourselves and raise your arms at once!"
The crew of the Jylonian ship, wearing blue uniforms, complied, raising their arms in surrender. The ship's captain, visibly anxious, tried to assert his position:
"You are attacking a Jylonian ship! Any attempts to harm us will lead to a war unlike any before! Let my ship and its people return to international waters immediately!"
The female officer in charge, her face set in a stern expression, glanced at the Japanese military official. She noticed his smirk, nodded, and then looked to the Alervon officer. The nod from the Alervon officer signalled the green light for further action.
With no alternative and the captain’s resistance failing to sway the situation, the ramp of the ship was lowered. Alervon soldiers surged onto the merchant vessel, swiftly apprehending the crew. Personal weapons were seized, and the atmosphere was charged with the weight of the unfolding international incident.
Onlookers in the port watched with a mixture of shock and curiosity. The sight of a foreign military ship being detained in Alervon waters was unprecedented and sent ripples of confusion and concern throughout the bustling harbour.
* • • •
Alervon Kingdom, Sollan Bay.
December 1, 1773.
| 9:34 AM | 09:34:00 Hours |
The massive cruise liner from the Jylon Republic had just anchored within the bustling port of Sollan Bay. It had been a week since the Aetesians’ failed invasion of Alervon and tensions remained high. Caroline Yarrow and her delegation knew they only had days before the situation could spiral further into conflict. Her goal was clear: prevent a full-blown war and make the changes necessary for peace.
As Caroline descended the ramp to the dock, she took in the scene around her. The dockyard was a mixture of contrasting visuals—primitive yet charming vintage buildings stood alongside newer European-style structures, reminiscent of the Mousterian kingdom. The juxtaposition piqued her curiosity, and she pondered how a nation as beautiful as Alervon could be perceived as a threat by the Aetesians. It was a mystery she would need to unravel.
Waiting at the dock was a large, black vehicle draped with the Alervon flag. Beside it stood the Alervon delegates, including Prime Minister Malinna Rockwell, ready to greet the Jylonian delegation. Remington, on the other hand, seemed unimpressed by the scenery. He muttered, “Primitive. Do these people even know what a skyscraper is? ”
Caroline ignored his comment, keeping her composure as she reached the end of the ramp. Her eyes fell on the warships in the distance, alongside the smaller merchant ships and the Japanese coast guard vessel she had seen earlier. There was much more to Alervon than she had expected, and it deepened her curiosity about the role Japan and the United States played in all of this.
The atmosphere between the two delegations was one of cautious optimism. The Jylon and Alervon representatives exchanged smiles and firm handshakes, a visible sign that neither party wished for hostilities. Caroline extended her hand to Prime Minister Malinna Rockwell, addressing the past tensions between their nations.
“Don’t mind the incident at the conference. We hope hostilities between both parties can be forgiven. I want to make clear that the Jylon Republic seeks peace.”
Rockwell met her handshake with a genuine smile. “We share the same hope, Miss Yarrow. Alervon holds no ill will and welcomes any efforts toward a peaceful resolution.”
As the two women exchanged pleasantries, Caroline couldn’t help but comment on the bustling development of the capital city. “I see the Japanese and this United States have done quite a lot in your capital. The development is impressive.”
Rockwell nodded. “Yes, Japanese private contractors have been funding many projects here. Just in the last month, so much has changed, and it’s been only a week since the Aetesians launched their invasion.”
Caroline acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “I’m well aware. It’s precisely why I’m here—to ensure that Alervon and the Aetesian Empire can put an end to this conflict before more is destroyed. My colleagues in the Aetesian Empire are prepared to negotiate, and we hope to achieve a ceasefire.”
Rockwell’s grip tightened in a show of solidarity, his eyes meeting hers. “I couldn’t agree more, Miss Yarrow. We must stop this war before it escalates.”
Just then, Caroline’s attention was drawn to the sleek black Chevrolet SUV waiting for them. The vehicle seemed far too advanced to be an Alervon creation, and she suspected it might have been imported from Japan or America. With the escorts ready to guide them back to the Jade Palace for further talks, Caroline felt a mix of hope and determination. This mission could be the turning point in ensuring peace between these two nations.
As Caroline settled into the sleek black Chevrolet SUV, she immediately felt the cool air washing over her, a welcome relief from the sweltering heat outside. Even Remington, usually quick to criticise, found himself unable to complain. Prime Minister Rockwell noticed their appreciation and smiled.
"This vehicle is from the United States," Rockwell explained. "It has air conditioning, one of the many examples of what we've imported."
Caroline was impressed. The car was even more advanced than the vehicles she was used to seeing from the State of Bastan. Its size and comfort made it perfect for diplomatic use. If this was just one example of what America and Japan could offer, her curiosity about these nations only grew stronger.
Meanwhile, Remington sat silently beside her, his pride slightly bruised. He knew better than to make a scene at such a critical juncture for peace. Yet, beneath his calm exterior, his mind churned. Jylon's civilian market, heavily reliant on defence spending, was at risk of being overtaken by foreign investments. The very idea made his blood boil—Jylon's industries, overwhelmed by outsiders? He silently vowed to ensure that his country remained strong, both in foreign and domestic matters.
As they drove through the capital of Sollan, the SUV provided them with a perfect view of the city. Caroline and Remington could see some of its most important landmarks. Towering above the city was the grand statue of the Fallen Woman, a symbol of Alervon's resilience and honour. In the distance, majestic castles stood, belonging to the noble families of Alervon. Their grandeur contrasted with the more modern and rapidly developing sections of the city, where imported vehicles from America and Japan filled the streets.
Among these foreign models, there were still older, homegrown Alervon cars—smaller and less refined, but a reminder of the nation’s capabilities. Factories puffed out thick black smoke, evidence that while Alervon was still in an industrial phase, it was beginning to modernise quickly. The contrast between the old and new was striking, highlighting how Alervon stood at the crossroads of tradition and progress.
Caroline took it all in with a sense of wonder. Despite the looming threats, she couldn’t help but marvel at the country's potential. This place, with its rich history and emerging modernity, was worth saving from the ravages of war. Remington, on the other hand, quietly observed, making mental notes of the technological gaps. It was clear that Alervon wasn’t as advanced as some of its rivals, but it had potential, especially with the backing of nations like Japan and the United States.
As they neared the Jade Palace, both Caroline and Remington felt the weight of their mission growing heavier. For Caroline, this was a chance to prevent unnecessary destruction and secure peace. For Remington, it was an opportunity to ensure Jylon's supremacy. Both had different visions, but they were united in their desire to see this diplomatic endeavour succeed—at least for now.
Both parties gathered for a small but meaningful discussion about the recent developments in the region. Despite the rising tensions, they tactfully avoided delving into the conflict itself, instead focusing on the positive aspects of their nations' progress. Ambassador Sheridan, brimming with excitement, caught Caroline’s attention, offering her some hope amidst the ongoing political and military upheaval.
“Japan and the Americans have been steadily building their presence over the past week,” Sheridan began, her enthusiasm palpable. “Our economy has been growing steadily, and the U.S. has even suggested we start using their currency, allowing both Alervon and the U.S. to share the same prices. But with that, our farmers are struggling to meet supply demands, though we've been investing heavily in purchasing equipment and goods to modernise our agricultural sector.”
Prime Minister Rockwell nodded in agreement. "Parliament is currently pushing forward a new legislative bill to improve foreign relations with both America and Japan. While private contractors have been eager to invest, Ambassador Johnson advised we hold off on approving any deals until the bill is passed."
However, Rockwell's tone shifted slightly as she added, "Given the recent military action taken by the Artesian Empire, we're unsure of how these negotiations will unfold. The United States has notified us that their Congress is prepared to authorise their Marines stationed in Okinawa to be combat-ready should the situation escalate."
Caroline felt a sense of admiration for how Alervon was handling its newfound alliances and economic growth. Japan and the United States had breathed new life into Alervon’s economy, promising prospects. Still, the shadow of Artesian aggression loomed over these achievements. Caroline understood that America and Japan’s involvement was almost inevitable now, and hearing that U.S. Marines in Okinawa were being prepared for combat only reinforced her belief that things could take a dangerous turn if peace wasn’t secured soon.
Caroline turned her gaze to Remington. His face was stiff and strained, frustration growing. She could tell he was barely keeping his composure, likely wanting to alert his allies in the Aetesian Empire about the potential for a U.S.-backed military response. His desire for conflict was palpable, but Caroline knew that such a course would be disastrous for all parties involved.
As the conversation continued, Caroline remained composed, but her thoughts raced. The fragile peace between these powers was teetering on the edge of war, and she had to ensure that this diplomatic mission would prevent further escalation. Remington, on the other hand, was calculating the odds of a future confrontation. To him, this might be an opportunity for Jylon to secure its influence and bolster its standing in the region.
As the convoy halted due to incoming traffic, Remington's eyes caught sight of a group of beast-men soldiers marching in the opposite direction. The soldiers bore a striking resemblance to those from the Hindoe Kingdom, their unique physical traits distinguishing them from the locals. What truly startled him, however, was their equipment—battle rifles and camouflage that didn’t resemble anything produced by Jylon. He could even hear their voices harmonising in a song as they marched toward the docks.
"Ah, I remember yesterday's skirmish—soaked in blood—my comrade was sweetly smiling. As he lay dying, he shouted his joyous final cry—Tenno Heika Banzai!”
Remington was horrified by the sight of the marching battalion, their fervour unmistakable. These soldiers weren’t just on parade—they were prepared for war. Caroline and Rockwell continued their conversation, unaware at first of Remington’s growing anxiety. When Rockwell finally noticed the marching soldiers, Caroline turned to follow Remington's gaze, her expression puzzled.
“I thought Alervon didn’t have a significant minority of hybrids,” Caroline said with slight disdain, present at the last word, while raising an eyebrow at the sight.
Rockwell glanced over and replied, “We don’t. Those are soldiers from the Hindoe Kingdom’s 21st Oni Division—Infantry Regiment. The Japanese have been providing military training to their troops and equipping them with their older weapons. That rifle you see there is the Type 64 Battle Rifle. The Hindoe Kingdom’s empress is in the capital right now, conducting mutual talks with our majesty.”
Remington's mind raced. “This is bad..." He muttered under his breath, realising the potential implications. The Aetesians were already on edge, and now a foreign regiment equipped with advanced Japanese weapons was marching through Alervon. The Type-64 was decades ahead of anything Jylon had, and yet his own country remained stuck with outdated equipment because Congress stubbornly refused to adopt more modern firearms. The sight of these troops reinforced his frustration over the Jylonian military’s inadequacies. The Navy, consuming the bulk of the defence budget, had left the Army with insufficient resources.
Leaning in toward Caroline, Remington whispered urgently in her ear, "They're planning a fucking offensive against the Aetesians! We need to act before it's too late."
Caroline, however, wasn’t as easily rattled. “Chances are those Hindoean soldiers are simply equipped with advanced weapons. I don’t see the issue,” she replied, trying to calm his nerves.
Remington, unable to contain his frustration, whispered again, “They’re singing like they're ready for war! Sooner or later, this is going to blow up in our faces—”
Before he could finish, Ambassador Sheridan chimed in, steering the conversation back to the diplomatic discussions, and the convoy resumed its journey, the last of the Hindoean battalion disappearing down the street. Caroline ignored Remington's warnings, leaving him seething with frustration. He knew he was overthinking, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to spiral out of control, and there was little he could do to stop it.
“Aisha Dynasty... I was informed by a mutual contact that your countrymen have been planning a military buildup in the region,” said Prime Minister Rockwell, his tone pointed. “This expansion has me curious.”
“Well, I’m not a military official and I’ve never served in the army,” Caroline replied diplomatically. “But under President Ron Riverine's administration, we’ve been positioning ourselves to have more influence over the Fourth Civilization. The Holy Empire and its allies have been making moves to expand beyond their borders, and we, the Jylon Republic, are ensuring that our allies are protected—by any means necessary.”
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“Interesting choice of words,” Rockwell said, exchanging a glance with Ambassador Sheridan. “During the border conflicts with the Garavia Kingdom, we recovered a significant number of Jylon-made weapons. This painted a different picture—one in which you were possibly supplying arms to countries hostile to us.”
Caroline stiffened at the accusation but kept her composure. “We are not allies with the Garavia Kingdom. Just three years ago, we signed peace terms after their failed invasion of the Florian State. They’ve indeed copied some of our weapon designs, but the events you’re referring to occurred when their army lacked proper force until the Navy intervened.”
Rockwell and Sheridan exchanged sceptical looks, clearly not entirely convinced. The weight of the casualties from those times still hung in the air. But, for now, they seemed willing to move on. Caroline felt a small wave of relief wash over her. The discussion had avoided escalating, and the opportunity to strengthen relations between the Republic of Jylon and the Alervon Kingdom remained intact.
As the SUV pulled up to the Jade Palace, Caroline's gaze was drawn to its magnificent exterior. The palace, home to Alervon’s parliament, was adorned with statues of powerful women who had ruled in centuries past. The marble figures were a testament to the kingdom’s storied history of female leadership.
To her right, a palace guard in gleaming golden armour opened the door. Remington stepped out first, followed by Caroline. The guards snapped to attention and saluted as Prime Minister Rockwell and Ambassador Sheridan exited the vehicle. The grand sight of the palace, combined with the honour guard’s display, made it clear that they were now stepping into the heart of Alervon's power.
We entered the Jade Palace’s main hall, a grand room where a throne had been converted into a small conference space. The vast chamber was adorned with intricate artwork depicting the history and culture of Alervon, and the walls were draped with flags of various nations—some of which Caroline and Remington recognised immediately. Nobles and aristocrats mingled around displays of weaponry, both from foreign countries they had captured and from their homegrown developments. Prime Minister Rockwell continued speaking as they walked.
“The Japanese Coast Guard has been seizing a number of your merchant ships in recent weeks. While the Alervon Kingdom has made it clear that we aren’t technically at war with the Aetesian Kingdom, Japan has been taking an increasingly aggressive stance. After the attempted attack by your allies’ fleet on one of their warships, the Japanese responded with more force. Both of your parties are now expecting reparations.”
Caroline stood, slightly puzzled, realising that Japan had been far more aggressive in recent skirmishes than she initially thought. She had assumed that Alervon would have played a more significant role in the escalating tensions, but the evidence before her told a different story. As she scanned the display cases in the room, her eyes fell on weapons she recognised all too well. The S3M018 Cliffhanger, S1M507, S4M60 Cano, and the S3M71 Devotion—all Jylonian-made firearms.
Prime Minister Rockwell paused, clearly intrigued by the familiar weapons. A maid, wearing gloves, delicately retrieved one from the display and handed it to him for a closer inspection. It was the S4M99 Silverstone, a semi-automatic rifle, distinct from others due to its en bloc clip holding eight 30-06 rounds, compared to other rifles with rotary magazines.
Rockwell turned the weapon over in her hands before glancing at Caroline. “Your country claims to have no intention of aggression,” she said slowly, “...but you seem to be sending quite a few advanced firearms to nations hungry for war.” Her tone was steady but laced with quiet accusation.
Caroline felt a surge of unease. The display of her nation’s weapons, used by countries embroiled in conflict, cast a shadow on Jylon's stance, making their position harder to defend.
Remington responded to the accusations firmly, clarifying Jylon's stance. “This is merely a weapons trade deal. Both the Aetesians and Jylon have an agreement worth over a million Jylonian dollars for the shipment of advanced firearms. The assumption that we are solely fuelling their military expansion is baseless. Our actions are driven by proper investment, not aggression.”
Rockwell, however, was unmoved. “True, but when hundreds of millions die because of military trade, what people see is the devastation caused by weapons marked with your homeland’s companies. Over the last ten years, during the Garavia border conflicts and the early skirmishes with the Aetesians, we’ve encountered your firearms more often than those of any other nation. Perhaps it’s time to consider trading something other than weapons.”
Remington bristled at the bluntness of Rockwell’s reply, almost wanting to snap back. But before he could, Caroline intervened, offering a more composed defence.
“Our country has been seeking influence since the fall of the Imperium. That's why the Holy Empire isn’t here, nor present in the Fourth, Second, or even First Civilisations—just remnants. We have been providing weapons to nations ready to resist imperialistic forces. If your kingdom finds our weapons used against it, that’s not because of us. It’s the responsibility of the countries we supply. When Remington delivers weapons, he sees a happy king, but too often that king is later replaced by a tyrant who misuses them. What more can we do in such circumstances?”
Caroline’s words carried the weight of both understanding and resignation as she tried to bridge the gap between the practical realities of international trade and the unpredictable consequences of arming unstable nations. Yet Sheridan comes close, giving her thought of mind.
“It’s going to keep happening,” Rockwell reiterated, her voice cold and authoritative. “That’s why we’ve been seizing your ships. The Japanese government has authorised both their navy and ours to intercept any of your merchant vessels—whether they’re carrying weapons or civilian goods. The goal is simple: to prevent you from sending more arms. And as of now, we have direct communication with Japan’s Department of Defence, providing clear guidance on how to proceed if the situation escalates.”
The bluntness of his words was impossible to ignore. Caroline and Remington exchanged a glance, understanding the severity of the moment, as Remington’s mind flashed back to the earlier events at the dockyard. The act of seizing supply ships destined for the Aetesian Empire would undoubtedly be seen as an act of war. It wouldn’t take long before the Aetesian Parliament demanded a formal statement, and the possibility of halting their vast oil reserves to the Republic of Jylon loomed dangerously. Caroline, too, knew the gravity of the situation.
Trying to diffuse the tension, Caroline spoke up. “Any direct action from us didn’t provoke the Artesian Empire’s aggression. What Remington did at the conference was more of a personal show of support for our country, not an official stance indicating we back a warmongering nation. My colleagues in Artesia are working hard to calm things down. We’ve also heard reports suggesting the Japanese fleet may have been responsible for sinking some Aetesian ships, but Prince Gourmet is attempting to shift the narrative onto your shoulders... It’s not uncommon for nations from the New World to react to conflict with force—it’s how the State of Bastan was first introduced to Lizette.”
“My administration doesn't like what I'm approaching and could ruin any future opportunities within the congress or even the political desk, but I'm making sure that we have a chance to see this Japan or this United States of America and allowing the Jylon Republic and these two superpowers to have a stepping stone of a potential alliance.”
Rockwell and Ambassador Sheridan exchanged glances, appreciating Caroline’s measured response. Her careful diplomacy offered them insight into potential future outcomes for the Alervon Kingdom. Despite Japan's increasingly aggressive stance, Caroline’s efforts to maintain stability within Alervon had not gone unnoticed, and for the most part, those efforts had been successful.
Even so, Caroline sensed larger forces at play, including the United States' quiet manoeuvring. Unknown to her, the U.S. was pushing for a more assertive stance in the region, hoping to pressure the Aetesians not to invade Alervon. The pieces of a larger geopolitical game were in motion, and Caroline could only grasp part of it as she navigated these tense discussions.
“However, the Japanese have reported that they are gathering intelligence indicating a potential buildup of another invasion force aimed directly at the capital,” Caroline continued, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. “Queen Savannah is preparing for the worst, and we hope that you can intervene to halt whatever invasion plans are in motion. Sir Ambassador Tenjo, the representative of Japan, notified us just a day ago. He intercepted a radio communication from Artesian high command regarding Prince Gourmet’s ambitions on an island previously thought to be Japanese territory, only to discover it belonged to a nation referred to as the ‘Russian Federation.’ Japan is eager for clarity on this issue, using this small attack as a justification to draw closer to the situation.”
The tension in the room thickened as Sheridan's words hung in the air. She could feel the weight of the moment, aware that the outcome of these discussions could alter the course of events in the region.
“Intercepting encrypted messages is impossible,” he thought to himself, perplexed. How could the Japanese manage such a feat? He pondered the implications, a swirl of concern and curiosity churning in his mind. It seemed likely that Bastan had a hand in this, perhaps leveraging advanced technology that gave them an edge.
Sheridan considered the broader geopolitical landscape: Jylon was losing its grip in the region, and the appearance of weakness from their ambassador could undermine confidence in their alliances. If the Jylon Republic appeared divided or vulnerable, it could invite further aggression from those watching closely. The stakes were high, and the pressure to navigate these waters delicately weighed heavily on him.
“We must act decisively,” he finally said, breaking the silence. “If we don’t present a united front, we risk emboldening our adversaries.”
“Fucking ridiculous!” Remington felt a surge of frustration as he listened to the conversation unfold. “A showcase of weakness is all it takes for the countries in the region to doubt our capability,” he said, his voice steady but laced with urgency. “If the president oversees this entire ordeal, it won’t take long for him to take the bait and align with whatever course Caroline suggests.
“All our efforts could be for nothing. The Aetesians possess vast resources and rich raw materials, which make them incredibly appealing. Our companies and settlements have invested heavily in the Aetesians, allowing tourists and locals to flourish there. If we back down now, all of that could be wasted because we awarded it to a country backed by two major powers.
“The outcome could be disastrous. Our people won’t stand for it; it won’t be long before gas prices soar and the cost of coffee shipments skyrockets. This scenario could very well be the worst outcome we could face.”
He leaned forward, trying to gauge the reactions around the room. “We need a solid plan—a show of strength—to counter this narrative before it spirals out of control. We must not allow fear to dictate our actions.”
Caroline remained resolute, her expression firm as she countered Remington’s suggestions. “We shouldn’t respond with excessive force. Such a show of strength could provoke the Japanese into aggression. The stories of their ruthlessness during past wars are enough to warn us against taking the bait.”
Remington's frustration flared. “So you’re willing to abandon everything we've built in the Aetesian region just because two countries are making demands? How would you explain to Congress about leaving Cyax Island to the Holy Empire? That would be the biggest disaster you could implement.”
Caroline shot back, “Making a scene is the real problem here. If you continue down this path, you’ll end up looking like a fool, too prideful to see that Jylon must maintain its influence, even after one bloody conflict. The Jylonian-Holy War was a naval victory, yes, but it also left us with a small footprint of Holy Empire forces on that island because our commanders failed to understand them and escalated the situation. What I’m doing is working towards a diplomatic solution, one that encourages Japan to envision a future without conflict and prevents the Aetesians from becoming a bombed-out wasteland.”
Remington had to admit, some of what she said made sense. If Jylon ceased its trade of weapons and goods, the Aetesians would halt their transactions, leading to soaring consumer prices back home. The lack of crude oil and raw materials would hinder their rebuilding efforts, jeopardising the factories and equipment developed over the past decade. Yet, Caroline’s approach felt too cautious.
He recognised the potential benefits of maintaining a better relationship with Japan and America, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was a risky gamble. “But what if this reasonable approach leads us to a position of weakness? The future of Jylon depends on ensuring we remain a formidable presence in the region.”
“Rebuilding the country is a better solution; sure, the Aetesians will want us to not trade with them but it's the only way to prevent the largest invasion from occurring.”
Caroline stayed silent as Rockwell continued his inspection of the weapons. Meanwhile, Remington’s thoughts raced, the potential outcome clear in his mind, making him uneasy. He could only swallow his frustration as he followed the diplomats further into the palace.
They eventually halted before Ambassador Tenjo and a woman they didn’t expect—Hindoe royalty, accompanied by Empress Kagami herself. The sight of the Empress, clad in an elegant pink jūnihitoe, left both Caroline and Remington stunned. Her presence, along with her two beastman advisors, confirmed suspicions as to why so many beastmen in Alervon spoke about. The Empress’s calm yet calculating demeanour was unnerving, making it clear that she wasn’t attending merely as an observer.
It was impossible to gauge what Kagami and her advisors were planning, but their knowing smiles hinted at something larger in motion. Caroline had an unsettling feeling—like a storm brewing just beyond her reach. Even if she could guess at their intentions, it was unlikely anyone would care to listen. The Empress was already one step ahead, and Caroline could only hope that whatever she had in mind wouldn’t tip the balance further into chaos.
As they approached, Caroline and Remington saw Ambassador Tenjo and Empress Kagami deep in conversation, their words too muffled and foreign to fully comprehend. But as they drew nearer, Kagami turned, acknowledging their presence with a graceful bow.
“The Japanese and Hindoe Kingdom share so much similarity,” Kagami began, her voice calm but commanding. “After this likely war with the Aetesians, we hope our countries can cooperate for the future of both humans and beastmen.”
Ambassador Tenjo bowed as well, following suit with the traditions that blurred the lines between foreigner and equal. Kagami’s wolf-like features, emblematic of her beastman heritage, would’ve been a curiosity back home, where such beings might be referred to as “furries,” but here, her regal bearing demanded respect rather than novelty.
Kagami stepped forward, her piercing eyes focused on Caroline and Remington. She gave another small bow before speaking.
“Ambassador Caroline Yarrow, Director Remington, it is good to see you both. I’m surprised you made your way here during such turbulent times when both of our nations stand at the brink of war.”
Caroline responded, her voice steady, though the tension in the room was palpable. “That’s exactly why we’re here, Empress. To ensure the worst doesn’t come to pass. And I must admit, I’m surprised to see you leave the Hindoe Kingdom.”
Kagami’s expression softened just slightly, a hint of weariness touching her features. “Well, my father and our country have been in rebellion against the Aetesians ever since the abuses they’ve inflicted on us. No offence, but seeing you two here... doesn’t ease our concerns. Too much blood has already been spilt.”
The tension in the room thickened as Remington’s face hardened, his expression clearly showing offence at Empress Kagami's pointed words. Yet Caroline, ever the diplomat, maintained her composure. She had seen the rising tide of anti-Jylonian sentiment in the region and understood the complexities at play. Despite the Hindoe Kingdom not directly engaging in conflict with Jylon, their close ties with the Aetesians, compounded by Jylon’s ongoing weapons exports, had naturally sown distrust.
Explaining Jylon's position yet again to Empress Kagami felt exhausting. The recent military escalations only made matters worse, with the Japanese military seizing Jylonian merchant ships, and cutting off key arms shipments intended for the Aetesians. It was a clear signal that Japan intended to choke off Aetesian military expansion; Caroline knew the delicate nature of the situation. One wrong move, one poorly chosen word, could tip the fragile balance and set the region ablaze.
Ambassador Tenjo’s words struck nerves. “Many of the weapons we’ve seized, though outdated, will be repurposed. Due to shortages of our own Type-64 Battle Rifle, we’ll be sending these seized arms directly to the Hindoe Kingdom,” he stated matter-of-factly.
Remington’s face flushed with anger, horrified by the idea. His composure shattered, and he quickly lashed out. “That’s outrageous!” he blurted, his voice carrying a sharp edge. The thought of Jylonian weapons, even old ones, being redistributed to a nation like Hindoe—a kingdom already embittered toward Jylon—was an insult too great for him to bear.
Caroline could feel the tension spike, her eyes darting between Remington, Ambassador Tenjo, and Empress Kagami. She knew this was a dangerous moment, one that could escalate quickly if she didn’t intervene. Yet, for all of Remington’s fury, Tenjo’s calmness only deepened the divide between them.
Caroline took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully as she responded to Ambassador Tenjo’s subtle yet undeniable threat. “I understand your position, Sir Tenjo. But continuing this unauthorized regional trade, bypassing the agreements made by our leaders in the Jylon Republic, could be seen as an act of war,” she stated firmly, her eyes locked onto his.
Tenjo’s reply was chilling in its directness. “The war has already begun, Mrs. Caroline. Poor communication from the Aetesians has left us no choice after their attempted attack on our missile cruiser. We haven’t targeted civilian areas, but the Aetesians are losing their warships and military equipment, constantly violating Alervon’s waters. If our forces march on Bejiang, we will continue toward the Aetesian capital unless the Jylon Republic steps in to negotiate peace on their behalf. And, from what I’ve heard, the Russian Federation is planning something significant in response to the Aetesians’ failed invasion of Sakhalin Island.”
Both Remington and Caroline instinctively took a step back, unsettled by the clear threat that hung between Tenjo’s words. Despite his appearance, which reminded them of a typical businessman from the Aisha Dynasty, there was an unmistakable aura of a seasoned warrior—one that hinted at the Samurai heritage of the Japanese. Caroline, caught off guard by the intensity of the situation, momentarily faltered. The weight of this encounter left her wondering if they had underestimated their adversary.
For all the sophisticated diplomacy that surrounded them, Caroline could now see the grim reality: Japan was prepared for war, and if Jylon couldn’t intervene to secure peace, the region would face an even more devastating conflict. Remington himself didn't have anything to muster a conversation but Caroline was mustering something that could please Ambassador Tenjo.
“My associate, Alexander Rustler, the Aetesian Empire’s ambassador, has scheduled talks to address the recent incidents. The Jylon Republic sees the arms supply as a mistake—one made solely out of interest in securing Aetesian oil and crude resources. However, we are considering alternative options that could benefit all parties involved, including Japan and the United States, ensuring a fair agreement and, perhaps, compensation to resolve this entire issue.”
Tenjo’s expression showed some irritation at Caroline’s explanation, though he appreciated their willingness to resolve things diplomatically. “I appreciate that effort, Ambassador. In my thirty-one years as a delegate, I’ve rarely seen a nation as aggressive as the Aetesians. I imagined they might behave like the old Chinese Empire, but if we can bring them to the negotiating table, perhaps we can avoid conflict. However, should that fail, Japan’s navy is prepared to dismantle their fleet and shipping capabilities completely.”
Caroline felt a surge of relief but only for a moment. Before she could respond, Tenjo delivered his ultimatum. “Forty-eight hours, Ambassador. That’s how long you have. I will request the Prime Minister to instruct the vice admiral overseeing our 2nd Fleet in Aetesian and Alervon waters to halt any offensive actions temporarily. This will allow both Aetesian and Japanese representatives to meet without escalation. However, if we don’t see a change by then, we’ll proceed with the largest offensive possible. If Jylon does not intend to join, I suggest that all Jylonian forces withdraw from Artesia within twenty-four hours after that.”
Remington’s shock was immediate. “Twenty-four hours? That’s not enough time to evacuate our stationed armour and aircraft assets in the region! And we don’t have the nearby bases needed to manage a quick exit on that scale.”
“Not our problem,” Tenjo cut in firmly. “Forty-eight hours for Rustler to secure a meeting. If things do not go as planned, inform your president of the situation and leave Aetesia within twenty-four hours.”
The severity of this request left Caroline and Remington stunned, realising the Japanese weren’t merely posturing. Caroline felt a fierce resolve to see this through. They had to, or the consequences would drag Jylon into a war they weren’t prepared to win. Tenjo’s final words echoed their resolve.
“We don’t advocate war, Ambassador. But after winning one, we often find another on our doorstep. Japan has challenges to manage, and adding to this situation is no small strain. To be clear, during Operation Minerva, the enemy forces at Beijing lost over a million men. Imagine what could happen if we engaged the Aetesians with our full strength.”
In a blink, Caroline felt the full weight of what her decision could mean for the future of the Jylon Republic. Though it might cost them influence over the Aetesian continent and spark a wave of public backlash, she understood that diplomacy with Japan might offer crucial insight into a power equal to, if not greater than, the State of Bastan or other dominant nations from the First Civilization. Even if her stance could be seen as weakness, jeopardising her congressional career or her desk in Jylon’s foreign ministry, she knew the stakes of an outright confrontation were too high.
“I’ll inform my president,” Caroline replied, her voice steady. “May our countries find themselves in a better position.”
Tenjo nodded with a small smile, while Empress Kagami’s conflicted expression suggested a mix of emotions. As Tenjo walked away, leaving to attend to other matters, Kagami paused, turning to face Caroline. They regarded each other briefly, and Caroline could see Kagami’s fox-like features more clearly—the soft tails and sharp ears marking her as Hybriain.
With a low voice, Kagami murmured, “Even if Japan stands with you in this, it won’t erase what you and the Aetesians have done to the Hindoe Kingdom. May we reclaim our lost lands and remind our ancestors that our warrior spirit lives on—to defeat the cowards you call soldiers.”
Caroline held back a response, remaining silent. Remington, sensing the tension, refrained from responding as well, his silence supportive. She then turned to the Alervon delegates. “Minister Rockwell, I’ll be returning to my quarters. I appreciate the hospitality.”
Rockwell smiled, nodding as Caroline departed, her guards falling in step beside her.
And with that, they proceeded toward the Royal Throne, determined to ensure that everything went according to plan—whatever the cost to their careers or Jylon’s future.