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As of April 25, 2022, this chapter has been revised

Cent. Calendar 4th Day of the 5th Month of the Year 1639, Tokyo, Japan, 10:30

Hot on the heels of a monumental, history-changing revelation, the National Diet of Japan has proceeded to do what it did best in times of crisis: do nothing and fight. As the tension in the chamber continued to escalate, the Qua-Toyne delegation could only watch in silence as, despite the language barrier, the shouts of Japan’s top lawmakers began to unnerve them.

“Shut up, all of you!”

Catching the attention of everyone in the room was one Masakage, an outspoken conservative of the Liberal Democratic Party, the ruling party of Japan.

“In what seems to be an unprecedented crisis befalling Japan in this age, why do we resist in accepting an opportunity for us to be united? A looming threat over the horizon is precisely the best chance for Japan to show the people that we are united in our response!”

Masakage ended his remark to the tune of other conservatives cheering for him and repeating his remarks. The prospect of Japan uniting together, facing the unknown, was attractive and gained traction within even the moderates and the opposition, especially since most of them have already been afflicted by the crisis brought due to sudden transfer. However, the staunchest of the opposition did not give in, proceeding to instead go against Masakage’s call for unity, which they assumed was riddled with hidden intent.

“I disapprove of you using the good intentions behind a call for unity in furthering your outdated thirst for war!”

Standing up and speaking in an equally outspoken voice was Yukino Tadao, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, the second biggest political party behind the Liberal Democratic Party and the primary opposition party. Having caught the attention of everyone, Yukino continued.

“Pushing for such a drastic response this early in the new world–Asherah–would leave a bad impression on its natives! We must carry out this response with diplomacy and with as much care as possible! Japan, in this current state, cannot sustain a military response!”

With some reasoning, the idea of a diplomatic solution in lieu of an armed one was convincing. Having been severed so abruptly from Earth, Japan was now in a downward spiral economically, and a sustained military conflict in this state was nothing but suicide. If Japan can avoid such an exhaustive economic drain, wouldn’t that be beneficial for all, possibly including the aggressors? They may also be a potential trade partner.

Masakage, along with several more, weren’t convinced, however.

“A diplomatic solution? When the princess herself stated that they were going to burn their lands? Are you seriously saying that we just stand by and do nothing while our vital trade partner gets beaten into submission?”

While the statement is indeed loaded, the tension-filled room did little for the others to notice, putting pressure on Yukino to respond. Fortunately, he hasn’t given in to the pressure, putting up a composed reply to Masakage’s verbal push.

“We do not know yet if the Princess’s statement is indeed true. I think it would be best for us to not simply charge in like bulls but to assess the situation with diplomacy. If there is no other choice, if we certainly do indeed have to, for the sake of our people, then we proceed with your response.”

Yukino’s calm and well-thought reply resonated with everyone.

Why do they have to resort to a military solution? Wasn’t it the way of modern civilization to conduct business in civil manners? Why do they have to forego their progressive stance and return to barbaric warmongering just because they’re in a new world without any of their old adversaries? The other side, finding Yukino’s outlook to be convincing, largely disengaged. However...

“Cowards! The opportunity is already here for us to secure our future! Why do we have to sit around and do nothing?!”

One of the far-right Diet members spoke up, releasing his pent-up anger at the moderateness of their solution.

“If we remove this menace at once, we won’t have to worry about them later! The United States, China, and other countries are no longer here to watch over and criticize our every action! We can simply get rid of them, and no one will bat an eye!”

Before Yukino could respond, opposition members burst into their own heated cries.

“Have you never considered the constitutionality of such actions, you dumbass?!”

“Their countries may no longer be here, but their people still are! Don’t you see them rioting in the streets?!”

As the exchange devolved from a productive conversation between leaders of the parties to a bantering between their more radical members, the solutions that have been proposed earlier were lost to name-calling, personal attacks, and other deviations from the topic.

“Unlike you, I’m thinking of Japan’s future!”

“What future is there when people like you are in charge, you son of a bitch!”

With the shots being fired getting more personal by the second, certain members of the parties began to get physical, facing one another in intense staring contests. Before long, they were unleashing their fists. The fistfight began to involve more and more lawmakers from both sides, turning into a brawl right in the smack dab of cameras broadcasting live to the entire country. Despite the clamoring of others to stop the fight, the brawl continued to escalate, forcing some to call for security teams to stop them. As uniformed personnel flooded into the chamber, the Qua-Toyne delegation was pulled out.

“Your excellencies and your highness, we’re being requested to evacuate!”

Kado informed the rest of the Qua-Toyne delegation, who soon heeded his and the Japanese security personnel’s calls. As the Qua-Toynians left in orderly fashion, Llanfair took one last look at the chaotic scene that still played out in the chamber. It was a reinforcement of what she assumed before about Japan being led by the people, and she couldn’t help but smile at the disunity of the ‘emissaries’. If anything, she got a glimpse into how she could manipulate their mindset to further her country’s interests.

Two doctors arrived to tend to the injury of the wounded ministers and officials once additional security forces had arrived to contain the brawl.

“Hmph.. It’s as if they can’t cool their heads or something.”

“Good grief… No wonder they wanted us to attend this meeting.”

While throwing underhanded remarks underneath their breaths, they started to tend the wounded once the security contained the brawl. Those who suffered serious injuries are taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Cent. Calendar 7th Day of the 5th Month of the Year 1639, Prime Minister’s Residence, Tokyo, Japan, 14:00

After Princess Llanfair and the rest of the Qua-Toynian delegation had left following the end of the first Asheran state visit to Japan, the government had once more returned to its duties of preventing Japan from imploding under the weight of its rapidly deteriorating economy and social order. While they are yet to see the fruits of trade with Qua-Toyne, Quila, Fenn, and Gahara, they’ve received their wake-up call; that it was indeed a no-brainer that the new world was filled with those with hostile intent. Barely a month after they first appeared in Asherah, they’ve come across another existential crisis, this time in the form of a warmongering kingdom called Louria.

While Princess Llanfair’s audacious statement and revelation in the National Diet some days ago raised mixed feelings, it was definitely hard to confirm or deny her claims regarding Louria. If these Lourians are indeed hellbent on conquering the Rodenius continent, then Japan’s newfound trade, a now important lifeline that keeps it afloat, is in danger of being severed. While there was also sufficient room to assume that the Lourians might be a good host after the conquest, those hopes are about as unfounded as Llanfair’s statement. Pressured by the Diet and the people to come up with a solution to this newfound problem, Prime Minister Takamori Hideaki and his cabinet have convened to determine what to do with Louria and how Japan will handle future threats in Asherah.

As Takamori entered the meeting room, he was greeted by his ministers and their aides standing up to bow. Before they could, Takamori interrupted them.

“No need. Let’s get on with this shitshow.”

Taking a seat as his ministers sit back down, he looks at Agano Kenzo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“Before we move on to the elephant in the room, perhaps a crash course on what we’ve gathered about Asherah, Minister Agano?”

Hearing the prompt, Agano orders his aide to distribute to everyone the document that they have prepared. After everyone had been given a copy, he proceeded to verbally report.

“We have compiled a profile of Asherah’s political entities outside of our immediate sphere of influence. In other words, these are the nations beyond Qua-Toyne, Quila, Fenn, and Gahara.”

As everyone perused through the papers, Agano took two rolled maps. He then spread it out on the meeting table for all to see. One was a glossy, printed map of the immediate area around Japan, created based on data collected from aerial surveys, radars, sea expeditions, and so on that had been conducted over the past few weeks. The other was a hand-drawn map that looked like it was from the late 19th century, complete with names written in an obscure language, elaborate drawings of sea monsters and mermen, drawings of flags and national banners, and such. It also contained a superimposed to-scale map of Japan plastered on its approximate geographical position relative to the other landmasses. Everyone looked at the map with visible shock and disbelief.

“Those continents are massive!”

“Why are the oceans so wide? And there’s nothing but ocean off to the east too!”

Hearing the remark, Okada Masako, Minister of Defense, spoke up to corroborate the map’s depiction of a massive ocean to the east.

“Aerial reconnaissance sent to the east has shown that there is indeed nothing but ocean. We are currently arranging for a maritime expedition with ships to try and find any continents in that direction, but so far, even airborne radars tell us that there’s nothing there within reasonable reach.”

The other ministers, not knowing whether to feel relief that their eastern front is safe or to feel worried that something unexpected may lie further east, elected to set it aside for the moment. What earned their concern now was the presence of a term called “great powers” on the document handed out by Agano. Reading further into the document, they realized that one of the powers, named the Parpaldian Empire, was located just a few hundred kilometers west of Japan. Looking back at the map, it didn’t take long for them to spot its gigantic continental reach.

“This... Parpaldian Empire... Since it’s an empire and whatnot... It’s sufficient to say that it didn’t get that big with just diplomacy, right?”

Maeda Kuri, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, asked out aloud, with pristine drops of sweat visibly forming on his forehead. Agano answered him with a gloomy aura hanging over his face.

“Unfortunately... That would be the case.”

The meeting room tensed up. With attention now focused on him, Agano continued.

“According to everyone we’ve spoken to, the Parpaldian Empire is a hegemonic state. Possessing technological superiority, unparalleled centralized control and political will, and a massive land army, they’ve bullied their way to dominance in the region, often making threats to weaker countries, securing unfavorable trade deals, and outright conquering and enslaving them if they refused.”

The ministers all took deep sighs.

The presence of a hostile, hegemonic empire so close to Japan meant that contact with them, whether directly or through their trade partners, was more or less inevitable. Worse was the high possibility that first contact may not even be from their merchants or diplomats. If the Parpaldians do not bat an eye to sending a fleet of warships whose commanders will not hesitate to pull the trigger, then Japan’s diplomatic and trade missions are in danger.

“Do we at least have some idea of who they are?”

Maeda once again asked. This time, Okada responded.

“The reconnaissance planes that we sent out during the day of the transfer were able to fly into...”

Okada slipped a glance at the map, having forgotten the names of the landmasses.

“...the Philades continent, especially the Parpaldian part. While our intrusion was minimal, unlike Qua-Toyne, the aircraft’s presence didn’t seem to trigger any response on their part. Preliminary signals intelligence focusing on Parpaldia have also come up empty-handed.”

Prime Minister Takamori, piecing it together, says his conclusion out loud.

“So they don’t have radio signals of any sort?”

“It appears so.”

Before the ministers could take a breath of relief, Okada raised her hand.

“However, the same recon plane that I mentioned a while ago managed to take some photos of some of Parpaldia’s infrastructure. While I don’t have them with me right now, the Ministry of Defense has confirmed the presence of paved roads, rail infrastructure, industrial complexes, and such, which are reminiscent of a developed country from the mid-to-late 19th century.”

While the military threat from a great power on the level of a 19th-century colonial power seemed relatively low, the prospect of them possessing relatively advanced guns and a huge territory meant that a shooting war would be costly, if not downright exhaustive.

“If only they weren’t so militaristic, then maybe we could get along with them. Their developed industrial complexes are exactly what we need the most.”

Kagawa Tatsunosuke, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, muttered.

“We can consider that, seeing as the volume of trade won’t be enough in the near future. Still, we need to think of a way that won’t provoke those bastards into a shooting war...”

Takamori replied, to which the rest of the ministers showed their agreement through bobbling nods.

Kubo Ryuzo, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, seeing that something was off, raised his hand and asked Agano.

“What’s up with the Parpaldians possessing 19th-century technology when our neighbors, also their neighbors, are only on the level of Renaissance Europe and, in the case of Fenn, Edo-era Japan? Why the discrepancy?”

Agano, itching to continue his presentation, answered immediately.

“Unlike on Earth, the primary power distribution in Asherah lies within three distinct zones which they all refer to as the “civilized areas”.”

Returning to the hand-drawn map, Agano pointed out these civilized areas. Maneuvering his finger around Philades, he called it the ‘Third Civilized Area.’ Moving towards the center of the map, where an equally massive continent was found, he called it the ‘First Civilized Area’ or the ‘Central World.’ Towards the westernmost end was another massive continent which Agano labeled as the ‘Second Civilized Area.’

“These civilized areas are where the powers of Asherah are concentrated, and the areas themselves, if not yet clear from their naming, are rated in ascending order. That means that the Third Civilized Area, containing the Parpaldian Empire, is the least powerful of the three.”

As the ministers are deep in thought on the matter, Prime Minister Takamori asked a question that was more or less what everyone else also had in mind.

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“Who else are the so-called great powers?”

“According to what we were told, there are four other great powers located in the two other areas. The powers in the Second Civilized Area are called Mu and Leifor while those in the First Civilized Area are called the Holy Mirishial Empire and Eimor.”

Looking at the map to find the names of the mentioned countries, the ministers once more sweated buckets. While Eimor commanded a small territory, the other three had continent-spanning nations comparable in scale to either the People’s Republic of China or that of the continental United States. While the resource distribution and the overall population numbers still eluded them, the scale of the territories that these great powers possess was indeed worthy of the title. Before the other ministers could follow up questions, Agano quickly moved to resume his presentation.

“Before any of you ask, I will move on to this very important part. When we asked our counterparts in the other countries regarding the technology of the powers, all of the great powers possessed ‘sea-going iron fortresses,’ which more or less fit the description of iron-hulled warships. In the case of Mu and the Holy Mirishial Empire, they both seemed to possess super dreadnoughts on the level of the interwar period. This however, may not be an accurate assessment, as we considered the information we have on hand, which is certainly plausible to be dubious.”

The room was divided on two axes depending on how they felt about what Agano said. One was concerned about the presence of a hierarchical system and the logical supposition that the other great powers were also as hegemonic as Parpaldia. The other felt eager to explore the world, knowing that developed, industrial nations, which are the kind of trade partners Japan desperately needs, exist. Having massive industrial powerhouses in the world meant that there was now a viable market for Japan to sell their more important manufactured goods. Prime Minister Takamori, however, remained straight-faced.

“So it isn’t much of a stretch to assume that they have aircraft, or possibly even... nukes.”

Upon hearing the word of nukes, the other ministers turned their heads towards Takamori with faces that said, “Fuck! Right!!!” Agano, with a composed expression, answered.

“According to what our counterparts said, they do seem to have planes, especially on the level of piston engines and early jets. However, they don’t seem to possess WMDs.”

Before the other ministers could breathe sighs of relief, Okada immediately spoke up.

“That doesn’t mean we should relax our vigilance. Interwar period technology means that they could be on the cusp of figuring out how the atom works. Furthermore...”

Okada then looks to Prime Minister Takamori.

“Prime Minister, according to intelligence from the Americans, which we got through our intelligence-sharing agreements, they can corroborate the accounts of the Qua-Toynians, the Fennese, and the other countries of Mu’s technological level. Through their facility in Okinawa, they managed to detect radio and other forms of signals coming from the Second Civilized Area. However...”

Okada readjusted her glasses and coughed before continuing.

“They were also able to detect stronger, more refined signals further to the west of Mu. While the origins of these signals are still relatively unclear, some of the signals, according to the Americans, correspond to early examples of early warning radar meant for detecting bombers traveling at high altitudes.”

Sanda Tomoya, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, raised his hand and asked.

“Early warning radar meant for detecting high altitude bombers? That doesn’t sound interwar to me. Hell, while it’s possible for a WW2-era nation, it’s a stretch, isn’t it? Could that mean that there could be another nation out there that’s more advanced? Past the point of interwar level?”

Before Okada could answer, Takamori cut them off with a wave of his hand.

“Let’s not dive deeper into that matter without sufficient, conclusive information at hand. Minister Okada, can I trust that your ministry will find out more about this matter?”

Okada nodded her head in a silent, resolute response to Takamori. Intent on steering back to the topic they started, Takamori wanted to conclude this part of Agano’s presentation.

“According to this part here, the top powers, Mu and the Holy Mirishial Empire, have been at odds with one another and were noted to have even engaged in wars against each other in the past. That knowledge would prove useful in diplomatic maneuvering between them.”

Agano nodded his head with a mix of certainty and doubt on his face.

The prime minister stared at the document Agano handed earlier with a questioning, disbelieving look. Not knowing if it was a typo, he adjusted his reading glasses and even brought the document closer to his face. Despite this, the content of the document did not change. In order to settle his confusion, he looked straight at Agano and asked.

“Does it really say here that since Japan isn’t geographically located in any of the civilized zones, we are considered non-civilized or just a peripheral country?”

The notion that Japan was considered non-civilized sparked disbelief and skepticism among the other ministers. Not exactly understanding what it meant, they waited for Agano to answer the Prime Minister’s question.

“It is indeed as it says. When we asked all of our counterparts if we could make contact with the powers, they downright denied that we would ever get the chance. According to them, the power system in Asherah meant that the countries which are outside the civilized areas are looked down upon by those within. Also, answering the question a while ago, it can be seen in this divide between the civilized and the peripherals the disparity in progress. Those within the civilized regions, being more powerful, could wield their influence on trade and diplomacy with impunity, to the point where they could bully or set aside the peripheral nations. While we may be able to break this global stigma in the future, it is, unfortunately, the status quo.”

The mood in the room got gloomy. Since Japan wasn’t in any of the civilized regions, to the other nations in Asherah, it meant that Japan was in a position of diplomatic weakness. Unlike on Earth, where nations engaged with one another in ideally equal terms, Asherah’s geopolitics was more or less the strong against the weak. Being outside of the civilized regions was essentially a handicap, especially in Japan’s case. What’s worse was that the reigning power of the Third Civilized Area, where Japan was close to, was a hostile, expansionist hegemon. Not only is Japan ‘weak’ in their eyes due to its geographical location outside the civilized areas, but it was also a possible target for Parpaldia’s expansionist ambitions. If Japan were to survive in such a hostile, dog-eat-dog world, it needed to prove to the others that it was a capable beast–one that anyone shouldn’t cross. Takamori was the first to arrive at such a conclusion. Slamming the table with his fists, he started speaking as soon as the other ministers were caught back by his action.

“If we want to remain afloat at least, we must engage in trade, first among our neighbors and then soon with the great powers, who we should convince to be friends with us.”

He took a glass of water to soothe his dry throat, he continued to speak after putting down the glass, and the water was well past his vocal cords.

“To convince them, we would need to show them our capabilities–our technological prowess! We are not lowly barbarians that resort to gunboat diplomacy, but if the other side does not hold back in their provocations, then we will have to show them that we too pack a punch!”

As some of the ministers cheered and showed faces of reluctance, Agano leaned forward with a cautionary look.

“But prime minister, we still have to formalize and work out the details regarding that foreign policy...”

Dismissing Agano with a mere “alright” and the wave of his hand, Takamori then maneuvered the meeting back to discuss the elephant in the room.

“Now... About Louria...”

The other ministers quickly fixed their posture after hearing the name of the country that has recently been tossed around in newspapers, Diet sessions, and social media after Princess Llanfair’s televised revelation in the Diet. Takamori thought in silence, trying to remember details that were once mentioned, but after failing to come up with anything significant, he opened his tight fists and laid them flat on the table.

“Do we know anything about them? Anything that can corroborate or disprove the Princess’s statements?”

Agano sighed, seeing that most of the ministers looked to him for answers. Leaning in forward, he began to speak.

“Aside from them, Fenn and Quila are the only ones to offer statements regarding them, which are quite similar to what our counterparts in Qua-Toyne are saying: Louria is also a hegemonic expansionist, having absorbed numerous kingdoms and duchies all around it. According to them, they also have been purported to practice...”

Pausing to cough, Agano continued as the other ministers stared at him, anticipating what may be crucial information in the following words.

“...genocide.”

The mention of genocide sparked discussions among the ministers. Could it really be true, given that more than three countries are saying the same thing? If so, is it really beneficial for Japan to start a diplomatic relationship with such a country? What would the public and the embassies of other countries in Japan say if they got friendly with a country known to commit crimes against humanity? Setting aside these questions for the moment, Takamori asked Agano.

“What do you think about the validity of such accusations?”

“Well, all of the countries that we asked also point out that the Lourians, especially their king and those in the heartland, are xenophobic. We have to remember that there are other races besides humans in Asherah. As they’ve been keen on exterminating or subjugating non-humans, which, if you’ve seen the demographic makeup of Qua-Toyne and Quila, I think they indeed have sufficient reasons to be anxious.”

“Only one way to find out, right Minister Agano?”

Agano, understanding what Takamori meant, nodded in affirmation.

“Right. I’ll have a diplomatic mission prepared.”

With that set, Takamori then moved on to another important part of Princess Llanfair’s statement that requires verification.

“Do we know if Louria is indeed ‘taking up arms’ against Qua-Toyne?”

While the question was directed to no one in particular, attention once again fell on Agano.

“Only Qua-Toyne has given us that statement, saying that Lourian troops have been amassing across the border from their border town of Gim. However, Fenn’s Sword King, Shihan, noted that the Parpaldian Empire has a history of supporting proxies in Rodenius.”

Takamori clutched his head, which reacted in pain in response to hearing the word ‘Parpaldia.’ Regaining his composure, he looked towards Okada and asked.

“Is there any way of verifying that?”

“While Parpaldia supporting Louria is difficult to verify with what little infrastructure we’ve set up outside of Japan, verifying the buildup of troops on the Louria-Qua-Toyne border is not a problem of much significance.”

Getting an affirmative response from the defense minister, Takamori said, “I’ll leave that up to you” before returning to the rest of the ministers.

“While it is difficult to conclude that they’re planning to invade with a troop buildup, hopefully, our diplomatic mission will provide us better, more conclusive answers on whether or not they’re really planning to invade.”

As the other ministers nodded in agreement, Takamori clapped his hands together to end the meeting.

“We’ll convene once more to discuss options regarding Louria once we have more information. Alright, dismissed!”

Cent. Calendar 10th Day of the 5th Month of the Year 1639, Royal Castle, Jin-Hark, Kingdom of Louria, 10:00

“How do we report this to the King?”

Meeting inside one of the meeting chambers within the royal castle were the commanders of Louria’s military wings, including Royal Defense Knights commander Patagene, Lieutenant General Adem, chief royal mage Yamirei, General Pandour, and so many others. Instead of the usual merriful cheering and jeering that happens in their planning of the Rodenius unification, this meeting has them all tense and riddled with sweat. Their problems started about three weeks ago when one of the spies they embedded in Qua-Toyne mentioned a mysterious flying object that flew over the skies of Myhark. Then, less than a week ago, they heard from them that a massive, gray ship with similar-looking flying objects had appeared at the harbor. While they initially dismissed this, their suspicion grew when subsequent spies over the succeeding days reported the same thing, along with accounts of several ships of smaller nature that docked in Myhark which didn’t have sails.

Wishing to know more, they sent in more artistic spies, ordering them to sketch and draw the ships if they caught a glance. In the days since, their spies reported in with their sketches, which all depicted massive, multi-colored ships mixed with gray and white ships that sometimes had cannons, all seemingly dwarfing the harbor entrance, which some of them couldn’t enter. Even for the higher commanders, who have seen Parpaldia’s iron-hulled warships, the ships depicted in the photos seemed more or less alien. While the Lourian commanders harbored skepticism about the reports, the fact that every single spy they sent was saying the same thing meant that they were likely genuine.

“Do we have any idea where these ships are from?”

Asking the question was Yamirei, an aged figure who wore robes that went well with his title as chief royal mage. Adem, who handled much of the spy work, answered.

“I couldn’t really trust my own spies after hearing their reports, but all of them said that the ships sported a white flag with a red disc at its center.”

Those present in the room wracked their heads for answers, trying to juggle their memories on the banners of countries. However, none of the countries in and outside of the area sported what was described. Ignoring the question of nationality, Patagene went straight for the question he deemed important.

“What currently matters, in my opinion, is whether the nation these ships represent is our enemy or not. Seeing their sailless nature and iron-looking hulls reminds me of Parpaldia’s more advanced warships. While they look nothing like them, we can at least assume that their capabilities are on par with them.”

While the others nodded in agreement, vice admiral Sharkun, who commanded the Lourian fleet that will be used in the conquest, sweated bullets at the prospect of facing a foe on the same level as Parpaldia. While they had been generous in providing them with ships that had guns, everyone knew that they would only be so generous to the point of giving out technology that was significantly weaker than those in their arsenal. As everyone pondered about what to do next, lord Maus offered his thoughts.

“Regarding informing the King, I think that we should gather more information on the matter before telling him.”

Before the others could respond, the doors to the meeting chamber flew open, and in came one of Maus’s personnel.

“Lord Maus! We have a situation at the harbor!”

Hearing the words ‘situation’ and ‘harbor,’ the other commanders immediately took interest and started standing up, hoping to understand what had happened.

“What happened?”

“A massive white ship with a flag we’ve never seen has appeared! A voice emanated from it, saying that their intentions were diplomatic and that they wanted to speak with those in charge!”

Having heard what they wanted to hear, the commanders ran out of the room and down the hallway towards one of the northern balconies protruding out of the royal castle. From there, they could see the multi-tiered city of Jin-Hark, with each tier representing a wall that successively defended the layers of the royal capital. Outside the walls to the north was Jin-Hark’s port, surrounded by towns that have sprung up to take advantage of the commerce there. Far from the port, they could see a shining glimpse of the white vessel floating in the oceans outside the harbor. While appearing minuscule due to the distance, its hull could be inferred to be colossal due to it dwarfing the rest of the Lourian warships and merchant ships that are docked in the harbor and those that are entering and leaving it. Its equally pristine white flag, sporting a shining red disc, stood out from the rest of the monotonous ship.

“It’s so massive!”

“Look at how clean it looks compared to Parpaldia’s iron-hulled warships!”

“To think that they’d come here...”

While they looked on in awe at the ship, they also realized that the opportunity had come to them. If they had willingly come to them, that meant that they were also willing to talk. As such, if they can convince them to side with them, or at least stay away from Qua-Toyne in their conquest, their plans can move in peace. Seizing the moment, Patagene, Yamirei, followed by Adem and Maus, departed for the harbor to meet with the diplomats of the massive white ship.

Jin-Hark’s port, 11:30

Accepting Japan’s request for a diplomatic talk, the Lourians prepared a meeting room at one of the government halls near the port while the Japanese approached the port with their small, fast boats. The speed of the boats and the fact that they lacked sails stunned the Lourians and the other merchants at the harbor, only being interrupted in their awe by the annoying, buzzing sound the boats seemed to produce. As the Japanese diplomats stepped onto the port, they were welcomed by Lord Maus, who then proceeded to guide them to the meeting room. Once there, the diplomats, accompanied by a Fennese translator, were greeted by the Lourian commanders, who sat at the opposite side of the table. Taking their seats, the diplomats proceeded to introduce themselves. (Past this point, all dialogue lines in the common language are depicted in italic.)

“Forgive our intrusions. My name is Kuribayashi, and my colleagues and I represent the state of Japan.”

Hearing the translation from the Fennese man, the commanders were perplexed at the need for a translator. Shadowing this initial curiosity was the fact that they had never heard of a country called Japan. Lord Maus took the initiative and spoke for all.

“Japan, huh... Do you mind showing us where your country is? We have never heard of it before.”

Kuribayashi then pulled out his briefcase and procured from it a map, which the Lourians noted to be of high quality. Spreading it out on the table, Kuribayashi pointed his finger to a group of islands close to the Philades continent.

“This, right here, is Japan.”

Underneath the finger of Kuribayashi were a sprawling group of islands that none of the Lourians have ever seen before. Finding the diplomat’s statement to be fishy, they called him out.

“That’s impossible! There were never any islands in that body of water, much less countries!”

Recognizing their disbelief, Kuribayashi attempted to explain their predicament and position. However, he was cut off by Lt. Gen. Adem, who had been holding his impatience for the entire three minutes that the meeting had occupied and wanted to get straight to the point.

“Alright, enough diplomacy! Let’s get to the real questions that matter! You! What’s your business here?”

While Kuribayashi and the others recognized Adem’s hostile tone, they waited for their translator to translate his statement. He then responded with a calm, unaffected tone.

“We are here to make friends and conduct trade, if that’s the answer you’re looking for.”

Hearing the translation, Adem couldn’t spare enough energy to hold back his laughter. Looking back at Kuribayashi with a menacing yet light-hearted grin, he asked.

“Trade? Are you sure you’re not here to intimidate us into submission?”

The others on his side looked at Adem with pondering expressions. While they were keen on protesting his open hostility, his statements nevertheless resonated with them. Forgetting their original objective of trying to convince the Japanese to side with them, they were now more or less suspicious of the true intentions of the Japanese.

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t play coy with us. We know of your relationship with the Qua-Toynians!”

“What of it?”

Failing to hold back his laughter, Adem turned away from them, leaving Lord Maus to answer for his sake.

“If you are indeed not aware yet, our foreign policy is simple: you are with us or against us. This is our bottom line. By having a diplomatic relationship with the Qua-Toynians, whose sovereignty we don’t recognize, you are taking a side that is, for all intents and purposes, against us.”

Lord Maus then looked over to the Fennese translator, who stared back at him. Since Fenn has a diplomatic relationship with Qua-Toyne, they and Louria went their separate ways diplomatically, which was a one-sided maneuver from the Lourians. Sensing where the topic was headed, Kuribayashi proceeded to fulfill their original mission of finding more about the Lourians’ ambitions against Qua-Toyne.

“While we respect your interests, personally and off the record, why does it matter to you?”

Before Lord Maus could respond, Adem returned and instead asked him a question.

“Listen here, you dolt. Kuribayashi, was it? What’s your view on those non-humans?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Just answer it!”

Ignoring Adem’s now evidently hostile tone, he replied with Japan’s formal stand on the issue, which has been formed in light of the presence of sentient, non-human races populating Asherah.

“Japan’s stand is that we recognize and uphold the inalienable rights of humans, elves, dwa-”

Hearing the translation in real-time, Adem cut him off.

“You see, that’s the problem! Why do you treat non-humans so... humanely?”

“Because that’s what we believe to be morally correct?”

“Morally correct? What the fuck is that? If it’s what I think it is, then we can happily throw that shit out of the window, just like those demi-humans. Sorry, SUB-humans. Those fuckers just don’t deserve... to live.”

Upon hearing the translation, the Japanese diplomats didn’t even try to hide their shock at one of the Lourian commanders’ open display of xenophobic hatred. While inwardly taken aback by this, Kuribayashi retained his usual stern disposition and waited for Adem to complete his statement.

“Us, being the supreme race of Asherah, are destined to wipe them out with our superiority. Most of the great powers are ruled by humans, are they not? Now that I realize that the ones piloting the massive gray ships are humans themselves, it just proves my point! Why not join us in indulging in this righteous affair?”

Finally showing hints of disgust, Kuribayashi looked at Adem with a face that matched Adem’s hostility.

“Wow. Alright, this is no longer something we could talk about.”

Before Adem could pounce and retort with more of his mocking remarks, commander Patagene stopped him short. Standing out from the rest with his specially-made, gold-painted armor, Patagene spoke with a voice that commanded awe and fear, matching Kuribayashi’s iron-faced expression and demeanor.

“Forgetting what Lt. Gen. Adem was rambling about, this is our one and only question to you, if you still want to be friends with us: are you willing to side with us? Or are you willing to take the path of destruction against us by siding with those sub-humans?”

Kuribayashi, having heard more or less what they needed, had already decided that they no longer needed to talk.

“Your offer, just like your ‘cause,’ is disgusting and unattractive. We’re done here.”

Standing up from the table, followed by the other diplomats and their Fennese translator, Kuribayashi adjusted his suit before continuing his statement. Looking at the Lourian commanders with his stern eyes, he was met with equally unwavering eyes from the Lourian side.

“There is no point in talking with you people who have no respect for the races, much less possess etiquette befitting of a diplomatic setting. Considering our interests, this was nothing but a waste of time.”

Offended by the diplomat’s tone, Yamirei stepped forward, laying his emotions out for all to see in his facial expression.

“You are making a grave mistake! Consider the consequences of your actions before you leave this room and especially before you doom yourselves!”

Hearing the now blatant threats being made against them, Kuribayashi, who was about to leave for the door, turned back to entertain the man.

“Those consequences are within our scope and have already been considered. Now, mark my words: try to consider the consequences of you stepping on certain boundaries, especially one which may demarcate the point of no return for Louria.”

Ending his statement with their own vague threat, Kuribayashi, the Fennese translator, and the rest of the Japanese delegation left the room in order.