Summoning Japan: Flights of the Fancy

Chapter 10 - Second Battle of the Folk Strait

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"We will divide the major powers and negotiate peace individually," Caesar spoke to Mirkennes, but her reaction was lukewarm.

"Well, I guess that's the only option... but is Japan our first target after all?"

"No, it's Mirishial."

Mirkennes' reaction this time was intense.

"Are you out of your mind? They're the toughest opponent!"

"That's exactly why. If even Mirishial were to take action, other countries would be more likely to agree to peace."

Mirekenes sighed. "Do you really think something like that can be realized?"

"It's impossible with Mirishial at present. That's why we need Mirishial to change."

"How do you propose that?"

"Make them realize that they are no longer number one."

Mirkennes squinted, her eyes resembling the expression of a feline animal.

"Winning in a fleet decisive battle?"

"I am a naval officer. What other method is there?"

"Even if you win, your allies will suffer significant losses. If it ends in a draw, peace negotiations are impossible."

Caesar smirked.

"But this will be a one-sided game, thanks to Japan."

Mirkennes' eyes narrowed.

"What do you mean? Explain it properly."

Pressured by Mirkennes' look, Caesar scratched his head.

"Japan's anti-submarine warfare capabilities are outrageous. The Cetus-class were easily sunk like paper boats. They couldn't take it anymore, so they retreated from the Third Civilization Area to the Central World. It was at that timing that Mirishial mobilized four fleets. You can't let go of such a golden opportunity."

Mirkennes contemplated.

"A fleet decisive battle with only submarines... there's no precedent for that. Can you really win?"

"I had the intelligence investigate, but Mirishial doesn't have submarines, or rather, they are unaware of the existence of submarines as a weapon. In other words, they have no anti-submarine warfare capabilities."

"I think they're just hiding their possession."

"I thought the same at first, but it seems to be true. Mirishial has developed in a quite distorted way."

"Yes, I've heard that they're reverse-engineering the ancient ruins of something."

"Apparently it's true. They acquired their knowledge not by thinking for themselves, but by copying what others thought up. That's why they don't understand the essence of technology. They can't make something that doesn't remain as ruins."

"So, assuming there are such relics, they might have things that we don't?"

If there had been a third party present, the sound of tension in the air would have been audible.

"...That possibility cannot be denied. We're having the intelligence agency look into it, but there are too many stories that cannot be distinguished between myth and reality. Well, that level of risk is unavoidable. You can't prepare for the unknown."

Perhaps because Caesar became more open, Mirkennes changed the subject.

"Assuming we win, what about the Foreign Ministry?"