December 7, 2025
Custefai, capital of the Altian Empire, Wirenia Continent
One of the seven powers that rule the world, and the most easterly of them all, the Altian Empire, is a powerful continental nation that began unifying the Wirenia Continent 130 years ago, and now holds the eastern half of the continent in its hands. All of the countries that once existed on this continent are now tributaries or dependencies of this country or another powerful country that rules the western half of the continent, and the total population of the Altian Empire, including the colonies, reaches 40 million. The capital, Custefai, with its imperial palace, the symbol of its centralized power, is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of 700.000. The harbor is lined with sailing ships-of-the-line and trading ships with gun decks, making it look like early modern Europe.
There are two Japanese people in the center of the city. They were diplomats sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and their names were Nobuyuki Kawaguchi and Shinji Shima, and they were now at the Foreign Affairs Bureau, the department in charge of the country's diplomacy.
"I'm surprised they accepted you so early... Shima."
"Indeed... I was prepared for the worst."
As the two walked through the corridors of the building, guided by the attendant, they were surprised that the Altian Empire had agreed to negotiate the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The destroyer Inazuma that they had come in was anchored off the coast of the maritime trading city of Nospedi, about 350 kilometers from the capital. This is because the country has a maritime ban policy, and foreign ships are not allowed to come to the capital. Some bureaucrats were of the opinion that they should take an escort group to the capital and show their strength before negotiating with them, as they did with the Ilamania Kingdom, but this idea was put off because it would have hardened the attitude of the other side. Therefore, the officials in the capital had no idea of the real situation in Japan. The fact that their offer to negotiate went through so easily was unexpected for them.
A few minutes later, they were ushered to a room. Kawaguchi knocked on the door, and they heard a voice inside saying, "Come in."
"Excuse me."
When they entered the room, there was a man dressed in gorgeous clothes with a look that could only be described as "filthy rich". The man greeted them with a very irreverent attitude, sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed and his right elbow resting on the back of the sofa, even though he was in front of a guest.
"So you are the messengers of Japan, I am Anemia Plummer Vinson, Director of the Eastern Trade Department of the Foreign Affairs Bureau."
"...I am Nobuyuki Kawaguchi of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. This is Shinji Shima."
Despite feeling uncomfortable with the attitude of the man who calls himself Anemia, Kawaguchi tells him who they are. There is only one chair in the room, the sofa he is sitting on, and the two of them are still standing. In addition, Anemia's demeanor was still the same, and he began to talk while holding a glass of what appeared to be fruit wine in his hand.
"Normally... I would have rejected an envoy from a barbarian country living in the middle of nowhere like you. However, the Emperor has ordered us to accept you. You should be grateful for His Majesty's mercy."
"...! Thank you for that."
Anemia did not even try to hide his condescension towards Kawaguchi and Shima. The two of them frowned as they were dismissed as barbarians.
"What's that look...? I have a message for you from His Majesty. It is a requirement for the establishment of diplomatic relations, and you should accept it gratefully."
Anemia said, and took out a folded piece of parchment from his pocket. Kawaguchi, who had already mastered the Altian Empire's language, read the contents in order. The following was written on it:
- Japan is authorized to install a governor sent from the Empire above the head of state.
- Japan will submit all artisans to the Empire.
- Diplomacy and trade of Japan will be under the control of the Imperial government.
- Japan recognizes the extraterritoriality of the Empire's citizens.
- Japan will be obligated to provide the Empire with all goods and technology, including human resources, as requested by the Empire.
- These are the minimum conditions for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"...W-what is the meaning of this!?"
Kawaguchi was furious at the contents of the document, for the conditions proposed by the Altian Empire were basically demanding Japan to become its own colony.
"What are you complaining about? The Emperor is interested in your country's products, and for that reason, he has mercifully offered to personally administer your country. Be thankful for that."
Anemia did not even seem to understand why Kawaguchi was so angry. He was tempted to tear up the document he was given and throw it away immediately, but Shima, sensing his feelings, grabbed Kawaguchi's cuff and whispered to him.
'It's not a good idea to jeopardize the negotiations at this point! I feel the same way, but I'm begging you, please hold on for now...!'
Having been reined in by his colleague, Kawaguchi regained his composure for the moment. After taking a deep breath, he spoke, mending his face.
"First of all... I would like to report this condition that you have presented to my country. A formal response will be made at a later date..."
"...Okay, I'll wait for a good answer."
Anemia then instructed his subordinates to lead them to the exit. After that, Kawaguchi and Shima left the diplomatic office building and returned to their lodgings in the city, where they used the radio transmitter they had brought with them to send the contents of the document to the destroyer Inazuma, which was anchored off the coast of Nospedi, in order to inform the Japanese government of the conditions for the establishment of diplomatic relations proposed by the Altian Empire. The contents of the document would be delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via several relay points.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Same day
Obermen, capital of the Rovania Kingdom, Far East
While the two diplomats were engaged in humiliating negotiations in the Altian Empire, an incident was taking place in the capital of the Rovania Kingdom, located far to the southwest of mainland Japan.
About a month after the destruction of Seiren Kingdom, the Altian Empire, which had attacked and annexed Seiren, was about to extend its finger to this nation as its next target. Through an envoy who had arrived three days earlier, the Empire had sent a demand to the Rovania Kingdom, and by extension, the 28-nation Union of Far Eastern Maritime Nations, of which Rovania was the leader.
King's Palace Office
The King's Palace is located on a small hill in the tropical capital. The current occupant of the palace is the 23rd king, Amekiha Kanakokua. He is not only the head of state of this country, but also the Supreme Director of the Union of Far Eastern Maritime Nations, with the Rovania Kingdom as its leader. The position of Supreme Director has been passed down from generation to generation by the King of Rovania, the leader of the Union, and King Amekiha is truly a representative of the Far East itself. Sitting in front of his desk in his office, Amekiha was looking at the request document sent from the Altian Empire with his head in his hands.
"Is that country going crazy these days? They should have stayed on the continent forever... This ocean is our territory..."
In the document brought by the envoy of the Altian Empire, it was written that all 28 countries scattered in the Far East must be subjugated to the Empire. If they refused, the Rovania Kingdom would meet the same end as the Seiren Kingdom...
"This is... what a joke."
The young king, Amekiha, quietly burned with anger. Atto Ischia, the vizier of the kingdom, who was standing in front of him, felt the tense air around the king and swallowed his spit.
"There is still time for their forces to arrive. Why don't we rally the Union forces in the meantime?"
When it came to simple navigation and knowledge of the sea, the people of the Far East, the people of the sea, had the advantage. Atto thought that if he could rally the naval forces of 28 nations, he might be able to toy with Altia's fleet.
"Of course it is. The Union must be informed of this matter as soon as possible. And one more thing... bring Japan's ambassador to this palace."
When Atto heard the king's order, he realized what he was up to. The king had told him the name of a mysterious country that had appeared off the coast of the capital about two months ago with a huge gray ship that he had never seen before.
"Japan... Your Majesty? But this country is not part of the Union."
The mysterious country of Japan, which had shown off its unknown technological capabilities during the negotiations to establish diplomatic relations, might indeed have the power to resist the superpower. However, unlike the 28 countries that belong to the Union of Far Eastern Maritime Nations, there is no military alliance between Japan and the Rovania Kingdom, and Japan had no obligation to take sides with Rovania against the superpower.
"I know that. But let's take a chance... and ask Japan for military support!"
"...I understand. I will contact their embassy immediately!"
After receiving the king's order, Vizier Atto bowed and left the office, instructing his subordinate civil servants to contact the Japanese embassy. A few hours later, Akira Maeda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Rovania Kingdom, who was summoned by the king of this country, appeared at the King's Palace in an ox cart prepared by the Rovanian government. Maeda was escorted to the reception room, where he was to have a meeting with Atto, the Vizier of the Kingdom.
King's Palace Reception Room
Maeda, the guest, and Atto, the host, exchanged a brief greeting before sitting down on the chairs facing each other. Atto was the first to speak.
"I am sorry to call you here so suddenly, Mr. Akira."
"No, it's alright. Then... what can I do for you today?"
When Atto expressed his gratitude, Maeda asked him why he had called him.
"First of all, have you ever heard of the country of Altia?"
"Yes, at least the name."
As a member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maeda was familiar with the name of the country that Atto mentioned; it was the name of the closest superpower nation to where Japan was now.
"I'll be frank with you. There is a very high possibility that the Altian Empire will go to war with our Union in less than a month. Therefore, I would like to request your military support!"
"...! Haah... I see. Can you give us some details?"
"Yes, actually..."
After Maeda's question, Atto explained the situation that was currently looming over the country. A few days ago, an envoy from the Altian Empire appeared and demanded for unilateral subordination, along with conditions that could not be accepted as an independent country. When Maeda heard about the requirements, he instantly had a difficult expression on his face. He had heard that the Altian Empire was doing something similar to an invading nation, but he had never expected to encounter a glimpse of it in this way.
'As I recall, a diplomat had just left for the Altian Empire to negotiate the establishment of diplomatic relations. I don't think the Japanese government would give the go-ahead to an act that would antagonize their country under such circumstances...'
After pondering while holding his chin, Maeda slowly spoke.
"...As a diplomat, I can't make a judgment on this matter. Can you please let me contact my country and give you a formal reply after that?"
Maeda's reply was extremely simple. Not getting the answer he wanted, Atto felt frustrated.
"I understand, and I expect a good answer. The only thing is... let me advise you this."
"...?"
"As evidenced by the annexation of the Seiren Kingdom by force, this country has been strengthening its position in the Far East in recent years. If our country falls, the next step will be Northaroia, and at some point, your country... that's what that country is now... In any case, I believe that a clash between your country and Altia is inevitable."
"...I'll keep that in mind."
At the end of the meeting, Atto gave a threatening advice to Maeda, who was about to leave his chair. After leaving the King's Palace, Maeda returned to the embassy and immediately reported the incident to the Japanese headquarters in Morse code.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 8
National Security Council, Prime Minister's Office, Tokyo, Japan
The National Security Council was held in a room at the Prime Minister's official residence again this day. The meeting was held under the PM's chairmanship as an "Emergency Ministerial Meeting," and consisted of nine members (actually eight, since Takichi Asano, the Minister of Finance, was concurrently serving as the Deputy Prime Minister) who normally meet in the "Nine Ministerial Meeting". There were also the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Chief of the Joint Staff, who were allowed to attend with the permission of PM Izumikawa.
The topic of the day's discussion was the approval or disapproval of the request for military assistance from the Union of Far Eastern Maritime Nations, as reported by the Japanese Embassy in the Rovania Kingdom. As this was the first request for military assistance from Japan in this part of the world, there was a tense atmosphere among the members in attendance.
"The spirit of pacifism remains unchanged, and fighting should be avoided if at all possible. However... what would happen if trade with the Rovania Kingdom were to cease?"
The first to speak up was the chairman, Izumikawa. For Japan, which had only been moved to this world for three months, losing one of its few allies would be a blow in itself. He was concerned about that fact.
"The Rovania Kingdom is currently a major exporter of marine products and fruits consumed in Japan. If we lose this friendly nation, these items will have to be rationed again."
Hiroshi Komori, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, who has been granted temporary permission to participate, explained that the biggest concern is the impact on the domestic food situation.
"In addition, the volume of imports from the Five Northaroian Kingdoms has not increased as much as initially estimated. In addition, the other side is a hegemonic nation that makes foreign expansion its national policy, like Spain and Britain in the early modern era... After conquering the Far Eastern Union, won't they turn their attention to Northaroia as Ambassador Maeda reported? If that happens, Japan will once again be faced with a national crisis of mass starvation..."
"If that happens, Japan will have no choice but to either perish or go the way of Shura, the path of plunder."
Foreign Minister Kosuke Minegishi, frowned as he crossed his arms, followed by Defense Minister Yosuke Yasunaka, who raised his hand to speak.
"After the last war, we and our people must have learned the importance of proactively defending ourselves. Our first priority should be to protect our people and our nation. If Altian Empire's destruction of the Rovania Kingdom could lead to a future crisis in the lives of the Japanese people, shouldn't we do everything in our power to dispel this seed of disquiet?"
"Even if... after that, we might have to go to war with the Altian Empire, one of the most powerful nations in the world? At a time when we can't even manufacture new weapons and ammunition..."
Izumikawa seemed to be unable to make up his mind about military support for Rovania. If the SDF were to be dispatched, they would be completely at odds with the Altian Empire, which was currently negotiating the establishment of diplomatic relations. In fact, it would certainly lead to a war between the two countries.
"But if we abandon Rovania here, it will certainly arouse the suspicion of other friendly countries. This Far Eastern World is currently our country's sphere of existence, you know? ...Of course, we should be prepared for a full-scale war with the Altian Empire."
Yasunaka pressed PM Izumikawa for a decision. He had a good point in wanting to avoid the deployment of the SDF as much as possible, but it would be a shame to lose a major trade market in the process.
"To ensure the safety of our diplomats currently serving in the Empire, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to order them to leave the country temporarily."
Minegishi also added to Yasunaka's words.
"It's just that... opposition parties will inevitably protest..."
Izumikawa mentioned the second cause for concern, the existence of the opposition parties, which are always willing to oppose anything the ruling party does or says at any time.
"...Since the last war, the opposition parties and anti-war citizens' groups have lost much of their appeal to the people. It's not something we should be concerned about now."
Takichi Asano, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, sipped his tea from a plastic bottle as he spoke. The other members of showed no signs of objecting. After the military clash between Japan and China off the Senkaku Islands in January 2019, and the East Asia War that broke out in November 2022 and lasted until March 2024, engulfing Russia, Mongolia, and the United States in a whirlwind of warfare that engulfed Far East Asia, the idea of an idealistic pacifism that does not rely on armaments has lost its appeal to the Japanese people.
With the support of his ministers, Izumikawa seemed to have made up his mind, and after taking a deep breath, he finally uttered those words.
"...I understand. Then, under the authority of the Prime Minister, I will issue a mobilization of defense based on the right of collective self-defense. Please contact the Imperial Household Agency immediately. Although it will be a burden on His Majesty, the 'extraordinary Diet session' will be convened immediately upon the promulgation of the Imperial Decree."
The young prime minister, who was only his in forties, issued the order to mobilize for defense for the second time since World War II. The ministers participating in the meeting contacted their respective ministries to prepare for the mobilization. Later that day, the Extraordinary Diet was convened with the announcement of the Emperor's Imperial Decree, and the mobilization for defense was approved by both houses of the Diet.
Thus, the Japanese government decided to dispatch the SDF based on the right of collective self-defense, with the policy of limiting the target of defense to the Rovania Kingdom, with which Japan has diplomatic relations, in order to preserve the lives of the people by securing the source of food imports and to prevent the Altian Empire from expanding its sphere of influence.