The purpose of the party is to celebrate Luxtal's recovery. It's only natural that Luxtal, the guest of honor, and Bragston, who fought alongside him in the Folk Strait, are present. Since she was also there, it's not strange that she was invited. However...
Cielia was shrinking back. Two of the Empire's Three Generals were present, which made sense since they were then and now the two men's superiors, but Senator Guinea, who is known as an outspoken pro-war person and alleged ties to the military-industrial complex, felt out of place. Even more out of place is the Army officer Ramball, representing the last of the Empire's Three Generals as the deputy to the Imperial Capital Defense Force Commander Siegs. No matter how illustrious Luxtal's military achievements are, this lineup is too extravagant.
But the most out of place is the Intelligence Bureau. Bamidal who was stationed in Leifor is in attendance. However, he's here on official duty, supposedly for information sharing with the Navy leadership. This suspicious gathering took a turn far beyond Cielia's imagination.
After the toast, Caesar, the host of the meeting, started off. "There's actually a present. It's something quite surprising."
"Thank you. Does it mean I can command a ship again?"
Caesar chuckled. "Do you really want to be on a ship that much? The instructors are handling things well, aren't they? I've received reports from the principal. 'His accounts of real combat experiences not only refine the tactics of cadets but also temper their spirits.' I've never heard such an evaluation before."
"That's an exaggeration."
"Actually, the present was prepared by the Intelligence Bureau," Caesar said and turned to Bamidal. "Show it."
Bamidal brought over a souvenir from Naguano and placed it on a table with a caster. Then, he connected the power and pressed the play button on the DVD player. The video of a naval review played on the portable TV.
"This is a naval review of the Japanese navy."
Everyone peered at the somewhat small screen.
"'Maritime Self-Defense Force'?" Army officer Ramball asked.
"It refers to the Japanese navy. The Japanese call their military the 'Self-Defense Forces.'"
The screen showed escort vessels sailing in formation.
"They've gathered this many devils?"
In response to Luxtal's words, Ramball reacted again.
"The (Gra Valkas) Navy is probably far superior in terms of numbers."
"The Grade Atlastar and a mobile unit were outmatched by a fleet of eight ships."
Caesar responded to Ramball instead of Luxtal. To emphasize the threat of Japan's escort flotilla, Kaiser deliberately uses the term 'fleet.'
"Did you find it boring? There's also footage of the Japanese army."
Having been shown the video of the Fuji Firepower Exercise, Ramball's face turned pale.
. . .
At this point, Cielia was beginning to understand the true purpose of this party.
'Is this a party to gather those opposing war!?'
However, Cielia couldn't shake off the faces of her superior, Gesta, and her subordinate, Dallas, and felt depressed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would not easily admit its mistakes. Following the incident of Prince Hilas' assassination, a purge swept through the ministry. Non-war proponents were dismissed one after another, replaced by those advocating for military action. Currently, there is an atmosphere where even suggesting peace is regarded with hesitation.
. . .
"Our Army would indeed struggle if such weapons were deployed in large numbers."
This was the most expressive statement Ramball could make. In the Army, where mentality is so prevalent, people are afraid to admit defeat. In that regard, it resembled the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The Japanese army has deployed 600 tanks alone. Moreover, all divisions are motorized, with no horses at all."
Ramball was left speechless by Caesar's words.
"The only relief is that before the transference, Japan adhered to a doctrine of non-aggression and defense. Therefore, they lack the capability for overseas deployment. So, even if a large-scale battle occurs in the Second Civilization Area, it would be difficult for them to dispatch troops immediately. However..."
Caesar paused.
"Japan has also had three years since the transference. They must have made some preparations. In fact, they have defeated the Kingdom of Louria and the Parpaldia Empire."
"All those countries are in the far east."
"The Third Civilization Area," corrected Luxtal, dismissing Ramball's bravado.
Caesar exchanged glances with Bamidal, who then handed him a calculator.
"This is a Japanese calculator. If we try to make the same thing in our country, it would be the size of a typewriter."
Ramball took the calculator from Bamidal and began to fiddle with it.
"This calculator operates on solar energy. It's essentially a perpetual motion machine."
Ramball's face turned even paler.
"What about you, Honorable Senator? Won't you take a look?"
Prompted by Caesar, Guinea accepted the calculator from Ramball. After playing with it for a while, he shook his head as if giving up.
"It's not confidential or anything in Japan. It's a daily commodity sold to the general public for next to nothing."
These words left everyone stunned.
"And, Mu is heading in the same direction."
This time, everyone felt a sense of urgency.
"The Empire picked a fight with an opponent it should never have antagonized. Once spoken, those words cannot be taken back."
Everyone involuntarily turned to look at Cielia.
"I'm not blaming you. You merely followed orders."
With Caesar's words, everyone's gaze returned to him. Cielia felt relieved.
"You have to lower a raised fist somewhere. The question is where to lower it."
Hearing that, Cielia felt dizzy. In the current Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it might lead to using force against mainland Japan. Naturally, Japan wouldn't just stand by and watch.
"Miss Cielia, did you bring what I asked for?"
Asked by Luxtal, Cielia snapped back to reality.
"I refused that request. It's beyond my authority."
"Hmm, it's not a bad thing to be faithful to your duties. But being stupid is another matter. Don't become like your superiors or subordinates."
Cielia immediately understood who Caesar was referring to.
Kaiser turned to Ramball. "Do you know what's at the latitude and longitude I'm about to mention?"
When Caesar provided the coordinates, Ramball, still with a pale face, asked back.
"Why do you know about that?"
"Is it a secret Army facility? Actually, I don't know anything. It was the Japanese who informed me."
"Japan?"
"Miss Cielia was there on the scene."
Once again, everyone's gaze focused on Cielia. She finally resigned herself.
. . .
"...so that's the situation."
"Was the rumor true?" Guinea murmured with a serious expression. "Not only the location of the mainland but even the geography was known to the enemy."
"Caesar, sir."
This time, Ramball spoke to Caesar with a serious expression.
"As a junior officer, I must report what I have learned today to Sir Siegs due to my official duties."
Caesar nodded. "Of course. It's a matter of great importance concerning the defense of the Imperial Capital. Also, pass on a message, 'Let's find a way together not to turn the Empire into ashes.'"
"I certainly understand. I apologize, but I will take my leave now."
Ramball saluted the military personnel and bowed to the others before heading home.
"He's an impatient one. Those who rush rarely get much."
"Is there something else?" Mirkennes, who had been silently observing the situation, asked.
"Let's do a little mental exercise."
Caesar's bad habit had started again, Mirkennes thought. She wondered if Caesar was more suited to being an instructor than Luxtal.
"The map of the mainland presented by Japan—where do you think it came from?"
"What do you think, Milady?"
Mirkennes threw the question to Cielia.
"Eh! ...Well, it must have come from captured warships."
Upon hearing Cielia's answer, Mirkennes made an 'incorrect' gesture in front of her mouth with her index fingers, the gesture for 'incorrect' in the Gra Valkas.
"That's impossible. The map includes secret Army facilities even the Fleet Commander didn't know about."
"Ah..."
Cielia's mind went blank.
"A whistleblower, perhaps?" Guinea answered, surprisingly.
"Well, under normal circumstances, that would be a reasonable assumption."
Upon hearing Caesar's response, Guinea took action.
"If that's the case, I can help too. I have acquaintances in counterintelligence. Let me assist you right away."
Guinea put his hand on his overcoat.
"Your Excellency, don't forget about avoiding war with Japan."
"I understand. If the country is destroyed, I'll have nothing left either."
Guinea also left.
Caesar muttered. "Did I just say those who rush..."
"Is there something else?"
Mirkennes asked in confusion, so Caesar revealed the correct answer.
"This is a magazine from Japan issued in Mu. It contains significant articles."
Mirkennes took the Treasure Continent Extra from Caesar.
"...What does it say?"
Mirkennes couldn't read Muish.
"Japan owns artificial satellites."
"Artificial satellites?"
"Literally, artificial celestial bodies. These things orbit around this planet and monitor the entire surface. It seems that they have at least four in operation."
"What is all this. That's cheating!"
"That's right. Japan—"
"Not Japan, Caesar, you! 'Mental exercise,' my ass. You cheated using this magazine!"
"Hey, come on, really!?"
Everyone present felt that way.
To cover up, Caesar scratched his head.
"Everything we do is exposed to Japan. Moreover, we have no means to prevent it. Do you think we can win under these conditions?"
"We can't win," Bragston who had been silent until then answered. Looking closer, he was playing the Mechadora on Mu.
"When did you...?"
His former superior Luxtal exclaimed in exasperation, but Bragston continued without showing any remorse.
"This Advanced Grand Strategy game is well made. You can choose the reconnaissance settings at the beginning. It's a completely different game between 'Advanced,' where only we have reconnaissance restrictions, and the opposite 'Basic.'"
"Hmmm, it sure would be a good exercise if it were the same as in real life," Mirkennes remarked dismissively. "Caesar, let's find it (landing point of the fist) quickly. You'll also cooperate, won't you?"
"M-me?"
Cielia was flustered.
"Miss Cielia, as of now, you're the only one with connections in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs among us."
Pressed by Luxtal, Cielia resigned.
"...What should I do then?"