CH 77

Chapter 77

The Great Empire Wavers 1

Imperial Army Officer Ramball began talking with a mysterious expression.

“How much do you know about Japan?”

Upon being asked by Ramball, Dallas pondered for a moment before replying.

“They are a transferred nation like the empire and are in possession of reasonably advanced tech, but their military tech is shit. They are an island country and have not moved to take control of other countries and so their reach is fairly small.

They seem to have toppled over the Parpaldia Empire, a superpower in this world, but this may have just been due to a disparity between their military technologies. In comparison to what the empire had done, it shouldn’t be regarded as something important.”

Dallas dispassionately reflected what Foreign Affairs knows.

“We also think the same thing, but for some reason, the Navy seems to be afraid of Japan.”

The Imperial Navy is afraid of Japan. To Dallas and Cielia, this was the first time they’ve heard of such a matter.

“Why?”

“I don’t know. At this point in time, the Army doesn’t have information on whether the Navy has clashed with Japan or if there has been any contact at all… We are completely in the dark on what information the Navy has.”

“What’s the basis for them being afraid of Japan?”

“Do you know congressman Guinea?”

“Yeah. He’s a congressman who has strong connections with the business world and the Navy. He’s the leader of the war faction in congress and extremely warlike. If I remember correctly, right after the transfer, he pushed for the subjugation of the new world and right after the imperial family incident in the Paganda Kingdom, he was elected leader of the hardliners. An extremely militant person, that guy. He even went as far as to call for the massacre of every single citizen of the kingdoms that opposed us.

In my opinion, I agree with the stance that our empire must rule over the world, but Guinea’s means are overkill. His methods will definitely come to bite us in the ass after the conquest so I disagree with him.”

Dallas continues.

“His connections with weapons-related companies are strong. The Navy is also aware of his strong connections with the Occupied Territory Defense Fleet before they were disbanded after the transfer. If I remember correctly, they were assimilated into the Home Fleet…”

“Yes. Now, that same congressman has suddenly switched to making passive and half-hearted statements. He says that the barbarians of this world must be subjugated just as current policy dictates, but then he says that we must avoid making war with Japan and reconcile with them… He says that as scientific countries, we should work to develop together and complement each other’s weaknesses…

What the hell happened to him? What sort of information did he manage to get from the Navy? What do the weapons companies know?”

“But that still doesn’t lead to why the Navy is afraid…?”

“Yes, I will go towards that in a moment. You are aware that at the naval battle off Cartalpas, one of Japan’s cruisers participated on the side of the World Union and was consequently sunk by the Grade Atlastar, yes?”

“Yeah, I am. The Japanese guns did hit our battleship but since they were peashooters, they hardly did much. I also heard that they shot down some of our aircraft.”

“This means that the accuracy of Japanese guns is exceedingly high. With that, it’s also possible that Japan possesses a number of warships with large caliber guns. It is currently just a possibility so it’s just speculation. However, a contemporary of mine in the Navy says that their higher-ups are incredibly afraid.

At this point, it is definite that the Navy’s top brass is afraid… I will gather more information as to what had happened.”

Ramball continues.

“I will analyze how the war will progress, but the recent attack on Valkyries wasn’t a surprise attack, and if they continue to get attacked on a regular basis despite increased vigilance, then Japan’s combat prowess and the speed at which our operations proceed will have to be reexamined.”

Ramball’s calm and collected words irritated Dallas’s patriotic heart.

“Is that how an officer of the glorious Imperial Army should think?! I don’t know what the Navy knows or why Guinea is spouting all that nonsense, but isn’t it our duty to carry out Emperor Gralux’s orders to subdue Mu and invade Japan as early as possible even if it means our lives?!”

Dallas seems to hold Emperor Gralux in the same regard as a god.

“I didn’t say a single word that we should hold dialogue with Japan! I only said that we must reexamine their combat prowess!”

“Isn’t that just the same as the Army chickening out from a fight?!”

“Don’t you dare label the entirety of the Army using my statements! What can you do with just your plain idealism?! Any mistake in our analyses leads to the deaths of soldiers in the frontlines!!! Someone from Foreign Affairs who only uses their mouth to babble while under the safety of the empire does not understand that it is the duty and responsibility of an Imperial Army Officer to calmly analyze the enemy!!!

I understand that many people die in the process of giving our all in reliably acquiring the needed information in order to lessen the casualties in the frontlines, yet at the very least it is still our responsibility to carry on this duty in places where we might never return from!!!”

A certain level of rational thinking is prevalent within the Imperial Navy, but the Army has instead many officers that brandish idealisms in their operations. In the midst of that, Ramball was an oddball by being more rational.

Since the discussion had heated up and the topic was getting out of focus, Cielia stepped in.

“Dallas, don’t pick a fight with every person you meet. You can’t have a level-headed discussion with that approach. Mr. Ramball, forgive my subordinate’s rudeness.”

“Gr!!!”

Damn brat!!!

Having received a warning, Dallas shuts up.

The video shown by the Japanese diplomat, Asada, at the meeting the other day comes to Cielia’s mind. There is always the possibility they are in possession of military tech that surpasses that of the empire’s. She immediately shot down such a dreadful thought with her usual rationale.

Cielia continues.

“It is normally unthinkable for the militaristic congressman Guinea to wish for dialogue with Japan. Let us individually examine what has happened and what he knows. At the same time, we will also try to investigate what the Navy has.”

“Thank you. One the Army has information, we will try to send them to you.”

Both parties had the common understanding that there’s a possibility Japan could pose a threat to the empire. The topic moves on to the visit of the Crown Prince.

“As for the visit of the Crown Prince, Gra Cabal, on behalf of the Army, I don’t think we are currently in a state where we can provide adequate security for his visit. Since Foreign Affairs is handling this matter, could you suggest to the Imperial Family Affairs Office the postponement of His Highness’s visit?”

Dallas once again snaps at Ramball’s opinion.

“Is it not the Army’s responsibility to make Valkyries secure for His Highness’s visit? You ought to strengthen the forces there or something to ensure flawless security!”

“That same Army is currently saying that the visit must be stopped until the attacker on Valkyries is identified.”

“It has already been decided that His Highness will come. Is manpower insufficient? Is there danger? No matter how many reasons you come up with as to why you can’t, you still have to!!! Is that enough of a push for you?!”

“Push? With that kind of attitude?! We, too, are already giving it our all!!! The processes to get things moving and the acquisition of adequate manpower all take time!!! Sure, we are enthusiastic about it but the dangers posed by our enemies can’t be dealt with just ideals!!!”

The discussion was heating up again.

“Dallas! Nothing will happen if you keep on picking fights!”

Cielia once again cuts into the conversation.

“Mr. Ramball, forgive my subordinate’s lack of manners. We cannot expose His Highness to any danger. On behalf of Foreign Affairs, I will forward the suggestion of cancellation to the Imperial Family Affairs Office due to the aforementioned dangers.”

The discussion which had heated up multiple times finally ended.

Cielia forwarded the suggestion of postponing the Crown Prince’s visit to their office in the mainland due to Valkyries being attacked and that the danger of another attack hasn’t been ruled out.

・・・

Imperial capital Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire

At a certain room in the imperial palace, an executive from the Imperial Family Affairs Office explains to Crown Prince, Gra Cabal, while sweating profusely.

“The frontline base Valkyries in Leifor was attacked by an unidentified assailant and sustained substantial damage. We simply cannot expose His Highness to danger. Until the assailant is identified and the base’s safety is confirmed, we think it is best to postpone the inspection of Valkyries…”

“Hmph. You don’t seem to understand at all.”

Gra Cabal looks at the executive with pity.

“The term frontline base carries the connotation of danger. That much I already expect. However, I have faith. I believe in the weapons that have absolute power, manufactured by the empire’s citizens, and in the elite Imperial Army troops that utilize them!!

There will be danger. However, if I don’t go on the pretext that it is dangerous, then the soldiers will think nothing of me but a coward. The Imperial Family… no, the Crown Prince, will empower the soldiers working in the treacherous frontline base. That… That is what’s important!!

It is already decided that I will go. Tell Foreign Affairs and the Army that, using my authority as Crown Prince, me going to the Valkyries is set in stone.”

“B-but!!!”

It was dangerous. In the unlikely event something happens to the Crown Prince, the heads of the military and Foreign Affairs will fly. Naturally, it was clear as day that as the executive of the Imperial Family Affairs Office that tried to dissuade the Crown Prince, he will be shunned by society.

“Your Highness, please reconsider!! It is truly dangerous!!!”

“Enough!”

The executive was rebuked sharply.

On that same day, using his authority as the Crown Prince, his inspection of Valkyries was set.

・・・

Army base at Kielseki, Mu

At a certain conference room within the base, officers from Mu’s military, the Self-Defense Force, and militaries of the Second Civilization Area have gathered to discuss the coming operation.

“Alright. I will now verify the outline of our next operation.”

With the battle at Cartalpas and the historically important large-scale fleet clash at Baltica, they have incurred monumentally catastrophic casualties and were defeated. By the time the Gra Valkas Imperial Army amassed near Alue, the thought of a large-scale land invasion was within expectation.

Nevertheless, due to their insufficient capabilities in transporting their militaries coupled with the enemy’s tremendous combat strength, the Mu National Army was humiliatingly crushed and Alue fell to the hands of the empire. The townsfolk of Alue were subject to a humiliatingly gruesome situation and as soon as statements of survivors and coverage of the situation became available nationwide, the citizens of Mu were enveloped in fury and fear.

The Second Civilization Area superpower, as well as the world’s 2nd strongest country, collapsed into a state in which it was at a loss for what to do. The humiliation was tremendous and the shock that swept the citizens was unfathomable.

And then, Japan entered the war.

Without suffering a single casualty, they completely annihilated the Imperial Army’s mechanized division. It was a dramatic outcome. Their military reinforcements were exceptionally powerful.

Now, the elite troops of the Second Civilization Area that stood their ground against the encroachment of the empire have gathered at Kielseki.

Their next goal is the destruction of the Gra Valkas Empire’s frontline base, Valkyries. Mu bet their national will and pride on this operation. With the operation being the first counteroffensive operation of the Second Civilization Area and the world at large, Mu would be putting all of its spirit and effort into the fight.

Brimming with zeal, the meeting’s presider begins the explanation.

“For phase 1 of the operation against Valkyries, which has already been temporarily devastated by airstrikes, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force will conduct airstrikes against Valkyries’s surviving aircraft, radar, anti-air emplacements, heavy artillery, and armored units. They will then move on to wipe out ammunition depots and fuel tanks.

For phase 2, Mu will conduct a thorough sweep of the base to destroy leftover facilities, buildings, and military garrisons. For the airstrikes in this phase, Mu has gathered aircraft from its prestigious military bases all over the country.

Since this will be a simultaneous bombing from all of the friendly bases around Valkyries, we surmise that this will be the largest bombing operation in Mu’s history. At this point in time, it is expected that the enemy’s manpower has already been largely weakened.

For phase 3, the 1st Airborne Brigade of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force as well as Mu’s newly established Special Operations Group will drop onto the base from the air, take control of the command room in the base’s western fortifications, and cut the chain of command of surviving Imperial Army forces.

For the final phase, 700 knights from the Union of Second Civilization Dragon Knights (300 wyvern lords, 400 regular wyverns) as well as 1600 large flame birds that are each mounted by a total of 4 knights and foot soldiers, will drop a total of 6900 soldiers via parachute as ground reinforcements. The dragon knights will provide air support via their magic flame bullets.

In the case of the 6900-strong ground reinforcement, since wyverns cannot carry heavy loads, soldiers with comparatively light body weight were chosen and are equipped with rifles developed in the Magikaraich Community. After the flame birds have transported them, they will immediately return to base.”

The place erupted in hushes as everyone talked about the scale of the operation which has never been pulled off before.

“I have a question!!!”

An officer of the Mu National Army Air Corps raises their hand.

“Yes?”

“Large flame birds, even in the uncivilized areas, are already being phased out as fire support. I don’t think they’ll be able to keep up with the operation’s level of combat.”

Flame birds, different from the so-called fire-eating birds1 on Earth, are a large type of bird that can fly and carry people who inhabit the new world. Since they can spit flames from their mouths, they reigned as the supreme air combatant in ancient times. They are slower in comparison to wyverns and the effective range of their flames are also far shorter. With the increasing growth of power of the countries that utilize the wyvern in air combat, every other country gradually adopted the wyvern as their primary air combatant, phasing out the flame birds from military use.

The inhabited regions of the flame bird are scattered all throughout the world, but just before the year 1400, birds larger than flame birds were discovered in the southern islands. Since their ecology and appearance were basically that of a flame bird’s, they were called large flame birds. Larger in scale than a flame bird and possessing a wider wingspan, they were introduced in battlefields, but since they were inconvenient to ride and were slow to turn, the number of countries that used them gradually lessened. Since they could carry somewhat heavy objects, they are currently favored in every country as merchant transport birds.

“Indeed. We aren’t expecting much from them combat-wise. In that sense, wyverns and wyvern lords would be more preferable, but since the bases that housed much of our wyverns were bombed by enemy aircraft at the same time as the naval battle at Baltica, we lost many dragons and so we don’t have enough. The wyverns may have perished but many of our dragon knights have survived the attack, so they can basically operate flame birds. This is the hand we’ve been dealt for this operation.

What we want from the flame birds is simply their transport capability. Furthermore, by the time the wyverns and flame birds arrive, it is expected that the enemy will have mostly lost the ability to counterattack. I imagine they won’t have any structures left standing, but in the off-chance that there are, they will be in charge of clearing remaining soldiers, security of defending gains via rapid construction of trenches, and taking temporary defensive measures against the coming of possible enemy reinforcements.”

“I understand. Thank you for that.”

“Regarding the flow of the operation after we take control of the base… As for the reinforcements…”

The meeting continues.

The Second Civilization superpower Mu, the second strongest in the world, burned with the will to fight for the upcoming counteroffensive.

Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!