One week later, Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 3.
Port Maihark.
It was fine weather.
The cloud was high, a beautiful blue sky spread out widely, and it was a bit cool.
The diplomatic delegation had gathered at Port Maihark.
In front of the office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry which became the rendezvous point, a sharp clothed man was talking with them.
"Gentlemen who are gathered in this place, it is my utmost pleasure to receive the mission delegation to Japan today. I am sent to go with your visit this time to make it comfortable even for a bit. I am Tanaka from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If there is anything that inconveniencing you, please inform me without any reservation."
Everyone from the delegation was a bit taken aback at Tanaka who was smiling refreshingly.
Amongst them, there was a member of the delegation who had a depressed expression.
"A boat trip..."
"General Hanki, your expression isn't good. Did something happened?"
"Ah, Yagou-dono... I am temporarily transferred to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Please stop adding general to my name."
"I understand. Then, does something weighing your mind?"
"No, it's just that when I thought that we will travel by boat, it makes me depressed... A boat trip is not something nice. We don't know when it will capsize, it's dark since light doesn't reach inside the ship, it's damp and smelly, then there will be many people sick from long ship journey, the food is salty since there is only preserved food. Above all else. It's difficult to secure water. Even if you are thirsty, you need to save it no matter what..."
Matching Hanki's sigh, Yagou also hung his head gloomily.
As a foreign affairs official, he often took a boat trip. He had a terrible experience every time, and this time too, he already resolved that it would be less than pleasant.
"Well. They did say that this travel will arrive in Japan in 2 days. If it's just two days, then if I endured, it will be over quickly... Honestly for it to be only 2 days, I think there is some kind of miscommunication between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Japan. To travel in that ocean in just that amount of days is impossible."
"I also think that the timetable is strange. But, Japan can launch that steel dragon, so perhaps they can travel at a speed that's beyond our common senses."
Before long it was the departure time.
They moved from the rendezvous point to the port, and from a silhouette of an island, a large black-hulled ship as large as an island appeared.
Taking a sidelong glance at the dumbfounded delegation member, Tanaka began explaining.
"This time we will board that ship to head to Japan. Actually, we want to dock at the harbor of this port, but unfortunately, the water depth is too shallow, so we will move to that ship by boarding a small ship."
From the shadow of the offshore ship, there were 3 small ships appeared. They looked around 130 meters long, with strange-looking "pipes" at the deck. This also was heading towards the port with an unbelievable speed.
Those ships also didn't have any sails.
At such an incomprehensible scene, Hanki was throwing questions one after another.
"Tanaka-dono, Tanaka-dono. Those... That ship, there is no sail can be seen, but how can it move? Where do these small ships appear from...? It doesn't have any oar, but how could they travel at that speed? C-Can it be, they are something like the magic ship of the First Civilized Land?"
"I am uninformed about what kind of ship is the magic ship of the First Civilized Land, but that large ship over there is moved by a diesel engine,"
"Disel enjin?"
"Yes, it's what is called an engine. To put it in simpler terms, it uses the power of air from burning oil to rotating turbine blades, which through several shafts, rotates a screw to propel the ship."
"Hmm... I don't understand, but it sounds amazing."
The small ships docked at the pier and the party board each ship and then headed towards the large passenger ship.
When they were onboard the large passenger ship and went inside, the mission delegation members were so speechless.
It was bright. Perhaps Japan had even raised their light spirits.
"Th-This ship is made from metal... Just how in the world it stays floating...?"
Each member was then guided to their allocated room, and the party passed their time in comfort.
From Yagou's Diary. That day's entry.
How should I put this? I can't hide my surprise.
I have never seen or heard a ship this big, I also never read something like this in any books.
Furthermore, the ship's interior is pleasantly bright, and the rooms are also unbelievably maintained at a fixed temperature.
Despite the ship is large, it traveled through the ocean like an arrow. It seems that they are not necessarily lying when they say that we can travel 1,000 km in 2 days.
Just what kind of country Japan can build something like this?
In the Foreign Affairs Ministry, some people say that "There is no mistake that a newly emerging nation is a barbarous country", but right now - though I don't want to say it and also don't want to accept it - from their point of view, we are the one who looks like a barbarous country.
Perhaps, Japan might possess power that even equal to the major power countries of the Civilized Lands.
That night.
"Hmm... Interesting." Tanaka muttered at the information he had gathered today.
The information he had gathered so far was that there were three Civilized Lands that govern this world.
Those locations housed most of this world's Great Powers, similar to the Europeans, which, at their prime, were the world's Great Powers before the major events shifted the balance of power multiple times. Particularly, the First World War.
Ever since their transfer five years ago, Japan, one of the seven Great Powers in their world, had entered into a five-year-long isolation period ordered by the Emperor himself. And since that time, they had gathered their assimilated resources from the European colonies in Asia as well as installing Pro-Japanese Puppet Goverments so that they give the territories some amount of autonomy in the region but enough for the Imperial Government to wrestle control should an opportunity arises.
From northern China to the Dutch East Indies, they have consolidated the resources found in those territories and began an industrial build-up from the poor nation of the Philippines to the resource-rich Indies. All of which possessed a great deal of strategic opportunities should a threat arise in the unexplored eastern front where the majority of the Pacific Ocean was once there.
During that period, they've discovered an extremely oil-rich field found in Manchuria in the previous year, the oil field alone had produced 1 million barrels of oil per day. That alone had been enough to settle their oil issues as well as easing production in the Southern Territories as well as making the Oil Refineries of the Dutch Indies a slightly less of a priority. Therefore, making resistance efforts in the region more pointless than before.
Since then on, the industrialization program of the "Manchurian Project," had greatly expanded the Manchurian Railways, the Showa Steel Works, and developed both Light and Heavy Industries that boomed the Manchurian Economy so much that the Empire had integrated Manchuria as their territory. Effectively removing the once puppet state to a new core territory fully controlled by Japan.
Manchuria wasn't the only territorial region that was developing at a high-rate.
With the rest of Southeast Asia freed from Western Colonial rule, the Empire of Japan had taken the initiative to "win the hearts and minds of the people" from the former European colonies as opposed to "aggressively" force to serve them.
And with the economic success seen in Manchuria, Japan created a new industrialization program called "SEA (South East Asia) Project". Which involves many lights and heavy industrialization projects, creating and expanding the existing railway systems, and several economic projects that will benefit the Empire in the long run.
Considering that many in the former colonies were, particularly those that resisted industrialization before, either imprisoned or executed in order to develope the SEAsian countries just to improve the economic situation the former European colonizers weren't prioritized in developing their respective territories.
Understandably, those developments were hindered for political reasons from the elite class at the time. But, given the situation of being transported to a new world, they had to either compromise or force the elites in cooperating the Government. Or perhaps, a mass execution would be the least of methods in order to develope the former European colonies.
With the industry developed from the former colonies, there were questions raised inside the Imperial Government on how to deal with the remaining Allied Forces in Burma, New Guinea, and inside their POW Camps.
There were arguments stating that the remaining Allied forces were to be executed in order to save resources for more important projects. But there were some that wanted to spare their prisoners and treat them nicely, even putting into consideration that if they were to return to their world (somehow) they would positive opinions. However, the latter was rather optimistic to think that their POWs would think nicely of their former oppressors after what they've gone through.
The decision has finally been made after it took two whole months of infightings between the Army and Navy which gradually escalated as time goes on, pressure from the Civilian Government, and even the direct intervention from the Emperor himself to release every Allied Forces from their POW Camps. Which resulted in establishing multiple settlements for the former POWs within the Empire. Some of the settlements could be found within the Home Islands itself.
Moreover, the direct intervention from the Emperor had quelled further infighting between the two military branches. Insomuch that they began working together, albeit reluctantly due to years of inter-service rivalry between the two branches. It wouldn't take for at least year for the two to fully make peace with each other and mutual cooperation to happen unless a conflict were to rise up that required both the Army and Navy to fully cooperate.
Furthermore, with the locals from the former colonies integrated into the workforce by the order of the Emperor himself. Several Japanese workers, who were working in those said colonies from the multiple investments the Imperial Government sponsored, had taken an interest in the cultures of the land they were assigned to work on.
In the third year of the isolation period, the cultures the Japanese workers exposed to became popular within and outside the Home Islands via mails and packages sent to their families and loved ones.
Initially, the Imperial Government had suppressed the exposure of the native cultures in Southeast Asia. But, seeing the increase of stability by both the locals and the Japanese ethnics groups by the exposure of Southeast Asian cultures, and the lessening of resistance forces in the area, they've decided to let it go without further restrictions. As well as giving the region a local Civilian Oversight as a sign of trust that they are able to govern themselves without being a nuisance to Japanese forces in the area.
This goes without saying, that Korea itself had its traditions and culture restored thanks to the popularity of Southeast Asia culture. Even going as far to return to their original Korean names, as a sign of goodwill. However, Japanese Authority still hold strong in the peninsula.
Tanaka smiled genuinely at his recollection of previous events during the Isolation Period as he sent his report by encrypted message to HQ in Japan.
Two days later, Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 4
"Everyone, Fukuoka City is in sight. Fukuoka City is the largest city in the Kyushu, Chugoku and Shikoku Region. If you see in front of us, you can see the Hakata Port. We will ride a bus - a large automobile from Hakata Port to Yamato Hotel[1] where you will learn basic knowledge about Japan."
Due to the excitement, Yagou and the others woke up early and stood on deck, where they watch the course of the ship.
Then Tanaka arrived and once again explained the schedule for today.
Just when they thought that the land could be seen dimly on the horizon, in the blink of an eye, they could see the silhouette of a city. In the front, there was Hakata port that Tanaka had said, but beside it, they could see the sight of ash, white, beige, or red buildings lined up. Furthermore, when they approached, they could see huge bridges spanned over the water, and two or three covered walkways piled up atop another.
After they reached the shore of Hakata Port, just like Tanaka had explained before, they board the bus and traveled to Yamato Hotel.
They had heard that an automobile is a vehicle that moved by an "Internal Combustion Engine", but they never imagined there will be so many varieties of automobiles went back and forth. From the explanation they received, most automobiles in Japan were used to transport goods, public transportation of people, and private vehicles. Most civilians don't even own one and the people who could afford it was those with a good amount of money.
Nevertheless, the level of affluence was astonishing.
They've arrived at the hotel, and the study group to learn basic knowledge about Japan.
Telephones, radio, automobile, railway system.
There were many mysterious objects in Tanaka's explanation, but they seemed to object that was produced from science. If you understand their mechanism, then anyone could build it, or so he said.
Additionally, they even taught common sense about crime, like if you found something and then make it as your own, then you could be accused of fraudulent appropriation of lost articles and other offenses.
"Tanaka-dono, Tanaka-dono."
Hanki called him.
"What is it, Hanki-sama?"
"This city is considerably developed, so does the capital city more developed than this city?"
"Yes. First, the population couldn't be compared with this city, so apartments, in other words, a high residential building, are built close to each other. The multistory buildings are also higher than the ones in Fukuoka City, and to utilize the road and railway more efficiently, they spread out like webs. However, I feel that Fukuoka City's townscape is more beautiful. This might be shameful to say, but arriving at Tokyo from Fukuoka City gives me the impression 'It feels unorganized mess like always'..."
"Hmm... So, it's even more developed than Fukuoka City."
It was an answer he had expected, but Hanki seemed like he wanted to groan. He then asked again.
"Tanaka-dono, I want to observe the Japanese's military, will this be impossible?"
"Our country does have a military. But, it is impossible, showing our military will be tantamount to... Hmm?"
A messenger of some sort suddenly went closer to Tanaka, whispered something and gave a piece of paper. Perhaps it pertains to some kind of message? But the development seemed recent...
"Please excuse me just now. Coincidentally, we are just in time, tomorrow the Army Air Force will be arriving at Tsuiki Airbase and we have permission to observe their arrival. Though they will be just transferring here, it is a good idea to see what they look like, since you people have your air force, correct? We can arrange a suitable location for the observation.
"Yes, and oh, I apologize for this, but please do so."
Hanki's mood was raised as he was granted the chance to observe the military... The Army Air Force that the Japanese possessed.
"Is there anyone else who wants to join?"
"I want to participate."
Yagou raised his hand. Since the other 3 members of the delegation said they will go inspect the city, only Hanki and Yagou who will go to the observation location near Tsuiki Airbase.
The next day, Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 6
Imperial Japanese Combined Air Force's Tsuiki Airbase.
Hanki and Yagou were on an open field near the airbase. Tanaka was accompanying them.
That so-called expressway is astonishing, but I could finally see the metal dragon's capability from a close distance.
It wasn't Hanki, Yagou also was interested in the capabilities of the metal dragon. After all, it was necessary to confirm the report about the unidentified unit. That duty was shouldered by Yagou from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
While both of them were languishing in their nervousness, the arrival of the Army Air Force had come.
For them to come near the base and mingle the military was strange for a delegation member of a diplomatic party was allowed. However, seeing that Tanaka was contacted by his higher-ups via messenger, Hanki felt that this country's military was its core pride. As well as the its projection of power in the region.
"Respectful delegates, right now, 150 Ki-66, 50 G10N, and 300 escorting Ki-84s will be within visual range in three minutes. Please look at the sky on your right till then. The combined Tsuiki Air Division will approach with a speed of 500 km/hour."
"Wh-...!"
"What did they just say!? Tanaka-dono! Did they just say 500 km/hour? Am I mishearing things!?"
The agitated Hanki began to address Tanaka.
"No, you didn't mishear it. The announcer indeed says that the speed is 500 km/hour."
From the right side, hundreds of flying objects were approaching in silence. Then when it approached the observation field, finally they begin to hear multiple whirling sounds.
"What speed!"
Hanki yelped.
The 300 "Ki-84s" that was covered with camouflage paint, began dispersing as they began to climb in a trajectory that was close to vertical. The surface of their wings cut through the air, which then formed a white cloud, from above and below the wingtip, which then parted as if it was a white wake of a boat in the sky.
""...""
Hanki and Yagou, both of them were lost for words at the fighter plane that they saw for the first time.
"Respectful delegates, please look at the sky on the left. The escorting Ki-84s has returned."
"Eh? Already?"
"The Ki-84s will circle the base for temporary air patrol for the Ki-66s and G10Ns to land safely in case of sudden enemy attack and ready to intercept them at this time."
"Any particular reasons why are they doing that? Wouldn't be simple to land those immediately?"
"...The last time we did that, it cost us a huge loss."
Tanaka explained calmly. His overall expression stone-faced, but what the delegates can see, is a face that has seen a worst defeat ever known.
What could have been those losses?
Was the collective thought of the pair when they heard his response.
"Then those 'gee-ten-ens'? Were they..."
"Yes, those were a group of aircraft of that same unit that had accidentally trespassed the airspace of your nation belonged to. Again, we formally apologize for this."
"No, that is all right, Tanaka-dono. But may I ask, how fast are they? Including those escorts, if I may add?"
Hanki asked, his face flabbergasted at the number Japan seemed to possess. Though he wasn't sure how many there are, but he liked to think it was in short number. Assuming, of course, that he sees now are this province's squadron.
"You mean the G10Ns and the Ki-84s...? I suppose it is safe to say they can move at a speed of 780 and 690 km/hour respectively."
After hearing this, Hanki turned pale at this information. It was more than twice the speed of a wyvern! These two alone can outmaneuver any wyvern in the world! Even the supposed superior Wyvern Lord isn't a match to those mechanical beasts the Japanese seem to control.
In this base alone, they possess the most supreme quality of aerial supremacy he had ever laid eyes on.
"...Then their climbing limit?"
"15,000 and 12,000 meters respectively."
Hanki's eyes nearly, and quite literally, bulged out his eyes after hearing this. This is no longer a competition, they were outmatched in terms of air power projected by this small information alone.
This was only a mere fraction of this nation, Japan, was capable of.
If their airforce was this great, how about their ground and naval force?
Hanki did not like to admit it, but in his mind, Japan was not a nation that the Qua-Toyne Principality and the Quila Kingdom combined could defeat. Even the Louria Kingdom does not have a single speck of hope if they somehow declare war on this seemingly invincible country.
Not even the First Civilized Lands won't be even a major threat to this supposed emerging nation.
He sincerely hoped that Japan was not a warmongering nation.
"*cough* *cough*"
The Emperor of Japan suddenly coughed. Everyone in the Supreme War Council turned their heads at their ruler in concern.
"Your Majesty, are you alright?"
The current Prime Minister, Isoroku Yamamoto, was the first to voice his concerns for his Emperor's well-being.
"Don't worry, it's only a small cough. It's of no concern"
Emperor Showa answered calmly, while some of the Generals and Admirals still stared at him with concerning looks.
"Now, where were we?"
Was the response of Hirohito. After that, the meeting resumed.
From Hanki's Diary. That day's entry.
A city that is overflowing with similar buildings, yet, foreign feel back home, then largely developed roads that spanned in and out of the city, the large-scale transportation system called railway. This country called Japan that could build such tremendous structures makes me startled.
Furthermore, this city is not Japan's capital city. This city is nothing more than a provincial city. I wish there is a word that conveys surprise greater than shocked.
The combat metal dragons, or perhaps more appropriately, aircraft units that can fly more than 2.5 times the speed of a wyvern and its climbing power is also unbelievable. They're monsters that not only possess such tremendous speed, but their combat operational range also exceeds 1,000 km. From their point of view, our country's wyverns might be seen as they are not moving at all. From what I heard from our guide, Tanaka-dono, those aircraft units could be used as air support in the sea or the land.
The metal dragon, the G10N, that intruded Maihark before is an absolute treat that can level towns and villages from very high altitude that our wyverns cannot reach.
If it was their escort, the fighter aircraft Ki-84, they could eliminate every wyvern we possessed with only a handful of them, about five of them can eliminate them all if my guess is correct.
Not only that, it was a small token force that we've witnessed. The overall scale is terrifying when thinking about it. Especially the thought that there are hundreds, if not, thousands of these aircraft would only mean a massacre to Qua-Toyne as a whole.
In other words, their intrusion on Maihark can be guessed to be completely nothing more than a patrolling action.
We absolutely must establish a friendly relation with Japan.
To make enemies of them is more frightening than making enemies of the major countries in the Civilized Land.
We must never be hostile to them no matter what.
Yamato Hotel, Suite Room
"Say, Yagou-dono."
"What is it?"
"What do you think about Japan?"
"Let's see... If I could express it in one word, then it will be 'affluent', so astonishingly... The interior of the hotel has a fixed, maintained temperature, just like that large ship. To warm a building this large, just how many fuels they used... Furthermore, they are not only warming this room that has specially prepared for us but also controlling the temperature in the entrance hall and even in the corridor. Also, the toilet doesn't smell at all.
Just the sense of surprise from the housing accommodation that he had experienced so far had almost cause Yagou paralyzed.
However, even though he received an impact from the transfer of Japan's airforce as if his head had been hit, when he returned to the hotel in the evening, he experienced the unknown world even more.
"If you go outside, there is a device called television that displayed black and white-colored moving images in clear quality. You can always obtain freshly cooked food or clothes from the shops that opened in the nighttime, even the fine quality ones. The food selling counters in large stores always lined up with fresh foods. The major roads of the city are brightly illuminated from the street lamp that you could walk without using a lantern and the public order is extremely good. It vexes me but the difference in national power is apparent."
Yagou paused for a moment and shook his head. In his eyes, there was a hint of fear.
"...I am honestly surprised at their airforce's transfer. From their movement alone, they've displayed an overwhelming difference in power. I think that we must not make enemies out of Japan."
"As expected, you have the same conclusion... In front of their aircraft units, wyvern's sky combat tactic won't be useful, they're practically useless. Tomorrow we will depart to the capital. Japan is really bad for my heart."
"I am also frightened by it, but on the other hand, I also get thrilled. For a country like this suddenly appeared close to us, furthermore, it possesses a civilization than even the Civilized Land that looked down on others. And our country is the first country they made contact with... If they don't have any hegemonic ambition, then this is a fortunate boon for us."
Yagou and Hanki continued their conversation until late at night.
The next day, Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 7.
It was a cool morning. The cloud was high an the sky was clear, and the visibility was good.
Since the transfer, Japan had experienced a relatively good time of peace, while the military itself was expanding steadily and performing daily drills and exercises as the days passed. One man wearing stylish clothing - the so-called suits - was standing in the lobby, waiting for the delegation members.
"Good morning, everyone. Do you have a good sleep last night?"
Tanaka greeted the gathered delegation members.
"For today's schedule. After breakfast, there will be an explanation about the event in Tokyo at 10 o'clock then we will depart the Hotel at 11:30. At noon, we will board the Tokyo-bound C62 that depart from Hakata. Then at 22:04, we will arrive at Tokyo Station, afterward..."
While listening to the explanation, one thing Yagou sensed every day since his arrival in Japan was that they have a clear concept of time passage.
Every member of the delegation was given delicate machinery called a wristwatch.
It could mark the passage of time in second and also could be easily carried around, then for the military, it might be possible to perform a simultaneous attack without any time difference. In the context of its effective military application, it was amazing.
Using the watch as a baseline, Yagou has one question about the time.
"Tanaka-dono, I had heard that the distance between Hakata and Tokyo is more than 1000 km... But I heard the explanation that the vehicle that called C62 that we will board today is a vehicle that travels in great speed over the land."
"That is correct. Is there something that makes you concerned?"
"That we will arrive at 22:04, what does this mean? Could you accurately calculate it even to the minutes?"
"Yes. Unless for a disaster or accident, it will punctually arrive on time.
...It seems Japan really can't be measured with our common sense.
"I understand. Thank you ver-..."
*screech*-*shhhh*-*blam*.
There was a sound of objects colliding.
Yagou looked at the outside and saw a woman collapsed with blood leaking from her head and one strange large vehicle stopped beside her.
"So, it's yet another accident? This time, a truck."
Tanaka spat out.
It was something that could be said often happened in Fukuoka's downtown, an accident involving a Truck.
The accident victim woman collapsed on the ground feebly.
"Not Good! She needs immediate treatment!"
Yagou ran outside.
"Please wait, Yagou-dono. She'll soon be-"
Yagou eluded Tanaka attempted to stop him and ran outside the hotel to approach the collapsed woman.
From Tanaka's point of view, a member of the foreign diplomatic mission like Yagou wouldn't be able to treat an injured person. He followed Yagou and ran towards the accident location.
The woman hung her head down and from the wound opened in her head, blood vehemently flowed at each passing heartbeat.
"This is bad … ' وزرةفشهلاشوخزولاوشكصسخث٤هلشةخهسثخ'…"
Yagou started to chant something and his right hand over the woman's head began to shed a pale light.
"──! Th-The wound is!"
The wound in the woman's head immediately closing.
"Am-Amazing! Do you see it!? That thing just now"
Someone amongst the crowd yelled.
"Look! That man chanted something and the wound is closing!"
"Un-Unbelievable. It's like magic!"
After the woman's wound finished to be closed, Yagou tilted his head at the expression of the surrounding people.
"? Certainly, it's magic, but is there something wrong?"
"""Oooooooooooooooo"""
The people made a commotion at his nonchalant answer.
The confused Yagou was engulfed in that clamor.
The galloping noises of several horses were soon heard.
"What's going on here!?"
Yagou turned his head and saw several men in matching clothing wearing hats whose design was foreign to him.
He saw several "pipes" similar to the ones he saw a few days ago, but with some wood that he couldn't describe how naturally it looked for both metal and wooden materials to have combined.
It would seem they have horses in this country.
It was that thought that made Yagou relieved. But that relief turned to confusion and fear when the men pointed those "pipes" at him.
Whether or not Yagou was sure if those were staves or some kind of magical item, but one thing for sure he did made them wary.
This brief tension between him and the strange men was broken when Tanaka stepped in. Standing in between the two sides.
"Officer Yamaha, I can explain this. Please lower your rifles, he did no harm."
Tanaka calmly said to the man, Yamaha, Yagou could only hear the man's name, in a manner that he knew the man.
For several seconds, he did nothing but looked around from Yagou to the crowd. Scanning them to see if there was something interesting to note.
After that, he simply raised his right hand, and the several armed men behind him lowered their "rifles" as per the order of Yamaha.
It would seem he's in charge of the local authorities.
It was similar to the town and city guards back in Qua-Toyne, where they maintained order throughout the land.
Although their weapons and clothing are drastically different, but the way they operate are similar to each other.
Then, he heard Officer Yamaha speak:
"You have some explaining to do, Tanaka. Once you get back from your work that is."
That was what the man, known simply as Yamaha, said as he left the scene along with the men riding their horses.
They were gone as fast as they appeared.
Throughout all of this incident, Yagou remained confused as to what the hell happened here.
Inside the Tokaido Main Line C62 Tsubame Express.
"Goodness gracious, I'm surprised. It had been mentioned in the report, but to see magic with my own eyes... How amazing."
Tanaka was praising without minding the surrounding listener.
"Does healing type magic unusual in Japan?"
Yagou didn't feel bad being praised like this. Since his side was the one received surprise until now, to cause the Japanese side surprised for the first time made his heart wanted to boast about it a bit.
But the way the men, the people Officer Yamaha were put command too, reacted way too differently than the people that surrounded him earlier.
It irked him, he had gone several diplomatic missions before, but never had he seen the reaction of the men he saw earlier.
As if they were afraid of him.
"Yes, not only healing magic, but magic itself doesn't exist in Japan."
"""EH!?"""
At Tanaka's simple answer, the delegation members were shouting out from astonishment.
For Yagou, that answer came out of nowhere. It took him off guard. He was expecting something grandeur, but not like this!
Hanki asked out. Him being the first to respond at Tanaka's answer.
"H-However, if the communication between the aircraft and the ground is not communication magic, then how could it be done?"
"That is using the radio wave. The principle is the same as the wristwatch that had been distributed to everyone. …Hmm, how should I explain this? Just like what I had said before, every technology in Japan is based on science."
"Everything… Even that cold air filled refrigerator too?"
"Yes. In our previous world, to pursue the cause of every phenomenon, we have developed many fields of science. A radio wave is something developed from physics, the study of the cause of everything, while the refrigerator is developed from chemistry, the study of the 'change' of matter. Japan freely uses these technologies to improve the nation."
The concept of science that Qua-Toyne didn't have. It was the moment where the members of the delegation got their hands on a state-secret level of information.
If magic didn't exist in Japan, then the magic technology that is studied in Qua-Toyne Principality could be presented as a negotiation issue.
Healing magic's forte is in temporarily recovering wounds.
For example, if they proposed simple surgery magic, then it might be possible to establish a clinic that could immediately cure small wounds or stiff shoulder and there should be a demand for emergency use like the one in the accident not long ago. If there are unsolved diseases in Japan, then they could also propose to research it together.
If they open a magic academy and provide the teacher, they could increase employment and even obtain foreign currency. On the other hand, there also could offer a term to import Japan's education system into Qua-Toyne Principality. If the children could obtain knowledgeability using the Japanese way of learning, then it would be heaven-sent.
Be that as it may. It would explain the behavior of those men earlier, but the rationality behind it is rather questionable at best.
Why were they afraid of magic?
Even so, It was a significant discovery that Japan relied only on the knowledge of science.
In this world, to be able to gather a large number of magicians would be advantageous in a war and so magicians had strategic importance. However, there was the question of the development and personnel of the magitech research, also the difference in the individual qualities, which presented a major challenge in establishing a large division of magician that is uniformly powerful in the first place.
Compared to that, as long as someone knew the basics of the science, then anyone could easily become a powerful soldier. In other words, even Qua-Toyne Principality's citizens could do so.
"Tanaka-dono. Is it possible to export science like physics or chemistry?"
Tanaka already had expected that question.
"Several years ago, our country has enforced a law called New World Technology Dissemination Prohibition Law. It is prohibited to export core technology, so we can't particularly give out their content. However, if it's only fundamental science knowledge then it is sold as textbooks or the likes at any bookstore. However… Since the translation studies hadn't made any progress, so I believe it will be difficult to translate into your language."
From the Japanese point of view, there were many mysterious things in this world.
Especially the origin of the language-related "even when speech is understandable, the written letters become different language and grammar" phenomena. Japan had begun a study to translate the materials that had been brought back from Qua-Toyne Principality from the first meeting, but Japan's information about this world was still too scarce and the amount of the materials was too few that it was an extremely difficult ordeal.
Yagou interpreted Tanaka word that it was sold in bookstores as "We won't mind to give out if it's just fundamental knowledge", so he decided to bring back chemistry or physics books as much as possible for the time being.
But he had several questions to ask.
"Excuse me, Tanaka-dono, may I ask who were the men before? I believe that those men earlier were the city's guards, correct?"
"Yes, you could say that. But they are... different if I do say so myself."
"Different? What do you mean?"
"They're the Kempeitai, the Military Police. An auxiliary unit from the Army, to maintain order in the country. Though there are the local police force, but they are mostly trained civilians, whereas the Kempeitai are the ones with the most power... at the moment."
"At the moment?"
"It's complicated, but Officer Yamaha's unit was temporarily transferred to Fukuoka. Until further notice, you wouldn't probably see him nor his men the next time you visit the city on perhaps your second diplomatic mission."
The way Tanaka said sent shivers to Yagou's spine.
Nonetheless, he wanted to change topic to ease his tension.
"Nevertheless, Hanki-sama, the C62 is fast right?"
"You're right. Even though it's traveling at such speed even hauling such a heavyweight, the inside doesn't sway at all, the seat is also pleasant and comfortable. However, in a speed like this, an accident will be scary..."
"Since the C62's opening, no passengers are dying from an accident... Unless a natural disaster occurs. They say it's the safest vehicle in Japan."
"Hmm... I'll believe in that. But even after hearing it, I'm still uneasy."
While the 5 people board it with uneasiness in their heart, today too was yet another safe travel for the C62.
From Yagou's Diary
After passing several large cities, the C62 we boarded arrived at Japan's capital city, Tokyo.
The provincial cities that we passed midway are even more developed and greatly surpass the capital of the major countries that crowds the Civilized Lands, but Tokyo is on a different dimension. Just about anything moves punctually, the number of the population is huge, and their level of industry is enormous.
There was even a structure that surpassed the Prime Minister's residence in my country.
For myself, as a member of the diplomatic mission that is dispatched to a country that could build these buildings, I am looking forward to the working-level meeting tomorrow.
For my country's national interest, I will work to the best of my abilities.
It's a heavy responsibility, but it's fortunate to be present in a history-making moment like this.
The next day, Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 8.
Qua-Toyne Working Level Meeting
The conference had begun.
One slender bespectacled man began to address the diplomatic mission delegation from Qua-Toyne Principality.
"I am Himura from Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Let me talk straight to the heart of the matter at hand. Right now we desire food. The list of needed items are──"
Though the Japanese had prepared documents that described various necessary food items, they already received the report that written materials won't be understandable for the other party, so Himura was reading the document and described each of the items orally, which contents made the delegation members looked at each other.
"Th-The one-year aggregate amount is about 55 million tonnes!?"
"I am told that your country is a prosperous agricultural country. The food self-sufficiency rate even surpasses 100%. Even so, we never think that your country alone could fulfill this requested amount, but we want to know how much your country could potentially provide. Of course, we won't ask for an immediate reply. Don't worry, we have enough time to spare before we run out of supplies."
Yagou wrote the number of items that Himura had cited with his own country's script in the document on his hand. While looking at it and furrowing his brow, he began to speak.
"Fishery products are difficult and I don't know about this 'coffee bean'. Other than that, I believe we could provide the other requested items if it is just in this amount."
"What do you say!?"
"Other than coffee beans it's possible, just how high the production output..."
The Japanese foreign affairs officials were in astir. Honestly speaking, the request included items that need to be imported from several countries, barring certain areas not revealed to the Qua-Toyne Delegates, but for a single country be able to provide them all... It wasn't strange that they were surprised.
After all, they were not expecting that a country the size of Qua-Toyne was able to produce that much food in the first place.
"Of course, after this is permitted by our country. Just..."
"Just?"
"Our country doesn't possess the means of transportation for this amount to your country. There are large farmland regions inland, but we don't have the manpower and the budget to transport it to the harbors. Even if we have transported it to the harbor, we also lack the manpower to load the food. Above all, we lack ships."
"Then it decided, if you earn the approval from the Qua-Toyne Principality, then can you export the food right now?"
"I think it's possible."
By some chance, a possibility to avoid a "food" crisis in Japan had come to their sight.
The Japanese delegation sat back and a white-haired bespectacled dandy man began to talk.
"I am Maejima from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If Qua-Toyne Principality doesn't mind then we will improve harbor facilities and build infrastructure, a means of transportation in other words, towards the farmland region within Qua-Toyne. Our country provides capital under the pretext of Official Development Assistant to establish the railway network and so our country can construct it directly. In exchange, we would like to have some of our military forces stationed there to protect the development in case of troublesome nuisances such as bandit raids were to occur. As well as an airfield for transportation, if you are willing to send the food via aircraft. What do you think about this proposal?"
"!?"
This time it was the turn for the Qua-Toyne Delegation to be astir. For Qua-Toyne Principality where water and food were almost close to free, the country could be enriched just by exporting it and, also, they even would receive harbor, railway and airfield. Though the latter was a bit surprising for them.
Other than the odd request of establishing a foreign military presence within the country, is there any more favorable term than this?
They also negotiated for several other items, and while discussing the future preparation for both parties sealing the deal, the conference finished favorably.
Ten days later,
Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 18.
Qua-Toyne Principality and Japan had agreed on these points.
1.) Qua-Toyne Principality will export the food needed by Japan.
2.) Japan will expand Port Maihark in Qua-Toyne Principality and establish transportation infrastructure from Maihark to the farmland regions using Japan's capital.
3.) Japan and Qua-Toyne Principality will continue to discuss with each other toward establishing a diplomatic relationship.
4.) An exchange rate will immediately put in place.
5.) As the compensation for Japan's bulk-purchase of food from Qua-Toyne Principality, for one year, Japan will establish essential infrastructure (water service, electricity, gas service) within Qua-Toyne Principality.
6.) Afterward, the food will be purchased according to the exchange rate.
7.) In exchange, the Qua-Toyne Principality will allow Japan to establish a foreign military presence within the country for protection of Port Maihark expansion and the establishment of transportation infrastructure.
8.) An airfield would be constructed for aircraft to receive the food exports from Qua-Toyne.
9.) Japan will continue for a conference with Qua-Toyne Principality to discuss the signing of a non-aggression treaty.
Japan and Qua-Toyne Principality were able to establish a favorable relationship. This inseparable friendly relationship that they will create in the future became a ship where both nations shared a common fate. A ship that challenges the violent torrent of this world.
"In the end, everything went well as planned. Isn't that right, Prime Minister?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Although, it strikes me a bit of doubt when that diplomat, Tanaka, reported that Qua-Toyne Principality thoroughly agreed to the least of our request for food. Other than that, why did he switch the order of our request? Was it because he thinks information about this world should be gathered in small numbers? Or, was it because they're extremely suspicious of us and asking for information about this world makes us seem... Barbaric?"
"No one but him would know about it, Your Majesty. But I'm sure his reasons would likely be for the benefit of you and the Empire as a whole."
"Perhaps you're right, Prime Minister. I hope everything goes smoothly as intended."
It has been five years since the transfer, and following the Gregorian Calendar, today would be February 18th, 1948.
In the Imperial Calendar, it would be the year 2608 since the founding of the country known currently as the Empire of Japan. One of the Seven Great Powers and Asia's most powerful nation, barring any western powers.
With a population estimated to be half a billion, with an active personnel of about 6 million soldiers and 30 million men in reserve. And with an industrial capacity that greatly surpasses their previous industry back in their world. They were a force to be reckoned with if they were to return to their world with their current power with them.
Currently, however──
"Prime Minister Yamamoto, can I ask you a question?"
"Yes, what is it, Your Majesty?"
"Why do I get the feeling in less than a year that we're going to have a total conquest of a hostile nation?"
"You're leaving? Right now?"
"Yeah. Was that so surprising?"
The two men, Tanaka and Yamaha, were at a simple ramen stand near the outskirts of Fukuoka City.
The diplomat, who was tasked to accompany the Qua-Toyne Delegates to return to their country, was having a late night meal when his friend, Yamaha Takamaru, coincidentally having the same plans as he is.
Though they were friends since they were young, and spent nights like this occasionally with a hot ramen. It was something the two was looking forward to.
However, this night was different.
"I mean, knowing you, you are a capable man. But, for the Intelligence Agency to send you and two others for a mission..."
"Yeah. You being a diplomat, you know what it's at stake here."
Tanaka bit his lip when he heard what his friend said.
It was a highly classified mission only certain members of the Intelligence Agency can participate with high risks.
In order words, they were spies.
Tanaka was aware that Yamaha was participating this mission, on which country, he does not know.
But, one thing for certain, he knew his friend won't be captured that easily.
"We'll be leaving by dawn. Until then, let's eat.
Tanaka nodded in response to his friends words as they ate the ramen placed in front of them until they were full.
