Chapter 19: The Irnetia Crisis Part 1

Castle Lampall, Kilcrus, Irnetia, Central Calendar Day 17 Month 5 Year 10641

The air in the room was suffocatingly heavy. Irtis XIII, king of Irnetia, bent over ever so slightly, responding to the pained feelings he was getting from his abdomen while the meeting dragged on. Today's meeting was no different from the previous ones–another discussion about how the Chinese were going to take them by storm. This time, they were discussing defensive emplacements, which ones they were going to defend to the last and which ones they were going to let go, and in the event they couldn't hold out, where they would evacuate to. General Nizuel and his strategists discussed strategy and so on with serious expressions. When considering that there had never been such serious discussions about national defense before, one could get a feel of just how critical these moments are. Oh, how everyone wished they never had to experience this in the first place. But when they remember that the glory and prosperity their ancestors have built may be swept away under their tenure, they feel a reinvigorated sense of tenacity and defiance against the incoming threat.

General Nizuel rose, the weight of his years of service visible in his furrowed brow and iron-gray hair. He pointed to a large map spread across the table, its surface marked with various colored pins and notes. "We must focus our defenses on the western coast, where we anticipate the initial Chinese landings. The terrain there will work to our advantage, allowing us to funnel their forces into a narrow pass where our archers and mages can rain destruction upon them."

One of the younger strategists, Lieutenant Althar, spoke up. "But General, what of the coastal towns? We can't simply abandon them. The people there—"

Nizuel's voice was grim. "We will hold as long as we can, but we must be realistic. Some areas will be sacrificed for the greater good. If we spread our forces too thin, we will be defeated everywhere. We must choose our battles wisely."

The king's face grew even more ashen at these words. The weight of the decision to leave some of his people to the mercy of the invaders was a heavy burden on his heart. The room fell into a somber silence, each person lost in their own thoughts of the grim future that lay ahead.

Knock knock

A couple of knocks came from the door to the meeting chamber.

"Enter!"

"Excuse me!"

It was one of Viri's subordinates. Out of breath with drops of sweat flowing from his forehead, he must have run all the way from Viri's office.

"Forgive my untimed intrusion! But I figured that what I have is relevant to the meeting, and so I came. We've received contact from Lord Viri on the results of their negotiations with the Holy Milishial Empire ."

"What?! What did they say?!"

Hearing that a message had come from Lord Viri, the king himself ordered him to spill the news.

The man took a deep breath, attempting to steady his nerves before he continued. "Your Majesty, we have been in negotiations with the most formidable power in the world, the Holy Milishial Empire. During these discussions, the 36th Prince of Milishial, Caspian, made the acquaintance of Prince Aethes and has now proposed marriage. Consequently, Irnetia has been declared a protectorate of Milishial. Prince Caspian has pledged to bring an impressive magical fleet to our shores, both to escort Prince Aethes back to Irnetia and to provide protection against the looming threat of the Chinese. Moreover, Prince Caspian expects us to prepare an extraordinarily grand wedding ceremony for his marriage to Prince Aethes."

The room erupted into shocked gasps and murmurs. King Irtis XIII almost fainted due to shock. His precious Aethes was just 17 years old and his only son.

"Are they serious?" General Nizuel's voice trembled with a mix of relief and disbelief. "This could change everything… but at what cost?"

King Irtis XIII, his hands trembling with a mix of shock and concern, motioned urgently for the magical crystal ball to be brought into the council chamber. The orb, glowing faintly with arcane energy, was carefully placed in the center of a large oak table adorned with maps and scrolls detailing the kingdom's affairs. As the room held its collective breath, the flickering image of Prince Aethes materialized within the crystal, his features illuminated in a haze of magical light.

"Aethes, my son," the king began, his voice quivering slightly. "How did this come to pass? Speak to me truthfully."

Aethes appeared conflicted, his image wavering slightly as if reflecting his inner turmoil. His youthfulness was evident in the uncertainty etched across his face. "Father," he started, his voice soft and hesitant, "it was... unexpected. I met Prince Caspian in the park. We talked, and then... he invited me to join him for a game of billiards. It seemed harmless enough."

The council chamber was filled with murmurs and exchanged glances, the revelation hanging heavy in the air. Homosexuality was a forbidden topic in the rigidly traditional court, where appearances and alliances were carefully curated.

King Irtis's brow furrowed deeply. "And then he proposed marriage?" His tone was a mixture of disbelief and fatherly concern.

Aethes nodded, his gaze falling momentarily before meeting his father's eyes once more. "Yes, Father. Five days later, he declared his intentions. He... he said he admired my qualities and believed we could unite our kingdoms through marriage."

The king's chest tightened with conflicting emotions. On one hand, the alliance with the powerful Milishial Empire through this marriage could bolster Irnetia's defenses against the looming threat of the Chinese. On the other hand, his son's happiness and well-being weighed heavily on his conscience. "And how do you feel about this, Aethes?" His voice was gentle, searching for his son's true sentiments amidst the weight of royal expectations.

Aethes hesitated, his shoulders tense with uncertainty. He clasped his hands together nervously, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't love him, Father. I don't... feel that way about men." He paused, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "But Caspian is... kind. He listens to me, respects my opinions. He believes in the alliance, in what it could mean for our kingdoms."

The king studied his son intently, seeing the conflict within him. "Do you believe you can marry him, Aethes?" His tone was searching, hoping for reassurance but fearing the answer.

"I... I want to do what's best for Irnetia," Aethes began slowly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Prince Caspian... he's... he's not what I expected. He's kind and considerate, and he speaks of this marriage as a means to strengthen our defenses against the Chinese."

The prince paused, his gaze dropping momentarily before meeting his father's eyes once more. "But... "I don't know if I can... love him as a husband."

King Irtis listened intently, his heart aching for his son's internal struggle. He reached out, figuratively, trying to bridge the gap between duty and personal happiness.

"Aethes," the king said softly, his voice filled with compassion, "marriage is a sacred union, one that should bring joy and fulfillment. It's not solely about duty, but about finding someone who makes your heart sing. Do you think Prince Caspian could be that person for you?"

Aethes hesitated, his fingers twisting nervously in his lap. "I... I don't know, Father," he confessed earnestly. "But... I'm willing to try. For Irnetia's sake, for the safety of our people... I can try to make it work."

General Nizuel, ever pragmatic, cleared his throat before speaking. "Your Majesty," he addressed the king, his voice measured, "this alliance could secure our borders like never before. The Milishial Empire's magical prowess could turn the tide in our favor against the Chinese."

King Irtis nodded thoughtfully, torn between the traditional expectations of royal marriages and the unprecedented opportunity for alliance and defense. "Aethes," he spoke finally, his voice tinged with both paternal concern and the weight of responsibility, "if you believe this union is necessary for the sake of Irnetia, then... we shall proceed accordingly."

Aethes looked up, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears, a mixture of relief and trepidation in his gaze. "Thank you, Father," he murmured gratefully, his voice tinged with the weight of his decision.

The council chamber fell silent once more, the gravity of their deliberations settling upon each person present. The future of Irnetia now rested upon an unexpected and controversial alliance, one that challenged conventions and tested the resilience of duty and personal sacrifice.

"We will prepare for the wedding," King Irtis declared, his tone resolute as he addressed his advisors. "And in the meantime, we must make sure our defenses are as strong as possible. We cannot rely solely on the Holy Milishial Empire. General Nizuel, continue with your plans. We will protect Irnetia at all costs."

As the image in the crystal ball flickered, the young prince's visage dissolved into the swirling mist of magic, the councilors exchanged solemn nods, understanding the significance of their roles in the turbulent times ahead. The fate of Irnetia now intertwined with the courage and determination of its young prince, navigating uncharted waters in a world where duty and personal conviction collided.

Zhongnanhai, Beijing, People's Republic of China

The meeting room was thick with tension. Chairman Hu Wenbo sat at the head of the table, flanked by his top military advisors. The news of the Milishial Empire's intervention in Irnetia had shaken the Chinese leadership to its core.

Chairman Hu Wenbo looked intently at Admiral Hu Zhongming, the Supreme Commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). "Admiral Hu, we need a comprehensive assessment. What are our prospects against the Milishial Imperial Salvation Army's Navy?"

Admiral Hu Zhongming took a deep breath before speaking. "Chairman, engaging the Milishial Navy would be a grave mistake. While it's difficult for a science-based nation like ours to assess the power of a purely magical civilization like Milishial, their capabilities are not to be underestimated."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "Their GDP is fifteen times the size of ours, though only about ten times in terms of PPP. They have the largest industrial base on the planet, a rapidly growing population, and they lead the world in agriculture, oil, and coal production, among many other resources. Their shipbuilding capacity is twenty times ours and can be expanded rapidly in the event of war. We predict it could reach forty or even fifty times our current capacity."

The room fell silent. The scale of Milishial's power was overwhelming. Some of the officers exchanged uneasy glances, while a few muttered their disagreement.

Chairman Hu Wenbo noticed the dissent. "You are speaking to me, Admiral. Continue."

Hu Zhongming nodded. "If the Federation of the Commune of Mu decides to intervene, the situation will shift from bad to catastrophic. We cannot afford a full-scale conflict with Milishial."

Chairman Hu leaned forward, his eyes intense. "So, what should we do in Irnetia?"

"We believe that the dovish faction in Milishial does not want to intervene and that this is entirely Prince Caspian's initiative. Therefore, it is possible that if we send the First Expeditionary Fleet to enact a blockade around Irnetia without engaging in open hostilities, Milishial's hawks will not have a casus belli for war. Our immediate goal should be to capture King Irtis XIII and force a swift surrender."

Hu Wenbo considered this for a moment, his fingers drumming on the table. "This might address our immediate predicament, but Milishial remains our biggest concern. What does the navy need to stand a reasonable chance against Milishial's Navy?"

Admiral Hu took a deep breath. "To have a reasonable chance, we need to more than double our current number of vessels to at least 1,200. We must increase the number of Expeditionary Fleets from one to four, bringing the total number of fleets in the PLAN from four to seven. This entails adding around 700 vessels, including 16 Type-04 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 32 Type 075 amphibious assault ships, 90 Type 055 missile destroyers, 10 Type-0 missile battlecruisers, 130 Type 056B missile frigates, 135 Type 071 integrated landing ships, 40 Type 099 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, and 50 Type 040 nuclear-powered cruise missile fast attack submarines. The estimated cost for such a shipbuilding program, plus the necessary crew training and logistical facilities, is no less than five trillion USD over a ten year period."

The room buzzed with whispered conversations. The magnitude of the proposal was staggering.

Chairman Hu Wenbo raised his hand for silence. "Five trillion dollars over ten years… These are significant resources, Admiral. Can our economy sustain this?"

Admiral Hu Zhongming nodded. "It will require substantial economic adjustments and likely an increase in national debt. However, given the current state of our economy and the necessity of countering Milishial's dominance, it is an investment we must consider. Our recent economic downturn has reversed, and our growth trajectory is strong. We must leverage this momentum."

One of the senior advisors, General Li Jianhong, interjected. "Admiral, what about technological advancements? How can we leverage our scientific knowledge against their magic-based technology?"

Hu Zhongming responded thoughtfully. "We are already exploring ways to integrate our advanced missile systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and stealth technologies into our naval strategy. Our scientific community is also working on countermeasures against magical threats. However, we must recognize that Milishial's magic-based technology operates on principles we do not fully understand. We must be cautious and innovative in our approach."

Chairman Hu Wenbo leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with possibilities and risks. "We need a multi-faceted strategy. While we prepare our naval forces, we must also engage in diplomatic efforts to weaken Milishial's resolve and explore alliances with other nations that may feel threatened by Milishial's power."

Admiral Hu Zhongming nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Chairman. A combination of military preparedness, technological innovation, and strategic diplomacy will be essential. Additionally, we need to intensify our espionage efforts to gain insights into their magical technologies. Understanding how their systems work could provide us with critical advantages."

Chairman Hu Wenbo stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Very well. Begin the preparations. We will convene again soon to finalize the details. In the meantime, continue to monitor the situation in Irnetia closely. We cannot afford any missteps."

The room began to empty as the advisors and military leaders filed out, each lost in their thoughts. The enormity of the challenge ahead was clear to everyone. As the doors closed behind the last of his advisors, Chairman Hu Wenbo remained at the table, staring at the strategic map of Novus Orbis. The stakes had never been higher, and the path ahead was fraught with peril.

South Irnetia Sea, China First Expeditionary Fleet

The sea was calm, a deceptive serenity belying the tension onboard the Nanjing, the flagship of the China First Expeditionary Fleet. Admiral Li Pengcheng, a seasoned strategist, stood on the bridge, studying the graphic display of the Irnetian Sea. His mind raced as he considered the formidable Milishial task force en route. The challenge was unprecedented: to blockade and delay a force from a magical civilization far beyond anything China had ever faced.

"Status report," Admiral Li commanded, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

"Sir, Milishial task force ETA to Irnetian waters is approximately 48 hours," reported Commander Zhang, the fleet's operations officer.

"Good," Li Pengcheng replied, his eyes still on the display. "Gather the command staff. We need to finalize our tactics."

Minutes later, the senior officers assembled in the briefing room, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation. Admiral Li began the meeting, his voice calm but firm.

"Gentlemen, we are up against the Milishial Imperial Salvation Army's Navy, a force like no other. Our objective is to enact a blockade around Irnetia and delay their task force. Direct engagement is a last resort. Let's go over the details."

He gestured to the holographic display, highlighting the Milishial ships. "Their task force includes one Orichalcum-Class magic guided-missile battleship, two Adamant-Class magic battleships, two Celestium-Class magic battlecruisers, two Aetherium-Class magic guided-missile battlecruisers, three Silver-Class magic cruiser submarines, and three Titanium-Class magic heavy cruisers."

The room fell silent as the officers absorbed the information.

"Their ships are enormous, about twice the weight of World War II vessels and ten times the weight of our modern destroyers," Admiral Li continued. "And they're fast—over 110 knots. We can't outrun them, so if we engage, it must be with everything we have."

He focused on the key targets. "The Orichalcum-Class battleship and the two Aetherium-Class battlecruisers are our primary threats. These are the only three ships capable of launching long-range missiles. Luckily, Milishial has no aircraft carriers. We have four supercarriers with 400 aircraft."

He turned to Captain Zhang Wei Li, commander of the Nanjing's air wing. "Captain Zhang, you will lead our J-35 fighters in case of a preemptive strike. Each of the three primary targets will be hit with one hundred YJ-83K anti-ship missiles launched from our aircraft. This should neutralize their long-range missile capabilities at a safe distance."

Captain Zhang nodded, understanding the gravity of the mission. "Yes, Admiral. We will ensure those targets are taken out."

Admiral Li Pengcheng then addressed the rest of the fleet commanders. "Our secondary concern is the two Adamant-Class battleships and the two Celestium-Class battlecruisers. The Adamant-Class ships are armed with twelve 20-inch guns with a range of 500 km, while the Celestium-Class has twelve 16-inch guns with a range of 420 km. These ranges rival our YJ-62 and surpass our YJ-83K anti-ship missiles. The Adamant-Class magic battleship boasts an astonishing displacement of 144,000 tons, while each of the two Celestium-Class magic battlecruisers displaces 72,000 tons. Assuming these ships are equipped with advanced composite armor similar to modern tanks, but with twice the thickness of World War II battleships, it becomes evident that neutralizing them would require immense firepower."

He paused to let the information sink in. "Any hit from their main guns will be catastrophic to our ships. Therefore, we must focus our firepower on neutralizing these threats. The fleet's Type-055 destroyers, equipped with advanced radar and stealth technology, would attempt to approach undetected and launch a barrage of 30 YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missiles. These missiles, traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, could potentially penetrate the Adamant-Class's formidable armor if they struck critical points. For the Celestium-Class battlecruisers, the fleet's approach would involve saturation attacks. The idea was to overwhelm their defenses with sheer numbers of missiles. Each Celestium-Class ship, with its significant defensive systems, would be targeted with a combination of 20 YJ-83K anti-ship missiles and 10 YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missiles. The latter, with their high-speed and sea-skimming capabilities, would be particularly effective in evading point-defense systems."

"What about their submarines?" asked Vice Admiral Lin Xiu, the fleet's submarine warfare expert.

"The Silver-Class magic cruiser submarines are as big as our Type-055 destroyers and unlike conventional submarines, these vessels were equipped with magical propulsion systems allowing for very high speeds and extreme maneuverability. To counter these, the fleet would deploy our latest Yu-12 supercavitating torpedoes. These torpedoes, designed to travel at speeds over 200 knots, would be deployed in patterns to create a web of destruction around the Silver-Class submarines, limiting their ability to evade."

A strategic map of Irnetia Sea appeared on the display. "Remember," Li Pengcheng emphasized, "our goal is to delay the Milishial task force, not to engage directly. We need to buy time for the Special Operation Force: 7th Marine Brigade 'Flood Dragons' to capture King Irtis XIII and force a surrender."

He turned to Captain Zhang. "Deploy the fleet in a defensive formation. Our aircraft will launch in waves to keep a constant threat over their fleet, forcing them to remain on the defensive."

"Understood, Admiral," Zhang replied.

"Our strength lies in our numbers and the strategic use of our assets. While their ships are powered by advanced magical technologies, we have superior missile systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and stealth technology. Our objective is to avoid direct confrontation while maintaining a tight blockade."

He turned to the map and highlighted key points around Irnetia. "We will position our fleet in a crescent formation around the island. Our submarines will patrol the perimeter, using stealth to avoid detection and intercept any incoming or outgoing vessels. The Nanjing will remain at the center, coordinating operations and providing air support."

Lieutenant Commander Liu Fang, an expert in electronic warfare, added, "Admiral, we can deploy our electronic warfare units to disrupt their magical radar and navigation systems. This could give us a significant tactical advantage."

"Excellent," Admiral Li Pengcheng responded. "We will also deploy UAVs for continuous surveillance, ensuring we have real-time intelligence on any movements by the Milishial fleet."

He emphasized, "Remember, our objective is not to engage the Milishial task force head-on. Our mission is to delay and harass them. Use aircraft and small boats to block their path, but do not provoke hostilities unless absolutely necessary. According to our intelligence, Milishial rules of engagement prevent them from firing first."

Admiral Li paused, allowing his instructions to sink in. The room was silent save for the low hum of equipment and the occasional beep from the tactical displays.

"Additionally," he continued, "we must maintain constant communication and coordination with the Flood Dragons, the 7th Marine Brigade tasked with capturing King Irtis XIII and the Irnetian government. Their success hinges on our ability to keep the Milishial occupied and off-balance."

He glanced at his watch. "Time is of the essence. Prepare the fleet for deployment. Execute our strategy swiftly and with precision. Our nation's security depends on it."

As his officers dispersed to their stations, Admiral Li Pengcheng remained on the bridge, watching the vast expanse of ocean ahead. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders, knowing that the outcome of this operation could influence the balance of power in Novus Orbis.