Nihonkoku Shoukan: Beyond

Chapter 60: Reality Reframed

Leiforia, Gra Valkas administered Leifor Dominion, Gra Valkas Empire, 2nd Civilized Area, 3rd April 1640 CCY

After the reveal of faster-than-light travel capabilities at Japan's ship launching ceremony, the Holy Milishial Empire, felt increasingly encircled by the openly friendly relationship between the G.V.E. and Mu to Japan, has finally recognized Ragna and Tokyo as their equals. The first step in this process begins with a visit from the HME's foreign affairs department to the Gra Valkas Empire. However, in contrast with the Japanese, they are routed toward the former capital of Leifor instead of Ragna. This, on the part of Kaiser Gra Lux's government, is to send a strong message to anyone who'd openly challenge the Black Dragon's right and pride as a world superpower and the consequence of opposing it.

"I am Perclas Noryarus, Holy Milishial Empire's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I come with a greeting and the wish of peace from our motherland to the Gra Valkas Empire." – Perclas Noryarus

Looking at the devastated ruins of the former capital of Leifor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs feels pity and despair in his heart. Before the sinful Paganda dragged Leifor into an unwinnable war against the Gra Valkans, Leifor was one of the largest cities on the Mu continent and the largest on the west coast. Given the nation's booming population, it could very well rival Otaheit in terms of size. And now... most of it is a collapsed and burnt ruin. Behind the man, the captain of the ship he is on approaches him.

"Sir Perclas, we have detected a vessel ahead of us... it is very large..." – Captain Dain Daemaris, commander of HMNS Meloidia

"There they are... expect their transmission any moment now." – Perclas

"Of course, Sir Perclas." – Dain

The imposing battleship from the GVKmS appears before them. Specifically, it was the same battleship that was rumored to have erupted in anger at the Pagandan after their grand duke was killed without any provocation. The single battleship decimated not just one but two nations and the navies of Leifor in just 2 weeks, is still very much a fact that was hard to believe if not for undeniable proof.

While it is not as dreadful as when they gaze upon the Japanese carrier to perform their first faster-than-light warp in Elysia, it is still a fearsome battleship. The intelligence bureau has indicated that the Gra Valkans are building another 2 battleships of the same class. If a single ship can bring that much destruction to Elysia, what will 4 of such ships operate as a single force do to their empire? But Perclas can feel confident, for they still have their secret weapon.

"This is Captain Luxtal of battleship Grade Atlastar. Follow us into Hilasburg Harbor." – Luxtal

"Hilasburg...? Not Leiforia?" – Dain

"They... renamed the former Leifor capital after their deceased grand duke. The one murdered by the sinful Pagandans." – Perclas

The captain looks at the imposing battleship and talks through the magi-comm device.

"This is Captain Dain Daemaris of battleship Meloidia. We received your transmission and will follow you." – Dain

"Good, we'll take the lead." – Luxtal

Dain puts down the communicator and looks again at the former capital, Leiforia, now Hilasburg. He lets out a small sigh.

"To a degree, Sir Perclas, I can sympathize with the Gra Valkans... those Pagandans did start that war after all." – Dain

"You would think so, captain?" – Perclas

"I recall that you were there at the Subjugation of Louria, weren't you, Sir Perclas?" – Dain