The American In Another World
Chapter 39: The Rejection
Imperial Palace, Esthirant
"Your Majesty," a timid voice sounded.
Emperor Ludius, not even willing to turn away from the window, spoke. "Report."
The frightened envoy from the Parpaldian Navy felt his feet turn into jelly as he looked at the report. “The Centris Island Task Force met the American fleet a few hours ago and lost more than half of their fleet before surrendering,” he said in a quivering voice, focusing all his resolve not to stutter.
Emperor Ludius exhaled, furious at the news. To the relief of the messenger, Emperor Ludius only said a word. "Leave."
After the envoy left, Ludius reached for his manacomm to hold a meeting.
——
The night moonlight shone on the stained glass windows of the Imperial Palace, casting a bright shadow that contrasted with the magical lighting in the meeting room. Officials came in, pulled away from their nightly activities. The atmosphere of the room became gloomy, dragged down by the grim demeanor of many military officials, who already knew what this meeting was about.
Where before there was a living chatter, there was now silence. Before the battle of Centris Island, the Parpaldian Empire had not experienced a direct battle with the Americans. They saw only the majority of their involvement indirectly in the defense of Le Brias, especially the use of light weapons and surprise attacks against the Imperial Army fleet. Despite the overwhelming naval success of the enemy, many people inside the room still had hope. After all, the Imperial Army was off guard and had lost most of their wyvern carriers.
However, for the Battle of Centris Island, there was no reason. The Parpaldian fleet was superior and an element of surprise, even to the point of applying a new type of sheath technique to cover their troops. Despite this, Americans look through their blankets as if they never existed, peering into the mist and chaos of magical energy like a sunny day. Moreover, it was now clear that these enemies did not care much about how many precious light arrows they had taken out; they only cared about winning and destroying the enemy.
There are still some admirals and generals who criticize the cowardly actions of Commander Mitan, but most know that surrendering is his only option. Although this understanding was shared by many of the people present, no one could confirm the opinions of others due to the silence that enveloped the room. The tension and fear created by the changing posture of Emperor Ludius reflected well on his subjects, who did not dare to speak before His Majesty spoke.
Gazing straight ahead, seemingly into the void, Emperor Ludius leaned forward at this throne, placing his chin on top of his clenched hand. Due to the position of his throne behind the main lighting of the room, it was difficult to see his expression. However, it didn't take a genius to know that he was angry. Disappointment emanated from him, befalling the officials who came early and making them wish they had come later.
Finally, the last man arrived. Remille walked through the door, sitting still. Like everyone else, he kept his head slightly tilted down, following the trend of fear. No one wanted to be seen by the angry emperor, thinking that he might randomly pick someone to blame for the failures that occurred today.
To everyone's surprise, Ludius started with logic. “Head of Matal and Admiral Balus,” he said, making the known people stiff. “Centris Island Task Force proved to be a disaster. However, it was an unavoidable disaster, regardless of our level of preparation. Local commanders, especially, cannot lift a single finger against Americans, let alone scratch the paint on their ships.” He scoffs, “It's sad that even the Louria people are able to achieve more than us. At least they landed an arrow on one of their ships. Our fleet cannot even identify enemy ships until they surrender.”
Everyone's mood dropped drastically, to the point that some people started sweating profusely from anxiety.
“Despite the best efforts of our smartest tactician, we suffered the most devastating defeat in our history. This only proves one thing: that our navy is no longer an effective tool. It is clear that no strategy can take our ship to the level of an American ship. Instead, the ships would be stripped of their sailors, weapons, and supplies. Commander-in-Chief Arde, you will oversee the distribution of materials among your people.”
Arde showed his recognition before retreating, relieved that Ludius was giving orders for wartime strategy rather than orders for execution. "Understand, Your Majesty."
Ludius, deeming the ships useless against the U. S. Navy, planned to use armor, weapons, and men to strengthen ground-based defenses. “All members of the Navy Department will assist with logistics and defense construction. Chief Matal, you will be working with the Navy to set aside two hundred ships for storage. It will be used to replenish our fleet once our defenses drive out the Americans, or after they agree to a favorable peace treaty. We will continue to use your idea of an early warning system, but this mission will be contracted for fishing vessels and traders.”
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Director Vindus, do you have any new information about the enemy?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Ludius gave a subtle nod, urging Vindus to continue.
“Our surviving spy network in the Altaras Kingdom is being hunted by King Taara's army and a team of assassins secretly, most likely from America. Some of my men managed to evade detection, posing as ordinary citizens. From these people, I have received reports of heavy American activity around Mu airfield in the Altaras Kingdom. They have not been able to get close to the base itself, but have witnessed the arrival of their heavy aircraft from afar: the same was explained by Louria during the defense of Fort Ejei. These 'bombers' seem to be preparing for a direct attack on our defense.”
“Hm... Arde, what do you know about this craft specification?”
Commander-in-Chief Arde awakens his memory in a desperate attempt to recite every detail given in the report of the American-Lourian War. “Your Majesty, the bombers flew at a height of at least ten thousand feet during their mission against the Lourian military. It's out of wyvern operational range and barely within wyvern lord's reach, but I'm sure they can be intercepted by our new wyvern lord. The estimated top speed of most of these bombers is no more than 400 miles per hour. Our wyvern ruler can easily chase these monsters.”
"Yes, maybe, but what about their companion?"
“Their escorts don't seem to be able to be handled. We need to time our interception perfectly, launch our troops alongside wyvern and wyvern lord decoy. Some of our units can certainly penetrate their defenses and attack the bombers. I recommend placing our squadron south of our Esthirant base, along the direct flight path between Mu airfield and our base.
"I'll leave the preparations to you."
Ludius turned his attention to his government staff. “For our domestic affairs, we must prepare our economy and infrastructure for a prolonged conflict. This meant maintaining control over Kooze and other conquered territories. However, if Esthirant needs more defense, we can sacrifice the governing council and call back their troops. In order to continue the war effort, I authorize additional funding for the production of the wyvern lord and the Magic Weapons Research Department. The sooner we discover the secrets of the Mirishial anti-aircraft guns, the better we defend ourselves.”
The counter-chorus came from various staff members of the Parpaldian Department of Internal Affairs.
"Remille, has your team made any progress in the negotiations?"
“No,” said Remille, engulfed in mixed emotions. He felt shame over the lack of results, anger towards the stubborn American who continued to reject his generous offer with a derogatory laugh, he said, and worry about the future — that will probably be dominated by Americans rather than Parpaldians. “They proved very. My proposal was only met with laughter and ridicule.
"Hgm." Kaios let out a small voice.
"Do you have anything to say, Director?" ask Remille, a little frustrated.
“Maybe you better stop asking for slaves on them. You still treat them like a barbarian country when you have to treat them with the same level of respect as we did for Mu and the Mirishial Holy Kingdom. Imagine how brave it would be to ask slaves of you, especially when their military exceeds ours.
"Tsk, and you've made—"
Enough, Remille, said Emperor Ludius. “Kaios Director does have a point. You need to be more realistic when it comes to diplomacy, but keep in mind that it is also your job to get as many lucrative deals as possible. We may not be able to recapture Altaras as a subject, but there are still other claims we can still strengthen, especially in the north and west.”
“I... I understand, Your Highness.”
Speaking softly to Remille, he said, “Don't worry, we won't lose this war. Our enemy will be placed in his place for daring to oppose us.” He then raised his voice, speaking not only to Remille now, but to everyone as well. “We will make them hurt for their actions against us. We will experience tremendous pain in turn, as we have done with the loss of our fleet. Our people will die and our defenses will be destroyed, but never our determination and passion! We will sacrifice as much as it takes to win and force the invaders out of our territory!”
——
Altara Kingdom
The flight of the B-52 bomber disrupted the local village, keeping many people awake at night due to loud noises throughout the day. No complaints have ever been received — probably out of the gratitude of the locals, who prefer the vote over the conquest.
The Muan airfield was quickly modified and expanded, with heavy equipment laying new paths and building hangars to accommodate newcomers. Within a week, the airfield exploded in activity, growing enough to prepare three dozen bombers for deployment.
General Hammond sat near a restaurant near the local dock, chatting with Admiral Hawthorne about the chain of command.
“It's a shame we couldn't spend more time at the airport. I definitely want my own bird escort big boy, ”said Hammond, sunglasses covering his eyes.
“Confirm, General. My pilots are more than enough to cover your bombers. I highly doubt Parpies will be able to reach them.”
Hammond joked with a light banter, “Haha, you know very well this is not about protection; you are just happy to get more action.
Shrugging his shoulders, Hawthorne replied, “What can I say? My sucker blast.
“Heh. You know, I was wondering why the President wanted the bombers to fly so low. Ten thousand feet cut it a little close, didn't you think? I mean, the average wyvern lord can be close to nine thousand. And with that new pressure, ten thousand doesn't seem too far away.”
“Hmm, yes it's a bit close. I guess President Lee just wants the bombers visible enough to make an impact; psychological warfare and intimidation.”
“I did see the value, but I wanted to ask for help. I've already sent some complaints to the chain, do you think you can add your voice? Need a little help to make sure we don't let our guard down.”
"Of course." Hawthorne spends his drink, made from a mixture of berries and local fruits. “I will go ahead and do it now. Happy hunting, Hammond.”
"You're the one who brought the missile."
“Yes, but you have more explosives. Make a show, huh?
"Well fine then. Let's give them an air show.”