
Arlington, Virginia
Pentagon
Inside the Current Actions Center, dozens of screens display real-time data from multiple operations occurring simultaneously. President Lee stared at the colorful display as he walked into the room, his brain working overtime to understand a lot of information. As he entered the room below, he was greeted by a lot of respect.
"Calm down, everyone," he said as he walked towards the branch head. “How's everything going? Robert?”
The Defence Minister responded quickly, a testament to his professionalism and dedication to his work. “Master, Seventh Fleet has started operations against Esthirant and Duro. First phase is almost finished.”
Direct feed from the bombing of the Imperial Capital Defense Base and the logistical attack on Duro appeared on a nearby screen.
“So far, we have neutralized sixty-five percent logistics targets in Esthirant and Duro. Most of the roads leading to Esthirant and Duro were bombed, causing no civilian casualties. The bridge still has significant civilian activity, so our forces are currently waiting until midnight to begin neutralizing the target. For military targets, we have neutralized the main defense installations in Esthirant and Duro. However, both bases appear to have been evacuated early, suggesting that Parpaldian takes the conflict more seriously.”
President Lee raised an eyebrow. “Hm... This means the possibility of guerrilla warfare is high. Hopefully Director Kaios can do it. In any case, have we already started an attack on their fleet?”
“Their fleet seems to be motionless, which is strange considering they are under attack. We expect their fleet to come out of their ports to meet us at sea, but given that they remain, we recommend further bombardment at the port, carried out by the carrier squadron. By the time they arrive, we hope the civilian population will leave the area.”
"So so. Have the operator handle the port, then. After the port is cleared from the enemy, maintain the blockade until we hear from Director Kaios.”
"Understand, sir."
——
Kaios Plantation
"How are you feeling, Director?"
Kaios glanced at the very calm man sitting across from her desk. He wondered how he could appear so indifferent even though their mission was at stake. Is he not afraid of failure? Was he not afraid of the possible repercussions of his home country? Jealous of the man's mysterious self-confidence, Kaios asked, "How can you remain so calm in the face of such a world-changing circumstance?"
“Just one more day in my work. Believe me, my predecessor and I had to face a much more dangerous situation than this. It's nothing, Director. You got this.
Kaios looked at the American in silence, weighing her words.
“Whether you feel ready or not, this is something you should do. Just remember, the odds are in your favor. And please, don't mess up the speech we're working on. It should succeed in convincing the other inner circles of Ludius as long as you follow the script. I mean, Arde is already on your side, along with many men loyal to him, Balus, and Matal.”
Kaios nodded, somewhat convinced by Klein's words. “Yes, I guess you're right. All right then, I'll do this.”
“That's the spirit,” Klein smiled. “After all, you will take control of the Parpaldian Empire today. We may have to change the structure of government. I hope you are OK with handing over your seat as a temporary Emperor, if you end up in that position.
Kaios. “Oh, that's not a problem. My only concern is the survival and longevity of the Parpaldian Empire.”
"Good! We'll keep in touch, then. Could use someone to oversee the transition to the republic. Good luck, Director Kaios.”
Klein got up and opened the door just as Alfan was about to knock on him, adding to the mystery of his character. It was as if he was predicting the arrival of his butler head. "Excuse me," he said politely, passing through Alfan.
"Master Kaios, Emperor Ludius has called you."
An emergency meeting will begin soon, as expected. Calming his pounding heart, Kaios took a deep breath. "OKAY. Let's go."
——
Cartalpas, the Mirishial Holy Kingdom
Located among the major trade routes of the Middle World, Cartalpas became famous as a center of commerce and information. Business deals are done not only in many offices and financial rooms of the city, but also in its bars. One bar in particular is famous for such transactions, and is also frequented by the most effective information brokers in Middle World. Traders and executives of well-known companies find themselves at the center of trading, and often also at the center of news.
Rousing music and drunken laughter filled the atmosphere of the bar almost like the smell of alcohol. The unrelenting chatter made it difficult to distinguish from most sounds, but one ended up blaring among the others. The sound of the coarse dwarf echoed throughout the room, “Oi, everyone! Cover up!" He pointed to the colored screen mounted on the wall—the technological jewel of the Magically superior Holy Mirishial Kingdom.
Everyone fell silent as they quickly noticed the program running on the screen. A beautiful fairy dressed in an American-made red dress introduces herself in front of a large, mostly empty airfield. “Welcome back at the Mirishial News Network, where we are proud to provide you with news as soon as news happens! I'm Alana Forlen, here in the Altaras Kingdom. Today, we held an amazing special interview with Ambassador Anders.”
The field of view was enlarged to include the American, who shook Alana's hand. "It's nice to be here, Miss Forlen," she said.
“Oh please, this is our pleasure! We were quite surprised that you allowed us to do this special event during wartime. Does this not affect your strategy? Our broadcasts can also be received by devices in Parpaldian Kingdom.”
“Ah, that's not a problem. Our analysts have considered this and decided that if anything, it could help our political position with the larger Elysian community. Any Parpaldian who sees this will only know that we only want freedom and justice for all — especially for those who are oppressed, ” Anders replied smoothly.
“That's enough effort, Ambassador. I am not the most knowledgeable about Philadean politics, but I know that many areas of Parpaldia will demand independence. How will you arrange it?
“We plan to allow a gradual separation of the Parpaldian government and economy. It has been a long time since these people have taken control of a country, so we will send a team to help regain independence and establish a government. The only immediate change was this terrible deal between the vassals and Parpaldia, the demand for slaves.
“Omong by the way, we heard that you will ban slavery in its entirety. Is this true?"
Anders nodded. “Oh, of course! It will be part of our demands to surrender, and we will not accept anything less than that. Every one affected by this would be replaced by the Parpaldian treasury, with every freed slave receiving at least several thousand pasos. The details, of course, are not finished.”
"Remote. It is nice to see that the Third Civilization Region has finally achieved decency and discarded this outdated practice, as other regions do. I've noticed that you're talking about the surrender of the Parpaldian Empire with great certainty. Do you want to explain it?”
The gentle buzz seeped into the air, slowly getting louder as their interview continued. Spots began to form in the distance, slowly materializing into planes as they got closer.
“Truly sure,” replied Alana honestly.
Anders nodded, continuing, "The technological difference between your two countries is too great — Parpaldian will never be able to make up for it, no matter what strategy they employ."
"That's right."
"And we feel the same." Anders pointed to a figure in the sky. "See that?"
The camera panned upwards, zooming in on the plane returning from Esthirant.
"Yes, I'm ready. What is... Heavenly Flying Ship?”
Anders stopped, curious about their terminology. “Umm, yes. However, we call it as a.” aircraft
"Ah yes. They also call their plane a plane. So, these planes..”.
"really. This is part of the bombing fleet that the Air Force has just sent to Esthirant.”
Alana covered her pain with her left hand, holding the microphone with her right hand. “Yeah... Did you destroy the city?” He asked, his mind drifting to the report about the Gra Valkas Empire carrying out massive bomb attacks against the cities.
"NO. The bombers targeted only military installations. The fleet was specially dispatched to destroy the Imperial Capital Defense Base, north of Esthirant. Another fleet will be returning from Duro.” soon
“Wow,” Alana gasped when the first bomber landed. "They're pretty big!"
"Indeed. Size is very important,” he grins at his own jokes, “Especially in terms of the number of bombs and fuel you can carry.”
Alanna laughing. “I won't doubt that. I understand now why you and Muans are so confident in America's victory. Once you win, how will you participate in the Global Scene? I remember you saying something about the larger Elysian community.”
“Ah, about that. We want to make ourselves known to the world, and what better way to do it than proclaim victory over a superpower? Obviously this is not our initial intention, but we definitely cannot miss this opportunity.”
“This world is an unforgiving place. No one will blame you for making the most of your situation. Maybe your country will even become a member of the next World Conference!”
"World Conference?" anders asked, the term sounds familiar.
"Yes. You've never heard of this?
Anders shook his head.
“So the transfer rumors seem to be true.After all, the World Conference is an event where eleven of the world's greatest powers are invited to discuss international politics. Seeing as your country is ready to replace the Parpaldian Empire, is there anything you want to say to those watching this interview?
“Hmm,” thought Anders, his interaction seemed natural although an answer soon formed in his mind. He stretched out his index finger, pointing at one idea. “First, I would say that we are very welcoming of trading and learning about this world. Our main ports are in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu, but we are currently developing new, more accessible trading areas in Fenn, Kingdom of Sios, Kingdom of Topa, and the rest of the world, and the Altaras Kingdom, along with the existing ports of Maihark, Qua Toyne, and the capital of the Lourian Republic, Jin Hark. The latter facility already has a nearby airport for easy delivery to the state, although you will have to pay less.
“Oh, that's a pretty fast expansion. Will you tell us about the goods your country has to offer?
"Hmm," Anders scratched his head. “I think we actually offer a lot of things, including a phone, although you need to get a license to visit our main port first. We have a strict Technology Outflow Policy, but can make exceptions for countries with offered value, such as magic. Our high-end products, from mobile phones to computers, are available for purchase for Elysians in the continental United States, or our main port. The products we have exported to the Philades and Mu continents include vehicles and watches, along with industry, food, and consumer goods. Outside my head, we have toys, stationery, furniture, apparel, and canned food for sale.”
The two continued to speak loudly, lest their voices be drowned out by the sound of the B-52 landing.
"Can you show us some of this stuff, maybe?"
"Haha" Anders smiled. “Yeah, the first one is definitely the dress you got. How do you like the texture?
“I like the texture; the fabric is quite smooth, even when compared with our own clothing products.”
"Good to hear. I also have a selection of items here,” she waved her hand, gesturing for Alana and her camera crew to follow her towards a building. Two automatic sliding glass doors greeted them, drawing their attention. As they enter, they are exhaled with cool air, a refresher from the warm Altaran autumn. “In addition to AC and lights here, we have some good stuff on this table that you can try.”
Alana began testing items from left to right, starting with pens and paper. The ink flowed from the pen smoothly as he wrote his name in the Elysian. He then analyzed the tableware and kitchenware, inspected the foreign spices before him and tasted them. "Well, what is this?"
"It's soy sauce - one of the many spices we have."
She picked up some perfumes and colognes, finding the smell pleasant before analyzing the fancy jewelry and watches on the table. Satisfied with the quality of the precision workmanship, he lifted the items to the camera for a closer look.
Anders explained what he could about the items to the best of his ability while Alana continued to show off the items. Finally, they completed a short tour of American products.
“Should I say, I am impressed with the quality of these items. I believe I speak for the rest of Elysia when I say this, but as a Mirishian, I am very happy to see what your country has for the future.
“Thank you, Miss Forlen. We are equally excited to interact with this world on a larger scale and prove its mystery.”
“And you will do it. Ambassador, thank you for agreeing to this interview with MNN.”
Anders shook his hand and waved at the strange-looking magic device mounted over the cameraman's shoulder.
“And it ended our special event today. We will continue to cover the war in Parpaldia after this short pause.”