Chapter 104: Interlude (A Certain Maritime Nation)
In the Kingdom of Repuitari, the Imperial Council convened. This important meeting, held once every four months, was crucial for determining the future governance of the nation. Attended by the king and other key figures, decisions were made here.
Naturally, all agenda items had been thoroughly discussed beforehand, and no real deliberations took place during the meeting. It served merely as a final confirmation and a symbolic gesture to gain the king’s approval. However, this did not diminish the authority of the meeting; rather, being included in the agenda itself held significant importance.
“With that said, this matter has received the king’s approval. Resolution No. 5613 has been passed. From the conclusion of this meeting, we shall devote all efforts to realizing this initiative.”
“Thank you very much!”
All attendees, except for the king, expressed their agreement with applause. Thus, a new policy was sanctioned, and the Kingdom of Repuitari took a step forward into the future.
“Now, onto the next agenda item. Admiral of the Royal Navy, Alban Breias.”
“Yes.”
The Royal Navy had remarkably increased its strength over the past decade. Developments in cannon technology, extended range, improved accuracy, advancements in loading assistance devices, and enhancements to steam engine performance. Innovations in iron plate welding, screw propeller development, and fluid dynamics had all originated from the navy, contributing to the overall national power of Repuitari and, by extension, its military might. Consequently, the influence of Admiral Alban Breias, the navy’s top commander, had also grown correspondingly.
“Now then, we have received word that the expeditionary fleet dispatched to the Southern Continent has returned to the Stepping Fortress.”
A murmur swept through the conference room at Admiral Breias’s announcement.
The Southern Continent expeditionary fleet had set sail two years prior, a massive armada. Communication was, of course, non-existent, and their return schedule was uncertain. It was remarkable that such a fleet had been sent out at all, a decision made by the navy’s leadership. While the worst-case scenario of total annihilation had been anticipated, it seemed they had managed to return somehow.
“Five ships have returned. Four were lost during the voyage. First and foremost, I would like to pray for the souls of our comrades who could not make it back.”
“…A noble sentiment. Everyone, did you hear that? We shall now observe a moment of silence in memory of their bravery.”
“Moment of silence!”
At the king’s command, the chairman immediately responded. All participants placed their hands over their hearts and bowed their heads.
“The moment of silence is over. We, as one, wish for the happiness of our comrades welcomed by the Mother Sea. Now, Admiral Alban, please continue.”
“Yes.
While this is only the first report via carrier pigeon, it seems we have established friendly relations with promising nations on the Southern Continent and have brought back their letters of delegation. Additionally, the journey took twelve months outbound and eight months for the return, and while it is minimal, they have managed to record some nautical charts.
We will await the fleet’s full return for more detailed information, but I am pleased to report the success of the expedition.”
“Thank you, Admiral Alban. Now, does anyone have questions regarding this matter? …Very well, then. General of the Royal Army, Dorgah Gowan.”
“Yes.
First, I would like to congratulate you, Admiral, on the return of the expeditionary fleet.
…You mentioned that further details will come later, but can we conclude that the threats from the Southern Continent, which you had previously expressed concern about, were indeed just that—concerns?”
“Thank you, General Dorgah.
To answer your question, the fleet commander reported that they were able to confirm the situation on the Southern Continent to some extent.
While there are several influential factions, it is fundamentally a land of warring states. Although there is much conflict, technological advancement is rapid, and while it may not pose an immediate problem, the future remains uncertain.
We will formulate a broad strategy moving forward, but I believe the original concerns have been alleviated.”
“I understand. Knowing that there is no immediate threat beyond the sea is sufficient.”
Dorgah nodded and exchanged glances with the presiding chancellor.
“Are there any other questions? …It seems there are none. Admiral Alban, please continue.”
“Yes.
Regarding our nation’s defense system, as you are aware, the Royal Navy has been expanding and is confident in its ability to sufficiently deter foreign powers.
However, this is only true for the present, and in the future, we anticipate that the gap will narrow with other nations continuing their military expansions.
To counter this, further expansion of our forces is necessary, but unfortunately, we are approaching the limits of our resources.
In particular, the shortage of Redstone, which is vital to our navy, is becoming critical, and we must take action immediately.”
As he explained, documents were distributed to the attendees.
These contained ideal and projected lines for military expansion, the necessary quantities of each resource, a breakdown of procurement sources, and proposals for addressing the shortfalls.
“Currently, we are sourcing metal resources from domestic mines, but we could either increase imports via the Country of Wheat or enhance maritime imports through the Raflet Sea.
While we need to apply pressure to avoid being taken advantage of, I have no particular concerns here.
The real issue lies with Redstone.
Our current import routes are limited to those from the Country of Wheat and the small southeastern nations, with virtually no domestic production, and trade with the Afrasia United Kingdom, a major source, has been cut off for over three years.”
Everyone present was acutely aware of the internal conflict within the Afrasia United Kingdom.
This situation had been the driving force behind the recent advancements of the Royal Navy of Repuitari. The steam engines powered by Redstone had propelled their warships, and the energy required for the movement of massive rotating turrets had made Redstone a critical strategic resource.
It was a fact that surrounding nations were likely becoming aware of, and if they were to tighten their grip on this resource, the Royal Navy of Repuitari could face a rapid collapse.
“Therefore, I propose that Admiral Alban Breias of the Royal Navy send a special envoy to the Port Town of Terek, a trading port of the Afrasia United Kingdom.
If possible, we should negotiate to resume Redstone imports. If that proves impossible, we should consider colonization for Redstone mining.”
The securing of Redstone, an absolute necessity for the strategic interests of the Kingdom of Repuitari, faced no opposition, and the proposal was unanimously approved.
“I too understand the importance of securing Redstone. I shall approve the proposal from the Royal Navy.”
“Thank you very much.”
Applause erupted from the attendees. This marked the moment when a genuine military deployment, the first in several years, was sanctioned under the king’s direct approval.
Moreover, this time, the target was the Afrasia United Kingdom, which lacked a navy. The army, which had seen little action recently, would also fully cooperate with the deployment.
“With that, this matter has received the king’s approval. Resolution No. 5614 has been passed. From the conclusion of this meeting, we shall devote all efforts to realizing this initiative.”
“Understood.”
Following this, several more reports and agenda items were discussed. These included domestic production issues, mysterious booming sounds, and small objects flying from south to north in the sky, but none were as significant as the military deployment to the Afrasia United Kingdom.
Thus, the Kingdom of Repuitari steadily prepared for action.
The formation of a special envoy fleet, led by the newly constructed state-of-the-art battleship as its flagship.
Three battleships, six cruisers, two supply ships, and eight escort cruisers.
All equipped with magic engines and new screw propulsion technology, featuring rotating turrets for both main and secondary guns.
The main guns of the battleships even included automatic loading systems, significantly reducing loading times.
At this point, only the Kingdom of Repuitari could deploy such a formidable naval force among neighboring nations, truly making it the strongest fleet.
Moreover, a defensive fleet was also stationed separately, leaving no gaps in their preparations.
Everyone in the Kingdom of Repuitari believed that this was indeed an invincible fleet.
Merchants from other nations, upon witnessing the fleet’s grandeur, were filled with fear and hurried back to their homelands with the news. As preparations for the expedition to the Port Town of Terek progressed steadily,
A fleet emerged that would plunge the leadership of the Kingdom of Repuitari into the depths of terror.
A massive flagship that far surpassed their own battleships, painted in pure white, proudly displayed its might.
This fleet effortlessly shook off the maritime patrol boats that urged them to halt and entered the largest port city of the Kingdom of Repuitari, the capital, Moar.