Nihonkoku Shoukan: Beyond

Chapter 55: Sleight of Hands

Akasaka Palace State Guest House, Minato Ward, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan, 10th April 1640 CCY

"I'm sorry... they did what, Rear Admiral?!" – Gra Cabal and Caesar

"It... was just what I said, Your Majesty the Kronzprinz and His Excellency." – Noah

"You meant to tell me that they lift not just a single destroyer to accompany you, but also your battleship, a Grade Atlastar-class even, and all of the escorting destroyers? Not with chains or anything physical but beams of light...?" – Gra Cabal

"Yes... Your Majesty. I know it's absurd, but I have pictures here. That was how we were able to make it to the Parpaldia so soon. Plus... well... if they can build a flying battleship, I think that's just normal for them." – Noah

Akasaka Palace is one of the main state guest houses belonging to the Government of Japan, together with Osaka and Kyoto state guest houses. Built in 1909, this palace was one of the largest structures built during the Meiji period of Japan. It was once the residence of the Regent Crown Prince Hirohito, now known as Emperor Shōwa, a man with a... polarizing reputation within the UN. Mostly due to Japan's participation in World War 2, and with it, the various atrocities it committed while under his reign. It also currently serves as one of the major points of contention between the Progressives and Conservatives within the current Diet.

The palace was built in the Western Neo-Baroque style instead of the traditional Japanese style of construction. Japan designated it as a national treasure back in the early 21st century, and as such it holds immense cultural value for the Earth nation. During the asteroid bombing campaign of the Terran-Garmillas war, Akasaka Palace was partly destroyed by the shockwave of an asteroid that hit a nearby district. Afterward, the palace was almost completely rebuilt during the reconstruction to make it look the exact same way it had been standing, with all historical furniture preserved in the underground vault.

Now, the palace has been returned to its primary function as a state guest house, the most opulent and beautiful one that Japan has to offer. With the Gra Valkas Empire being seen as a potential ally to Japan, the Government of Japan has decided to house the Gra Valkan delegation in the of Akasaka Palace. Meanwhile, the Holy Milishial Empire delegation is also allocated rooms at the palace ground. But they are placed in the Yushin-tei Annex to avoid both party meeting and further complications that could lead to a diplomatic crisis. With the concern about a possible attack on the guest, a joint contingent of an anti-terrorism task force composed of Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department units from the Security Police and Special Assault Team, as well as the PSIA special agents has been placed here to guard the VIPs. Right now, Noah is talking to Grand Admiral Caesar and Crown Prince Gra Cabal about his record-breaking trip to the 3rd Civilized Area.

"I see... I was also thinking about that. Though your Siegfried is a new vessel, he's still a battleship and has similar engine performance to the Grade Atlastar. We departed just a few days after you left for Parpaldia. I thought that you'd just be with your own escort somewhere around Folk Straight or south of Magdola Archipelago by the time we're rounding the southern tip of Nigrat." – Caesar

"I initially suggested to Admiral Kodai that he should go to Parpaldia without us. However... the admiral insisted that they do not leave us behind and..." – Noah

"They certainly don't make idle boasts or empty promises... once a statement is cast... they'll achieve it, or die trying..." – Gra Cabal

"I... certainly think so, Your Majesty." – Noah

Noah looks at the cup of tea placed in front of him. It has a rich amber color, almost red that can be seen with the help of the glass cup. Wakocha, as the attendant referred to it, reminds Noah of the blood that he saw Mako spill just because she missed a dose of injection. While he does not know to what extent Japan did just to survive the events that happened in their history books... he certainly can tell that plenty of blood has been spilled.