The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 41: The Emperor and the Struggling

This is the second chapter for today.

I've written about 3 chapters so far, but since I reached a good stopping point, I'm posting another one.

- ワイアード

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Incvarra, capital of the Sahenantis Empire, the western continent of Milirus

The cityscape of the imperial capital featured buildings of brick and wood construction clustered together in a layout resembling a spider's web from above. Outside the capital, mid-sized towns were built at various locations, each encircled by walls for protection. Further out in the rural areas, there were numerous large, pit-like formations reminiscent of giant antlion traps. Farming was conducted in these areas, following the contours of the land. In the mountainous regions, heavy industry facilities, mines, and weapon manufacturing sites were integrated almost seamlessly into the mountain range.

In this country, facilities like heavy industry that could potentially have adverse effects on citizens' lives were kept separate from residential areas.

At first glance, there was nothing that particularly marked this nation as one of the great powers. It appeared peaceful, with lively citizens and an overall positive atmosphere. However, the reason the Sahenantis Empire was regarded as a great power wasn't on the ground—it was in the skies. Looking up, first-time visitors couldn't help but be astonished.

The palace of this country was floating in the sky.

Of course, it wasn't due to any special property of the region. Upon closer inspection from below, one could see a massive propeller attached underneath the palace, which kept it afloat. There were also numerous other propellers mounted at various points around the palace to maintain its flotation. The palace remained suspended, without tilting or swaying in strong winds, and stood firm against storms and typhoons. It wasn't just the royal palace. Numerous airships of varying sizes, each outfitted with propellers, flew throughout the airspace above the capital. There were airships for transporting civilians, others for delivering packages and mail, and even some vehicles resembling trains, with several connected sections.

The reason the Sahenantis Empire could become a great power was due to this airship technology.

・・・

Foreign Minister Loran's Office, Palace

Stacks and stacks of documents piled high on the desk—mountains, even.

The large bookshelves, divided into three sections across the spacious room, were likely neatly arranged once. Now, they're crammed to the point of chaos, looking ready to collapse at any moment. A ladder, positioned to reach the higher shelves, was ingeniously placed to prevent an avalanche of books.

This cluttered study filled with books and papers belongs to none other than Foreign Minister Loran Shevtov.

"Zzzz... Zzzz..."

He had fallen asleep with a book—probably one he was reading—on his face, leaning back in his chair. The breeze flowing through the open window, the slightly yellowed curtains swaying gently, and the warm sunshine softly enveloping the room all made it easy for him to drift off.

Brring! Brring!

Startled by the sudden ring of the phone, Loran fell out of his chair.

"Agh! Huh! Waaa!"

Thud!!

The impact sent the towering stack of documents toppling down.

Whap! Whap! Whap! Whap! Whap!

"Ow... Ow, that hurt... Oh, no, not again! Ah! The phone! Where is it... Got it!"

Kachak

"Hello! This is Loran!"

"Hey, Loran! It's Matthias—"

".........Huh—? Wait! Your Majesty, again!?"

"It's fine; this is a private line."

"Haaah... Just three days ago, you did the same thing with Defense Minister Trion, right?"

"Yeah, just asked if he wanted to go out for a drink."

'...Well, this isn't exactly new.' "Then... what can I do for you?"

"It's about Japan... There's news that the demi-human nations are heading toward Japan. Looks like they'll arrive in about a week. So, before they reach Japan, I'd like you to go and establish diplomatic ties."

"Ha-ha... You say that like it's easy. Well, it's true that if we wait until after the demi-humans arrive, Japan's impression of them might turn negative, so it's better to act proactively."

"Well... That's not the only issue."

"Huh?"

"The Hardique Empire is on the move... There's word that a steamship reserved for nobility has appeared at their port. Their target is almost certainly Japan... If they beat us to it, things could get complicated."

"No way... Wait, what?"

Loran felt something was off. The voice that had been on the other end of the receiver suddenly sounded close by.

"Behind ya."

"E—aaaah!? You startled me!"

This was Matthias Grabert, the Emperor of the Sahenantis Empire. Though reliable in emergencies, he had a slightly freewheeling and wandering nature that could sometimes be troublesome.

"Now, continuing... I want you to head to Japan on the high-speed airship Roswell! It's just 4.800 kilometers east; you'll be there in half a day!"

"Ehhh... So, when should I depart?"

"The sooner, the better! Today! Right now!"

"Whaaat!?"

Just then, several maids entered the room carrying a bag packed with the necessary travel items.

"Alright then... I'm counting on you!"

"Oh... Oh, come on..."

Loran collapsed to the floor, his glasses falling beside him. It had barely been any time since he returned from a stomach-churning conference, and now he was being sent out again. This time, to the still unknown land of Japan.

And so, Foreign Minister Loran boarded the high-speed airship Roswell and set off on an urgent mission to Japan.

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The Sahenantis Empire... could it be the only salvation? Maybe?

- ワイアード