The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 85: In the Port Town of Nibenas...

The next day

Kingdom of Eir

The royal castle was in an uproar from the early morning. While the attack on SDF Station 5 the night before was concerning, the real shock came from the sudden disappearance of officials and guards within the castle. Adding to the horror, their bodies were all discovered in a distant location.

"The Kingdom is in utter chaos... If not for the report from Sir Takikawa at the Japanese military base, our Kingdom of Eir might have unknowingly allowed the enemy to infiltrate from within."

King Gima, seated on his throne, was deeply shaken by his nation's vulnerability.

"We would have preferred to capture those spies from the Hardique Empire, but all of them vanished immediately after this report came to light."

"Most likely, they had informants even within our intelligence unit. That's how they managed to warn their comrades and escape so quickly."

"In contrast, the Japanese military—no, the SDF—not only apprehended every single spy without letting them engage in sabotage but also managed to repel a mysterious monster on top of it..."

"...We owe them so much."

King Gima sank deeper into thought.

"Japan has saved our nation... saved my wife... I don't even know how to repay such a debt anymore. Could it be... that they might demand sovereignty over our country?"

"Y-Your Majesty! Surely that's far-fetched—"

"I know! ...But being so indebted, there's always a chance they might exploit this situation..."

At that moment, a servant entered to deliver a report to King Gima.

"Your Majesty! Sir Takikawa from Japan's Station 5 is here to see you. He says he has an urgent matter to discuss."

This news made the king and his attendants uneasy. Could Japan indeed be planning to impose unreasonable demands and, worse, claim sovereignty over their nation? Such thoughts momentarily flashed through their minds.

"What shall we do? If you are too occupied, shall we have the Foreign Affairs handle this?"

"N-no, that won't be necessary. Bring him here."

"Understood!"

King Gima could feel his heart pounding. What would Japan propose? Either way, it was clear that the Kingdom of Eir was not in a position to refuse.

'...What's going to happen? What will they demand?'

Soon after, Major General Takigawa entered the audience chamber. He stopped at an appropriate distance and delivered a sharp salute, which King Gima acknowledged with a slight nod.

"I am Takigawa, Commander of the Self-Defense Forces' Station 5. I deeply appreciate Your Majesty taking the time to meet with me today."

"Y-yes... So, what is it you wish to discuss?"

The tension in the room was palpable. Everyone braced themselves for what might come next.

"The truth is..."

・・・

Station 5 Headquarters Operations Conference Room

At the far end of the room, a large smart glass panel displayed the location where last night's battle with the Minotaur had occurred. The footage from surveillance cameras at the site played as the senior SDF officers watched intently, their expressions solemn. The footage shifted to the moment when the mysterious smoke had appeared and then dissipated, pausing at that critical point.