The 10th Fleet Was Formed

After Ian’s resolve to create the 10th Fleet became known, there were growing pains for a while. But because it was the king’s initiative, he carried it through to the end, and only by late November did things finally proceed in earnest.

Naturally, the step of promoting Derian to Rabiro (Brigadier General) moved quickly. Ian personally appointed him and raised him to admiral, and the 10th Fleet was formed, composed of the battleship Mythos, an aircraft carrier, cruisers, and destroyers.

Its components were as follows: one battleship, one aircraft carrier, three heavy cruisers, five light cruisers, twenty destroyers, and five transports—thirty-five ships in total. Compared to the past, a single fleet’s table of organization had become much fuller.

For reference, all were newly built warships. As for the 9th Fleet: once derided as a graveyard of obsolete weapons, it was refitted; the old ships were literally dismantled and scrapped, and the fleet was reconstituted with newly produced vessels.

Because new warships kept coming off the lines, such compositions were possible; and as their hull numbers increased, so too did the empires’ shipbuilding in large numbers.

In any case, the 10th Fleet was created, and with it their kingdom became a state with ten fleets. Ah—belatedly, one more carrier was launched; it was assigned to the 1st Fleet for homeland defense and put to occasional use through training.

No doubt the warring empires—and even the Magnia Empire, which was not entering the war—were watching closely.

‘This might prompt them to introduce carriers of their own.’

Meanwhile, in both Old and New Continents, the war’s movements grew ever fiercer. Naturally, munitions were in higher demand, and the Polia Kingdom kept selling arms without pause to both blocs.

By December, four large arms deals had been concluded. One might think that, with time, the empires would have converted fully to their own munitions industries and no longer need Polian weapons—but the reality was otherwise.

Both sides continued surprise operations—poison gas and more—targeting the rear, and munitions frequently went up in flames. Shortages were inevitable, and they filled the gaps by purchasing from the Polia Kingdom.

They also bought such materiel from the Magnia Empire, which profited handsomely by selling to both sides. In such conditions, it felt as if every nation on earth had turned its industry into wartime production.

The Polia Kingdom likewise had converted far more factories than before to munitions, producing many more weapons and supplies than previously. And the continental situation was turning ominous. Kingdoms that had hoped merely to sip the honey of the arms trade were getting swept in.

“Northman Kingdom and Nubea Kingdom join the Siren Kingdom’s coalition forces!?”

“Iris Kingdom, Jermia Kingdom, and Bain Kingdom secretly conclude an alliance with the Doicheun Empire?!”

“Kingdoms are joining both blocs one after another—the great war’s momentum grows! In the midst of this, the Polia Kingdom still declares itself neutral.”

“Magnia Empire announces it, too, will maintain neutrality.”

“They’re drawing in kingdoms now.”

“Indeed. It seems the three empires realized they can’t manage with themselves alone.”

“From their standpoint, they need others to bear the losses.”

“From the kingdoms’ standpoint, they’ve watched the carnage for nearly a year and don’t want in—but with the pressure tightening, they’ve likely had no choice but to choose sides.”

The chancellor spoke with a face that showed relief at Polia’s neutrality. He, too, knew from the constant reports how much of a quagmire joining the great war would be.

‘We just keep selling military goods sweetly and pocket the money.’

“Ah—and the empires have begun paying in installments, yes?”

“Yes. They’re paying about thirty percent up front, and the rest will be paid mid- to long-term. We’ve already agreed to the terms.”

“So they still have enough cash to put something down.”

In the first deal they paid one hundred percent; later it dropped to eighty, then to fifty—half. Now it had fallen to thirty percent. By next year, they might simply take the goods and owe the rest entirely as debt.

In that case, they would become a creditor nation to the empires, holding vast claims—and could extract much later.

“The empires’ depth doesn’t end there. Both sides have mobilized over four million men, and yet their home fronts are said to function well.”

“Impressive indeed. At this rate, total numbers will really reach ten million.”

“Truly. Troops are still being sent by rail, and it’s projected to reach five million soon.”

If both sides reached five million, then the Doicheun Empire alone would field five million. One could see how vast their national power was. Compared to their total populations, it was still a fraction.

“By next year, the forces could number in the tens of millions.”

“Surely… not that many?”

“We’re already past what anyone thought ‘surely not.’ Given that, it’s not strange.”

“Th-that’s true.”

The chancellor swallowed—awed by the empires’ capacity. Ian reassured him.

“Even if their numbers are vast, no one can strike this country easily. To surpass such forces, they would first have to cross the great sea.”

“Exactly. We need only bar the sea.”

“So we’ll build the navy larger and stronger than now. And we must keep increasing our air strength.”

“Shall we also expand headcount?”

“Headcount? We already have plenty. We’re not about to attack anyone—why add more?”

Combining the army and navy, Polia already fielded well over six hundred thousand. The army alone exceeded 450,000. Before the additional 100,000 were raised, the standing force had been 350,000. For an island realm, those numbers were sufficient.

“Still, the people are uneasy from what they hear. If we expand, they may feel safer.”

“In that case, we can raise more—but there’s no need to recruit too many.”

Increasing troop numbers when not strictly needed would only bleed funds—better spent on other infrastructure. Yet if his people were uneasy, he should increase them.

‘If we weren’t bounded by sea, we’d raise far more.’

“Let’s recruit about fifty thousand more.”

“Fifty thousand? Understood.”

With the king’s approval, the chancellor looked relieved. Thus the Polia Kingdom’s army alone would reach half a million. Considering the kingdom’s size and population, it was a fitting number.

December 29.

The year was nearly over. It had begun with the empires’ war—and it still continued. Next year, he expected even fiercer fighting across the continents.

In this reality, Ian dined with his mother and his younger sister, Charlotte. Unlike the past, the mood was not stiff; it was comfortable. It was a complete change from those old royal meals that felt like indigestion.

“Mother, how was your trip?”

“It was truly lovely.”

“I’m sorry for limiting the destinations to within the country—the situation being what it is.”

“It’s fine. After so long confined to the palace, just being able to go out is joy enough.”

Lately, his mother traveled often—to the provinces of the Polia Kingdom—with hundreds of Royal Guards assigned so she could go in comfort. He felt guilty; he should have accompanied her, but work kept him too busy.

“I’m sorry. I should have gone with you.”

“You are busy with affairs of state. Don’t fret. I am satisfied as it is.”

“Even so, I have been too busy. Next year I’ll make time—let’s take a holiday together.”

“No need to fuss. Better yet—how about finding yourself a fine lady?”

For a mother to urge her son to find a lady—given local customs, it was striking. Hearing her raise the topic again, Ian smiled awkwardly.

“I’m just too busy—there’s too much to do. When I have a little leeway, I will.”

“Busy or not, the realm needs its mistress; you’ve paid it too little mind.”

“When I have a little more leeway.”

Someone must have been nudging his mother to press marriage again. It had already been years that the king kept house without a mistress. He wanted a natural meeting leading to marriage, but from where he sat, that was hard to find.

It wasn’t that there were no women; palace parties drew many ladies who showed interest in him. Call it a luxury, but he yearned for someone who felt different from those ladies.

‘From where I stand, am I wanting too much?’

He felt a creeping skepticism—perhaps he was holding on to the impossible. To slip his mother’s gaze, he quickly turned to Charlotte, who was listening.

“Ah—Charlotte, how is school?”

“As I always tell you, Brother, I love it. But, Brother—when will I get to see my niece or nephew?”

“Eh?”

“I want to see my nieces and nephews.”

So even Charlotte joined in—clearly Mother had primed her beforehand. She likely also felt he spent too much time alone.

“Someday you’ll have nieces and nephews.”

“When is ‘someday’?”

“When?”

Pressed from both sides, Ian was flustered. He considered inventing an excuse—he even thought to nudge the nearby maids with Mental Manipulation—when an urgent knock sounded.

Knock, knock!

“Your Majesty, this is Viscount Rubingston!”

“Viscount Rubingston? What is it?”

“I beg pardon for intruding; I have urgent news. May I enter?”

“Enter at once.”

Whatever it was, the timing was fortunate. As the dining-room door opened, he entered. He bowed briefly to Ian’s mother and sister in apology for the interruption, then turned to Ian.

“Your Majesty, one of our merchant ships, sailing with exports, was attacked and sunk.”

“Is that true?!”

“Yes—news just in.”

“Where—and by whom?”

“From what we have, it was a ship of the Doicheun Empire.”

“Them, is it?”

Ian had half expected such a thing. Whether by accident or not, he needed to respond strongly—not to enter the war, but to ensure no one took them lightly.

“Mother, I must go.”

“Hurry along.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

His mother understood the gravity and said no more about marriage. Ian wasn’t sure whether to be grateful. After asking Charlotte’s pardon as well, he left the dining room and, walking the corridor with Viscount Rubingston, spoke.

“Has the Doicheun Empire taken any steps yet?”

“Not yet. But I expect they will act at once.”

“So they, too, see this as serious.”

“The last thing they want is for us to go over to the other side.”

“Then we’ll talk as soon as they reach out. From this incident, we must make it clear that our ships are not to be attacked.”

Reaching his office, Ian conferred further. Soon the chancellor arrived—with word that the Doicheun ambassador sought an audience.

So quickly already? Thinking that, Ian went to receive him. Seated on the throne, he waited. The doors opened; the ambassador entered.

Knowing the situation, he wore a strained face. Seeing how much had changed from before, Ian laughed inwardly.

‘Always arrogant—now he knows our alignment could shift the balance sharply.’

The ambassador bowed and addressed Ian.