Construction Of The Aircraft Carrier, And A Visitor

At Prince Alexei’s words, Ian instantly realized what topic he was about to bring up. It was clear he intended to raise the issue of the Doicheun Empire here. Ian responded firmly.

“If it’s about the Doicheun Empire, then our Polia Kingdom will maintain its neutrality.”

There was no reason whatsoever to interfere in the conflict between the two empires. At Ian’s words, Prince Alexei spoke as if that shouldn’t be the case.

“Isn’t the Polia Kingdom facing the same sea as the Doicheun Empire? If the Leman Federation is swallowed up by the Doicheun Empire, where do you think will be next?”

“Most likely, it would be us.”

“Then wouldn’t it be better for our two empires to stand together in advance? If we act together, we could apply strong pressure on the Doicheun Empire.”

“Sorry, but I must decline. Our position is to remain as neutral as possible. In fact, not taking sides might be the best outcome for all the empires involved.”

Though Alexei understood this, he couldn’t help but feel frustrated by Ian’s insistence on taking the more difficult path despite an easier one being offered. He had tried to persuade him before and failed, and it seemed this attempt would end the same.

“Honestly, if the Polia Kingdom stays neutral, it wouldn’t be all bad for us either.”

When the Second Prince of the Moria Empire said so, Alexei realized persuading Ian was truly a lost cause. Though inwardly disappointed, he also understood. He was well aware of the circumstances the Polia Kingdom faced.

‘They’ve already fought two wars in the past few years. It would be unreasonable for them to get involved in another one.’

Even knowing that, the desire to have the Polia Kingdom on their side remained because of its geographically advantageous position. Situated right beneath the Doicheun Empire, this island could be seen as a sword poised to stab at the empire’s heart.

In truth, if the Polia Kingdom joined the alliance, a large portion of the Doicheun Empire’s fleet could be tied down. Unlike remaining neutral, joining them would pose a significantly different and direct threat.

“Very well. Then let’s end this meeting here.”

“Prince Alexei, once again, thank you for mediating this matter.”

“It was simply a duty. Think nothing of it.”

Ian couldn’t help but be bothered by the disappointed Prince Alexei. Still, he felt there was no helping it. In this matter, maintaining neutrality was essential. The overall atmosphere suggested a major war was looming.

‘The Doicheun Empire will surely invade the Leman Federation. As long as their expansionism continues, it’s inevitable.’

Having already retreated once, another step back would be unacceptable to the Doicheun Empire. Since they hadn’t achieved any significant gains in the war with the Polia Kingdom, they were now cornered.

‘I should begin stockpiling military supplies.’

Since not all factories could be converted to military production while focusing on economic growth, Ian decided to keep current arms factories running and start stockpiling military supplies in warehouses.

After the two eldest imperial princes left, peace returned to the Polia Kingdom, and progress continued as before. Notably, land reclamation projects across the nation were still underway. As this was a century-long endeavor, the digging had already gone quite deep.

Additionally, after the battleship construction was completed late last year, three more battleships were being built at various shipyards. Of course, cruisers and destroyers were also under constant construction.

In terms of fleet size alone, the navy had already regained its prewar strength against the Doicheun Empire. The issue was that other empires were also rapidly increasing their number of battleships and other warships.

Meanwhile, Ian personally visited shipyards and ordered the construction of the aircraft carrier designed by Armin. The shipyards were hesitant about building an unfamiliar type of vessel, but since it was a direct royal command, they had no choice but to comply.

Naturally, Armin was designated to lead the project. As the designer himself, it was necessary, and his skills were essential to complete the project properly. While there was displeasure at having such a young man in charge, they could not disobey a royal order.

Ian was slightly concerned but believed in Armin’s passion and ability. He also named the aircraft carrier class the Armin-class carrier. Armin was shocked, but Ian insisted that it was only natural to name it after the developer.

Thus, two aircraft carriers were ordered for construction. They were set at approximately 15,000 tons each. While the displacement was less than expected, this was the first attempt, and with many necessary technologies still undeveloped, it was effectively a prototype.

Meanwhile, the submarine project had been completed. Development began when Ian was 19 years old, and over two years, they had thoroughly dismantled and studied a captured Doicheun Empire submarine.

There had been a domestic company working on primitive submarine designs, and they collaborated with Ian on this project. As a result, the development timeline was shortened, and the 350-ton Amor-class submarine was born.

They planned to build three in total, and construction orders had just been issued to the shipyards. Since this was still the beginning, they would start with three and gradually expand as experience and technology accumulated.

‘There’s no better asymmetric weapon than submarines.’

Even if the enemy brought an entire fleet of warships, operating numerous submarines could very well protect the homeland. Therefore, Ian intended to keep increasing their numbers over time.

Anyway, various weapons including aircraft were being newly developed and produced. To maintain neutrality, the Polia Kingdom couldn’t afford to be weak. As such, they continued to strengthen their military without pause.

‘I should expand the army too.’

Though they already had several hundred thousand troops, the island’s large size still left them short in manpower. Ian planned to recruit an additional 100,000 soldiers, bringing the army to about 400,000.

Naturally, as the number of warships increased, more naval personnel would also be recruited. Just as these military expansions were underway, a visitor suddenly arrived at the royal palace.

World Era 1911, April 3

The person entering the audience chamber was none other than an ambassador from the Leman Federation. Ian couldn’t help but feel somewhat conflicted as he welcomed him. He had a sense of why the ambassador had come.

‘He must be here to purchase weapons, no doubt.’

“I pay my respects to His Majesty, King of the Polia Kingdom. I am Ambassador Hats, representing the Leman Federation.”

“Welcome, Ambassador Hats.”

“It is an honor to be received so warmly by the newly crowned monarch.”

“Rather than pleasantries, it seems you have come with urgent business. What is your purpose?”

Ian asked directly, avoiding any detours. Slightly flustered, Ambassador Hats explained his reason for coming.

“Yes, the reason for my visit is none other than to purchase weapons from the Polia Kingdom once again.”

“Hm, I trust you’re aware of the consequences our country had to endure because of the last transaction.”

“Of course. We deeply regret that incident. Who could have foreseen that the vile Doicheun Empire would direct its aggression toward the Polia Kingdom? But precisely because of that, our Federation now urgently needs weapons to hold them back.”

‘Regrettable as it may be, they’re desperate and begging due to their dire situation.’

It was selfish talk, but from their perspective, it was also unavoidable.

“I am aware that the threat from the Doicheun Empire is growing by the day. But we’ve chosen to handle this matter as a neutral nation.”

“Even as a neutral party, surely selling weapons is permissible? Who has the right to stop such an economic transaction? Arms sales are legitimate trade.”

“I understand. In that case, why not purchase weapons from the Noma or Moria Empires?”

Ian couldn’t help but wonder why they were coming to him. If they approached the other empires, surely they could import a large amount of arms. That wouldn’t be a bad deal for those empires either.

“We thought the same, but both empires declined to provide weapons.”

“Why is that? It should benefit them as well.”

“We were told that the Magnia Empire had requested both empires not to supply weapons.”

“The Magnia Empire? They’ve made a move?!”

The great eastern empire, the Magnia Empire, which had remained silent until now, had finally begun to act. And to think they told the Noma and Moria Empires not to supply weapons—could it be that they had allied with the Doicheun Empire?

‘The Doicheun and Magnia Empires… that would make for a powerful alliance.’

If that were the case, the Noma and Moria Empires would be placed at a considerable disadvantage. The Noma Empire already had the harsh condition of being in the cold northern lands, while the Moria Empire was based in the desert—another strategic weakness.

Of course, both empires had fertile regions. That’s how they could support populations in the hundreds of millions. But compared to them, the Doicheun and Magnia Empires enjoyed vast, rich territories.

The grain output from the lands of those two empires was said to be immense. It could feed their massive populations and still allow for large-scale exports.

‘Naturally, our own homeland also has solid grain-producing regions and supports a population of 90 million.’

In any case, the whole situation was starting to feel dangerously complex.

“The Magnia Empire is taking action.”

“In that case, won’t they also ask us not to sell weapons?”

“They’ve made an exception for the Polia Kingdom.”

“What? Why is that?”

“They say it’s because your kingdom has already fought a war with the Doicheun Empire.”

“I don’t know who said that, but… that’s a very convenient justification.”

While weapon sales to the other two empires might be sensitive, it seemed the Polia Kingdom was viewed as less of a concern. In truth, it made sense—they’d already fought one war, so the Doicheun Empire might assume they wouldn’t start another anytime soon.

‘The Doicheun Empire likely wants to avoid wasting its strength unnecessarily.’

In truth, Polia’s actions in the last war were downright foolish. That stemmed from the former king’s recklessness. What if they hadn’t rushed into a full-scale sea battle? The war might have ended with their forces intact.

‘We lost a significant portion of our strength that way. Maybe now they think I’ll be different.’

Indeed, if war broke out again, Ian had no intention of sending the fleet into open waters. He would fight a purely defensive battle, making full use of coastal artillery. He even planned to actively deploy aircraft and submarines, which had previously been used sparingly.

“So please, sell us weapons. We’re already equipped with some of what you previously sold us. If we can make additional purchases, we’ll be able to significantly strengthen our military.”

‘Hmm… what should I do?’

Honestly, the offer was tempting. With many financial burdens looming, their eagerness to buy weapons could be quite helpful. But the problem lay with the Doicheun Empire’s potential reaction.

‘Is there any reason to stir up unnecessary trouble?’

Yes, they had seized assets from corrupt nobles and confiscated wealth from disgruntled aristocrats. But the kingdom still had more urgent spending needs than money on hand.

Furthermore, recent military clashes with the Moria Empire’s navy had cost a fortune, causing major financial damage.

‘If we assume the Doicheun Empire doesn’t respond aggressively, selling weapons could work out…’

It felt wasteful to pass up the income from weapons sales. But Ian shook his head. Selling weapons could disturb the hard-won peace. Worse, if the Doicheun Empire did retaliate, they would end up spending even more on defense.

‘Still, just learning that the Magnia Empire is on the move is a strategic gain.’

“Apologies, but we cannot sell you weapons.”

“Your Majesty, I beg you to consider our situation. If the Polia Kingdom doesn’t help, we won’t be able to rearm in time.”

“I understand how difficult this is. But the previous incident escalated into war precisely because we sold you weapons. The result was greater suffering for us. Given that, selling weapons now would only invite more risk.”

Most of the profits from those earlier arms sales had to be spent on war efforts, making it a losing deal. Even now, the Polia Kingdom was still paying for the damage.

“…Understood. I know pressing further would be disrespectful.”

The Leman Federation must know. Their extra years of peace had come at the cost of the Polia Kingdom’s war with the Doicheun Empire. That was likely why they could not bring themselves to beg any further.

As Ambassador Hats gave up on the weapon deal, Ian quietly spoke.

“I wish your nation good fortune in battle.”

There was nothing more to say. With a nod, Hats withdrew in defeat. In doing so, Ian preserved the fragile peace that might have otherwise crumbled.