In the past, diplomacy was synonymous with either gunboat diplomacy or backroom dealings. Eventually, moving past the era of the Balance of Power, the "Grand Alliance" became the fundamental policy of international relations. While the mainstream diplomatic style shifted toward parliamentary procedures and ceremonial formalities, gunboat diplomacy never truly vanished.
Secret diplomacy simply transformed into the essential groundwork required to make those ceremonies a success. Those involved in this work transitioned from being the stars of the diplomatic stage to the craftsmen working in the shadows, and even now, they maneuver secretly across the globe.
Anytime, anywhere, the seeds of conspiracy never cease to exist in this world. Not even tonight. Not even in this country.
"Good grief... fanatics are truly a hopeless lot."
"Hahaha... That sort is easy enough to set in motion, but controlling the reins once they are running is a different matter entirely."
Across a table, a middle-aged man in a suit offered a drink to the man sitting opposite him—another middle-aged man in a suit, though this one was Caucasian rather than Mongoloid.
Whether due to a long residency in Japan, a personal hobby, or simply the result of rigorous training, the Caucasian man accepted the clear liquid poured from the ceramic flask into a small ochoko cup and brought it to his lips with perfect etiquette.
"When I really think about it, this is a truly mysterious and, shall I say, elegant drink. This sake... clear and colorless, despite not being distilled."
He did not forget to insert a flawless compliment toward his host country.
"No, no, I cannot deny it lacks the flamboyance of a vibrant red wine. Though, of course, I intend to provide a flavor that will satisfy you."
The recipient of the compliment countered with the requisite humility and subtle self-promotion. The one thing the two men facing each other shared was that neither revealed what was truly in their hearts.
"It is true... I would love nothing more than to pleasantly lose myself in this drink, but as I mentioned earlier, those fanatics are behaving lawlessly. I can hardly relax."
"We cannot thank you enough for the special consideration regarding the safety of our compatriots currently staying in your country."
"Not at all, it is our natural duty. That said, we are dealing with madmen who cannot be reasoned with... For example, no matter how many times we explain that the massive explosion which annihilated the Great Asian Alliance fleet was the result of scientifically systematized magic skills and not the work of the Devil, they simply refuse to listen."
"Just because they turn a deaf ear is no excuse for harm coming to foreign nationals under your protection... You have my sympathies."
The two men exchanged pours from the flask and, as if on a signal, downed their cups simultaneously.
"Please consider this merely a complaint aired over drinks, but... if you could perhaps disclose just the summary of that 'Great Bomb,' I believe we could silence them effectively."
"...Please consider this merely a complaint as well, but regarding the weapon used at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the military has locked down the information tight. No matter how high the classification, civilian control is the bedrock of democracy... yet why are military men so obstinate?"
The gazes of the two men locked, sparks flying for an instant, before emptying into hollow smiles a split second later.
Kyoko Fujibayashi stopped the playback of the intercepted conversation and looked up.
"As you just heard. It seems our diplomats are actually trying quite hard this time. They clearly understand the importance and the unique nature of a 'Strategic-Class' asset."
"Furthermore..."
"Hm?"
Kyoko tilted her head, prompting Tatsuya to continue when he hesitated.
"...Furthermore, diplomats have their pride. Three years ago, during the unilateral invasion, they ran themselves ragged searching for a non-military resolution while being abused as cowards by the entire Japanese public. And yet, their efforts were completely made a fool of."
"You mean... by what the Great Asian Alliance did?"
To Kyoko, this was preaching to the choir, but the connection didn't seem to click immediately for Miyuki.
"Japan and the USNA are allies, but simultaneously, we are potential competitors in the Western Pacific region. A moderate weakening of Japan serves the USNA's interests. On the other hand, while the Great Asian Alliance calls itself a superpower, it lacks the strength to engage the Japan-US alliance head-on. Their domestic situation hadn't been desperate enough to force them into such a gamble, either. So, why did the Great Asian Alliance launch such a reckless invasion of Yokohama?"
"The Great Asian Alliance didn't have the power to take on Japan and America simultaneously... America is Japan's ally, but they thought it would be fine if Japan got a little weaker..."
Speaking as if to herself, Miyuki suddenly gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Ah!"
"You don't mean... The Great Asian Alliance and the USNA joined hands behind the scenes?"
"To say they 'joined hands' might be an exaggeration, but the probability that they were in a conspiratorial relationship is extremely high."
When Tatsuya glanced toward Kyoko, she gave a small nod.
"For example, in response to the Great Asian Alliance's military invasion, the USNA could have intentionally delayed the deployment of the Pacific Fleet."
Kyoko's reaction to Tatsuya's deduction was affirmative.
"Actually, the movements of the USNA fleet at that time were... looking back on it now, unnaturally sluggish."
"The objective of the Great Asian Alliance military was likely not the occupation of territory or the destruction of key facilities, but the abduction of technicians and the theft of technology, was it not?"
"Most likely. Considering the location and their war power, they couldn't have hoped for a greater military result than that. The mobilization of their fleet was likely just a contingency in case the operation failed. Though, the result for them was creating a disaster they hadn't bargained for."
"I don't think it was a case of 'the pheasant wouldn't be shot if it didn't cry,'" Tatsuya said dryly. "Rather, we are the ones suffering because they poked the bush and brought out the snake."
"Coming from the person most directly involved, those words carry a lot of weight."
Tatsuya tried to maintain a poker face, but it didn't seem to work on Kyoko.
"Well then, I should be heading out. Even with the excuse of 'scouting recruits,' it's unnatural for a military officer to overstay her welcome at a civilian home on a Sunday."
"Thank you for coming out of your way today."
As he saw her to the entryway, Kyoko reached into her handbag and pulled out a beautifully wrapped small box.
"Here. It's two days early, but chocolates."
"Thank you very much."
"...Cool as always. When I gave some to the other squad members, they looked a little happier, you know."
"I am a stranger to such sentiments."
"Is that so...? Someday, I'd like to see you react properly, Tatsuya-kun."
Seizing the momentary gap as Tatsuya looked at her with exasperation, Kyoko leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
"Consider this a bonus."
Fully aware of the storm that was about to break, Kyoko made a dashing escape through the front door.
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