Vol 2: National Development – Chapter 12: The Berlin Arms Deal

Vol 2: National Development – Chapter 12: The Berlin Arms Deal

It has been more than a week since we accepted Nicolae as the newest member of our growing family. As expected, she fits in perfectly with her nature as a Shoggoth. The woman has been a bundle of joy to all of us thanks to her tendency to make ridiculous stuff. Ningyo, in particular, found her best friend to be the Shoggoth when the pair went out to play with Elysia.

The trio had a lot of fun out in the city, so much so that when Agent reported to me about their activities, I was forced to spit out my coffee at their audacity. For whatever damn reason, Ningyo has deemed it fit to convince both Elysia and Ningyo to make a Yggdrasil-damn statue of me in the Outer Sanctum. The statue is kitted out with my attire back in the Victory Parade and apparently, it's now a national attraction for being extremely lifelike and has a passive rejuvenation effect. Ningyo was the one behind the design with Nicolae being the builder using material from a nearby metal workshop. Elysia was also an accomplice in advertising the statue and the building process for the people of Berlin. And they did everything in one day! Their action attracted a lot of onlookers and people even host a small celebration when the statue was completed!

But that's not all, somehow, someway, Elysia came across Eden on one of her national musical tours. And now Eden is asking for Elysia to be her assistant in her upcoming tour around the world... What? How? When? I'm honest with Yggdrasil confused as to why all of this happened in a span of a week, without me knowing.

Noticing my utter confusion as I gaze at her, Agent shrugs, explaining. "I deemed these matters to be of secondary importance, knowing that you're still busy with the reactor test results. Hence, I only report them now."

I slam my forehead down on the table at her explanation, and after a minute, I speak up. "Does Elysia know about Eden's side job? Scratch that, Elysia should have figured that out by now which was why Eden asked for my permission. Help me forward the matter to Yggdra, if she deems Elysia to be capable of handling herself, she can tag along with Eden for the tour. Elysia isn't a caged bird, after all, and she deserves to go out and see the world. The tour should also provide her with real experiences under Eden's supervision."

"I will do as you instruct, Master." Agent bows before reporting the next matter that requires my attention. "Section two completed one of their mission yesterday. Hugin and Munin have successfully escorted the Chinese delegation to Berlin via air transports, they're now in the Obsidian Palace to have a meet and greet with the Empresses."

I nod, a please smile now plaster on my lips. "Good to hear that! Any side effects from our operation?"

"So far, there isn't any aside from some rumors about an adventurers band that swooped in to save the day. The Japanese are also befuddled as to why their underhanded scheme failed, they don't even know who was the party involved."

I tap my fingers on the table, apparently, the Japanese intelligence agency is more inept than I thought. "Let's keep it that way, in fact, build up a proper background story on the basis of the rumors. I want the Japs to be lead by the nose."

Agent nods. "I will forward the directive to Eden."

"Good, what about Quellec?"

"Section Head Quellec has made great stride in securing his foothold in Rusviet. Though a bit costly, he has hooked up with a local underworld boss, this has secured him a great deal of access to conduct business there thanks to the boss being part of the Rusviet military cadre. Per instruction, he is setting up an arms company in Leningrad."

"Good, keep me posted on his progress." I stop to ponder before asking. "Did he encounter any trouble yet?"

"None he couldn't handle, Master."

"Good, and the lady we planted in the heart of Ustio?"

"She has been able to forward us a lot of internal information on that front. No suspicion has befallen her yet and she is steadily gaining the trust of the Prime Minister. Currently, she is working on digging up the agenda of the Minister, she cited that the man may have a deeper reason to run the Ustio ragged like this."

I raise an eyebrow, that's very new to me. If you remember, this world is based on a game I played in my past life. In that game, they didn't bother to explain much about the background of the Ustian Prime Minister.

"I see," I cross my arms, leaning back on my chair. "it's a good reason as any to keep digging up more intel. We need to find out whether we can use that intel to further our cause. Let her continue her task, just tell her to keep it under the radar while she's at it. The lady is in too good of a position to be removed."

"I will forward it to our agent."

"Anything else that I need to take note of?" I asked, cutting out the discussion here since it was almost time for me to meet the Chinese and Rosa.

"There's currently nothing else that requires your attention, Master." Agent answered.

"Great! Then keep doing the good work." I stand up, preparing to leave but stop to give one last instruction to Agent. "Oh right! Arrange a meeting between Mobius and Nicolae, letting them hash out their conditions to work with each other. Just make sure nothing gets out of hand, rather, let Dreamer supervises the whole thing. I don't want the world to react negatively to us using Nicolae to skirt the rules."

"As you wish, Master." And with one final bow, we ended our clandestine meeting for the day.

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The time to get to the land of mysteries that is Belka was short, yet extremely eventful for General Liu and his lieges. For a period of time, he deliberated the thought that he may have failed his Emperor, yet, the intervention from the Belkans had given him another chance in life. He can now breathe easy knowing that the Emperor's family is now in a safer land.

After the Belkan host arranged them a safe lodging, General Liu finally eased up a bit of his tension, allowing him to sleep peacefully for a night. Though he had to wake up very early this morning, just to secure a meeting with the Empresses of Belka. Personally, he is anxious about this meeting, considering the Empresses aren't humans like the Emperor he serves. Regardless, he maintains a strict facade as he follows the wife of the Emperor and her daughter alongside a small retinue of servants. It's a proper courtesy for them all to go and greet the host nation's leadership.

When they arrive in the throne room, flanked by the famous Belkan Valkyries, General Liu cups his hands and bows while Imperial Consort Ling and Princess Mei perform a proper curtsy in the presence of the foreign Empresses.

"We offer you our greetings and gifts from afar, dear Empresses of Belka." Consort Ling said with her right hand motioning toward the servants behind her. They then bring forth cases of treasure and exotic as the Chinese's greeting gift.

The gift is a lavish one, even by Emperor Cao's standard, yet it's a necessary sacrifice to earn the goodwill of Belka.

With a cursory scan of the offerings, Hel nods at Lu, letting the latter address the foreign delegation.

"You have our thanks for gifting us with such valuable treasures. Knowing your people's customs, I think it's best for us to talk over tea. Please, have a seat." Lu waved a hand sideways, showing them the already arranged tea tables and seats by the side of the throne.

With permission granted by the host, Consort Ling accepts the offer gratefully before leading her daughter to a table. General Liu follows behind, taking a seat at a different table from the Consort. The Chinese servants retreat, leaving the treasures behind.

Seeing that they've situated, Lu claps her hand to signal the maids to serve drinks and snacks to the guest. "We've come to know that your trip was rife with perils. It's a good thing that our chefs are known to make food with revitalizing effects, I hope you will partake in a light meal and alleviate some of the stress you incurred."

Watching the maids presenting aromatic tea and sweets, Consort Ling lets her daughter Mei enjoy it after a scan. She then expresses her gratitude to the Belkan Empress for a multitude of reasons.

"As a representative for my Dynasty, I really shouldn't be doing this but," Bowing toward Lu, Consort Ling says. "really, thank you for the grace you've shown toward us. If it weren't for your intervention, things could have gone much differently, I'm afraid."

Showing a pleased smile on her face, while Hel gracefully nods, Lu responds. "The Chinese people have always been renowned for repaying grace with kindness, sadly, your kindness is best directed toward my daughter. For it's her that made the call to extradite you from the quagmire you stumbled upon."

Though a bit surprised, Consort Ling maintains her graceful facade and says. "I see, then when I will see to it that I thank the Imperial Princess, personally."

Lu giggles, saying. "Oh, you will see her soon, that I can guarantee. Were it a normal diplomatic visit, I would have been the one you talk business with, but this is not a normal visit, no?" Sporting a grin on her face, Lu leans in the direction of Hel, a hand supporting her chin. Though Hel internally rolls her eyes at Lu's sloppy attitude, she ultimately lets her do her thing just like always.

Consort Ling, struggles to hide a frown when Lu tears open the outward facade they've been putting up. On paper, the trip was for little Mei to study abroad, broadening her horizon under the supervision of her mother and General Liu. Nonetheless, just like Lu has said, the underlying objective is for them to receive protection from a third party and to purchase arms for the Dynasty, a matter best keep hidden from the Japanese for as long as possible.

Lu chuckles when she sees Consort Ling forming a response. "Why the long face? It's not like we don't approve you for your stay here so you have nothing to be afraid of. What I meant by saying the previous statement was that we aren't the person you should discuss this with. Not when this is not just state business but also the military. There's a Marshal in town that would like to have a word with you."

Nodding, Yuki says. "It's good that you cut the needless pleasantries since I'm a busy person. For the first and primary purpose of your being here, I will agree to host Consort Ling and her daughter. They will receive the best protection and hospitality the Reich has to offer. Little Mei here will be enrolled in any academy of her choosing and her needs will be taken care of accordingly under your supervision. I also assure you that any unwanted party will also be removed, letting Emperor Cao Long's family be at peace for as long as they remain in the Reich."

Yuki's statement receives grateful bows from all the Chinese. That's one less thing to worry about.

Gracefully accepting their thanks, Yuki goes on to say. "Next will be the arms deal, for this, I will not just give you a comprehensive list of arms and products, I will also show you all their performance." Yuki then turns to Rosa, saying. "You all follow me for a trip."

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In a non-disclosed military testing ground, near an unmarked naval base. Yuki and Bryn are leading the delegation for a tour. They then stop at a firing range where Yuki has set up a small demonstration. The same one she has given to the Ustians days ago.

Turning to address the Chinese, Yuki says with two of her hands outstretched. "These here are the weapons currently used by your military while on the other side are the ones we put up for sale. Try them both to compare their capabilities, and determine what you want and what you can get before coming to me. Any question you have, just say it out loud." Yuki said like a true arms dealer, letting the Chinese delegations have a go at the weapons on display. There are also members of the Belkan military nearby to help them operate what they don't know how to use.

Soon, duels of a short between Chinese and Belkan equipment take place. Examples will be Hanyang 88 versus Kar98k, ZB vz. 26 against MG-34, Ruby pistol against our full-auto C96... The shock is also evident on their faces when Yuki even has the Chinese's homebrew 75mm artillery and mortars going up against the 82mm, 88mm, and 105mm Belkan artillery. Even aircraft like I-15 and tanks like the T-26 that the Chinese used are also being compared with the Bf-109 and Panzer II.

The well-prepared showcase made by the Princess Marshal deeply shocked the Chinese to the core. It's made more shocking when Yuki pulls out the equipment that the Chinese severely lack and have them show off their ability.

First, come the armored cars and half-tracks with veterans from the 404th Division demonstrating combined-arms tactics in storming a fortified village while receiving support from CAS, Panzer II, the newer Panzer III M, and the Wespe self-propelled artillery. The stunning display shocked the Chinese while the Ustians delegation is already used to such a sight.

Finally, Yuki ends the demonstration by explaining further the ability of the newer equipment, especially the ones that were presented in the Victory Parade.

"The Panzer III M, as you can see, is an improved version of the original Panzer III with better reliability, protection, and firepower. The transmission is revamped while a stronger engine is fitted into the tank. Additional armors are installed in the front with side skirts that can be fitted on the side. The older short 75mm and 37mm are removed and a new 57mm L/52 gun is mounted in the turret. The new cannon, with new shells, can penetrate up to 135mm of armor 100 meters away at a fire rate of one round every five seconds with an experienced crew."

Yuki then goes on to the Wespe artillery tank. "The Wespe, a recent development, can provide an army with quick and deadly fire support anywhere on the battlefield thanks to its 105mm howitzer mounted on a tank chassis. Though it's no doubt more expensive than towed artillery, it makes up for it by maneuverability in an ever-changing battlefield. It will be an important purchase if you want to prevent the losses of field artillery in a retreating battle. The last thing you need is your own weapon being turned against you."

General Liu alongside a few Chinese army personnel nods. They had first-hand experiences in such a stunt when the Japanese attacked Manchuria. They then move on to the landed air assets, the most notable of the bunch is the latest Bf-109 model.

"This is the Bf-109K, refurbished for export to countries such as yours. It's no doubt one of the fastest aircraft in the world currently, sitting at 720km/h max speed at 6km altitude, best used in boom and zoom tactic. It's also armed with two 8mm machine guns and three 20mm autocannons. A respectable loadout for anything short of a heavy bomber, though even a bomber can be turned to swiss-cheese if you land your shots right."

Though General Liu may not be an avid airman, even he understands how ridiculous the 109K is. The look feverish look on the only Air Force officer on his side is also a telltale sign of this being the most advanced aircraft they have ever seen. As expected of Belka, the nation with the most advanced technology.

General Liu then turns to inquire. "These are great offers you're giving us, Marshal. Though I have no doubt the prices will be great, I must also inquire about the naval section in the list you have been showing us. Is it true we can procure warships from Belka?"

With a smirk on her face, Yuki answers. "Let's take a trip to the naval base."

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When the large group arrives at the nearby naval base, Yuki leads them to docked ships presented there. Pointing at the largest ones, Yuki says. "These here are the ships we considered obsolete, yet, they can be refurbished with modern equipment and be sold at a lower price to the Chinese Navy. Yggdrasil knows how badly your navy needs an upgrade."

Being talked down directly like, General Liu and the Chinese can't help but put on ashamed smiles. "You're corrected, Marshal, our navy needs an upgrade to deter unwanted elements."

"Then I presented you with one of the Mackensen-class battlecruisers, the Prinz Eitel Friedrich. It's currently armed with eight 350mm L/45 guns, 150mm and 105mm secondaries, and smaller caliber AA guns. However, we can refit them to be armed with the same amount of bigger 380mm guns and 128mm dual-purpose secondaries while its AA suite will be revamped to counter more modern aerial threats. The refit process will also slightly improve its protection and modernize its fire control while still retaining the fairly fast 28 knots top speed of the battlecruiser."

They then make a tour around the ship, ultimately leading them up to the battlecruiser's conning tower. From there, Yuki points at the smaller heavy cruiser to the berthing near the Prinz Eitel Friedrich.

"Over there is Admiral Scheer, a Deutschland-class heavy cruiser with a battlecruiser level of firepower thanks to its six 283mm L/52 guns. It has the same top speed as a Mackensen with smaller 150mm and 88mm secondaries and on its stern are 8 torpedo tubes. We have plans to refit the Deutschland-class to have longer 283mm guns and dual-purpose secondaries with improved fire control. If you have the money, we can also build you more ships of the class. The same offer will be extended to the destroyers and submarines you see over there."

Yuki stops, turning towards the Chinese. "So, interest?"

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During the drive back to Berlin and up until they reconvene back in the meeting room, the Chinese delegation has been in a heated discussion to determine what's best for their nation's interest. Finally, having made up their mind, General Liu represents the Long Dynasty to state their terms.

"First, we will like to secure enough small arms and auxiliary equipment to modernize at least half of our army up front. As for the other half, we want to buy the production lines and rights to produce them locally. For heavy equipment, we want to procure at least 100 Panzer III Ms, 40 Wespes, 150 armored cars, half-tracks, and enough trucks to motorize our logistics and army. We also want to modernize our entire air fleet with Belkan aircraft."

General Liu stops to let Yuki processes the order. The Marshal also comments. "How original."

Though not sure why she said it, General Liu carries on to say. "In regard to our navy, we want to purchase three Mackensen-class battlecruisers, six Deutschland-class heavy cruisers, twenty-five destroyers, and fifteen submarines, all modernized. Lastly, we will like to procure production lines, if possible, or the maintenance parts and stations for everything. We will also request the Belkan military to train our service members in the art of war." Having said his piece, the General and all member of the Long Dynasty's delegation stands to bow toward Yuki.

With a small smile on her face, Yuki says. "Daring today, aren't we?"

Standing up, Yuki then asks. "Do you even have enough capital to ask for such a procurement? Surely you also want more in the future so it's best if you have a way to pay for everything."

Without a hint of shame, General Liu admits. "Currently, it's true that the Dynasty is unable to cover everything. However, we ask you to let us pay in installments, just like what the Ustian Princess has requested."

A bit surprised at his boldness, Yuki directs her gaze toward Rosa, and the latter shrugs, expressing that she has no hand in this. Yuki then crosses her arms, falling into a contemplative mood as she ponders just how much she should supply the Long Dynasty.

To be honest, Yuki really hasn't expected them to buy anything but the Army equipment, maybe add in a few aircraft and that's it. Yet, the General here, being entrusted by Emperor Cao Long, place a very big and lucrative shopping list, one too hard to ignore. Not when there are actual benefits when following through with the order and ignoring the pissed-off Japanese.

First, Yuki can negotiate to have them pay with manpower instead of money. At this time, mainland China is facing economic depression thanks to the Japanese influence. By letting them send unemployed, yet experienced workers over to work for the betterment of the Reich. Yuki can create a win-win situation for both parties with Belka can speed up their national projects while Long Dynasty can revitalize their economy.

Second, by signing the arms deal, she can have the Long Dynasty take the brunt of Japan's ambition, long enough till she's done with Europe. When both side's Cold War gone hot, she will let them bite each other till both are tired, finally, she will swoop in with a fabricated just cause against Japan, dealing the final blow. This will put Japan and China, which have been accruing debt due to the arms purchase during the Sino-Japanese war, under her sphere of influence. This means she can't have the Chinese be self-sufficient in arms manufacturing. If they really are self-sustaining because of the arms deal, the Japanese will grow to be an annoying thorn in her side much earlier than expected.

Having made up her mind, Yuki gives her answer.

"Here's my counteroffer then. It's the best I can do so take it or leave it."

The deal is made between the Belkan Reich and the Long Dynasty and only the two parties involved can remedy the deal.Belkan Reich will provide the Long Dynasty with the previously discussed amount of small arms, infantry equipment, vehicles, aircraft, and vessels. Belkan Reich will sell the production lines for small arms and infantries equipment, while anything else is spare parts and 'maintenance stations'. How the Long Dynasty uses its maintenance stations is up to them. If the Long Dynasty pays a fee, Belkan Reich will train the Long Dynasty's military with modern battle tactics and equipment usage.Long Dynasty will be paying the cost of this deal and any future deal in yearly installments with interest. A portion of the cost can be covered by sending over unemployed and willing citizens to be hired at a discount rate by the Reich. The Belkan Reich has a responsibility to treat Chinese citizens as their own in accordance with the law and the Chinese people must uphold the law. In addition, if a Chinese citizen is willing to be a permanent citizen of the Reich and is vetted by the Reich, the Long Dynasty can't force him or her to return by any means.This is by no means a military treaty, only an arms deal. The terms of the deal can be negotiated in the future depending on the world's situation.

Of course, there are many more secondary terms but the four just listed are the important ones. Having read the papers with fine inks, the Chinese delegation shares a look between them before nodding. General Liu picks up a pen, signing away his name before pulling out a dragon seal, an object the Emperor has entrusted to him and stamps it on the deal. Yuki, representing Belka, also does the same but with her Ironblood insignia which is of an elaborate medieval sword design.

To the Long Dynasty delegation, they secured a lifeline for their country, giving them a chance to stave off the Japanese's aggression. Yet, to Yuki, she has laid the first brick in creating a foothold to bring Asia under her control in the future. It will be a long while till she gets there, but it never hurts to prepare now, even though it's a bit of a manipulative preparation.

Future historians will record this deal as the Princess Marshal's first foray into the international community. Others will also hold regular debates as to whether the future downfall of both the Long Dynasty and Imperial Japan are orchestrated by Yuki from this meeting or not. Sadly for them, ONI has made sure that none of the debates go anywhere.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m