Summoning Japan: Flights of the Fancy

Chapter 3 - Border Sea

The new patrol ship of the Kingdom of Altaras' navy, the Tarcos, was patrolling the northern side of Altaras Island.

The navy of the former superpower Parpaldia Empire suffered devastating losses in the Japanese-Parpaldian War. As a result, the security in the waters around the Philades Continent temporarily deteriorated. It was a repetition of the Rodenius Continent. However, unlike Rodenius, it wasn't former naval personnel who now turned pirates after not receiving salaries from the military, causing trouble. Instead, pirates who had quietly operated within the Parpaldia Empire until then began to act boldly.

When Altaras was occupied by Parpaldia, Altaras' military was annihilated. Altaras achieved independence again, but the country was still in the process of rebuilding. However, without ships, the navy couldn't crack down on pirates. During the war, the JMSDF handled policing activities at sea. Immediately after the war, the Coast Guard patrol ships took over. However, claiming sovereignty as a nation, Altaras couldn't continue relying on other countries to maintain its internal security.

It was when Queen Lumies instructed the government to rebuild the navy.

"Your Majesty, Japan will do everything for free. Why must we sweat and risk our lives fighting pirates?" a noble said.

At that moment, Queen Lumies took an unprecedented action. She rose from her throne, disregarding the hem of her skirt, and delivered a powerful kick to the noble's face. Looking down at the noble, who was now sitting with a nosebleed and a dazed expression, the Queen declared, "The people of Altaras are not parasites!"

Despite the incident within the government, this episode quickly spread through the streets and resonated with the citizens. The satirical drawings of the Queen kicking a parasite-faced noble became popular, leading to the downfall of the embarrassed noble. This episode eventually became a testament to Queen Lumies' nobility in Altaras' history books.

Then-Princess Lumies, who had sought refuge in Japan, learned about the country's social system. She also discovered that Japan was one of the leading aid providers in the old world. Why was Japan so eager to provide assistance? Although she felt it was inappropriate as someone who had received help, Princess Lumies couldn't help but wonder. She learned that Japan's aid policy was based on "self-reliant support."

Feeling that it would be quicker to ask the Japanese directly, she was hesitant to ask officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as she expected only official responses. Instead, she sought the help of a friend, an exchange student from Qua-Toyne, to introduce her to a Japanese acquaintance.

"Making friends, I guess?"

The response from the Japanese college student was beyond Princess Lumies' imagination.

"Friends?"

"Yeah, not a master-servant relationship, but friends."

"Wasn't Japan one of the great powers in the old world?"

The questioned Japanese student looked perplexed.

"Well, economically, we were third, and militarily... I think we were in the top five. But I don't think we were considered a great power."

The questioning Princess Lumies was also puzzled. Judging by the rankings, they were nothing but a great power.

"Don't Japanese people take pride in their homeland? Don't they boast about being a great nation?"

A message of "I don't understand" appeared on the face of the Japanese college student.

"Well, um... there's a sort of regional pride, I guess. But that doesn't really depend on the size of the country."