IWBNAM Chapter 5 (Part 3)

“For the past several months, the Imperial stock market has been on a consistent rise. Let’s consider this a somewhat stronger correction.”

The Governor of the Imperial Bank spoke leisurely while drinking cold coffee. He had iron nerves. The reason the emperor had considered the governor’s daughter as a candidate for empress was because the future imperial father-in-law was a man like this.

“A somewhat stronger correction… like a thirty-percent drop?”

Nael leaned back on the sofa and answered half jokingly. Lee Juwon mentally reviewed the economic crises he had heard of. After 9/11, the markets had crashed, but the rebound had come quickly. The same had happened during COVID.

But that was only because people had believed the future would eventually improve. Could he really assume the same now? He wasn’t sure.

“The Imperial economy is strong. In my view, the downturn will be temporary. Of course, this assumes that all senior figures of the Empire agree to maintain the current system smoothly.”

The Governor subtly hinted at Kranaha’s situation. If the military, as a major pillar of power, behaved properly and swore loyalty to the next emperor, the market would feel less uneasy about the future and would stabilize.

“That’s a heavy burden.”

Nael muttered honestly. He had never imagined the words “smoothly” and “cooperatively” would one day sound like the description of a high-difficulty mission.

“You will manage it well, Your Excellency.”

The Minister of Finance said briefly.

“I will take that as encouragement.”

Nael gave a faint smile. The emergency strategy meeting ended quickly. The economic adviser would continue monitoring in real time and report immediately if problems arose.

May 20th, Friday, 8 a.m.

The moment the stock market opened for the first time since the terror attack, an enormous wave of sell orders poured in. Everyone had expected it, but facing the sheer scale of the crash turned their faces pale.

Every economic news channel, as well as all major news networks, began covering the market situation. Images of stockbrokers clutching their heads in shock appeared on screen, followed by a special emergency statement from the Governor of the Imperial Bank.

“Neuer Markt clearance sale begins. A once-in-a-lifetime half-price event for Imperial stocks. Please buy generously.”

While they were watching the news together in the conference room, Gilbert opened his mouth. A few people sitting with grave expressions immediately glared at him sharply. Their stares clearly said: How can you joke at a time like this?

“Let’s think positively. This too shall pass. Don’t you all think so?”

Gilbert grinned boldly as he spoke. Those who knew him well exchanged helpless smiles, because, well, he was always like this.

“If the clearance period drags on too long, full-price buyers will start complaining. I hope it ends early.”

Nael murmured quietly. The moment he made a remark that could be taken as agreeing with Gilbert, more than half the room turned to him with surprised faces. The Azani they knew had always been a cold strategist who wouldn’t know how to joke. Though many had noticed that both his appearance and temperament seemed slightly different after his return from retirement, they had assumed he would revert to his old self once back in office, but the superior they now served wasn’t entirely the same.

“…….”

“…….”

A few who had previously served the Emperor and later transferred to the Chancellor’s Office exchanged glances among themselves. At this rate, it seemed they wouldn’t suffer as much mental strain as they had feared.

“All right, that’s enough news for now. Watching further won’t help. Everyone return to your stations.”

The crash was temporary. If the Kranaha situation resolved safely and news came that the young emperor was growing well, the market would rebound all at once.

Nael returned to his office and checked the incoming updates on the position of Kranaha’s fleet. According to the Ministry of Military Affairs, they would enter the Freyja system, home to the capital world Alpha, sometime in the morning. So they should be appearing soon.

“Would it have been better to open the stock market next Monday instead?”

It wasn’t exactly comfortable watching the stock ticker drown in endless red. While skimming the economic reports popping up on his monitor, he waited for news from Kranaha’s fleet.

Just like the chaos in the economy, the military was also in a full state of emergency. Since dawn, they had been in close contact with the Ministry of Military Affairs, repeatedly reviewing emergency protocols.

Under Marshal Zerodel’s command, the defense forces were prepared to mobilize at any moment. The Military Police Commander and the Minister of the Interior were ready to maintain order in the capital, and the high generals had all stationed themselves on their respective flagships.

“Please, Admiral Kranaha… don’t let any dangerous thoughts take root. Don’t try to follow the fate of that name. He was a failure in the end. Don’t walk the same path.”

Nael prayed silently. If this crisis could pass peacefully, he would be willing to kneel or even give up his entire fortune.

“Your Excellency! Incoming communication from the Ministry of Military Affairs! Connecting now!”

Just then, the direct military line rang.

“Put it through.”

A holographic screen rose above his desk. Minister of Military Affairs Graim appeared, bringing the long-awaited report.

“A vanguard from Kranaha’s fleet has warped into the outer region of the system.”

“I see. They will arrive in two hours, then.”

“There is a problem, Chancellor.”

Nael felt a chill at those words and asked:

“What is it?”

Graim replied:

“We are unable to contact Kranaha. We’ve been trying to reach his flagship, the Spartacus, but there is no response.”

* * *

Until their final short-range warp back to the capital planet, Kranaha’s fleet had maintained smooth two-way communications. But the moment they entered the star system, all responses ceased. Even when the Minister of Military Affairs personally attempted to contact them, there was no reply.

Surveillance cameras positioned on the outer edge of the system captured the fleet completing warp and arranging into formation. The military went into full alert. No one could think of anything but pessimistic possibilities, what were they planning?

“Kranaha has definitely turned traitor. We must dispatch the defense force from the Tetra military base immediately, Your Excellency.”

The fourth planet, Tetra, located after the third planet of the system, had been developed as a military base for defending the capital. Only vessels from the Capital Defense Fleet and a fraction of other fleets were permitted to enter the capital’s military spaceport; the rest were stationed at Tetra.

The strategists gathered in the situation room voiced similar opinions. Nearly all of them now assumed Kranaha was attempting rebellion.

“What is the Chief of Staff’s view?”

Nael turned to Chief of Staff Werner. High General Ferdinand von Werner was staring intently at the screens, hand clasped around his chin. He seemed unsure.

“I have never considered him the type to immediately rebel just because His Majesty has passed.”

“I think so too. Even if he seized the initiative by raising a flag at such a moment, he would never win the hearts of the people.”

Even a dictatorship could not afford to ignore public sentiment. To establish stable power, winning over the populace was essential. If Kranaha committed treason now, every imperial citizen would turn their back on him. The end would be nothing but defeat.

“If communications would just resume, it would be fine. But nothing. It looks like the entire fleet has been ordered not to respond.”

Graim, appearing on a screen to the side of the situation room, spoke with a troubled expression.

“We can deploy at any time, but if we move rashly and provoke them, it could be disastrous.”

Marshal Zerodel, his left arm bound in a sling beneath his uniform, carefully voiced his concern. What if Kranaha had cut communications simply to express discontent during his return? What if he had no rebellious intentions at all?

“A matter of trust, then.”

Nael murmured quietly. If they prepared heavy defenses in advance, Kranaha might believe he was being suspected and become completely antagonistic.

“We can wait a little longer, Chancellor, but we don’t have much time.”

“What about the patrol ship we sent?”

Patrol craft regularly monitored the system at set intervals. They had ordered the closest one to approach Kranaha’s flagship, Spartacus, and relay their message.

“Communication was lost. It wasn’t shot down. It looks like it’s being escorted under surveillance.”

Graim listened to a subordinate’s update, sighed, and answered.

“Then let’s wait a little longer.”

“But Chancellor, if we allow them to reach near Tetra, it will be too late. Once the battleships take off, they will likely be attacked instantly.”

Werner voiced his concern. Though he had maintained a cordial relationship with Kranaha, he put aside all personal feelings now.

“Kranaha’s hometown is also the capital planet, Alpha. His parents and relatives all live here.”

Nael continued in an indifferent tone. If Kranaha had married and had a family, they could have been excellent hostages. Unfortunately, he was unmarried and had no lover. Nael found himself wondering whether that man truly longed to monopolize power even if it meant abandoning all family, relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

“Well, that is true, but…”

People looked at Nael with a renewed expression. Ah, this was the real Azani. A man who, if he judged that taking hostages was more efficient than facing someone honorably on the battlefield, would not hesitate to choose the latter even at the cost of being called dishonorable.

“Kranaha is an honorable warrior. Even if he has made some kind of decision, he would at least give us time to prepare. So don’t worry.”

To surround the capital and demand unconditional surrender, that was more Azani’s style. If this were the Union’s capital, maybe, but Kranaha attacking the imperial capital directly? That man would not do such a thing. Probably…

Nael kept up a show of outward composure as he reviewed the reports streaming in. One side was arguing over whether there was treasonous intent or not, another side was dealing with a record-breaking stock market clearance disaster, and meanwhile the anxious Ministers of Education, Civil Affairs, and Interior were insisting he declare an emergency temporary holiday so citizens of the capital could remain safely inside their homes.

‘Read the terms and conditions carefully.’

All he had done was play a game, and a single careless click had condemned him to this misery. Thrown into a world with no status screen and no quest helper, he had to rely solely on his own wits to overcome this crisis.

Nael remained in the situation room, continuing the emergency meeting. Coffee was brought in several times to soothe everyone’s frayed nerves. Before long, more and more people ended up with iced Americanos in hand just like Nael. Amid the noisy murmurs, the clinking of ice against plastic cups rang out refreshingly.

“Kranaha’s fleet has stopped in Tetra’s orbit!”

One of the staff shouted loudly.

“Communications?”

“…Still no response.”

The moment the aide answered, sighs erupted from multiple seats.

“What is Admiral Kranaha thinking!”

“This is going too far!”

“Everyone’s already struggling, why is he doing this now?”

Someone couldn’t hold it in and muttered a quiet curse, but no one around them said anything. If he had a complaint, he could have at least communicated. Why keep approaching silently and terrifying everyone?

“How long is he planning to ignore us?”

Nael silently stared up at the huge screen displaying Kranaha’s flagship, Spartacus. The jet-black battleship, marked with a blood-red scar-like pattern, looked as if it carried the spirit of some fierce ancient warrior. It suited Kranaha perfectly.

“The entire fleet is holding in full stop.”

Starting with Kranaha’s flagship, the entire fleet had come to a halt. With fifty thousand ships, the massive fleet filled the space around Tetra, the fourth planet of the Freyja system. At this point, it was practically a blockade of the capital.

“Your Excellency, civilian ships are sending repeated inquiries. They want to know if they’re allowed to leave the capital.”

“It seems entry into the capital from outside has been blocked. It looks like Kranaha’s fleet is preventing access.”

“Chancellor, we just received a new report that all hyperspace communications between the capital and external systems have been cut off…”

It was no longer just the fleet refusing messages, they were now jamming the entire external communications network. Those who had been watching with anxious hope gasped in shock and began cursing.

“Has he lost his mind? He really means to rebel?”

“We must deploy the military now. We cannot wait any longer, Chancellor.”

“Chancellor Azani. It seems the matter is decided. We should mobilize the army…”

Even the Minister of Military Affairs had finally turned pessimistic.

“Chancellor, we have secured the families of Admiral Kranaha and his key staff.”

Gilbert approached and whispered in Nael’s ear. Nael listened with an expressionless face.

“Which course of action do you intend to pursue?”

The Chief of Staff, having heard the exchange from the side, reluctantly pressed him for a decision. All-out war? Or a hostage standoff?

“I will go myself.”

Nael rejected both and rose from his seat. Those who understood his meaning a moment later stared at him in shock.

“Your Excellency, you can’t mean…?”

“Chancellor. Are you serious about going there yourself?”

“That is impossible. Allow me to go instead.”

Objections poured out from every direction. Nael raised his hand to quiet them all and spoke again.

“I think it would be best to show Kranaha as much sincerity as possible. I’ll go meet him myself and negotiate. Don’t worry. It’s not as if we’re close friends, but we’re not mortal enemies either. I’ll try to resolve this through dialogue.”

“No. You’ll obviously be taken hostage. I cannot allow it.”

The Minister of Military Affairs spoke in a firm tone.

“Prepare a shuttle. I’ll depart immediately.”

Nael ignored him and issued the order to Gilbert. Gilbert shook his head.

“Your Excellency. Even in my limited judgment, that seems far too dangerous. If a messenger must be sent, it would be wiser to send one of the high generals who are close to Admiral Kranaha, along with some of his acquaintances…”

“I’m going.”

Nael had fully made up his mind. He decided he needed to be the one. He had no evidence, but a certainty was forming in his mind: Kranaha was waiting for him.

“Your Excellency…”

There were people who tried to stop him, even forcefully, but in the end, things proceeded as Nael wished.

“I leave the rest to you.”

“You ask for a difficult task. Very well.”

Minister Graim let out a sigh and nodded.

* * *

A shuttle carrying Chancellor Azani and a small number of attendants headed for the spaceport. Admiral Zerodel had completed final preparations for the departure of his flagship and received them aboard.

“Taking off now.”

With only two escort ships accompanying it, Admiral Zerodel’s flagship rose into the sky. The white ship Aligoté, marked with green vine patterns, ascended toward space as everyone watched with anxious faces. If that ship were shot down, the Empire’s future would fall into even deeper darkness. All they could do was pray that Kranaha’s fleet would not do anything reckless.

“How do you plan to persuade Admiral Kranaha, Chancellor?”

Zerodel asked Nael from the bridge. Nael thought for a moment, then answered.

“Well.”

“…You do have a plan, yes?”

Zerodel asked again, wearing a look that said he had more to say but could not bring himself to voice it.

“It will work out somehow.”

“Marshal Azani.”

“Honestly, I have no idea. I think I’ll only know once I get there.”

Nael kept his eyes fixed on the flagship Spartacus displayed on the screen. He had run several scenarios in his mind, but each one quickly felt pointless. That man, Kranaha, would never behave according to anyone’s expectations.

“Communication link with Spartacus established.”

At that moment, an operator shouted.

“Put it through.”

Zerodel ordered. The flagship Spartacus vanished from the front screen, replaced by a communication feed.

“This is Franz Appelkampf, captain of the Spartacus. I salute the two marshals.”

Kranaha did not appear. Instead, his flagship captain, Brigadier Appelkampf, saluted them.

“We were concerned since we couldn’t reach you at all. Did the fleet’s communication network break down during warp?”

Zerodel asked with a faint smile. Appelkampf answered stiffly.

“I only follow my superior’s orders.”

“I see. The Imperial Chancellor traveling with us wishes to visit the Spartacus personally. We would like to know whether your superior is willing to receive our guest.”

Zerodel kept his composure, though he was tense. If the answer was no, he was prepared to order the entire force stationed at the spaceport to launch immediately.

“My superior says the Chancellor’s visit is welcome at any time.”

“Is that so?”

Zerodel turned slightly and looked back toward Nael, who nodded.

“We’ll head there right away.”

After the captain acknowledged and the screen went dark, the two marshals quietly left the bridge, one to board the shuttle, the other to see him off.

“I still question whether sending only the Chancellor is wise.”

Just before shuttle boarding, Zerodel spoke in a weary tone.

“Why? Are you worried I’ll be wounded or killed? As I recall, you’ve never had any particular affection for me.”

“What do personal feelings matter? I only… wished Your Excellency would spend your days visiting elementary schools or something.”

“So you mean watching me get mildly humiliated would have been enough.”

Nael snorted lightly and turned.

“Chancellor…”

“I’ll return once the conversation is done. Ah, and it was an honor to ride aboard your flagship. A fine ship, truly.”

“No, the way you say that makes it sound exactly like someone leaving a last testament.”

Nael raised a hand and waved lazily as he listened to Zerodel saying something behind him.

“Let’s go.”

Once everyone was seated, Nael gave the pilot the order. The veteran pilot selected for the Chancellor’s transport nodded and took the controls. Moments later, the shuttle slipped smoothly away from the flagship.

“The shuttle has departed.”

The operator monitoring the Aligoté immediately reported it. The information transferred at once to the adjutant’s terminal inside the private training hall reserved for the fleet commander.

“Sir. The Chancellor will arrive in ten minutes.”

Thud!

A man in workout clothes, pounding a sandbag alone, halted for a moment.

“I see.”

Then he resumed. In the quiet training hall, only the heavy strikes against the sandbag echoed.

“Sir.”

It had been some time since their superior began exercising. Sweat drenched his entire body. If he went to shower now, he could still greet the Chancellor without delay.

“What is it?”

But their superior showed no sign of stopping. As if he would lose control of the hot blood in his veins if he didn’t burn it away with strenuous training.

“…Nothing. Should I escort the Chancellor here, then?”

The adjutant carefully gauged his superior’s intention before asking.

“Do so.”

The superior unleashed a full-force punch. It was the right answer. The adjutant relayed the order on his terminal, then checked his superior’s expression. For a moment, he caught sight of a smile forming on the man’s lips. He knew exactly what that smile meant. It was the expression of someone savoring the thrill of seizing the upper hand.