The UK had gone out of its way to bring up a marriage proposal that was nothing but a spark for conflict. France surely understood that there was no such thing as a risk-free, "sweet" deal, but there was great significance in France seizing leadership of the Western EU. No matter how much the International Magic Association's headquarters remained in London, the UK's recent failures had the potential to ripple not just through the British military, but the entire Commonwealth.
If the newly established African nations ratified the treaty, a foundation would be built where Japan, Taiwan, and all Southern Hemisphere nations—excluding UK-allied Commonwealth members like Australia—could cooperate. Even the USNA and the New Soviet Union, with their 'Thirteen Apostles,' could not wage war against half the globe.
If the USNA military attempted a power play like the old United States, they would find no followers. The President, as head of the USNA government, desired a friendly relationship, and Colonel Balance, now an aide, was reportedly of the same mind. Beyond them, high-ranking officials and the shadow power brokers of America had felt the direct influence of Gouzou; they feared a conflict with Japan above all else.
"Since they unilaterally reneged on a personal pledge, I have no mercy left for the New Soviet Union... but since Humanism is running rampant there on its own, we'll let them vent some steam for a while."
"Are you... aiming for the dissolution of the New Soviet Union, Yugen-kun?"
"It would be ideal, but there's no need to force it. We shouldn't intervene in a way that leaves our fingerprints behind."
As for the New Soviet Union, Yugen judged that as long as the Humanist riots continued, there was no need to meddle. This would be a trial for them—a test of their ability to suppress the unrest. According to gathered intelligence, the New Soviet regular army was planning a large-scale mopping-up operation.
The incident at the Soya Strait had occurred precisely because they couldn't vent their frustrations. If that pressure was relieved, the New Soviet Union would find it risky to act. However, once the Vladivostok military port was repaired, the threat of small-scale incursions—like the one in Sado—remained. The alert level would stay high.
Yugen chose not to intervene because it was a fact that a certain number of people were looking for any excuse to fan the flames of Humanism. The only silver lining was that the movement showed no signs of spreading to Northern or Eastern Europe.
"As long as they continue to lie about the Sado incident, that country cannot be trusted. A nation that still dares to call itself the 'Soviet Union' is nothing more than a collective of paranoia, starting with its head of state."
"You think the Humanists might flow in from the New Soviet Union?"
"It's likely. Civilian exchanges haven't completely ceased, after all."
Considering there had been New Soviet agents within the Great Asian Alliance, it was entirely possible the same could happen here. While spies were being legally deported en masse, the possibility of illegal entry remained. Yugen had used the Strategic-Class Magic Starlight Breaker against the New Soviet fleet two autumns ago specifically to ensure no remnant soldiers could disappear and become sleeper agents.
"So, what about the UK?"
"Well... through my grandfather, I've asked a certain person—someone even that gentleman cannot ignore—to put a stop to it. They were happy to oblige."
"Ah, I think I catch your drift. Then, to celebrate, Yugen-kun, you should—"
"No alcohol, please."
"Oh, Yugen, you're so mean!"
No matter how mature his spirit was, he was in a position where he had to strictly observe the legal age. Seeing Senki pouting as if to say 'we're among family, so it's fine,' Yugen could only manage a bitter, strained smile.
The news that Jasmine Williams and James J. Johnson had been captured by Japanese police and deported the following day reached William MacLeod in the UK on the very same day.
The attempted sabotage of the artificial island off Kumejima was being heavily covered in Japan. The fact that a deserter from the Great Asian Alliance's Hong Kong Army and a magician from the Australian military had conspired was now known worldwide.
This was because, the day after the incident, an emergency summit between Japan, the SSA, and France was held. In a joint statement, the three nations demanded reparations from the Australian government for "an extremely malicious act of terrorism that threatened our nations."
They did not demand reparations from the Great Asian Alliance because the official announcement emphasized that the sabotage was thwarted through a joint operation with the Alliance's military. It was also announced that the current state of peace between the two nations would continue for the time being.
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