An Attack

Ethan, Katherine, Jocelyn, and their most important advisors followed closely behind Marcus, leaving the party for the meeting room down in the basement. While no generals were present, as they were all on standby, aides organized preparations, including maps, to properly inform the new emperor's decision making — this would be his first test. Spread out on a large table was a map of the Hayashi Empire, with a red pin placed in the western region, reasonably close to the capital, he Tanaka Federation was daring to make an attack so close. With the sudden exit of the most important people and several aides running in and out of the meeting room, the party guests were sure to have their suspicions raised. Ethan would need to address this crisis with masterful skill to gain the confidence of his court and his people.

"Sire, we have been informed that two regiments of infantry are making their way to the villages," said an aide, pointing to the red pin on the map. "While these villages are close by, there is no guarantee we will be able to intercept them in time, the population is relatively small."

"Are you suggesting we let these people die," asked Ethan, completely taken aback.

"No, not necessarily, Sire. I am simply outlining the opportunity costs relayed to me by your generals. Organizing a response takes time and resources and there is no way of ensuring our response will get there in time, so not responding is an option."

"Why would they attack such a small village, and so close to our capital," Ethan inquired.

"Not to be crude, but the generals have posited the theory that this incursion is designed to "test the fences," see how you react. The Federation is sending enough men to overwhelm the villagers but not enough to warrant a full-**** retaliation from us. They, forgive me for saying this, think you're weak and want to see if they could take advantage of your green relationship with your people."

"Ah, I see," Ethan replies, his tone calm. "Well, let's prove them wrong, shall we? I'll take as many men as we can organize in a timely fashion. Half of us will immerse ourselves in the village and defend it from the front, the other will go around and ambush enemy forces from behind."

"But, Sire—," interjected Marcus before continuing, "I appreciate your eagerness and your battle skills but we cannot risk losing our newly crowned emperor in his first battle because we didn't have the troops to properly assist him."

"No, we will go forward with my plan. Urgency is of the utmost importance, the more villagers we can protect, the better. We must show our support for our people, that we stand behind them, that their Emperor stands with them."

"Very good, Sire. I shall inform the generals right away," replied the aide before rushing out of the room.

"Sire, I know you must be eager to address this crisis, but there are other pressing matters we must address before you join the counter-attack," said Marcus as Elena and Erin joined him to consult with Ethan.

"We do not foresee this attack by the Federation as being an isolated incident, other states will undoubtedly attempt to challenge your territorial dominance. Plus, you may want to pursue expansion through non-diplomatic means. That being said, we are not exactly equipped for a multi-front or prolonged war, which leaves us with the question of your defense budget," said Elena, running through some numbers on the backside of the map.

"We do, however, have a large surplus after such a long, extended period of peace and low defense costs. You could also invest these resources into your domestic policy," added Erin before offering a few ideas for Ethan to think about.

"There will be an immediate conscription. After an extended period of peace, my people would be understandably upset by their new emperor immediately telling them to prepare for war. Therefore, we will use royal coffers to ensure proper payment for our soldiers' families and invest in our communities. We will modernize and expand access to public infrastructure, creating more public goods that will foster a better relationship between the imperial family and our people. We shall create public parks filled with beautiful flora to encourage leisure activity. Going back to the conscription, we will recruit predominantly subsistence farmers and other tradesmen who's product is isolated to their household. Farmers and other makers of good who have the capabilities for large-scale production shall receive stimulus money from our administration to expand their output to maximize efficiency and ensure we have the supplies we need for war and peace. Moreover, once we have stopped the Federation's incursion, I propose that the royal family shall go on a brief goodwill tour around the territories to shore up support for my reign."

"This all sounds very good, my Emperor," said the Empress Dowager, rubbing her hand along the small of Ethan's back.

"Yes, we shall put these plans in motions immediately," said Elena.

"Good job," whispered Katherine.

"Um, there is also one last item on the agenda. While not necessarily as pressing as the Federation counter-defense, it is of the utmost importance, existentially speaking, to your Empire, and is, therefore, urgent as well," said Elena.

"Well, get on with it, then."

"While we understand this may be a sensitive issue, it is of the utmost importance that you secure an heir, and thus find a suitable bride to be your Empress Consort and, um, provide that heir."

"Ah," replied Ethan, his face beginning to blush. His took his vow of celibacy during his time in the priesthood very seriously, meaning he had absolutely no experience with women. However, it would be a lie to say Ethan hadn't thought about sex and being with a woman, he certainly had his fantasies.

"We'll get a list drawn up immediately and have another meeting to discuss and possible questions or concerns," said Erin.

"If I may," interjected Jocelyn before continuing, "I would imagine that, in addition to your compatibility with your future bride, you will be looking for a marriage of political expediency."

"Yes, I suppose so," replied Ethan.

"Well, as you may know, I have an in with the princesses of Valdez and Smith. The are both the sole heirs to their father's kingdom and are already allies of the Empire. It would be feasible to imagine an arrangement that would bring them into the fold of the Empire without marrying either of them, save that for an even greater land grab."

"I'm so proud to have raised such wise children," said Katherine.