Elder Statesmen (2,000-vote bonus chapter)

"No, Prime Minister, we absolutely cannot be intimidated by the Germans. It would be such a pity to give up those territories just like that!" Army Minister Okashi no Suke said indignantly.

"What if the Germans dispatch their navy to attack us?" Okuma Shigenobu was somewhat worried and therefore did not wish to offend Germany.

"Prime Minister, although the German navy is formidable, can it come ashore no matter how formidable it is? As long as the army holds its positions, there is nothing the Germans can do to us! If this drags on, it will also be very disadvantageous for the Germans. Therefore, it is highly likely that the matter will ultimately fizzle out. Although this will make the Empire pay a considerable price, as long as we can obtain those territories, any price is acceptable!" Oka Ichinosuke insisted.

"What if the German Navy bombards the Empire's coastal regions? The Empire's most prosperous areas are all along the coast! And these places are practically all within the range of the German Navy's naval guns!" Yashiro Rokuro said.

"Coward! Are the navy's coastal defense fortifications merely for display?" Oka Ichinosuke cursed.

"Horse shit! That would be like striking a stone with an egg!" Yashiro Rokuro refused to yield an inch.

Seeing that the two were showing signs of quarreling again, Okuma Shigenobu had no choice but to adjourn the meeting, lest they come to blows next.

"Very well, today's meeting will end here," Okuma Shigenobu said.

"Prime Minister, we do not have much time left. We must make a decision as soon as possible!" Foreign Minister Kato Takaaki said.

"I know. I will go see the Elder Statesmen shortly. For such a major matter concerning the fate of the nation, it would be better to let the Elder Statesmen decide!"