Shameless Betrayal

The Island Nation's Elder Statesmen and Prime Minister Okuma Shigenobu were completely lost in their reveries; some even began drooling involuntarily.

Britain's colonies were simply too good. Compared with the Island Nation's Mainland, they were undoubtedly far superior. Although they had to give up India to give Germany some face, even taking Malaya Colony and Burma to Burma would be quite a fine outcome. Not to mention that they might have a chance to make further moves against the Australian colonies. Though its geographical conditions were not ideal, its area was dozens of times larger than the Island Nation's Mainland! At the thought of that vast expanse of land, these heads of the Island Nation's government could barely contain themselves.

The Island Nation's people possessed a pursuit of territory that came from deep in their bones. That was why, after rising to power, they had continually launched wars and marched in conquest in all directions.

"Saionji's plan is excellent. Give up those barren islands of the Germans, yet gain those rich British colonies—there is no doubt that this is immensely beneficial! What is more, we can use this opportunity to befriend Germany, the world hegemon. That kills two birds with one stone!" Matsukata Masayoshi nodded with a beaming smile, finding Saionji Kinmochi's plan quite good.

"But we have an alliance with the British. If we betray it, won't we be condemned by the international community?" Inoue Kaoru was somewhat worried about that.

"Britain is about to lose the war. We have no obligation to accompany them into the abyss. Besides, between nations, there are no eternal allies—only eternal interests!" Saionji Kinmochi said.

"Exactly. As long as the Empire can obtain tangible benefits, even if our reputation suffers as a result, it is entirely worthwhile!" Yamagata Aritomo said.

The other Elder