Beautiful Country Backs Down

In Nagoya, inside the Prime Minister's Official Residence, Prime Minister Saionji Ito had fallen ill—and had never recovered.

After hearing about the sinking of Beautiful Country's aircraft carrier, his already frail body had been unable to withstand the successive blows and had been defeated by illness.

The person truly running things now was Minister of Defense Sugiyama Hideaki, who was presiding over Sakura Country's affairs.

"Prime Minister, are you feeling any better today?"

Inside a special-care hospital room, Sugiyama Hideaki stood by the bed, gazing concernedly at Saionji Ito's emaciated cheeks.

"My health has improved a lot lately. Quickly, tell me how the war is going. Has Jieko Group launched another offensive?"

Saionji Ito struggled to sit up against the bed, asking between rapid breaths.

"The doctor said you need to recuperate properly and can't endure too many more shocks."

Sugiyama Hideaki hesitated. The current state of the war was truly difficult to discuss.

"Speak. I know my own body. Until that hungry tiger, Jieko Group, has been driven away, no one can kill me."

Saionji Ito glared at Sugiyama Hideaki and demanded that he tell the truth.

Sugiyama Hideaki took a deep breath. He was under immense pressure himself and had no idea how to save the war effort, which was why he hoped Saionji Ito could help think of a solution.

"This subordinate has failed. After the battle in the Ryukyu Islands, Jieko Group intensified its offensive against us. By now, more than half our territory has fallen, and the enemy's spearhead is pointed directly at Nagoya."

Hearing Sugiyama Hideaki's words, Saionji Ito's face turned even paler. He blurted out, "What about Beautiful Country's troops stationed here? They can't possibly stand by and watch us die, can they?"

Sugiyama Hideaki shook his head bitterly. "They've already entered the