"No, Hizuru probably wouldn't dare. Perhaps they only want to trade, but it still deserves our attention. The war between Marley and the Mid-East has inflicted heavy losses on both sides. Hizuru has a developed economy and considerable potential. We need to keep an eye on them too," Magath said slowly.
"Captain, should we pressure Hizuru through diplomatic channels?" Koslow asked.
"No need. Since they're acting in secret, publicizing this would amount to admitting we have spies in Hizuru. Our relations with the Mid-East Allied Forces are tense right now. We shouldn't damage our relations with Hizuru as well," Magath explained.
"Then what should we do, Captain?" Koslow asked.
"Perhaps I need to meet the true masters of our country." Magath narrowed his eyes.
On the ocean between the Marley Continent and Paradis Island, which Marley had named the Titan Sea, a warship departed from an island nation.
Tōjin Kiyomi glanced back at Hizuru's steadily receding coastline, uncertainty stirring in her heart. With both hands resting on the railing, she gazed out into the depths of the Sea.
She was traveling to Paradis Island as Hizuru's envoy, seeking the island's unique mineral, iceburst stone. The discovery that iceburst stone could replace oil as a source of power for machinery had caused a tremendous stir among Hizuru's leaders. They had ordered her to establish contact with Paradis Island and obtain the mineral, whatever it took.
Although Hizuru had a developed economy, it was an island nation with little territory, few resources, and limited potential for growth. Now that the prolonged war between Marley and the Mid-East Allied Forces had weakened both nations to some extent, Hizuru had begun seeking greater international standing and further national development. Paradis Island offered that opportunity.
Tōjin Kiyomi stared intently at the family crest marked