[b]January 14th, 1899, Senryu, The Dragon Imperium of Hiron[/b]

Snow drifted from the sky like soft, infinitesimal leaves as the Dragon Emperor sat watching the Sun rise, breathing quietly as he considered Hiron's situation. He wore a poor man's clothes and resided in a fairly simple home, as all Dragon Emperors had for a few centuries in order to better understand and represent the people they governed. Behind him, his highest four advisors also sat, awaiting the Emperor's orders and insight as they spoke quietly amongst themselves.

As tradition dictated for centuries, the Minister of the Navy, spoke first, "Dragon Emperor, our Navy is large and powerful yet the Tarans still eclipse it. Our greatest ships, similar in comparison to their greatest ships, number seven less than theirs. Thankfully, most of our other ships are similar in number and strength, and I believe that given enough time, the world will sing of how Hiron's ships drove the Taran ships back into port. Of course, we need to finance the Navy further. I recommend that we immediately begin construction of three additional warships of the highest class, as well as ordering all remaining shipyards to build submarines. Whilst they may outnumber us, if we outmaneuver them beneath the waves, they will not even see their doom coming..." He bowed his head in respect to the Emperor.

Next was the Minister of the Army, "Your majesty, the Army is as neglected as always. Whilst the Navy is powerful, at some point, we will [i]have[/i] to fight on the lands. There are not an infinite number of islands... The soldiers need more support. There need to be [i]more[/i] soldiers. That is the most pressing issue."

The Minister of Economics followed simply, "All things are prosperous on our front, though the people yearn for food as ever, the population continuing to practically skyrocket. The advances of medicine and further technological growth of our people are seeing fewer and fewer deaths due to disease and malnutrition, but I believe more can be done. The Imperium also desires more markets to exploit and resources to acquire, much like how the Continentals maintain their colonies, I believe we should explore new avenues for our merchants."

At last, the Foreign Minister spoke, "My lord, if I may make a suggestion... A way to kill three birds with one stone. The Imperium is not a Great Power, and if we became involved in a war with one of the Great Powers, we might not win. Considering that, we could use some allies. In order to acquire them, first, we must open the door. What I propose is simple: we send a delegation to the Serene Empire of Tara to offer supplies of our Opium in exchange for as much of their foodstuffs as possible. The people yearn for food, and I'm sure their people yearn for... entertainment... Essentially, this gets our foot in the door, might supply our people with food, and may cause societal havoc inside Tara given enough time. But the Taran merchants put profit before morality anyway, so I doubt they'll give a damn." All four at this point were bowing their heads, refraining from fighting with each other in front of the Emperor.

Ryugo seemed to consider all of their opinions for a moment as he watched the Sun rise further before he announced, "Although I am very young and just took over the throne, I must put our people first. And I have many ideas about how to further our nation that my father did not. Tsutsumi, send the delegation, you have my full support. But Miyagawa, I have something of my own for you to do."

The Minister of Economics remained silent as he listened to the Emperor speak, "The Imperium is going to commission the creation of the greatest university in the world. Give it all the funds it needs. I want it to outshine even the Continentals. Its name is simple; Senryu International University. But its glory shall hopefully attract all the best and brightest minds from across the globe. Understood?"

All four ministers gave their understanding, even if they disagreed. Disagreements would be taken up in private between ministers and the Emperor at a later point in time, but both Miyagawa and Tsutsumi quickly set about their orders.


[b]Summary:[/b] Hiron sends a delegation to Tara seeking as many of their foodstuffs as possible in exchange for supplies of Opium. It also begins construction of Senryu International University, an attempt to attract scientists from across the world.