The Hungry Fortress Wants to Build a Battleship in Another World – World of Sandbox
Vol 4. Chapter 1: Interlude (A Certain Maritime Nation)

Kingdom of Lepuitari, Royal Council.

Held once every four months, this is a critical meeting where the future course of the nation is determined. The meeting is attended by the King and other key figures, and major decisions are made.

Naturally, every agenda item has already been coordinated beforehand; no actual debate takes place during the meeting itself. The gathering serves as a final confirmation—and as a symbolic occasion for receiving the King’s formal approval.

However, that reality does not diminish the authority of the meeting in any way. On the contrary, the very act of being listed on the meeting agenda is significant in and of itself.

“Then, with His Majesty’s approval, this item shall be enacted. Passed as Resolution No. 5613. All departments are to devote their utmost efforts to its realization following the conclusion of this meeting.”

“Thank you very much!”

All attendees, excluding the King, responded with applause to show their approval. Thus, a new policy was ratified, and the Kingdom of Lepuitari took another step into the future.

“Next item on the agenda. Supreme Commander of the Royal Navy, Alban Bleyas.”

“Yes, sir.”

Over the past decade, the Royal Navy had undergone astonishing growth. The development of cannons and the extension of their range, improvements in accuracy, loading assistance devices, the advancement of steam engine performance, welding technology for iron plating, the invention of screw propellers, and developments in fluid dynamics—

All of it originated from the Navy. And all of it contributed to the Kingdom of Lepuitari’s rise in national power—and by extension, its military strength.

Naturally, the influence of Admiral Alban Bleyas, the Navy’s highest authority, had grown accordingly.

“Then. We’ve received word that the expeditionary fleet dispatched to the Southern Continent has returned to the Stepping Fortress.”

The admiral’s words caused a stir in the council chamber.

The Southern Continent Expeditionary Fleet had departed over two years ago. There had been no means of communication, and no scheduled date of return.

How such a fleet had been sent out in the first place remained a wonder—but it had been a bold decision made by none other than the top of the Navy. Worst-case scenarios, including total annihilation, had been fully anticipated. But now, it seemed the fleet had somehow made it back.

“Five ships made it to port. Four were lost during the voyage. First, I would like us to offer prayers for the souls of our comrades who did not return.”

“...A noble sentiment. Everyone, you’ve heard it. Let us now hold a moment of silence in honor of their bravery.”

“Moment of silence!”

At the King’s voice, the Prime Minister immediately responded. All attendees placed their hands # Nоvеlight # over their chests and bowed their heads.

“The moment of silence is over. May our comrades, embraced by the mother sea, find peace. ...Now then, Admiral Alban, please continue.”

“Yes, sir.

We’ve only received the first report via carrier bird, but it states that they established friendly relations with a promising nation on the Southern Continent and have brought back a letter of delegation.

Additionally, though limited, they recorded nautical charts during the 12-month outbound and 8-month return journeys.

Details will be available once the fleet returns to the homeland, but for now, I report the expedition’s success.”

“Thank you, Admiral Alban. Now, are there any questions regarding this matter? ...Then, Supreme Commander of the Royal Army, Dolgar Gowen.”

“Yes, sir.

First, let me congratulate Admiral Alban on the fleet’s safe return.

...You mentioned further details will come later, but is it safe to say that the concern you originally had regarding the threat posed by the Southern Continent has now been dispelled?”

“Thank you, Lord Dolgar.

Allow me to answer your question.

The fleet commander reported that they were able to gain a general grasp of the situation on the Southern Continent.

There are several prominent powers, but overall it’s a chaotic landscape of warlords vying for control.

Conflict is frequent, but so is rapid technological advancement. It’s not an immediate concern, but the long-term future remains uncertain.

Strategic policy will be formulated going forward, but I believe the original threat has been put to rest.”

“Understood. Just knowing there’s no imminent threat across the sea is enough.”

Dolgar gave a firm nod and exchanged glances with the Prime Minister, who was serving as facilitator.

“Any other questions? ...None? Then, Admiral Alban, please proceed.”

“Yes, sir.

Now, regarding our national defense posture—as you are aware, the Royal Navy continues its expansion and presently believes it is maintaining sufficient deterrence against foreign powers.

However, that assessment only holds for the present. Other nations are also pursuing military expansion, and we expect the gap to narrow over time.

To keep pace, further expansion of all branches of the military will be necessary. Unfortunately, we are nearing our limits in terms of material resources.

In particular, the shortage of fuelstone, which is quite literally the lifeblood of our Navy, has become critical. We must take immediate action.”

With that, paper documents were distributed to the attendees.

The documents outlined: the ideal and projected lines for force expansion; the projected volumes of required resources; breakdowns of current supply sources; and proposed measures to address shortfalls.

“As for metallic resources, we currently meet demand through domestic mines. But we could either increase imports via the Wheat Country of Weizenland, or expand maritime shipping through the Lafret Sea.

It will be necessary to apply pressure so as not to be taken advantage of, but there are no particular concerns in this area.

The real issue is fuelstone.

At present, our only import routes are via Weizenland and a cluster of small southeastern nations. Domestic production is virtually nonexistent. And it has been over three years since we last conducted trade with the United Kingdom of Aphrasia, our major source of supply.”

Everyone present was already aware of the civil unrest plaguing the United Kingdom of Aphrasia.

Fuelstone was the driving force behind the Royal Navy’s recent advances—powering the steam engines that propelled warships and drove the massive rotating gun turrets. It was now a top-level strategic material.

This fact had likely not gone unnoticed by surrounding countries. If fuelstone supplies were ever cut off, the Lepuitari Royal Navy could collapse in short order.

“Therefore, I—Supreme Commander of the Royal Navy, Alban Bleyas—formally propose the dispatch of a special envoy to Telek Port City, the Aphrasian trading hub.

If possible, we will negotiate for the resumption of fuelstone imports. If that proves impossible, then we will move to establish a settlement for direct mining operations.”

Securing fuelstone—a non-negotiable objective in the kingdom’s grand strategy. No one objected. The proposal was passed unanimously.

“I, too, understand the importance of securing fuelstone. The proposal from the Royal Navy is hereby approved.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Applause broke out among the attendees. With the King’s direct approval, a large-scale force deployment—the first in years—was now confirmed.

Moreover, the target, the United Kingdom of Aphrasia, no longer possessed a functioning navy. The Royal Army, long without a role, was now expected to fully assist with this operation.

“Then, with His Majesty’s approval, this item shall be enacted. Passed as Resolution No. 5614. All departments are to devote their utmost efforts to its realization following the conclusion of this meeting.”

“Understood.”

Further reports and agenda items followed.

These included matters of domestic production, mysterious loud noises, and reports of small, unidentified objects flying across the sky from south to north—but none were as serious as the issue of deploying forces to the United Kingdom of Aphrasia.

Thus, the Kingdom of Lepuitari began steadily making preparations.

A special envoy fleet was formed, with the newly constructed, state-of-the-art battleship designated as its flagship.

The fleet consisted of: 3 battleships, 6 cruisers, 2 supply ships, and 8 escort cruisers.

All vessels were equipped with magical engines and driven by screw propulsion. Both main and secondary batteries were mounted on rotating turrets.

The battleships' main guns were equipped with automatic ammunition elevators, drastically reducing reload times.

At this point, only the Kingdom of Lepuitari had the capability to dispatch such naval strength—truly the mightiest fleet of its time.

Moreover, a separate defense fleet remained stationed at home, leaving no gap in national security.

Everyone in the Kingdom of Lepuitari believed this was an invincible fleet.

Merchants from other countries, upon seeing its grandeur, were stricken with fear and hurried back to report the sight to their homelands. And so, while preparations for the expedition to Telek Port City steadily advanced—

A fleet appeared.

A fleet that would plunge the leadership of the Kingdom of Lepuitari into abject terror.

A gigantic flagship, far larger than any battleship they believed to be the strongest. A fleet painted in pure white, as if to flaunt its majesty.

This fleet casually evaded the maritime patrol boats’ orders to halt—and entered the harbor of Moar, the kingdom’s largest port city and its capital.

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