Time flew by.
In the blink of an eye, a week had passed.
On August 28th, Shō Kōkei returned to Chōan after completing his state visit to Ryūgoku.
Shō Unkai made his way to the airport immediately to welcome him.
"Dad."
As Shō Kōkei descended from the plane, Unkai strode forward to meet him.
Kōkei gave a slight nod. The two exchanged no further words—they were still at the airport, after all.
Soon, the long motorcade pulled away from the terminal and headed into the city.
"Dad, how did it go? I saw on the news that our bilateral relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Partnership?"
Previously, the relationship between Shinhan and Ryūgoku had been classified as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The change was subtle in words, but significant in meaning—it signaled a deeper alignment.
Of course, Shinhan didn't yet enjoy the level of an "All-Weather Strategic Partner" like Baba-yan, whose strategic location gave it unparalleled value.
But things were different now.
A Shinhan that produced oil was not the same as a Shinhan without it. With oil, the nation's worth had skyrocketed.
In fact, Ryūgoku had only three Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation partners. Including Shinhan, that made four.
Kōkei chuckled at his son's question.
"You saw the news, so you already know. Yes, it went just as you envisioned."
"Ryūgoku will invest 400 million dollars. We'll invest 500 million. Together, we're establishing a refining and petrochemical joint venture in Ranryō. We'll hold 60 percent, they'll hold 40."
"In addition, both nations will pursue deeper economic cooperation. We're lifting tariff barriers on electronics, agricultural goods, medical products, and more."
"There's also a one-month visa exemption for business and tourism travel, to foster trade and tourism between our nations."
"And they're gifting us an airport."
Kōkei paused with a smile.
"It'll be built in Ranryō, to streamline diplomatic and trade access. Budget for the airport is expected to reach 260 million dollars."
"Finally, Ryūgoku approved a 4-billion-dollar low-interest credit line."
"Quite generous. With 260 million, we should be able to build a 4C-class airport," Unkai remarked with a grin. "Amazing how things change with a bit of oil in the ground."
His heart settled. With Ryūgoku now invested, the Yankees would have to think twice before meddling. At worst, they'd incite unrest from the shadows, or prod the likes of the Phi-Monkeys to bark from across the sea. But to really intervene? That would be rare.
Shinhan's army only numbered around 70,000, but their combat prowess wasn't something the Phi-Monkeys or Jawa could match.
Their fighting spirit stood toe-to-toe with Annan's, and their gear was no slouch either.
Take the air force, for example—Shinhan was one of the few Southeast Asian nations to operate the American F-16. Granted, they were older models, but they had 26 of them. On top of that, they had 12 JAS-39 Gripens from Northern Europe.
Seven C-130 Hercules transport aircraft rounded out their logistical capabilities.
Back when the Soviet Bear fell, Shinhan had bought 12 Su-27s and 4 Il-76 transports at cut-rate prices.
Truthfully, the country couldn't afford these arms on its own. It was the royal family's financial support that had made it possible.
In Southeast Asia, Shinhan's air force was unmatched.
Even the Lion City and Siam couldn't compare.
The navy, however, lagged behind.
As for the army, they fielded British Chieftain tanks, Russian T-72s, and Prussian Leopard 2s.
The 65 T-72s had been bought in bulk after the Cold War to expand armored forces.
But the Chieftains were the core—145 units strong.
Shinhan's ability to procure so many Western arms was largely due to its Cold War alignment, and its unique founding history.
The founding king had married a British princess—the Queen's younger sister, no less.
That royal connection had forged a natural closeness to Britain.
And during the Vietnam War, Shinhan had staunchly backed the United States.
That legacy had earned them preferential treatment when shopping for military gear.
So despite its small size and modest GDP, Shinhan boasted military power that placed it near the top of Southeast Asia.
Kōkei gave a nod of approval at his son's remark.
"I'm glad you understand. Never let emotions dictate policy. Between nations, it's always about interests."
"As long as the chips you hold are valuable enough, others will treat you with respect."
"To gain recognition and influence, we must elevate our national strength."
"Fortunately, the heavens smiled upon us. With the discovery of oil in Jidda Bay, our fortunes are turning."
Unkai leaned in.
"Dad, since Jidda Bay was previously misjudged, shouldn't we resume exploration in the Brunei Bay region?"
"Brunei found huge oil reserves there. It's hard to believe we've got nothing. I suggest we redeploy survey teams to re-examine the offshore area stretching from Brunei Bay to Chōan."
"Who knows? We might've missed something last time."
He was carefully nudging his father to reauthorize surveys—because once that happened, he could "discover" the 2nd oil field he'd already planted in the waters off Kōto.
"Hmm, you're right. It's time we resumed exploration."
Kōkei nodded thoughtfully.
He hadn't held out much hope before.
But with oil now confirmed in Jidda Bay, he couldn't shake a sense of possibility.
Perhaps it had been the fault of outdated equipment, or underqualified personnel. That would explain the initial failure.
And if Brunei had struck oil in multiple locations just across the water, then it was even harder to believe Shinhan had none.
If there was a promising area for new oil fields, it had to be the waters between Brunei Bay and Chōan.
Besides, conducting another survey wouldn't cost much.
And with Jidda's fields poised to bring in hundreds of billions, this small investment seemed more than worthwhile.
So when Shō Unkai made the proposal, Shō Kōkei gave his full support without hesitation.
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