Chapter 104, Belgium Speed

Now, Navy Minister Swindon said, "The Russians could not possibly procure such a massive fleet; the Russian-Austrian naval agreement is merely a ruse. The real target of the Austrians is us.

The Empire had to take countermeasures, with absolute strength, to dispel the enemy's unrealistic delusions."

It was an open secret, evident to any discerning observer. To counter the Japanese Navy, two super battleships as the main force would suffice.

The scale of the Shinra Navy was not small by itself; if another 13 super battleships were added, then the advantage of the Royal Navy would cease to exist.

Although the strength on paper did not represent the final combat power, the Royal Navy could not afford to gamble. No one could guarantee that Shinra would not strike first if the balance were disrupted.

Despite the Vienna Government's continuous promotion of "loving peace," Emperor Franz had also made a promise to the outside world: he assured that he would not initiate any war.