"I'll follow Kenji on social media and get him to allow me to speak privately with him online. Once I've convinced him of my sincerity, I'll ask him to come to Germany to speak about sustainable practices and the harmful effects of nuclear energy," said Tomoe, sipping a cup of tea, as she and Adelaide sat in Adelaide's study.
"My abilities at deception are not as good as yours, so how do you want me to play this? Indifferent? Or hostile?" asked Adelaide.
"Hostile. I want to see that worm scared out his wits! That will teach him not to meddle in Yamamoto's vision for Japan's future!" said Tomoe savagely.
"You seem to have a strong reaction to him and his ilk," observed Adelaide, amused at how worked up Tomoe was getting.
"It is scum like him that has hampered the progress, prosperity and prestige of my country Adelaide! Japan was once capable of commanding fear and respect from even the Americans! Now we are reduced to nothing but a Pacific outpost for the US navy, and are known for anime and sushi! Our ability to become a military and industrial power has been hampered through the years because of herbivore scum like Kenji!" ranted Tomoe.
"I understand. Germany has had to make such sacrifices as well. Even today our misguided politicians are dismantling our nuclear infrastructure, crippling our industry and turning our military into mere shadows of its former self," said Adelaide stroking Tomoe's head in an effort to calm her down.
Tomoe quivered and blushed at the touch of her leather-gloved hand.
"Adelaide! I need to keep my wits about me! I can't be distracted by your touch!" she protested weakly, her voice trembling.
"All right, all right. I'll keep my hands to myself. For now," said Adelaide, giving Tomoe a teasing smile.
"Thank you, Mistress Adelaide," said Tomoe, blushing furiously.
"Now, since you'll be spending most of your time with Kenji, I'll keep contact with Father and Hajime-san to coordinate our distraction. If Kenji's tour of the university completes faster than the approval, you can bring Kenji here to 'convince' me to join his cause. Once he's here, we'll keep him busy in the dungeon. Sounds good?" asked Adelaide.
Tomoe nodded in assent.
"All right. Let's go and tell Father that we have come up with a plan," said Adelaide, leading Tomoe back to the office.
----
"Looks like things are proceeding smoothly," thought Adelaide, as she watched Kenji Mitsuharu rant and rave from the auditorium's lectern, while Tomoe interpreted his Japanese rhetoric into German for the captive audience.
Getting Kenji to come to Germany was surprisingly easy, and he was more than happy to speak and campaign at the University of Berlin. Meanwhile, Friedrich and Hajime had already gone to Japan and were presenting their case to the Japanese Maritime Self-defense force's leadership. With the military and their civilian supporters firmly on board with the idea of a nuclear aircraft carrier, no amount of Kenji's rhetoric and political blustering would be able to stop the project.
Finally, Kenji ended his speech and bowed to an applauding audience. As the students filed out, Tomoe approached Adelaide while clinging flirtatiously onto Kenji's arm.
"Mitsuharu-san, may I present Adelaide Albrecht, successor to Albrecht Nuclear Systems," introduced Tomoe.
"So, you're the thorn in my side when it comes to expanding into the Japanese market," said Adelaide, looking Kenji up and down like he was a lower life-form.
Kenji gulped nervously, painfully aware that Adelaide towered over him by nearly fifteen centimeters. However, he squared his shoulders and stood his ground.
"Japan doesn't want or need your patronage Ms. Albrecht. I am aware that Tomoe's family is a close business partner to yours, however, I cannot condone or support the use of nuclear power in our defense forces." He said firmly.
"Pretty hypocritical of you, Mitsuharu-san. If Japan's navy doesn't embrace nuclear power, then you are stuck with coal and oil. Or do you intend to scrap even those in favor of oar and sail powered galleys?" retorted Adelaide.
"I would prefer that we don't require a military force at all. However, I understand the need to protect our sovereignty. Between a small, conventionally powered fleet, and a nuclear armada that will only lead to increased suspicion and hostility from the international community, I choose the former as a safer alternative," replied Kenji.
"U-um please can we discuss this in private?" asked Tomoe timidly.
"I don't believe there is much to discuss. However, the two of you are welcome to Castle Albrecht," said Adelaide.
"How about it, Mitsuharu-san? Adelaide-san isn't her father. I'm sure she'll listen to your reasons," asked Tomoe batting her eyelashes at Kenji.
"All right. We would be honored if you had us," said Kenji bowing to Adelaide.
"Of course. I shall await your presence," said Adelaide, taking her leave of them.
----
"I have to admit, this place is quite impressive," said Kenji as Adelaide showed him and Tomoe around the castle.
"I'm glad you think so," replied Adelaide neutrally.
"You accuse me of hypocrisy, yet here you are using energy efficient OLED lights, drip irrigation for your lawns and farms, and rainwater harvesting systems," chuckled Kenji.
"You are confusing efficient resource management with an endorsement of your ideology. Those measures help us reduce costs and dependence on public utilities," said Adelaide as she led them towards the dining hall.
"Although, I didn't see any solar panels or wind turbines," observed Kenji as they sat down to dinner.
"Come now Kenji, take a wild guess about where we get our energy independence from," teased Adelaide, giving Kenji a smile.
"Y-you have a reactor in the castle!" gasped Kenji, visibly shaking.
"Not quite. We are fairly close to the Swiss border, so we've partnered with a nuclear energy company there to give us a dedicated power line" chuckled Adelaide, watching in amusement as Kenji visibly relaxed.
"What did I tell you Kenji-kun? Adelaide is not some unreasonable monster. She understands the needs of conservation, even if she is a little nuclear power crazy," giggled Tomoe, putting Kenji further at ease.
"Yes well, I have to admit I misjudged you Adelaide. You are most unlike your father," said Kenji.
"Well I still think my father is right for advocating that the JMSDF use nuclear power for its newest aircraft carrier. I'm sure just one nuclear vessel will not be too much of a bother," said Adelaide.
"That's how everything starts, Adelaide! First, it is just one nuclear vessel, then it is just one nuclear bomb, next thing you know, Japan has abandoned its commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes and is remilitarizing, shattering the delicate balance of power in the Pacific!" ranted Kenji.
"I see. Well, I'm a businesswoman, not a politician. Selling nuclear energy solutions is my job. Keeping your country from going on the warpath is yours," said Adelaide.
"I-I hadn't known that there was such a delicate balance, or that things can escalate so quickly Kenji-kun!" gasped Tomoe.
"The status quo that is in place now has been working perfectly ever since the second world war. I don't know why those defense ministry warmongers want to upset it! I for one, am fine with having the United States protect us!" said Kenji moodily.
"There-there Kenji-kun, I'm sure you are doing your best! Say Ah!" said Tomoe offering Kenji a slice of beef from her fork.
Kenji blushed and let Tomoe feed him the slice. He had barely swallowed the mouthful before he slumped into his chair unconscious.
"Adolf, Max. Take our guest to the torture chamber" commanded Adelaide coldly.
"Ugh! I need to change and take a shower! This cowardly worm's last statement made my skin crawl!" said Tomoe shuddering, and giving Kenji a look of pure loathing as Adolf and Max effortlessly lifted his unconscious form out of the chair.