The dual banners of the Rising Sun and Siam flew over the Malacca Strait. Following the withdraw of European empires, the South Pacific had become a hotbed for piracy.
And the dual pillars of the region had taken decisive military action. In a campaign that spanned nearly a year. The pirates were subjugated, and the region was consolidated. There was just one question remaining.
What did the two nations do with their gains?
Empires had become an obsolete doctrine. At least in the imperial occupational sense of the word.
Bruno had taught the wiser world leaders that if one could control the outflow of resources from conquered lands without flying their banners over them.
King Rama VIII sat in Deoksugung Palace, within its fabled Stone Hall. Across from him was Emperor Yasuhito of Japan, and the Korean Emperor Yi Un.
