After a brief conversation, their discussion shifted to the political situation in Southeast Asia—after all, one of Hardy’s dominions was in Malaya.
"I’ve been aning to discuss this with you, Mr. President," Hardy said politely. "It concerns future developnts, and I’d like your advice."
"Let’s talk tomorrow," Eisenhower replied. "We’ll find ti to have a proper discussion."
Despite his busy schedule, Eisenhower was willing to make ti for a detailed conversation with Hardy.
The next afternoon.
Hardy visited Eisenhower again, and the two had an extensive discussion in the presidential office.
They exchanged views and reached certain agreents.
Hardy’s dominion was expected to play a more significant role in regional security and affairs.
Hardy was very satisfied with the results of their discussion.
Having already secured British support, Hardy now needed Arican approval. With that, the forces capable of obstructing his plans in Southeast Asia would be minimal.
Now, with Arica willing to back him while he also acted as Britain’s representative, Hardy could leverage this balance of power to achieve his ambitions.
After bidding farewell to Eisenhower and leaving Washington, Hardy didn’t return to Los Angeles or the Cayman Islands but instead flew directly to Japan.
This ti, he intended to officially step down as the Economic Envoy.
As a "special envoy," a position bestowed by Johnson to oversee Japan’s economic activities, Hardy’s role was tied to the forr president. With Johnson no longer in office, Hardy’s tenure naturally ca to an end.
Imperial Palace, Japan.
The Emperor, the Pri Minister, cabinet ministers, and representatives of Arican and Japanese businesses all gathered to bid farewell to Hardy. The Pri Minister, on behalf of Japan, expressed gratitude for Hardy’s support and contributions over the past few years.
The following day, multiple Japanese newspapers reported on the grand farewell ceremony.
Although Hardy had stepped down as Economic Envoy, his influence over Japan would not dissipate. The conglorates ford by the seven major financial groups continued to control Japan’s economic lifelines—from banking and finance to manufacturing and even dia outlets like newspapers and TV stations.
Before Hardy left, he summoned Sayuri.
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"I’m preparing to leave Japan, and I might not return for a long ti. Now that you’ve beco a household na in Japan as a host and movie star, your career shouldn’t be too difficult moving forward."
Before Hardy could finish, Sayuri knelt at his side, her voice choked with emotion."Master, are you abandoning Sayuri?"
Hardy exhaled softly, using his finger to lift Sayuri’s tear-streaked face.
"Haven’t you ever thought about pursuing your own happiness? Find a man you love, get married, have children. Staying with , you’ll always be seen by others as nothing more than a lover."
Sayuri’s tear-filled eyes gazed at Hardy."From the mont I beca your woman, I had already decided to follow you for the rest of my life, unless you choose to abandon . Master, do you dislike Sayuri?"
Hardy let out a sigh."These aren’t ancient tis anymore. Japanese society today is also advocating for won’s independence. You shouldn’t take this kind of relationship so seriously," Hardy said.
"Then can I continue to stay with you?" Sayuri asked again.
"You’re willing to remain a lover for life?"
"Of course I’m willing. I’m already happier than the vast majority of won in the world. Isn’t that enough?" Sayuri replied firmly.
On second thought, she wasn’t wrong.
Except for official status, Hardy could give a woman everything she desired—wealth, status, security, and even physical satisfaction. Together, these exceeded what 99.99% of won could dream of.
Sayuri grasped Hardy’s hand, slowly guiding it inside her kimono to rest against her chest, letting him feel her heartbeat.
"Master, please don’t give up on Sayuri."
...
Before Hardy left Japan, Sayuri had been promoted to Deputy Director of ABC Television.
Hardy had also previously helped establish an organization called the Japan Won’s Federation, a private association advocating for won’s rights in Japan. Sayuri had been elevated to the position of Vice Chairwoman of this federation.
If she proved capable, she could advance further. If not, the roles she already held would ensure her a stable and comfortable life.
Hardy owned a vast array of industries in Japan and would visit periodically, giving Sayuri opportunities to reunite with him during those tis.
In fact, this arrangent made won like Sayuri happier—it mirrored the aspirations of many modern won.
Leaving Japan, Hardy arrived at the autonomous territory of Penang and Malacca.
He held greater ambitions for this region than for the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands were just a small island. While it bore the title of an autonomous dominion, it had little influence over its surroundings. It had now beco a tax haven, centing its identity as Hardy’s private retreat.
Penang and Malacca, however, were different.
This region controlled the crucial Malacca Strait, offering regional influence over Malaya and Indonesia while extending reach to Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Given the current instability in Southeast Asia, both Britain and the United States needed a reliable proxy.
Hardy intended to leverage this role to secure more benefits.
Indonesia, in particular, was a focal point. At the ti, its president, Sukarno, leaned politically toward the Soviet Union, prompting heightened vigilance from both the United States and Britain.
When Hardy arrived in Penang, he imdiately instructed HD Defense Company to activate a rapid military buildup.
Arican weaponry had already begun arriving in Penang. Over the past few years, HD Defense had established multiple operational and strategic research units, staffed with well-trained personnel, now deployed to Penang to form a headquarters.
Hardy’s military force was unlike any national military. Its organizational structure was essentially a rcenary model.
All officers were employed on a contract basis.
This arrangent eliminated the risk of a coup.
Externally, they remained a branch of HD Defense Company rather than a national army. Consequently, the autonomous territory’s forces were elite from the outset, avoiding the widespread militia model.
This approach had both advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage was flexibility—Hardy could deploy this force anywhere without it being labeled as a state invasion. Additionally, the risk of military overreach or political interference was mitigated since the soldiers were purely combat personnel.
The downside was the high cost of maintaining such a force. Salaries alone were several tiers above those of regular armies, and the model couldn’t generate a large reserve force. In the event of a large-scale war, there would be no adequate backup.
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