Before the Emig Star Patrol Ship fired.
Edwan sat in despair at the command console of the flaghip of the Sherman Empire's Imperial Expeditionary Army.
His eyes were somewhat vacant as he watched the real-time footage of the surface battle, his vision occasionally blurring and losing focus.
The commander of the Imperial Expeditionary Army, Earl Williams, stood beside him with his hands behind his back, looking at Edwan with sympathy.
"Prince Edwan," Earl Williams said softly, "under the current circumstances, it's impossible for us to initiate firing. I hope you understand, and your nation's fleet is also remaining silent."
Edwan nodded with his eyes closed, leaning forward to focus on the screen.
The surface battle broke out around the Imperial Palace, with the brave Guard Army sacrificing themselves heroically. The civilians who shouldn't have been affected were suffering heavy casualties.
