After the initial diplomatic talks, Tanaka Noboru and his fellow diplomats carried out their other assignments, such as finding out the geopolitical environment of the new world. Prime Minister Takamori Hideaki has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ask the first contact countries regarding the other countries around them. For Fenn, they highlighted the presence of three 'civilized' zones and a distinct 'non-civilized' zone in the world, with Fenn, Gahara, and even Japan being included in the 'non-civilized' zone. They've also highlighted their trade partners in one of the 'civilized' zones dubbed the 'Third Civilization Area,' which encompassed the entirety of the continent to the immediate west called Philades. One of the key things the Sword King mentioned was the existence of so-called 'superpowers' which were more powerful than the countries around them, even within their own civilized zones. Tanaka noted this down, adding that a distinct diplomatic hierarchy existed, the knowledge of which may help Japan formulate its foreign policy. The last thing the Sword King mentioned was about Philades's own local superpower, the Parpaldia Empire. While on that topic, the Sword King, as well as the other Fennese in the room, had a grim look on their faces as the Sword King described the Parpaldians' unfair trade practices, gunboat diplomacy, and practices which Tanaka could only describe as "obvious crimes against humanity." With a potential adversary close to home, Tanaka and the others were thankful for the Sword King's input, which allowed them to be aware of such a menacing nation so early. Still, this information will be subject to scrutiny, thought Tanaka.
"Thank you for sharing with us details regarding this world."
Tanaka bowed, followed by his fellow diplomats. The Sword King chuckled, prompting the Japanese diplomats to rise from their bow in confusion.
"That information wasn't for free, you know."
Tanaka forced a smile.
"I suppose it isn't..."
The Sword King then leaned in with a look of interest.
"Fast boats... Flying objects capable of outrunning Gahara's wind dragons... The products you have shown are indeed of high quality and usefulness. But... Judging from how far you've come technologically, I can assume that you've disposed of your swords and shields for something better..."
Ending with a vague remark, the Sword King probed Tanaka and the diplomats' reaction. Unfortunately, they didn't understand what he was pertaining to.
"Fine, I will get to the point. While it is still too early for our military festival, I want you to show me your power!"
Finally getting it, Tanaka and the other diplomats looked at one another and whispered amongst themselves.
"Just how do we do that?"
"Maybe we can get the Sword King to provide us a range and then have our MSDF officers back at the boat show off some marksmanship?"
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yeah, the Sword King himself is asking for it. They did say he dictates Fenn's foreign policy, so him inviting us means we're in the clear."
"We still gotta tell the MSDF and Foreign Affairs about it though..."
With a plan set, the diplomats ceased their meeting and looked back at the Sword King, who was eagerly awaiting a response that included the word "Yes!" Tanaka then spoke with a stern face.
"Could you give us a moment while we prepare our... uh, power. In the meantime, can we request for a range for us to demonstrate our... power?"
Thrilled at the answer, the Sword King nodded. Seeing the Sword King's reaction, the other officials scrambled to prepare a range for the Japanese power. A few moments later, for the sake of strengthening diplomatic ties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force relented to the Sword King's request, allowing the MSDF to discharge their weapons on Fenn territory. Fenn, meanwhile, prepared a practice range for the Japanese to use.
Royal castle, 11:20Just outside the royal castle's main keep was a sizable practice range for Fennese swordsmen to hone their skills against dummy targets. The Japanese delegation, their MSDF security detail, some Fennese soldiers, some Fennese officials, and the Sword King himself were gathered at the range. Being allowed to use the range however they wished in order to demonstrate their weapons, the MSDF security detail removed some of the practice dummies, leaving only 5 of them at the opposite side of the practice range some 30 meters from the entrance where everyone gathered. The setup confused the Fennese, who had some thoughts regarding the demonstration and what weapon the Japanese will use.
"Why did they put the dummies at the other end? Can their weapons reach that far?"
"They probably have some sort of magical charging attack that requires space to be effective."
"Maybe they're gonna demonstrate a ranged weapon? Perhaps a gun from the continent?"
"They didn't seem to have brought any with them though..."
The Fennese then examined the MSDF officers that stood at the entrance to the range. While the Fennese were astonished by the uniformity of the officers' uniforms, they were still yet to spot any sign of the gun that they were going to use. The guns used in the Philades continent were bulky and required two hands to be handled. There were types of guns that could be carried by a single hand but even they were bulky and ornate. From what they've heard, the Parpaldians were able to successfully create more accurate guns, as well as guns that can fire continuously, but those continuous firing guns were bulky and required to be towed to the battlefield by horses. Spotting none of those from the MSDF officers, the Fennese then assumed that they were mages. As they talked amongst themselves, one of the Japanese diplomats then spoke up.
"Alright, may I have your attention! We will now be starting the demonstration of one of our weapons, which will be done by Ensign Kazu!"
Looking away from the diplomat and at the range, the Fennese now saw only one MSDF officer standing at the entrance.
"Wait, it's starting?"
"But where's his weapon?"
"He's gonna demonstrate it against 5 targets? Maybe it's an area of effect weapon?"
As the Fennese soldiers and officials murmured amongst themselves, the MSDF officer then reached for something on his side. Bringing it to level to point at the targets, the Fennese were able to see what he was holding: a black, polished handheld gun. It was not as bulky as the handheld guns that they were used to and far less ornate and decorated. However, those handheld guns weren't accurate, especially at the distance between the officer and the dummy targets. While they examined the weapon, the MSDF officer then turned to the leftmost target. In the following moment...
Pam!
A dry popping sound emanated from the black gun and reverberated across the range. As the gun fired, something along its barrel slid backwards with force, pushing the gun and the officer's hand back, which the officer skillfully controlled and kept level. Ejecting from the gun were a shiny, yellow object that lifelessly fell to the ground. However, the gun also ejected its projectile, flying true and fast, hitting the chest area of the dried hay dummy target, breaking it apart. Not sparing time for the Fennese to be astonished, the officer turned to the next target and the process repeated in quick succession.
Pam!
Pam!
Pam!
Pam!
As the last target fell to the ground, the MSDF officer lowered his weapon before turning his head to an astonished crowd. The higher ranked MSDF officer then turned to the Fennese officials and the Sword King, who were still aghast at the scene that they had witnessed, and began speaking.
"What you have witnessed was a Minebea P9, a semi-automatic pistol that's standard issue in the Japan Self Defense Force, in action."
Not only were the Japanese capable of making such a small, compact, yet deadly weapon, but they were also able to issue almost every soldier such a weapon. Even against their best swordsmen, the Japanese weapon can easily mow them down in an absurdly short amount of time. Seeing Japan's power firsthand, Sword King Shihan almost regretted his decision, if it weren't for the fact that Japan wasn't hostile to them. While he pondered on a possible modernization of the Fennese force, he was drawn more to the idea of keeping to the good side of these Japanese. Recollecting himself, he turned to Tanaka.
"I am... beyond words for the power that you have demonstrated. I hope that one day we can gain access to such ferocity!"
Taking Shihan's compliment, Tanaka kept the discussion within their scope.
"If we get those trade negotiations going, it would make it less impossible."
Sharing Shihan's thoughts were the Fennese officials and soldiers, who now understood that Japan was an important peg, still unrealized and unrecognized by the majority on the world stage. They then thanked the gods that they were fortunate enough to have seen them first. As negotiations proceeded with fruitful progress, Shihan then indulged in thoughts of using their newfound friend to help free them from the shackles of their oppressors in Parpaldia.
Central Calendar 20th Day of the 4th Month of the Year 1639, Myhark, Principality of Qua-Toyne, 6:30It has been more than a day since Japan found itself in the new world. As a dark cloud of domestic unrest unfolded in every nook and cranny of the country, a sliver of hope presented itself on Japan's doorstep. Agreeing to meet and start diplomatic talks, the food-rich Principality of Qua-Toyne allowed the Japanese delegation to come to the port city of Myhark. In preparation for the talks, Princess Llanfair herself made the trip to Myhark to lead the Qua-Toynian side in the talks. As the city's inhabitants and garrison celebrated in the streets due to the princess arriving in a convoy, something else caught their eyes. In the ocean just off the coast of Myhark sailed a massive, grey ship. It's metallic hull shone in the rays of the early morning sun, making it stand out as it sailed to the mouth of the harbor leading into Myhark. Since the harbor mouth wasn't big enough for the ship, it anchored itself just outside in deeper water. Shining in the sun was a flag that fluttered from the ship's tall mast. On it was a deep red circle with 16 red lines emanating from it. The ship's presence captured the attention of everyone in the city, save for those celebrating the arrival of Princess Llanfair. As the convoy descended from a hill, Llanfair spotted the massive grey ship from within her carriage.
"It's so... big..."
As she looked and admired the ship's simple design, the flag that fluttered in the wind caught her attention.
"A shining, red sun on a white banner... It is just as recorded in the tales of old..."
She instantly remembered the tales she was taught as tradition amongst the elves. Described in the tales were not only the divine flying ships of iron and gigantic seafaring castles, but also the banner that the emissaries flew. Following the descriptions of the emissaries in the tales, Llanfair couldn't help but think that the country that emerged to the north called Japan was the same country that the emissaries had hailed from. Even if she could set aside her assumptions, she couldn't get rid of the question that had been pestering her from the start: Why are they here again? Unable to find satisfaction and closure, she resolved to unravel the mystery by attending the diplomatic talks.
"These people should have answers..."
Somewhere else in Myhark, that same timeAs the morning progressed, one of the Myhark townsfolk, Lars, was fixing his inn in preparation for the coming day ahead of him. Setting aside the dinnerware that will be used, his eye was caught by a blunder made by one of his employees.
"Poma! What did I tell you about sweeping the floors first before putting on tablecloths?!"
Shivering at his boss's shriek, Poma, then turned around to face him with a remorseful look.
"Right..."
Scratching the area behind his long, elven ears, Lars then proceeded to scold his greenie of an employee.
"Do it all over again! Fold back those tablecloths and then sweep the floors! You're gonna get them dirty otherwise!"
Heeding his boss's remark, Poma set aside the broom and began folding back the tablecloths that he had already placed on the tables. As he was folding his second tablecloth, Geton, the dwarf owner of the curiosities shop next to their inn, came in out of breath.
"You guys should see the ship anchored just outside the harbor!"
Without looking up from his work, Lars shouted "Who cares about some ship?!" before going back to his business. Poma, however, was intrigued by Geton's statement.
"Why's it anchored outside?"
"It's too big to enter the harbor!"
"Too big?"
Annoyed by the human's questions, Geton then dragged Poma by the hand out to the port.
"Whatever! Just come and see for yourself!"
As they left the inn, Poma shouted.
"I'll be back, boss!"
Without being able to see his boss's face, Poma then heard a louder, angrier shout.
"You better have the damn inn be in shape when we open or else!"
Ignoring his boss's threat, Poma then followed Geton to the port. When they arrived at the port, they could see the massive, grey ship outside the seawalls protecting Myhark's harbor. The ship's gigantic size, even from a distance, made Poma feel as if it could overshadow the seawalls themselves. Geton, as a curiosities collector, admired the ship's peculiarity and shape.
"My goodness! It's so massive! It's even bigger than the iron warships of Parpaldia! Looking closely, whoever built that ship managed to outdo Parpaldia in making their ship entirely out of steel! And it's speed..."
As Geton rambled on about the ship, Poma looked at it with an expression of terror and anxiety. The ship was no doubt bigger and faster than the sail ships in both Rodenius and Philades. Even the magic-powered iron ships of Parpaldia couldn't match the speed of this behemoth. Seeing the ship, Poma remembered hearing vague reports of full-iron ships armed with massive cannons being fielded far to the west in the Mu continent. He could even remember catching glimpses of such ships in the times that he went to the Parpaldian capital, Esthirant, where Mu had an embassy. While the apparent lack of any guns on this massive ship gave him room to breathe, he was hounded by the next question that entered his mind: Who are they? Taking a look at the flag fluttering next to its mast, he spotted a red circle, surrounded by red lines emanating out of it, all on a white banner. Going through all of the nations he knows, he doesn't remember any particular nation flying the flag. Setting aside the question, the prospect of such an advanced ship being welcomed into Qua-Toyne was what worried him the most.
"I... I have to return to Louria... I have to tell the King!"