AN: I'm not gonna lie, this is literally the fastest 50+ view I obtained from a story, and it's just the first chapter, on the first day. Guess being a pioneer of a cross-over story idea does have its perks... And I'm glad I decided to write this story. With that being said, let's continue where we left off, shall we?
Historia Shoukan Chapter 2
Qua-Toyne's Blessed Land
Date: January 26th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Qua-Toyne Capital City, Qua-Toyne Principality
Place: Prime Minister's Residence
Prime Minister Kanata was nervous in front of the reception room where the foreigners who he will meet with were waiting.
Usually, the people from the Foreign Affairs Ministry would hold preceding negotiations or preparatory conference, then the Foreign Minister will establish a diplomatic relationship, and for awhile they would carefully watch, in addition to laying numerous groundwork over another, that finally, the head of government of the Qua-Toyne Principality, the Prime Minister, would announce the treaty with the other country's ruler.
However, under the current semi-emergency condition due to a continuous state of tension with the Louria Kingdom, their real intention was to establish a friendship with a country with a power, even for a little bit.
Furthermore, in the case that the nation called Historia is a hegemonic nation, then they must avert any outrageous demand to the end. (This one is actually somewhat correct.) If they still press an unequal treaty, then he cannot help but to comply.
It was pathetic for a head of a country was nervous like this, but the unidentified unit and the large sized ship, either of them demonstrated a great technological strength, so Historia's national power is the real deal. Even if his opponent was just a nation's representative, he can't stop this nervousness.
'... Then, shall I enter?'
Just a short time ago, Historia's envoy ── the representative, was guided into the room. As soon as Kanata opened the door and entered, they stood up and bowed to him.
"Greetings. My name is Nomare Shubu, a representative from Historia. Despite of our sudden visit today, I'm glad to hear that the country's representative will meet with us. This is such an honor, and for that, please let us express our utmost gratitude."
Historia Shoukan Dominion's representative was Nomare, who made the greeting, while two person were accompanying him.
"Yes, it's our pleasure."
For Qua-Toyne Principality's side, with Prime Minister Kanata as the center, the Foreign Minister Rinsui and 5 Foreign Affairs Ministry staffs took their seat.
"I will serve as the conference chairperson, Qua-Toyne Principality's Foreign Minister Rinsui. Nice to meet with you... This might be sudden, but Honorable Visitors from Historia, may I question the purpose of your nation for this visit?"
Rinsui made a quick greeting and immediately cut right into the heart of matters.
"Yes, first let me distribute the documents."
Nomare then distributed the documents. Rinsui frowned when he looked at said documents.
"I am sorry, but I completely couldn't read what is written in here..."
"Is that so? Since you seem to understand Japanese, I thought you could read this too. Which reminds me, we also couldn't read the signboard in the city at all. Let me ask, then. Do you call your language Japanese language?"
"No, since from our point of view, we heard you talking using the Common Language."
Kanata who exchanged looks with Rinsui, answered Nomare, who was thinking to himself.
'Kosuzu will have a field's day when she heard about this.'
Nomare then speaks again.
"I suppose that is indeed the case. For this kind of phenomena to occur... Then, let me explain the document verbally. We come from a nation called Historia that is located about 2000 km north of this country... Do you understand the measurement unit?"
"Of course. But please wait. There shouldn't be any country located in that place. Certainly, that sea region had an island group and chaotic sea current. Some of the islands indeed had villages, so did those villages gathered and formed a country?"
"No, our nation is a continental nation. We haven't made the exact measurements yet, but I believe the rough estimation of the total land area would be around 3,024,000 kilometer square, so I doubt it could even be called as villages."
Rinsui was utterly shocked by the size of the land that Nomare mentioned. Certainly, it was incredibly vast for a country, but he had never heard any report about the discovery of a huge continent. Kanata and the others too was also dumbfounded similarly to him.
"Though this might be difficult to explain, but we came from a planet called Earth and has been transferred to this world. As I'm sure you already heard, we fortunately still have connection with Earth."
Rinsui took this opportunity to pursue Nomare's words. He also hoped to find out whether Historia is the one who caused the Week of Skylight or not.
"Certainly, we had received that kind of report in the government conference. But, for a country to be transferred... Just how many mana is needed is beyond my imagination. Especially for such huge continent. But tell me, is your nation the one who caused the Week of Skylight? Because we received multiple reports of light traveling to the sky from the 9th day to 16th day this month. We might be inclined to believe your claim if that is indeed the case."
Nomare visibly flinched upon the mention of Week of Skylight. He certainly didn't expect that the Dominion's numerous satellite launching would be interpreted in such way by the natives.
"About that, that was one of our national programs to know better about this world. And we believe that gaining full coverage of this world would be beneficial in the long run. So yes, we're the one who caused what you called the Week of Skylight. With that out of the way, here's my proposal. To make both of our countries/nations acquainted with each other better, how about if your country dispatched a diplomatic mission to our nation? If they reported from their direct observation, then your country should be able to believe it with more concrete proof, wouldn't you agree?"
"Hmm..."
Naturally, Rinsui wouldn't simply take such proposal just like that. Even if the Foreign Affairs Ministry staff are public officials, they are still citizens. If something happened when dispatching them to a suspicious opponent's territory and they died, it would be clear who is the one that would be responsible for this.
"Foreign Minister."
Unable to watch Rinsui vacillate in his reply, Kanata forced himself into the conversation.
"I understand your worry. However, they actually flew their unit atop Maihark and visited using a large sized ship. Even if the villages in the island formed a country, they shouldn't be able to suddenly built a large ship. They possessed abilities that we don't have, but they have proposed for us to send a diplomatic mission and see it with our own eyes. Above all, they understand propriety. Depending on the condition, it would be even beneficial if we could establish a diplomatic relation, don't you agree?"
Kanata had been judging the situation with some composure. Then he faced towards Nomare and continued.
"Visitors from Historia, what do you desire from initiating diplomatic relation with our country? Surely it wasn't only for a sightseeing."
After a brief silence, Nomare slowly began to speak.
"The foremost is food. Then, natural resources. And also, we would like to know about this world's geopolitical situation. So we hope to be informed as much as possible about this world."
"Hohoho! So, it's food!"
"Yes, we like you to provide food as much as possible. The food requirement of our country is incredibly enormous. Of course, we don't think it could be managed just by your country alone, so we will also perform food procurement negotiation with other countries too."
"I see. How much is your country's food self sufficiency rate?"
"... I'm sorry, but it's not on a level that I could answer reliably."
The answer couldn't be read from Nomare's expression. For a person in the lower position, he was quite skilled. Rinsui secretly admired him and decided to concede an information of his own country after previously confirmed the cause of Week of Skylight, which is one of Historia's national programs.
(AN: Nomare's rank is actually higher than that. Way higher, in fact.)
"You say that our country is the first contact since your nation transferred?"
"Yes. This visit is one of our nation's first diplomatic activities since the transfer."
"Then your nation is fortunate. No, perhaps it is blessed by the gods. Our country received a blessing from the Goddess of the Land. All kind of crops and vegetable grow even without any special care. No matter how big the food requirement of your country, I believe our country could considerably satisfy most of it."
The face of Historia delegation became brighter. Even Nomare considerably loosened his shoulder, especially because he remembers one thing.
'Glad I don't have to ask her to provide emergency food supplies... She's about the only other person I think can solve the Dominion's food supplies problem. Blessed by the gods, huh... Well, there's Amaterasu, so it's somewhat correct.'
(AN: No, I don't think Historia Shoukan Dominion knew the true name of Qua-Toyne's Land Goddess. In fact, Nomare is thinking about someone else.)
"Then, Historia will immediately conduct preparation for the mission. We will meet again on the settled date."
"I understand. Foreign Minister, please make a preparation as fast as possible. The mission will be given power to some extent as an ambassador."
"Certainly, Prime Minister."
Qua-Toyne Principality decided to dispatch a diplomatic mission to inspect Historia Shoukan Dominion first hand.
Date: January 27th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Qua-Toyne Principality
Place: Qua-Toyne Principality Foreign Affairs Ministry
This place was a building where foreign affairs related to foreign affairs officials or ambassadors to other nation was handled, but currently, this place was running a tight schedule for groundwork preparations in opening diplomatic relationship with Historia. Documents and manacomms exchanges were fluttering around in frantic paces, dealing with securing personnel for the delegation party, adjusting the authority to be granted for the ambassador extraordinary, or other related matters.
"Yagou! I heard that you will go as one of the mission delegation members to the newly emerging nation called Historia! I'm so jealous... I want to go there too."
Yagou was called out by one of his coworkers.
It wasn't uncommon to dispatch a diplomatic mission to another country. In this world where many countries exist, ruler replacement and country's rise and fall were an everyday occurrence for mid-sized countries. It was also often for a large sized country to splintered into many small and medium countries, in other words, this was the evidence that the world situation wasn't stable and indeterminate.
There were many lands where the public order worsened when the national policy was restructured and there were places where the standard of living even worse than Qua-Toyne Principality. It's often the case that if an area had many deaths, then the sanitation will become really bad, that there might take a toll on the member of the delegation. So to be a member of a diplomatic mission was a work that was detested by everyone.
The standard of living and public order in Qua-Toyne Principality were notably higher amongst the remote countries.
As seen from the major power Parpaldia Empire, the closest Three Civilized Areas country from Rodenius Continent, together with the Topa Kingdom on the north, Fenn Kingdom, and Gahara Thearchy, Qua-Toyne Principality was at the easternmost remote region. They might look down on this country as 'Barbarian Lands', but it had abundant food resources that gave birth to a culinary culture that won't lose even to the Civilization Areas. So, it was understandable why they didn't eager to be included as a member on a diplomatic mission.
However, the target country where the mission is dispatched into this time was really extraordinary.
Yagou had scanned the documents that had been distributed beforehand to the delegation members and it offhandedly described unbelievable information. A high-speed flying object that could fly at an altitude that is impossible to reach by a wyvern or a large 160-meter long ship, each utilized a tremendous level of technological prowess.
There even a remainder, 'Don't underestimate Historia Shoukan Dominion, and by all means, don't be discourteous.', that prudence was demanded in the current task.
"How unbelievable..."
Yagou racked his brain.
A wyvern was an expensive weapon. Dragon Knight is an elite amongst elite; a supreme ruler of the sky, whom any soldiers dream to be one even for a moment. Just like a Cavalry Knight is superior to an infantry, Dragon Knight is overwhelmingly superior to a Cavalry Knight. A single wyvern could play with the whole battalion (1.000 men) of Cavalry Knights like toys.
It can fly in a high speed of 230 km/hour at an altitude that couldn't be reached by bow, Wyvern could use its own mana to create a concentrated flame ball, that couldn't be mimicked by a human and has a power that surpassed any weapon that man has created. Furthermore, its hard scales could even resist steel arrow and tough enough that anti-personnel blade couldn't pierce it through.
If he had to name a creature that is even stronger than Wyvern, then only the Wyvern Lord that succeeded to be raised in a small amount in the Three Civilization Areas that came to his mind.
Although, if he included ones that couldn't be controlled by humans, then there were creatures that couldn't be matched by wyverns like the elemental dragons, elder dragons, or divine dragons. It was unthinkable for a man to control those natural calamity-like creatures.
For an 'object' to rival those natural calamities, furthermore to be flying with such large body size, it was impossible even for Mu from the Second Civilization Area.
Due to that repetitive unbelievable information, Yagou begin to have a strong interest in the nation called Historia.
'The delegation dispatched this time... Perhaps my name will be chiseled into the history of Qua-Toyne Principality.'
"Then let's begin the meeting. Participants assemble."
His thought was interrupted by the sudden order.
Location: Qua-Toyne Principality
Place: Qua-Toyne Principality Foreign Affairs Ministry, Conference Room
At the small conference room, the Chief of Diplomatic Missions began to give an explanation.
The number of member for the diplomatic mission this time was five people. Everyone was people who held position as a foreign affairs official, excluding general Hanki who was temporarily transferred to Foreign Affairs Ministry from Military Affairs Ministry.
The Chief began to talk.
"Our first objective this time is to judge whether or not Historia is a threat to our country. As you gentlemen already know, their metal dragon easily penetrated our country's air defense network. At the present time, our country doesn't have any means to counter that metal dragon. They had told that their intention is to establish a diplomatic relationship with our country, but they might conceal the fact that their nation is a hegemonic nation, or perhaps they have an extreme discrimination against demi-humans just like Louria Kingdom, also for what reason they want to establish a diplomatic relationship with our country? It is necessary that we investigate their real intention."
Everyone nodded.
"How high is Historia's development degree is unknown, but there is no doubt that they have high technological strength, and correspondingly, high military strength. I think you understand, not only you need to interact with them with firm attitude, buy pay thorough consideration in your speech and conduct to not provoke the other side. Also another point, I want you to investigate what is the strength and weakness of Historia, and search for a field where we are more advantageous than them. Then, I want everyone to take a look at the distributed guideline."
The mission members looked down at the newly distributed documents and their expression changed into one of puzzlement.
"... 'The entire nation has been transferred?'"
After he confirmed that everyone uniformly took notice, the chef then began to explain.
"According to their words, their nation has been transferred to this world, and they still maintain connection with their home world. The veracity of this claim is not ascertained yet, but it's safe to say that the Week of Skylight might be the reason for such claim. Regardless, just like what I have mentioned earlier, please bear in mind to refrain from any doubting manner to not provoke the other side."
Yagou nodded, while thinking at the corner of his mind.
'An entire nation being transferred... It's the same as Mu's myth.'
The Superpower country of the Second Civilization Area, Mu. There was a myth passed down in that country, "12,000 years ago there was a huge transfer of the continent." Since the official government record from that time still remained, the people of Mu believed in it, but the other Civilization Area citizens treated it as just a fairy-tale.
"Just like in the guideline, this time Historia will provide the ship for the travel. The departure time will be at noon one week from now, so please finish your preparation properly. The evening two day after the departure, you will land at Historia's southern city 'Tobichi', where you will stay for 2 nights. During that time you will be taught Historia etiquette in addition to common knowledge. I am told that if you walk around outside as you please then there is a possibility that you could die from being run-over by a transport vehicle called 'automobile'. On the noon three days after the landing, you will depart from Tobichi and by using a transport system called 'airplane', at the evening you will arrive at Historia's capital city 'Rairekishigaku', then the next day you will have a conference with the people from Historia Leadership."
"""...?"""
Strange. The time table was too strange.
The distance between Historia Shoukan Dominion and Qua-Toyne Principality was definitely more than 2,000 km. This was not a distance that could be covered in just 2 days by a ship. Furthermore, the distance from Tobichi to Rairekishigaku was stated to be a bit more than 1,000 km. To depart at noon and arrived in the evening, just how could they possibly do this?
It might be understandable if it was the metal dragon that appeared in their country before, and fortunately, the explanation said that this 'airplane' is also an air vehicle. Now the delegation members became curious.
'It seems that it's a nation that our common sense couldn't apply to.'
At the questions that appeared one after another in their head, starting from Yagou, the members abandoned trying to think about it. And thus the conference ended.
Timeskip: One week later
Date: February 3rd, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Port Maihark, Qua-Toyne Principality
It was a fine weather. The cloud was high, a beautiful blue sky spread out widely, and it was a bit cool.
The diplomatic mission delegation had gathered in Port Maihark.
In front the office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry which became the rendezvous point, a sharp clothed man was talking with them.
"delegation members from Qua-Toyne, it is my great pleasure to receive the mission delegation to Historia today. I am sent to go with your visit this time in order to make it comfortable even for a bit. I am Nomare Shubu from Historia Shoukan Dominion. If there is anything that inconveniencing you, please don't hesitate to inform me about it."
Everyone from the delegation was a bit taken aback at Nomare who smiled at them. Amongst them, there was a member of the delegation who had depressed expression.
"A boat trip..."
"General Hanki, your expression isn't good. Did something happened?"
"Ah, Yagou-dono... I'm temporarily transferred to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Please stop adding general to my name."
"I understand. Then, does something weighing your mind?"
"No, it's just that when I thought that we will travel by boat, it makes me depressed... A boat trip is not something nice. We don't know when it will capsize, it's dark since light doesn't reach inside the ship, it's damp and smelly, then there will be many people sick from long ship journey, the food is salty since there's only preserved food. Above all else, it's difficult to secure water. Even if you are thirsty, you need to save it no matter what…."
Matching Hanki's sigh, Yagou also hung his head gloomily. As a foreign affairs official, he often took a boat trip. He had terrible experience every time, and this time too, he already resolved that it would be less than pleasant.
"Well, they did say that this travel will arrive in Historia in 2 days. If it's just for 2 days, then if I endured, it will be over quickly… Honestly for it to be only 2 days, I think there is some kind of miscommunication between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Historia. To travel in that ocean in just that amount of days is impossible."
"I also think that the timetable is strange. But, Historia can deploy that metal dragon, so perhaps they can travel at a speed that is beyond our common sense."
Before long it was the departure time. They moved from the rendezvous point to the port, and from a silhouette of an island, a ship as large as an island appeared. Furthermore, it's the very same ship that warship Pima encountered barely more than a week ago!
"Wh-... What is that!"
"Huge! Furthermore, there are no sails!"
"So the report from warship Pima is true..."
The large ship stopped offshore. Taking a sidelong glance at the dumbfounded delegation members, Nomare began explaining.
"This time we will board that ship to head to Historia. Actually we want to dock at the harbor of this port, but unfortunately, the water depth is too shallow, so we will move to that ship by boarding a small aircraft."
From the shadow of the offshore ship, a small aircraft has been sent airborne. This aircraft also heading towards the port with an unbelievable speed, though to a lesser degree compared to C-3 Trinity. To Qua-Toyne delegation members, this aircraft is yet another strange thing from Historia.
At such incomprehensible scene, Hanki was throwing questions one after another.
"Shubu-dono, Shubu-dono. That.. That ship, there is no sail can be seen, but how can it move? Where does the strange flying object came from? It doesn't have any wings, but how could it fly at such speed? C-can it be, those are something like the magic ship and aircraft of the First Civilization Area?"
"I am uninformed about what kind of ship that the First Civilization Area uses, but I'm afraid that explaining this will be difficult."
"Difficult?"
"Yes. Based from your reaction, it's clear that you never seen this kind of ship before. And I don't want you to be confused this early. Besides, this is hardly the most advanced vessel we have in the Dominion."
"Hmm... I understand. Then, I'm looking forward for it."
"With pleasure."
The small aircraft lands near the delegation members. The party enters said aircraft and then headed towards the large ship.
(AN: For those of you who were curious or sharp, yes, that ship is indeed a Horizon Destroyer. Didn't expect that the V-22 Osprey can be used like this as well, eh?)
When they land and disembark at the large ship and went inside, the mission delegation members were so surprised that they became speechless. It was bright. Perhaps Historia had even raised their own light spirits.
"Th-... This ship, is made from metal... Just how in the world it stays floating...? Furthermore, the inside is bright and wide. Isn't this already like a noble's place?"
Each members were then guided to their allocated room, and the party passed their time in comfort.
Yagou's Diary, 3rd Day of the 2nd Month of Year 1639 Central Calendar
How should I put this? I can't hide my surprise.
I have never seen or heard a ship this big, I also never read something like this in any books.
Furthermore, the ship's interior is pleasantly bright, and the rooms are also unbelievably maintained at a fixed temperature.
Despite the ship's large size, it traveled through the ocean like an arrow. It seems that they are not necessarily lying when they say that we can travel 2,000 km in 2 days.
Just what kind of nation is Historia that they can build something like this?
In the Foreign Affairs Ministry, there were people who say that, 'There is no mistake that a newly emerging nation is a barbarous country', but right now ── though I don't want to say it and also don't want to accept it ── from their point of view, we are the one who looks like a barbarous country.
Perhaps, Historia might possess power that can even surpass the Superpower countries of the Civilization Areas.
Date: February 5th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Tobichi, Hoshiguma Territory, Kyuuchigoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion
"Everyone, Tobichi is in sight. Tobichi is the largest city in Hoshiguma Territory and one of major cities in Kyuuchigoku Region. If you look in front of us, you can see Tobichi Port. We will ride a shuttle bus ── large automobile from Tobichi Port to Kyuuto Hotel where you will learn basic knowledge about Historia."
Due to the excitement, Yagou and the others had woke up early and stood on the deck, where they watch the course of the ship. Then Nomare arrived and once again explained about the schedule for today.
Just when they thought that the land could be seen dimly on the horizon, in the blink of an eye, they could clearly see the silhouette of a city. In the front, there was Tobichi Port that Nomare had said, but beside it they could see the sight of ash, white, beige, or red buildings lined up. Furthermore when they approached, they could see huge bridges spanned over the water, and two or three covered walkways piled up atop another.
Not only that, they can even see another landmass somewhere further east of Tobichi.
After they reached the shore of Tobichi Port, just like Nomare had explained before, they board the shuttle bus and traveled to Kyuuto Hotel.
They had heard that automobile is a vehicle that moved by 'Internal Combustion Engine', but they never imagined that there will be so many automobiles went back and forth on the road. From the explanation they received, the citizens roughly possessed one vehicle per household and even a 20 year old day laborer could purchase a vehicle to a varying degree.
The level of affluence was really astonishing.
They arrived at the Hotel, and the study group to learn basic knowledge about Historia.
Traffic signals system, vending machine, ticket gate, railway system, airline flights...
There were many mysterious objects in Nomare's explanation, but they seemed to be objects that were produced from science. If you understand their mechanism, then anyone could build it, or so he said.
Additionally, they were explained about a law called Road Traffic Act and the delegation member could understand that without the traffic signals, with that amount of vehicles moved as their likes, the transport network could be ended up paralyzed.
In addition, they even taught common sense about crime, like if you found something and then make it as your own, then you could be accused for fraudulent appropriation of lost articles and other offenses.
"Shubu-dono, Shubu-dono."
Hanki called him.
"What is it, Hanki-san?"
"This city is considerably developed, so does the capital city more developed than this city?"
"Yes. First, the population couldn't be compared with this city, so apartments, in other words, a high residential building, are built close to each other. The multistory buildings are also higher than the ones in Tobichi, and to utilize the road and railway more efficiently, they spread out like webs. However, I personally feel that Tobichi has its own charm. This might be shameful to say, but arriving at Rairekishigaku from Tobichi give me impression 'Here we go again, like always...'"
"Hmm... So, it's even more developed than Tobichi."
It was an answer he had expected, but Hanki seemed like he wanted to groan. He then asked again.
"Shubu-dono, I want to observe Historia's military, will this be impossible?"
"Well, we do have a form of military. But ours might be different compared to what you'll expect. In the meantime, let me check something first."
Nomare took out a small board that was shining on one side and began to talk by himself. Perhaps it could do mana communication? But the size is too small...
"Please excuse myself just now. Hanki-san, I have a good news. Tomorrow, one of our military units, the Air Force of Gensokyo Union Fighters will host an air festival at Sanhocho Airbase. Though it is aimed at the common citizen and something like an exchange meeting between citizen and military personnel, if you like to then we can arrange it."
"Oh, I really apologize for this, but please do so."
Hanki's mood was raised as he was granted the chance to observe the one of the military units... the Air Force that Gensokyo Union Fighters, and by extension, Historia Shoukan Dominion, possessed.
"Is there anyone else wants to join?"
"I want to participate."
Yagou raised his hand. Since the other 3 members of the delegation said that they will go to inspect the city, only Hanki and Yagou who will go to the air festival.
Unknown to them, Nomare already send a message to someone.
'Please make it work, Arcluz.'
Date: February 6th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Tobichi, Hoshiguma Territory, Kyuuchigoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion
Place: Sanhocho Airbase
Hanki and Yagou were in the visitor seat of the Air Festival. Nomare was accompanying them.
'Actually, that so-called expressway is astonishing, but I could finally see the metal dragon's capability from a close distance."
It wasn't just Hanki, Yagou also was interested in the capabilities of the metal dragon. After all, it was necessary to confirm the report about the unidentified unit. That duty was shouldered by Yagou from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
While both of them were languishing in their nervousness, the Air Festival began.
For common citizens to enter the base and mingle with the military was something that was strange for Qua-Toyne Principality's common sense. However, seeing the huge number of people who come to observe, Hanki felt that this country's military was loved by the citizens.
(AN: If only he knew the real reason why Historia 'citizens' came here...)
"Right now, the Eurofighter Typhoon will perform an acrobatic flight. Please look at the sky on your right. Eurofighter Typhoon will approach with a speed of 920 km/hour."
"Wh-...!"
"What did they just say!? Shubu-dono! Did they just say 920 km/hour? Am I mishearing things!?"
The agitated Hanki began to address Nomare.
"No, you didn't mishear it, Hanki-san. The announcer indeed said that the speed is 920 km/hour."
From the right side, a flying object was approaching in silence. Then when it approached the visitor seats, finally they begin to hear a sound.
"What a speed!"
Hanki yelped.
The 'Eurofighter Typhoon' that was covered with non-glossy paint, began to climb in a trajectory that was close to vertical. The surface of its wing cut through the air, which then formed a white cloud, from above and below the wing tip, which then parted as if it was a white wake of a boat in the sky.
A thunder-like roar resounded in the surrounding area. From behind the object, two red flames could be seen. It was the flame from the afterburner. That aircraft then in that short time span had disappeared into the blue sky.
""...""
Hanki and Yagou, both of them were lost for words at the fighter jet that they saw for the first time.
"Please look at the sky on the left. The previous Eurofighter Typhoon has returned back."
"Eh!? Already?"
"Eurofighter Typhoon will approach with a speed of 650 km/hour and then will turn in front of everyone. During this time, the pilot will experience a great amount of G-force."
The 'Eurofighter Typhoon' made a sharp turn in front of the audience seat.
"So it has a maneuverability this great...:
Then it climbed again.
"Even with that position, it could even ascend again?"
Afterward, there were various airplanes performed acrobatic performance and with the acrobatic flying from Seraph Squadron, the Air Festival reached its end.
"... Say, Shubu-dono. That.. yuu-ro... something, the metal dragon, how fast the speed it could have? Surely, this is not their whole power."
"You mean 'Eurofighter Typhoon'? Its fastest speed is Mach ── speed of sound, that is to say, twice and a half faster than the speed of sound could be transmitted by the air. Since there will be a shockwave produced when it crossed the speed of sound, for air festival purposes, the maximum speed allowed must not surpass 1000 km/hour."
""...""
Hanki's Diary, 6th Day of the 2nd Month of Year 1639 Central Calendar
A city that is overflow with huge buildings, then large covered roads suspended up in the air (they called it the expressway), the large-scale transportation systems called railway. This country called Historia that could build such tremendous structures makes me startled.
Furthermore, this city is not Historia's capital city. This city is nothing more than a provincial major city. I wish there is a word that conveys surprise greater than shocked.
The combat metal dragon can fly with a speed 2.5 times the speed of the sound and its climbing power is also unbelievable. It's a monster that not only possess such tremendous speed, but its combat operational range is also exceeding 1,000 km. From their point of view, our country's wyverns might be seen like they are not moving at all. From what I heard from our guide, Shubu-dono, that metal dragon could even be used for air support in the sea or the land.
The metal dragon that intruded on Maihark before is a threat, but it's not their true strength, and I doubt that metal dragon can match the speed of this combat metal dragon.
If it was the combat metal dragon, then they could raid Maihark without even giving us the chance to do anything. In other words, their intrusion on Maihark can be guessed to be completely nothing more than a patrolling action.
We absolutely must establish a friendly relation with Historia. To make enemies of them is more frightening than making enemies of the Superpowers in the Civilization Areas. We must never be hostile to them no matter what.
Location: Tobichi, Hoshiguma Territory, Kyuuchigoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion
Place: Kyuuto Hotel, Suite Room
"Say, Yagou-dono."
"What is it?"
"What do you think about Historia?"
"Let's see... If I could express it in one word, then it will be 'affluent', so astonishingly... The interior of the hotel has a fixed maintained temperature, just like that large ship. To warm a building this large, just how many fuels they used... Furthermore, they are not only warming this room that has been specially prepared for us, but also controlling the temperature in the entrance hall and even the corridor. They even have a device that just by turning it, hot water will come out. Without needing even to make the smallest fire, we can use hot water. The toilet also don't smell at all."
Just the sense of surprise from the housing accommodation that he had experienced so far had almost made Yagou paralyzed. However, even though he received an impact from the Air Festival as if his head had been hit, when he returned to the hotel at the evening, he experienced the unknown world even more.
"If you go outside there is unmanned selling machines, where you could obtain cooled drinks or alcohol depending on the location. You can always obtain freshly cooked food or clothes from the shops that opened in the nighttime, even the fine quality ones. The food selling counters in large stores always lined up with fresh foods. The major roads of the city are brightly illuminated from the street lamp that you could walk without using a lantern and the public order is extremely good. It's vexing, but the difference in national power is apparent."
Yagou paused for a moment and shook his head. In his eyes, there was a hint of fear.
"... I'm honestly surprised at the Air Festival. It displayed the overwhelming difference in power. I think that we must not make enemies out of Historia."
"As expected, you have the same conclusion... In front of that combat metal dragon, wyvern's sky combat tactic won't be useful. Tomorrow we will depart to the capital. Historia is really bad for my heart."
"I'm also frightened by it, but on the other hand, I also get thrilled. For a country like this suddenly appeared close to us, furthermore, it possesses a civilization higher than even the Civilization Areas that looked down on others. And our country is the first country they made contact with... If they don't have any hegemonic ambition, then this is a fortunate boon for us."
Yagou and Hanki continued their conversation until late at night.
Date: February 7th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Tobichi, Hoshiguma Territory, Kyuuchigoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion
It was a cool morning, The cloud was high and the sky was clear, and the visibility was good. One man wearing a stylish clothing ── the so-called suits ── was standing in the lobby, waiting for the delegation members.
"Good morning, everyone. Do you have a good sleep last night?"
Nomare greeted the gathered delegation members.
"For today's schedule. After the breakfast, there will be an explanation about the event in Rairekishigaku at 10 o'clock, then we will then depart the Hotel at 11.30. At 12 o'clock, we will take the airplane that will depart from Tobichi at Ooeyama Airport. Then at 16.00 we will arrive at Tousan Airport, afterward..."
While listening to the explanation, one thing that Yagou had sensed every day since his arrival in Historia was that they have a clear concept of time passage.
Every member of the delegation was given a delicate machinery called a wristwatch.
It could mark the passage of time in second and also could be easily carried around, then for the military, it might be possible to perform a simultaneous attack without any time difference. In the context of its effective military application, it was amazing. What was even more astonishing, the distributed watch is called an "electric solar watch", as long as there is a light, it could continue moving, and as long as it was in Historia, the time calculation error will be only 1 second in 100,000 years.
He didn't know how to explain it since he didn't understand the construction of the watch itself. Instead of asking that, Yagou has one question about the time.
"Shubu-dono, I had heard that the distance between Tobichi and Rairekishigaku is more than 1000 km... But I had heard the explanation that the vehicle that is called airplane that we will board today is a vehicle that travel in a great speed over the air."
"That's correct. Is there something that makes you concerned?"
"That we will arrive at 16:00, what does this means? Could you accurately calculate it even to the minutes?"
"Yes. Unless for a disaster or accident, it will punctually arrive on time."
'... It seems that Historia really can't be measured with our common sense.'
"I understand. Thank you ver-"
*screech*────*shhhh* ──*blam*.
There was a sound of objects colliding. Yagou looked at the outside and saw a woman collapsed with blood leaking from her head and one strange red vehicle stopped beside her.
"Not again... Another traffic accident?"
Nomare sighs. It was something that could be said often happened in Tobichi's downtown, since the city's proximity is very close to the adjacent Chireiden Territory. The accident victim woman collapsed on the ground feebly.
"This is not good! Someone please heal her! If the injury is too severe, stabilize her and call the ambulance!"
Yagou is about to run outside, but Nomare stopped him.
"Yagou-san...? You can do that?"
"Yes, but we don't have much time, Shubu-dono."
"Okay, I'm coming with you."
"Much appreciated."
Both Yagou and Nomare then ran outside the hotel to approach the collapsed woman. Nomare already knew that Qua-Toyne must have some sort of magic users based from their magical technologies, so he didn't doubt Yagou. Furthermore, he also wanted to see the New World's magic.
A crowd already formed in the surrounding, but Nomare motions them to make way for Yagou and the latter then looked at the injured woman. The woman hung her head down and from the wound opened in her head, blood vehemently flowed at each passing heartbeat.
Several citizens who knew First Aid magics are stumped because of the wound's severity, and thus use low-level Healing spells to stabilize the woman's condition.
"This is bad... ' وزرةفشهلاشوخزولاوشكصسخث٤هلشةخهسثخ'..."
Yagou started to chant something and his right hand over the woman's head as it began to shed a pale light.
"──! Th-... the wound is...!"
The wound in the woman's head immediately closing.
"Am-... Amazing! Do you see!? That thing just now!"
Someone among the crowd yelled.
"Look! That man chanted something and the wound is closing!"
"Un-... Unbelievable. It's definitely a high-level Healing spell!"
After the woman's wound finished to be closed, Yagou tilted his head at the expression of the surrounding people.
"? Certainly, it's a Healing spell, but is there something wrong?"
"""Oooooooooooooooo"""
The people made a commotion at his nonchalant answer. The confused Yagou was engulfed in that clamor.
Aboard a Boeing 747...
"My goodness, I'm amazed. The report does mention the increase in magical capabilities, but to actually see the natives do it with my own eyes... You have Historia's thanks for your action today, Yagou-san."
Nomare was praising without minding the surrounding listener.
"Does Medical-type magic unusual in Historia?"
Yagou didn't feel bad being praised like this. Since his side was the one received surprise until now, to cause Historia's side surprised for the first time made his heart wanted to boast about it a bit.
"You could say it like that. In fact, barring special circumstances, none of our technologies use magic."
"""EH!?"""
At Nomare's simple answer, the delegation members were shouting out from astonishment.
Hanki asked out.
"H-... However, if the communication between the aircraft and the ground is not communication magic, then how could it be done?"
"We're using radio waves. The principle is the same with the wristwatch that had been distributed to everyone. Hmm... How should I explain this? Just like what I had said before, almost every technology in Historia is based on science."
"Everything.. Even that cold air filled refrigerator too?"
"Indeed. Back on Earth, in order to pursue the cause of every phenomenon, we have developed many fields of science. A radio wave is something developed from physics, the study of the cause of everything, while the refrigerator is developed from chemistry, the study of the 'change' of matter. Then, almost 50 years ago, the Reunification happens, and that's how we discovered the existence of magic. Since then, we pursued both fields to uncover their true potentials. Historia uses both science and magic to improve the nation's wellbeing."
The concept of science that Qua-Toyne didn't have. It was the moment where the members of the delegation got their hand on such vital piece of information.
If what Nomare said about New World giving increased magical capabilities are true, then the magical advancements that is studied in Qua-Toyne Principality could be presented as a negotiation issue.
Especially Medical-type magic, with one of the spell groups being Healing spells, which forte is increasing the wound recovery rate.
For example, if they proposed simple surgery spells, then it might be possible to establish a clinic that could immediately cure small wounds or stiff shoulder and there should be a demand for emergency uses like the one in the accident not long ago. If there are unsolved diseases in Historia, then they could also propose to research it together.
If they open a magic academy and provide the teacher, they could increase employment and even obtain foreign currency. On the other hand, there also could offer a term to import Historia's education system into Qua-Toyne Principality. If the children could obtain knowledge using Historia way of learning, then it would be heaven-sent.
Be that as it may, it was a significant discovery that Historia not only use science, but also magic.
In this world, to be able to gather a large number of magicians would be advantageous in a war and so magicians had a strategic importance. However, there was the question of the development and personnel of the magi-tech research, also the difference in the individual qualities, which presented a major challenge in establishing a large division of magician that is uniformly powerful in the first place, as some Historia citizens showed. Compared to that, as long as someone knew the basic of the science, then anyone could easily become a powerful soldier. In other words, it was possible for even Qua-Toyne Principality's citizen to do so.
This might be the reason why they got the feeling that Historia already surpassed the Superpowers of Three Civilization Areas.
"Shubu-dono. Is it possible to export science like physics or chemistry?"
Nomare has already expected that kind of question.
"On January 25th, our nation has enforced a law called New World Gradual Technological Advancement Law. It is prohibited to uplift any civilization that are technologically behind militarily, but improving them step by step is still okay. However, if it's only fundamental science knowledge and any non-military technology, then it is sold as textbooks or the likes at any bookstores. Fortunately, Suzunaan Books Corporation already made significant process on the translation studies after reading the materials Qua-Toyne provided, so I believe it will be possible for you to buy said textbooks as souvenirs and reference materials."
From Historia point of view, there were many mysteries in the New World.
Especially the origin of the language-related "even when speech is understandable, the written letters becomes different language and grammar" phenomena. Historia had begun a study to translate the materials that had been brought back from Qua-Toyne Principality from the first meeting, and fortunately, Historia have someone who can read such materials. Excited with learning a new writing system, said person then made frequent visits to Qua-Toyne Principality and read as many books as possible, significantly accelerating the translation process.
It could be said that this phenomenon is now considered as 'trivial' for Historia Shoukan Dominion.
Yagou interpreted Nomare's word that it was sold in bookstores as "We won't mind to give out if it's just fundamental and non-military knowledge", so he decided to bring back chemistry or physics books as much as possible for the time being.
"Nevertheless, Hanki-san, this airplane is fast, right?"
"You're right. Even though it's traveling at such speed, the inside doesn't sway at all, the seat is also pleasant and comfortable. However, in a speed like this, an accident will be scary..."
"It is understandable, especially during cases of military emergencies. We have continuously made effort to reduce said accidents. I apologize if that made you nervous, Hanki-san..."
"No need for that, Shubu-dono. I'll believe in that. But honestly, you're correct. I feel an uneasiness inside."
While the 5 people board it with uneasiness in their heart, today's flight was a safe travel for the Boeing 747.
Yagou's Diary, 7th Day of the 2nd Month of Year 1639 Central Calendar
After passing a huge water corridor and few large cities, the airplane we boarded arrived at Historia's capital city, Rairekishigaku.
The provincial major cities that we passed midway are even more developed and greatly surpass the capital of the Quasi-Power countries that crowds the Civilization Areas, but Rairekishigaku is on a different dimension. Just about anything moves punctually, the number of the population is huge, and the height of the highrise buildings are as if to pierce the heaven. There even a structure that surpassed the famous Eijei Mountain (539 meters above sea level) of my country.
For myself, as a member of the diplomatic mission that is dispatched to a nation that could build these huge buildings, I am looking forward to the working-level meeting tomorrow. For my country's national interest, I will work to the best of my abilities. It's a heavy responsibility, but it's fortunate to be present in a history-making moment like this.
Date: February 8th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Rairekishigaku, Hakurei Territory, Togoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion
Place: New World Embassy Complex, Meeting Room
The conference had begun. A young man began to address the diplomatic mission delegation from Qua-Toyne Principality.
"I am Shizen Kazami from Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Let me go straight to the heart of the matter at hand. Right now we desire food. The list of needed items are as listed in these documents."
Historia already prepared documents that described various necessary food items, and since they already managed to gain significant process of deciphering Qua-Toyne writing system, they even able to provide the delegation members with the translated version as well, so Shizen won't have to read the entire folder. The contents made the delegation members look at each other.
"Th-... The one-year aggregate amount is about 135 million tonnes!?"
"I'm told that your country is a prosperous agricultural country with food self-sufficiency rate that surpass 100%. Even if your country has been blessed by your Land Goddess, we don't want to burden your country for this matter. Hence why, this is the most we could ask after we import food supplies from our home world. We also want to know how much that your country could potentially provide. Of course, we won't ask for an immediate reply. However, we don't have much time, so we honestly want to know as fast as possible."
Yagou looked at the amount of item that Shizen had cited in the document on his hand. While looking at it and furrowing his brow, he began to speak.
"I don't really know about this 'coffee bean'. Other than that, I believe we could provide the other requested items if it is just in this amount."
"What do you say!?"
"Other than coffee beans it's possible, just how high the production output..."
Historia Neo Guardians (basically their version of ministries) were in astir. Honestly speaking, the request included items that need to be imported from several countries, but for a single country be able to provide them all... It wasn't strange that they were surprised.
In fact, they can only think of one certain person that could feasibly fulfill such demand, but they don't want to rely on her too much.
"Of course, after this is permitted by our country. Just..."
"Just?"
"Our country doesn't possess the means of transportation for this amount to your country. There are large farmland regions inland, but we don't have the manpower and the budget to transport it to the harbors. Even if we have transported it to the harbor, we also lack manpower to load the food. Above all, we lack ships."
"Then it's decided, if you earn the approval from Qua-Toyne Principality, then can you export the food right now?"
"I think it's possible."
By some chance, a possibility to avoid a food deficit in Historia had come to their sight.
Historia delegations sat back and another young man began to talk.
"I am Mark Thesda from Department of Civilization Builders. If Qua-Toyne Principality doesn't mind then we will improve harbor facilities and build infrastructures, a means of transportation in other words, towards the farmland region within Qua-Toyne. Our nation will provide capital under the pretext of Official Development Assistant to establish the railway network and so it's possible for our nation to construct it directly. What do you think about this proposal?"
"!?"
This time it was the turn for the Qua-Toyne delegations to be astir. For Qua-Toyne Principality where water and food were almost close to free, the country could be enriched just by exporting it and, in addition, they even would receive harbor and railway. Is there any more favorable term than this?
They also negotiated for several other items, and while discussing the future preparation for both party sealing the deal, the conference finished favorably.
Timeskip: Ten days later
Date: February 18th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Qua-Toyne Principality and Historia Shoukan Dominion had agreed on these points.
- Qua-Toyne Principality will export the food needed by Historia Shoukan Dominion.
- Historia Shoukan Dominion will expand Port Maihark in Qua-Toyne Principality and establish transportation infrastructure from Maihark to the farmland regions using Historia's capital.
- Historia Shoukan Dominion and Qua-Toyne Principality will continue to discuss with each other toward establishing a diplomatic relationship.
- An exchange rate will immediately put in place.
- As the compensation for Historia's bulk-purchase of food from Qua-Toyne Principality, for a period of one year, the Dominion will establish essential infrastructure (water service, electricity, gas service) within Qua-Toyne Principality.
- Afterward, the food will be purchased according to the exchange rate
- Historia Shoukan Dominion will continue for a conference with Qua-Toyne Principality to discuss the signing of a non-aggression treaty.
Historia Shoukan Dominion and Qua-Toyne Principality were able to establish a favorable relationship. This inseparable friendly relationship that they will create in the future became a ship where both nations (and another nation that will soon join) shared a common fate. A ship that challenge the violent torrent of this world.
Introduced unit
Eurofighter Typhoon: A multirole fighter jointly developed by multiple countries. Its delta wing ensure stability, and its powerful armament can take on all types of enemy crafts.
Users: Gensokyo Union Fighters (Air Force), United Nations Military (Strangereal/Armed Forces), Historia Shoukan Dominion
Origin: Real-life