Chapter 3: Preparation of the Qua-Toyne delegation.
The Capital of Qua-Toyne. The Council of Lotuses.
Elder Kanata watched the gathered leaders of the principality with unease. On the agenda was a report received three days ago from the military head responsible for Qua-Toyne's defense and security. It contained alarming information about an unidentified flying object that had violated the airspace over Mihark. This object flew over the city, circled several times, and headed north. With remarkable speed and maneuverability, it resembled nothing comprehensible within local technological capabilities.
The head of defense continued:
— Its speed and altitude far surpass anything our wyverns are capable of.
The elder listened intently. Red five-pointed stars, unlike any seen before, were spotted on the wings of the object. The threat felt tangible yet ambiguous.
— What do you say, esteemed council members? — Kanata addressed the others.
The military advisor spoke first:
— According to our data, the object resembles aircraft from the superpower Mu of the Second Civilized Zone. However, even their most advanced models cannot achieve such speeds.
His words were interrupted by a tense silence, only for it to be broken by an unexpected announcement. The head of defense, staring into the distance with a grim expression, said:
— We have news from the west. The Eighth Empire, a new state that has invaded the Second Civilized Zone, is crushing the resistance of the Allied Nations of the Second Civilized Lands. It is reported that they possess weapons beyond description.
These words first evoked nervous chuckles from the councilors, but they quickly turned into a solemn quiet. The idea that a previously unknown country, lying beyond the borders of civilized lands, could so boldly challenge a superpower seemed absurd. It was hard to believe the Eighth Empire possessed such power.
— The Eighth Empire is an immense distance from us, — one councilor cautiously noted, — and the state of Mu is over twenty thousand kilometers away from Qua-Toyne. It would be absurd to assume the aircraft spotted over Mihark belongs to them.
The discussion circled back to its starting point when suddenly the meeting was interrupted by hurried footsteps and the clinking of weapons. An elven guard appeared at the door, trembling with indignation:
— Forgive the intrusion, but no one is allowed entry without permission!
The intruder ignored him. It was Admiral Nouka, a man with a heavy gaze and stern expression, holding a half-smoked cigar. He exhaled a puff of smoke, squinting slightly, and surveyed the room expectantly.
— Nouka, what brings you here? — Kanata asked warily.
— Apologies for the intrusion, — Nouka said, bowing. — I bring a report. At present, the flagship of a nation called the Russian Federation is under inspection by the crew of the warship Pima. The Russian Federation apologizes for violating Qua-Toyne's airspace and is prepared for negotiations to establish diplomatic relations.
The councilors murmured in astonishment. None of them had ever heard of a country called the Russian Federation. One particularly agitated councilor stood, slamming his hand on the table:
— An unknown nation violates our airspace and then expects forgiveness? Such audacity! How can we trust them?
But Nouka, accustomed to disputes, calmly replied:
— What do you suggest? Declare war on them? — His words brought silence to the hall. — We lack the resources and allies to confront such a powerful force.
The Kingdom of Quila, our closest ally, is in dire straits, and Louria, having strengthened its fleet, threatens our trade routes. We have no choice but to negotiate with the Russian Federation.
Elder Kanata absorbed everything and slowly said, carefully weighing each word:
— Very well. We will accept their apology. And we will invite their diplomats for negotiations.
As the meeting concluded, Kanata walked through the dark palace corridor, contemplating the looming changes. Russia, with its hovering ships and machines resembling Mu's designs, had become an unfathomable enigma to all of Qua-Toyne.
The Principality of Qua-Toyne
Capital City of Qua-Toyne
Elder's Embassy
Elder Kanata, clad in ceremonial robes, paced nervously across the spacious reception hall. Today, he was expecting important guests—foreigners from a distant and enigmatic nation calling itself the Russian Federation. They were waiting in the adjacent room, and despite Kanata's years of experience, he felt uneasy as he stared at the doors that concealed his future interlocutors.
Everything about this situation deviated from Qua-Toyne's usual diplomatic process. Typically, establishing diplomatic relations was a slow, multi-layered endeavor. The head of the foreign affairs order would first lead the talks, gathering crucial information and clarifying the visitors' intentions. Only then would Kanata, as the chief ruler, step in to assess the potential benefits and risks of an alliance, signing agreements after lengthy deliberation. But now, with tensions mounting due to the aggressive Kingdom of Louria, everything had been accelerated.
The situation left them no choice but to act swiftly. Kanata knew that in the coming months, Qua-Toyne could not withstand Louria's might alone, and an alliance with a powerful nation might be their only hope. Yet the Russian Federation... Where had it come from, and how could it wield such a formidable arsenal? Massive warships, which locals referred to as "floating palaces," and swift, highly advanced aircraft—these marvels both astonished and unnerved. Kanata struggled to maintain composure, but his concern was evident in his eyes.
His musings were interrupted by the sound of quiet but confident footsteps beyond the door. Two guards escorted three envoys from the Russian Federation into the reception hall. Kanata studied the newcomers—at first glance, they seemed ordinary, but they exuded a calm, unshakable confidence. One of the men stepped forward and extended his hand. Kanata hesitated for a moment, then recognized the gesture and returned the handshake, as he had seen other foreign envoys do.
— "I am Alexey Vladimirovich, authorized envoy of the Russian Federation," the lead diplomat introduced himself with a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "Thank you for granting us this meeting, and on behalf of our country, I wish to offer our sincerest apologies for the recent violation of your airspace."
Kanata gave a slight nod, responding measuredly:
— "We appreciate your apology. Let us proceed."
Everyone took their seats around a long, intricately carved table, while Qua-Toyne's officials observed with curiosity. The head of the foreign affairs order, Rinsui, opened the discussion:
— "Pleased to meet you, gentlemen. Naturally, we are surprised by your sudden arrival but are open to dialogue. What is the purpose of your visit?"
Alexey signaled his aides, who laid out neatly printed brochures on the table. Each representative of the principality received a copy and began poring over the contents.
Flipping through several pages, Rinsui frowned and looked directly at the Russian envoy:
— "Apologies, but we cannot read this text."
Alexey furrowed his brow briefly but quickly smiled:
— "How unusual… We assumed that since you speak Russian, you could also read it. It seems this is not the case. Why our languages are so similar remains a mystery. However, if you permit, I will provide a verbal explanation."
Kanata and Rinsui exchanged swift glances, searching for meaning in this strange coincidence. Meanwhile, the Russian delegation waited calmly, exuding quiet dignity.
— "We come from the Russian Federation," Alexey began. "Our country is located far to the north, approximately a thousand kilometers from your principality."
Rinsui frowned even more deeply:
— "But to our knowledge, that direction holds no inhabited lands—only a few tiny islands, offering nothing but untamed wilderness. How could an entire nation exist there?"
Alexey gently shook his head, pausing to let his words sink in:
— "I understand your skepticism, but our country recently appeared in this world. Due to circumstances not fully understood even by us, the Russian Federation was transported here from our home world, Earth."
The envoy's words hung in the air. The councilors and Kanata exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to grasp the gravity of the statement. Rinsui, his voice tinged with disbelief, asked:
— "That sounds incredible… What kind of magic could transport such vast territories?"
— "That is precisely the challenge," Alexey replied. "We do not know the exact causes. Nevertheless, we are here and seek peaceful coexistence. We understand that this information may seem absurd, but should you wish, we would gladly host a delegation of yours to witness everything firsthand."
Kanata once again surveyed his advisors, who were clearly perplexed but also recognized the opportunity to forge an alliance with this newfound great power. Setting aside his doubts, Kanata resolved to act decisively:
— "If that is the case, I am willing to consider the possibility. Envoy, what does your nation seek in cooperation with our principality?"
Alexey, noting the elder's determined tone, moved on to the core of the discussion:
— "We require resources: fertile soil, food supplies, natural minerals, and information about your world. In exchange, we offer exclusive goods and technologies that could greatly enrich your principality."
The elder pondered the unexpected proposal. Blessed by the goddess of agriculture, Qua-Toyne could afford to allocate part of its harvest and resources in exchange for protection from Louria. Rinsui, sensing Kanata's train of thought, turned to the envoy:
"Considering your offers, we are prepared to send a delegation to your nation to verify your claims."
The Russian delegation finally allowed themselves a relieved smile.
— "We would be honored to host your people at any time that suits you," Alexey said, rising from his seat.
Kanata nodded, concluding the meeting:
— "Very well, Rinsui, prepare the delegation. I appoint you as the mission's leader. Bring back the necessary information and insights about the Russian Federation."
The decision was made. Qua-Toyne, driven by its desire to safeguard its people, would send an envoy to the uncharted Russian Federation, ready to take the first step toward a powerful new alliance.