Chapter 4. Diplomatic Relations between Qua-Toyne and the RF. Part 1.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Qua-Toyne.

Today, the ministry was buzzing like a beehive—the atmosphere was tense, and it seemed that even the air vibrated with the hustle and bustle. Employees scurried from room to room, hastily tossing stacks of papers to each other. Important documents moved from one hand to another, until they were carefully checked and sorted into different folders. The task was to gather documents for a special diplomatic mission—a delegation heading to the mysterious Russian Federation.

Qua-Toyne, although a small state, was accustomed to resolving foreign policy issues with its neighbors independently. But something about the recent rumors of a new country—huge and transferred entirely to this world, as the astonished tales said—filled them with trepidation and curiosity.

—"Yago!"— a gloating call came from one of the colleagues, nodding to the young diplomat. — "They say you're going to the Russian Federation? Ha! I wish I were in your place—a rare stroke of luck, you know!"

Yago smiled but did not answer immediately, pondering the colleague's words. Of course, such trips were rare, especially to countries about which one heard only from rare reports or in folk tales.

Who could have thought that some mythical continent, as if woven from legends, would turn out to be a reality? Here, in a world where countries arose and disappeared like mushrooms after rain, unexpected events seemed commonplace. But the fact that an entire continent had been transferred here was unprecedented.

Behind these thoughts lay a considerable risk. Too many states, enriched by new territories and resources, were taking the path of conquest and fierce competition. Too many were being torn into small, scattered pieces, clashing in brutal struggles. Against this backdrop of an already unstable world, the Principality of Qua-Toyne had to think hard about its future, if it had a chance to establish contact with a possible new ally.

"I wonder what awaits us there?" Yago thought, walking to his office. He closed the door behind him, sat down at a massive wooden desk, and began to leaf through the newly delivered documents. Among them was a fresh briefing with reports from the manacom—(a magical communication device). The descriptions were striking: a ship comparable to a palace, flying machines rising higher than wyverns could ever fly… Ancient magical bestiaries still considered wyverns to be the undisputed kings of the sky.

—"Dear delegates, do not dare to underestimate the power of Russia. Behave with restraint and show respect, no matter what wonders you encounter,"— read a note in the document. Yago chuckled: the authors had clearly tried to express their anxiety using the most polite words.

He leaned back in his chair thoughtfully, contemplating his assignment. Images of wyverns filled his imagination. The winged creatures, on which the Qua-Toyne military placed so much hope, were able to fly at speeds of up to two hundred and thirty kilometers per hour, leaving cavalry forces far behind. Possessing incredible power, they could attack the enemy from such heights that archers' arrows would never reach them. Their flames turned entire regiments to ashes, and even steel armor could not withstand their monstrous power.

However, Russia, it seemed, possessed something else, something far more advanced. And the machines, which the scouts described as leaving wyverns far behind, flew at unimaginable heights, where no living winged creature could reach. For a moment, Yago had the thought of how he could inscribe his name in the history of Qua-Toyne if he managed to establish ties with this mysterious country.

Yago's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

— The meeting is soon, — said the attaché, looking into the office. Yago got up and headed for the exit.

The meeting began a few minutes later in a closed hall of the ministry, in the center of which stood a huge round table made of dark wood. At this meeting, everything was decided: goals, objectives, precautionary measures. The leadership decided that sending an embassy to Russia was not just a diplomatic act but a matter of national importance.

The mission consisted of five people. Four were representatives of the foreign affairs department, and the fifth was General Hanki, an officer of the military affairs department, an experienced military leader who had headed such delegations more than once. Elder Kanata, the gray-haired but insightful Minister of Foreign Affairs, began the meeting, his voice sounding firm and confident:

— Your first goal, — he said, turning his gaze from one face to another, — is to assess the military capabilities of the Russian Federation. We need to understand whether it poses a danger to us. Their "iron dragon" slipped through the airspace of the principality like a child, deceiving the sixth squadron of the Knights of the Order of Dragons. If their true intentions are to become a hegemon or to spread discrimination like the Kingdom of Louria, we must know this before any agreement is concluded.

Each listener nodded in agreement, a sense of serious responsibility hanging in the air.

— Your second goal, — Kanata continued, — is to study their strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps Russia surpasses us in technology and even weaponry, but our strength lies in something else. Find out how we can be useful to them. They want to have diplomatic relations with us, but this is no reason to lose our heads before their military might.

The faces of the diplomats briefly reflected bewilderment and slight anxiety when they paid attention to the details. One of them raised an eyebrow and asked a question that seemed to hang in the air.

— Excuse me… — he began, — but their country… an entire continent… was it transferred?

All eyes in the room turned to Kanata. He nodded affirmatively.

— That is correct. We do not know if their words are true, but we cannot risk doubting them.

Yago stared at the documents with a slight tremor of excitement. If they met the delegates of a great country, his name would surely go down in history. He felt that the future of their people rested on his shoulders.

— Russia will provide you with a ship for the journey, — Kanata concluded. — Get ready, departure is in a week. Your final destination is Moscow, but first you will spend a night in Sevastopol. There, you will be introduced to Russian customs and etiquette in order to avoid awkward situations.

The diplomats exchanged glances. Each new word from Kanata's mouth sounded like a riddle. A high-speed train that would move them a thousand kilometers in a matter of hours, metal chariots that moved on their own… It seemed to them that this entire country was so unimaginable that all previous ideas about the world had lost their value.

Yago again felt a tremor mixed with anxiety. "Is this new state really so great and powerful?"

With these thoughts, he stood up, preparing for a trip that would determine the future of Qua-Toyne.

A week later.

Port-Maihark.

The morning sun shone over the city, illuminating the bustling port. On the streets, near the embassy of the Foreign Affairs Department, the delegation of Qua-Toyne had gathered—carefully selected, as they were about to meet with representatives of the Russian Federation, a mysterious state that had recently appeared.

When the delegates arrived at the assembly point, a man in a strict black suit and sunglasses approached them. Putting on his glasses, he looked at each of them with a welcoming smile and, bowing slightly, introduced himself:

— Hello. I am Dmitri, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. I will be accompanying you throughout your visit. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

In response, the delegates bowed in unison, but mixed emotions could be read on the faces of some of them. Some hid a wave of excitement, while others, like General Hanki, on the contrary, looked slightly gloomy.

— Hanki, you look downcast, — Yago noted, looking intently at the general's face. — Is everything alright?

Hanki sighed, looking at the sea that glittered in the sun.

— Ah, Yago… — he said wearily. — Just call me by my name. I've been transferred to the Department, so I don't have a rank anymore, at least in official matters. — He cast another glance at the horizon, where sails were barely visible. — I just can't shake the thought that I'll have to sail on a ship again. Sea voyages… It's always the same: endless waves, unbearable dampness, limited supplies of water and food. Yes, of course, two days is not that long, but we all know how those hours drag on.

Yago nodded, remembering his own experiences from previous trips: cramped cabins, dark corridors smelling of moisture, an endless feeling of confinement and waiting for a storm. His face also darkened as he imagined himself battling nausea in the middle of the vast waters.

— I understand, Hanki, — he supported his interlocutor. — But they say our crossing will be quite different. They promised us comfort and speed, so perhaps it won't be so bad. The Russians themselves said we'd get there in two days.

— Two days? — Hanki raised an eyebrow skeptically. — That contradicts everything we know about the sea. Unless, — he added thoughtfully, — if their ship is indeed as fast as those metal dragons they described in the reports.

Dmitri's smart watch emitted a soft sound, indicating the arrival of the ship. He gestured for the delegates to follow him to the pier. There, beyond the island, a ship appeared from the horizon, huge and gleaming in the sun.

— Gentlemen, — Dmitri said proudly, pointing to the ship that was gradually approaching, — this is our transport. Your ship to Russia.

The delegation froze, stunned by the sight. The vessel was indeed huge, its hull shone with whiteness, and—what surprised everyone especially—it moved without a single sail.

— Wh… What is that?! — someone from the delegation finally stammered.

— How is that possible? Without sails… and such a size! — Yago whispered in shock, not taking his eyes off the approaching giant.

Dmitri, noticing their astonishment, smiled slightly.

— This ship is designed to travel by sea, covering long distances at high speed. We would have had to stop right in the harbor, but the ship's draft is too great. Therefore, small boats will arrive for us now.

A few moments later, three boats appeared from behind the cruise liner, as if emerging from the water. Their compact, sleek hulls swiftly approached the port, leaving behind crystal sprays.

Hanki raised his head and asked Dmitri:

— These ships… How do they move without sails? — He tried to recall something similar, but to no avail.

Dmitri, squinting, replied:

— They have a diesel engine installed in them, — he said, trying to explain more clearly. — It's a system that burns fuel to produce force, turning a propeller. That's how we get movement.

— Hmm… a diesel engine, — Yago muttered, bewilderedly trying to imagine such a machine.

— They remind me of magical boats from the civilized lands… — Yago said in surprise

— I don't know what kind of boats you are talking about — Dmitri said with a smile.

When the boats docked, the delegation quickly boarded them with all their luggage. They rapidly crossed the water, and soon they were on the deck of the huge liner.

As soon as the delegates stepped inside, they fell silent. The ship's interior surprised them even more. High ceilings, snow-white corridors, and halls lit by bright light looked more like a palace than a sea vessel.

The delegates' thoughts froze on the same thing:

"How can a ship made of iron stay afloat? And how was it possible to light this space without windows or fire?… Is this magic?.."

Amazed, they exchanged glances. Dmitri, noticing their astonishment, chuckled and suggested they follow him. Many more discoveries awaited them ahead, and the journey to the mysterious Russian Federation was only just beginning.

From Yago's diary.

"In my life, I have never seen such a majestic vessel. The Russian representatives call it a 'liner.' Inside this giant, a constant temperature is maintained, which in itself is amazing—even in the hottest weather it is pleasantly cool here, and on a cold night, cozy warmth warms you. The ship glides on the waves so quickly and smoothly that it seems as if it is flying, like a swift wyvern, outstripping the wind itself. Is the Russian Federation really capable of creating such engineering wonders? We have heard rumors that their society is based on scientific knowledge. However, in this world, everything is subject to magical forces, and even the scientific civilization of Mu relies to some extent on magic. It is not they who are barbarians to us, but we to them. If they are capable of building something like this, then perhaps their power rivals the strongest powers of the Civilized Lands…"

Hanki could not sleep. The silence of the night seemed deep, and the moonless ocean seemed to pull his thoughts along with it. Deciding to take a walk, he headed for the deck. A quiet, undisturbed silence reigned here, and only the lights of the liner shone around, illuminating small spaces. Soon he came across a cozy lounge area with soft armchairs and tables, where several members of the delegation were already enjoying their rest. They noticed him and, waving their hands, invited him to join them.

— Hanki, can't you sleep? — one of the comrades asked, leaning back in an armchair and sipping some drink.

— Yes, I still can't get used to this place. — Hanki looked around, as if trying to comprehend the reality of what was happening. — And you, it seems, have already settled in?

— We had a tour of the liner, and now we decided to finish it with something like a "get-together," — the interlocutor smiled, offering a glass of sparkling drink. — Try it, it's called a "cocktail." They are amazing.

Looking closer, Hanki noticed something that looked like a miniature oasis on the deck: a small swimming pool glistened beside them, and lounge chairs and tables were set around it. With some trepidation, he accepted the glass in which the drink was playing with colors, and sat down on one of the lounge chairs. He took a sip of the drink and was surprised by the refreshing taste that filled his mouth and awakened new sensations.

— A huge ship that moves without sails or oars, — Hanki muttered thoughtfully, looking at the pool water where glowing lights were reflected. — And this "cocktail"… Amazing.

Another sip, and a rare relaxed smile appeared on his face. The pleasant coolness of the drink mixed with the warm night air, making this night on the liner almost unreal. Hanki leaned back in his lounge chair and felt the constant anxiety being replaced by an amazing sense of peace.

— How wonderful…

Two days later.

— Sevastopol can already be seen, — Dmitri's voice sounded calm but with a hint of pride. — Sevastopol is the largest city in Crimea. — Dmitri gestured forward, where the outlines of the shore appeared on the horizon. — Sevastopol's marine commercial port is right there. A motorcade is already waiting for us. It will take you to the Sevastopol Hotel, where your temporary accommodation will be.

The members of the Qua-Toyne delegation gazed into the distance with interest. The city looked like a living painting: rows of colorful buildings, winding roads, and tiny figures of people bustling along the shore—all of this seemed completely new and amazing. Even the familiar sound of the sea took on a different hue, as if the waves were whispering something special, unfamiliar.

Arriving at the pier, the delegates settled into comfortable black jeeps. During the ride, Dmitri explained the features of this transportation, but what amazed the guests most was the huge number of cars on the streets.

— Dmitri, do you really have so many of these… machines? — one of the delegates asked, looking at the streams of cars around them.

— Yes, most families in the Russian Federation have at least one car, — Dmitri replied, smiling slightly. — Even a worker can afford a middle-class car. Our standard of living allows it.

The delegation just exchanged glances, not hiding their surprise. To say that this level of prosperity amazed them was an understatement.

When they arrived at the hotel, Dmitri pointed to the cozy armchairs in the lobby.

— Please, have a seat, and I will take care of your registration, — he said and headed for the counter.

Only a few minutes passed, and Dmitri approached them again. In his hands, he held small boxes.

— Friends, sorry for the wait. Here, take this for the duration of your stay in the Russian Federation.

— What is this? — Hanki asked, carefully examining the contents of the box.

— These are watches, devices for measuring time, — Dmitri explained. — We've recently come up with yjdst models.

— Thank you very much, — Hanki said, accepting the gift with undisguised interest.

— You're welcome, use them in good health. You will be taken to your rooms soon, and then there will be a short introduction to the basics of our technologies and culture. Tomorrow, the Victory Parade will be held, so some of the roads will be closed.

— I'm sorry, but what does "Victory Parade" mean? — Hanki asked with slight bewilderment.

— It's a grand event, — Dmitri replied, adjusting his watch slightly. — A holiday dedicated to the victory of the Soviet Union, a former huge power that united many peoples, over Nazi Germany. May 9th is the day when the war that took millions of lives ended. It is a symbol of our resilience and victory over fascism. The parade is a demonstration of military power, achievements, and memory of those who gave their lives for freedom. Due to recent events, the parade was postponed, but now, finally, it will take place.

— Hmm… curious, — Hanki thoughtfully rubbed his chin and smiled slightly. — I would be interested in seeing it.

— Great, wait just a couple of minutes. — Dmitri took out a small black tablet with a five-pointed star on the back, resembling a manacom, and began to speak quietly, as if talking to someone. The delegation, observing him, exchanged glances—such a tiny communication device was unusual for them.

Finishing, Dmitri, clearing his throat, addressed the delegates again:

— Everything has been arranged. You will be accompanied to your places, and later there will be a tour.

The faces of the delegation brightened. A military man like Hanki was especially interested in seeing the military forces of the Russian Federation.

— I wouldn't refuse either, — Yago supported him, raising his hand and smiling.

The last three members of the delegation expressed a desire to explore the city, immerse themselves in its streets, and experience the life of this mysterious and high-tech place.

The next day. Sevastopol.

The ceremonial square was full of people: spectators, military personnel from all over Russia. The Victory Parade was in full swing, and the mood of the crowd, despite the gloomy sky, was inspiring. To the sound of fanfares and the roar of the crowd, Yago and Hanki sat on soft chairs under an awning, protecting themselves from the light rain, while Dmitri patiently stayed nearby, explaining the details.

They waited with trepidation and undisguised curiosity—this parade was a unique opportunity to see what the Russian Federation was capable of.

— Attention! — the announcer's voice cut through the noise of the crowd. — In the sky above us is the fifth-generation multi-role fighter Su-57, developing a speed of nine hundred kilometers per hour!

Hanki's eyes widened, and he almost cried out in surprise, but he restrained himself, only exclaiming:

— What?! Nine hundred kilometers per hour?! Dmitri, that's incredible! — his voice betrayed him, faltering at the end of the sentence.

Dmitri, with a barely noticeable smile, nodded calmly.

— No, you didn't mishear, Hanki. Exactly nine hundred.

High in the sky, at first a barely visible dot, the Su-57 approached swiftly and silently. When it cut through the sky above the heads of the spectators, a powerful, rolling sound rang out, as if a giant fabric was being torn to pieces right in the air. From such an unexpected roar, many of the guests leaned back, holding their breath.

— Incredible… — Hanki whispered, as if enchanted. — Is this the very "dragon" that flew over Maihark?

Dmitri answered, remaining unperturbed:

— No, that plane was a scout, designed to collect information. And this Su-57 is a fighter designed for aerial combat, and its main goal is to destroy the enemy in the air.

The Su-57 completed its flight over the square, scattering in the heavens with a rumble. Its swift passage caused a slight tremor and fear among the spectators. The crowd burst into applause, which echoed off the walls of the square.

At that moment, Dmitri began to explain the mechanics of the fighter's flight, talking about the technology that allowed the Su-57 to achieve such speeds, maneuver with unprecedented precision, and disappear before the eyes of the enemy. He explained how pilots underwent rigorous training to control such a complex machine. Yago listened with an air of deep concentration, and Hanki, completely stunned, stared at the sky, as if trying to comprehend what he had just seen.

Troubling images flashed through his head. He imagined these formidable fighters passing over his country, destroying their wyverns like insignificant insects. And all this without any threat to themselves…

He muttered in a trembling voice:

— These fighters can fly over our heads, destroying our wyverns like it's a children's game…

Yago and Hanki encountered a state that turned out to be much more developed, powerful, and mysterious than they could have imagined. This event left a deep mark on their souls.

That same day.

From Hanki's personal diary.

"I am more and more convinced that aggressive actions against the Russian Federation are not just unreasonable, but dangerous. They have such forces in their arsenal that cannot leave even the most seasoned military leader indifferent. Their heavy combat vehicles, which they call tanks and armored personnel carriers, are simply monsters on wheels. And what about their artillery? I don't even want to go into the details—just the memory of what I saw has left an indelible impression on me. If their combat metal dragon, the same "Tu-160," had flown over Maihark, with its destructive power, we wouldn't even have blinked before our city was engulfed in flames. For them, it would just be a matter of a few minutes. Let's just say that their so-called 'invasion' would be nothing more than a reconnaissance raid, after which the ground beneath our feet would simply be burned. This is truly a terrible power, and we need to be on the side of peace with them. We must try to establish friendly relations with the Russian Federation, not try to destroy them. There is nothing more dangerous than making enemies of such a powerful nation. And if they are willing to show us respect, we cannot afford to show hostility or miss the chance for peace. After all, they are not like those states in the Civilized Lands. We cannot afford to repeat old mistakes—not in this situation. Despite everything, we must be wise and cautious. Hostility and aggression in our world can cost us much more than it seems at first glance. Russia is not an enemy to be in conflict with. I am sure that our future depends on how competently we approach this issue."

Sevastopol Hotel.

Deluxe Suite.

— Yago… how about we switch to "you" for now? — Hanki asked, pondering for a moment.

— Let's, what happened? — Yago replied, slightly surprised by his question.

— What do you think about the Russian Federation? — Hanki said, examining the details of the luxurious room.

Yago did not answer immediately, thinking, and only after a few seconds he spoke:

— If I had to express it in one word, I would say "abundance." Here, in the hotel, there is comfort and convenience everywhere. The temperature is maintained the same everywhere—not only in the room but even in the hallway and the corridor. And that's not to mention the system that allows you to regulate the hot water supply directly from the tap—just turn it on and that's it. Everything here is thought out to the smallest detail, everything is within walking distance. Want to eat? A simple vending machine, you press a button, and there's your hot food. Yes, they can even bring food right to your door. The streets are lit up as if the light never disappears. Public order is at the highest level, and it irritates me, because everything here is so perfect that you involuntarily feel somehow inferior. I admit, they are beating us on all fronts.

Yago fell silent, his face paling. In his eyes, fear flashed, as if he had felt the weight of his own helplessness. Several minutes passed before he continued:

— And their Victory Parade… It struck us not only with the incredible unity of the people, but also with its hidden power. We saw their fighters flying in the sky, and metal chariots moving on the ground, and many other amazing machines, the names of which I don't even remember. I was especially impressed by the tanks and howitzers. Yago, remembering this, said that this moment still fills him with horror. Honestly, I don't even want to think about the possibility of them becoming our enemies. With such potential and such power… I cannot imagine how we would fight them.

— We think the same way. They absolutely surpass us militarily, — Hanki agreed, his gaze becoming resolute. — All our tactics and strategies for conducting combat operations in such a clash are simply useless. You're right. We don't even imagine what we're going to face. Tomorrow we are going to their capital. Russia… this country is extremely harmful to my heart, but I can't deny their strength.

— You are right, — Yago said, — such a country, and it turned out to be right next to us, in our region, with such technologies that are far ahead of anything in the Civilized Lands. We are the first ones they have contacted. If they have no ambitions to conquer the world, if their plan is not hegemony, then it will certainly be a blessing for us. But… who knows what their real goals are?

Yago said all this with a note of anxiety in his voice, although he remained outwardly calm. He understood that tomorrow could be a turning point.

Hanki was silent, his thoughts revolving around these words. After a long silence, he replied:

— We are probably thinking too much about it. Either way, everything will be clear tomorrow. But for now, let's sleep. We need to be ready for what awaits us.

Yago nodded, and both of them, despite all the worries and anxieties, went to sleep, but their minds remained alert, not giving them rest even in their dreams.