Chapter 80 Visit to the Bernard Empire (1)
Chapter 80 Visit to the Bernard Empire (1)
It was 0200 hours, the ship had already reached the Monstrous Sea. The nobles were still in a deep sleep in their rooms.
On the way, the ship encounters fog, which is often seen in the Monstrous Sea. As the ships pass the dangerous fog where thunder can easily strike ships.
After what felt like an eternity, the ship emerged from the fog, revealing a clear horizon, the ship continued forward with its escort ships. They saw several Fubuki-class destroyers on the way.
Yusiru spoke to his subordinates, " Looks like the navy has increased their patrols in our territorial waters."
They met more patrols on the way most of them were just newly commissioned destroyers.
0500 hours the nobles were already awake and started to prepare themselves for the morning. 0600, the nobles were already prepared and went straight to the dining hall, where their breakfast was already served.
While eating the nobles were having a chat.
Marquis Sam said, "So we could finally see today if Joseph's words were true about his country. I hope that he didn't over-exaggerate."
Marquises Aqua, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, replied, "Well, I think Diplomat Joseph isn't exaggerating. Look at the ship we are currently in. Even I doubt superpowers can build something like this."
Duke Gorge, his enthusiasm palpable, added, "This ship alone is proof of how great the technology of Bernard is. This is one of my most unforgettable experiences. I hope our kingdom will have ships like this when the alliance is approved."
Marquis Sam, countered, "I wouldn't be daydreaming this early if I were you, Duke Gorge. Remember, they have the upper hand this time, so they will surely try to squeeze us dry in the negotiations."
Duchess Milana, her expression serious, nodded in agreement. "I concur with Marquis Sam. We are not the superpower. To them, we are the ones at the disadvantage side."
Just then, Yusiru entered the dining hall and spoke to the nobles.
"We are already near our destination, so if you go to the deck of the ship, you can finally see the magnificent sight of our country."
The nobles had mixed feelings about them being near the Bernard. They know it will be the start of a battle when they step on the land of this new country. They even hope that it will go easy as Joseph impressed Queen Maria.
The place was filled with silence until Duke Gorge stood up. He then spoke to his fellow nobles.
"This is the right time to see if Joseph is really telling us the truth about his country."
After his speech, Duke, Gorge immediately walked out of the dining hall. Seeing this the other nobles also followed him to the bridge.
Upon reaching the deck, the nobles were struck speechless by the breathtaking view before them. Towering structures pierced the sky, their sleek designs a stark contrast to the medieval architecture of Britannia, ships that were bigger than the one they were riding. But the one that was engraved in their mind the most was the docked USS Midway (CV-41) aircraft carrier.
Suddenly, a shadow passed overhead, and a giant flying sword soared through the air. Panic gripped the nobles as they instinctively recoiled, fearing it was a new breed of dragon ready to attack. With no experience in facing such creatures, they rushed back inside the ship, seeking refuge.
Yusiru, witnessing their fear, quickly followed. "Wait! It's not a dragon! It's an aerial vehicle!" he called out, his voice steady and reassuring.
Gradually, the nobles calmed, their curiosity piqued once more. They began to absorb the wonders surrounding them.
Duke Gorge, his eyes wide with awe, exclaimed, "Really great! Establishing relations with this country will take our country to another level."
Marquis Sam suddenly said, " Or the kingdom of Britannia will become a dog to this new country." Experience exclusive tales on empire
Duke Gorge, undeterred, replied, " You are already this negative about this, Sam, even though the negotiations haven't started. We still even have to impress them with our own goods. But if you are worried about what we talked about earlier, don't worry about it; I already kept it in mind."
0740 hours, the ships finally docked, and the nobles immediately got off the ship.
The harbour is busy. Massive cargo ships, their hulls emblazoned with the Empire's insignia, were being loaded and unloaded by automated cranes and workers. Smaller vessels, ranging from private yachts to public ferries, darted between the larger ships, creating a complex dance of maritime traffic.
But what really caught the delegates' attention was the city's defences. A shimmering, transparent dome surrounds the entire port city, stretching out to sea. Occasionally, the surface of the dome rippled, like disturbed water, before settling back into near-invisibility.
"It's the city's power shield," Yusiru explained, noting their surprised expressions. "It defends the city against the aggressive inhabitants of the Monsters sea."
"Look over there," Marquis Sam said, pointing to a huge structure near the water's edge. It appeared to be a huge aquarium, its walls transparent, revealing the shape of the huge sea creatures swimming inside.
"Leviathan research centre," Yusiru said. "Here we do various studies on these giant sea monsters."
As the ship entered the harbour proper, a section of the energy shield smoothly parted to allow them passage.
Suddenly, a deep, resonant sound echoed across the water, drawing the delegates' attention to a truly gigantic ship docked far out in the harbour. It dwarfed their vessel, its hull crafted from a sharp material, unlike any metal they had encountered before.
"HMS Stormbreaker," said Captain Yusiru a note of pride in his voice. "Pride of the Empire. Capable of both sea and space travel."
[ Alberto received this as a reward from the system]
Dutches Milana's head turned at the word "space." "Space travel? You mean… outside of our world?"
Captain Yusiru nodded, a small smile on his lips.
"Indeed. But that's a topic for another time, I think. Your official welcome party is waiting."
The Britannia delegation found a group of elegantly dressed men waiting at the wharf. Flags bearing the insignia of both the Empire and Britannia flew in the wind.
Marquis Sam prepares himself. "Well, this is it," he murmured. "The moment."
Dutches Milana squared her shoulders, her face set in a mask of diplomatic calm. "Remember," she said to her companions, "we represent all of Britannia. Let us show them the best of our kingdom."
As the gangway was lowered, the delegates prepared to disembark.