It has almost been a day since the diplomatic delegation from the Kingdom of Astra has arrived in Washington D.C. They have been staying at the presidential guest house or Blair house which sat across the street from the white house. It is a historic building which has been renovated many times and had hosted guests from numerous countries over the years. Prime ministers, kings, and other heads of state and government resided in this building when they made official visits to the United States. Now, in this new and unpredictable world, princess Dianna and prime minister Gerald and their delegation is the first country from this world to stay at Blair house.

Since arriving, the delegation has been trying to grapple with the situation at hand. Trying to furiously prepare themselves for their visit. After yesterdays talk with the welcoming committee, they have certainly learned many things.

"You mean to say that the person we are meeting tomorrow morning is no monarch, but a person who is elected?" The person in question was a person of high nobility. He was tasked with the delegation as a member of parliament, the house of Nobles.

Right now, princess Dianna and Gerald were leading a meeting in one of the rooms in Blair house. With Blair house having over 100 rooms and having a floor space bigger than the White house, hosting meetings were simple.

"That is correct. I have been informed by the welcoming committee that the person we are meeting is no doubt an elected person."

"Who elected this person exactly? Surely the most educated and informed." This person was dispatched with the delegation as a member of the house of merchants. The lower house of parliament.

"No, apparently.... All citizens of the United states can elect their president."

"Who exactly is this president? A king? Prime minister? Do they have some permanent head of state?"

"No, this country is apparently a democracy. The president is the full embodiment of head of state, head of government, chief executive, and commander in chief. Essentially a prime minister and king combined."

"Nonsense!"

Although the kingdom of Astra could be defined as a constitutional monarchy where they had limited the king's power to a certain extent. The idea that the whole country would vote in their head of state is unheard of. The idea of a pure democracy has always terrified them. The unwashed masses deciding who should run the government has always been thought of destabilizing and unstable. Even the parliament, although it looks more democratic than their neighboring countries, is elected and filled by those with immense wealth or title.

It is understandable for everyone in the room to be shocked by the revelation. Especially considering this person they would be meeting will have power equivalent to a prime minister and king. It was mind boggling.

However, as they finished discussing the issue of their internal government structure, they moved onto the topic that every delegation member had.

"We need to figure out how these magical appliances to work! Everything here is simply incredible! The furniture, carpet, and the magical lights in every room. In fact, it looks like all of the damn city out there has these magical lights!"

It was night by the time they had this meeting. It was quite late by their standards since they did not often have access to easy light sources. Although magic existed, the practicality of having it to light up a room was absolutely none. There were not magical devices to do so and doing it yourself would make it more tiring and troublesome than getting a candle. The lights in the airplane were enough to impress them, but they were shocked to see that all the rooms had lights. If it weren't for the welcoming committee telling them how to operate them, it was very likely they would have tried to find candles.

"I inquired their welcoming committee as to how it worked, however.... It is not simple it seems."

"They don't want to reveal how these magical devices work? So be it. We can supply them with some mana users if they want. We might have to pressure the church, but it can be done."

"No, its not that they won't tell us. But when they did, I had no idea what they were talking about...."

"You mean to say...."

"It looks like magic to us, but its much more than that apparently. Remember, this country claims to come from a world with no magic. If there is no magic, then what are these lights operating on?"

"Something greater?"

"Possibly. However, they said that it requires tons of work to get it working."

"You say that, but looking outside, it doesn't seem to be that difficult for them....."

All the delegates look outside to see the countless of dots lining the city around them. Even in the dead of night, people could still walk outside without aid and see everything. Reportedly, they are supposed to shine all night, every night. Simply amazing they thought.

"Anyways, if we want their technology, we need to make a good impression on them. Although they may not have any nobility, from what we can see, they might as well be nobles. The city itself is as if all the kings of every country came together to create this city. Furthermore, They seem open to negotiations without demanding anything unreasonable."

"No tributes?"

"For now. But once me and princess Dianna meet the president tomorrow, we will let all of you know how it went. However, all of you will be doing official work tomorrow while me and the princess attend their official arrival ceremony. "

"We are?"

"Yes, all of you are going to be going on a tour around the city apparently. Also, be at your best tomorrow, lest we anger the nation which flattened a 10,000 strong army in one go."

Everyone nervously chuckled.

Although it was merely a joke, everyone knew that it was possible. They did not know the extent to how this nation acted. All they knew is that they had to be on friendly terms with any means necessary.

This diplomatic mission was many things. To work out trade treaties, military agreements, intelligence agreements. But most of all, it was the first visit by a different government in this new world. Everyone was excited.

The morning of the official visit to the white house finally arrived. It is the most official one can get from the white house. A full crowd in the south lawn of the white house directly facing towards Blair house. Men in official ceremonial uniform everywhere for the occasion. And of course, the flags of every state along with the national flag all Americans have seen before. There was a crowd gathered for the occasion. Filled with civilians and officials.

Soon, the presidential tune played and the president followed by the first lady came out of the white house through the diplomatic reception room. One of the oval offices of the White House witch led to the south lawn. They waited for the prime minister and princess to arrive.

Although it was customary for the prime minister to bring her wife, princess Dianna was in part the representative of the king. This technically made her the head of state. And so it was decided to have her at the ceremony. This made her the youngest representative to the United States.

Soon the iconic black limousine pulled up towards the south lawn entrance where the president and first lady were standing. The men in ceremonial uniform opened the doors to allow for Dianna and Gerald to exit.

The two were surprised at how humble everything looked. Besides the men in military uniform, they could not quite figure out why the first lady and president wore similar attire to the diplomats back at the kingdom of Astra. Normally, those of higher standing in the kingdom were quite eye catching with their orange royal robes or flamboyant clothing to catch more attention. And yet here, the president is merely wearing the same suit as every other official. Although the first lady is wearing a red dress, the design was quite conservative.

The regal attire of the royal family or that of nobles was designed to show their status. But here, it does not seem to be the case.

The two went up towards the president and first lady.

"Prime minister Gerald and Princess Dianna Correct?"

"Yes."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Lenning Ford, President of the United States of America. This is my wife, First Lady Sharon."

"It's a pleasure to meet the both of you."

The four exchange greetings.

"Let me introduce you to our joint chief of staff, cabinet, and Vice President."

The two learned of them before from the welcoming committee back at Blair House. They would be meeting the heads of important federal departments as well as advisors to the president. They would also be meeting with the most senior military officers in the United States military. Also advisors for not just the president, but the secretary of defense, the homeland security council, and national security council. They had to ask the chief of protocol many questions that day.

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They were surprised to find that their government is devoid of noble titles or family titles. Nor is anyone endowed the right to govern a specific office. In the kingdom of Astra, there are numerous of positions which can only be obtain through noble titles. And yet here, it seems possible to obtain any office if one tries.

They continued through their greetings and proceeded through the ceremony. First they played their anthems, conduct a pass in review, and finally move onto some salutatory comments.

"Today we have the honorable Prime minister of Astra and the crown princess of Astra for an official state visit to the United States. In this new world, we are devoid of any allies. With a common language and a similar government, we thought it best to deepen ties with our new distant neighbor.

Being only a couple hundred nautical miles from Guam, we sent diplomats over since it would be imperative to our national security. And now we have discovered a potential ally to help us in this new world.

My hope today is to create an alliance not based on geopolitics, but through common interests, values, and a commitment to keep those values."

The President finishes and Gerald steps up to respond.

"It is an honor to make an official visit to the United States today as we begin to deepen ties. It was only a couple of weeks ago that our kingdom has received US diplomats and their generous gifts. Our country hopes to deepen our relationship with the United States as well."

A round of applause came. The president and first lady led Dianna and Gerald up the stairs towards the blue room. The area where the guest book is placed. Every official visitor signed their name in that guest book, and now Dianna and Gerald were going to be one of them.

After the exchanging of gifts, they proceeded towards the family dining room to have a private luncheon.

It was a four seated table with cutlery already placed. The four proceeded to sit down.

"Well, with the ceremonial stuff out of the way for the day, lets just enjoy the lunch."

As they conversed among themselves, Gerald began talking about state affairs.

"Mr President, is it to my understanding that the United States is interested in a military agreement correct?"

"Right now the state department is working on an agreement. If you would allow, we can get a team working on it in the kingdom."

"Then what was the envoy to the kingdom for?"

"This is a new situation for us, so we sent a team that had more exploratory goals in mind while thinking about trade. A security treaty between our two countries as of right now will take more than just the diplomats at the kingdom. We are talking about more than 40 additional diplomats to work this out. Furthermore, a security will need to be ratified in our senate which can take around a month or so before the treaty goes into effect."

"You cannot hash out a treaty quicker than a month?"

Gerald was typically not in charge of forming treaties in the kingdom of Astra. It was a collaborative effort with the king and some advisors from the parliament. However treaties are usually formed by the king himself. This made legally binding agreements easier and quicker to form.

"We need to inform the senate at least 60 days in advance before the treaty can go into effect. Furthermore, we need a super majority in the senate with at least 2/3 majority. At least for the security treaty. The trade treaty would also have to go through the legislature. But I think we can hash out the trade deal by next month at the earliest, especially since we already had a head start on."

"That is good news indeed Mr. President" Gerald was still getting adjusted to the government here. With so many things which need to be done for just foreign policy, he does not even want to imagine the actual legislative process.

"Prime minister, lets be honest here. I heard that this world has much more conflict. Is there a reason why you are so interested in a military alliance?"

"Mr. President, as you may or may not know, our country is going through a massive famine right now. Political upheaval and dissent is spreading throughout our kingdom. The civil war only proved to make the situation worse. Although your forces have helped, there is still much work to do.

Furthermore, incursions from the channel on top of uncertainty from our neighbors, we are anticipating a conflict soon."

The president thought for a moment. "What country has you worried the most?"

"The Tillerian Empire."

"Ah yes, I received a report on them. What is concerning?"

"We have previously went to war with them in the past. They were threatening with an invasion with some kingdoms on their eastern border. They have been historic allies as our ancestors traveled to the island through those kingdoms. After the Tillerian empire attacked them, we aided them with our navy and limited ground support. However, the empire had a large wyvern force which was not anticipated.

Our navy was constantly under attack and without adequate weapons, we were out maneuvered."

"If you lost the war, how was your kingdom able to retain your power?"

"Although we kept our land, we had to pay them war reparations. Tons of grains and wheat were packed and shipped every month which put a strain on the wheat market. After doing this for around a decade, the kingdom was at its limit.

We almost fulfilled the agreement, however our last fleet was sunk by pirates. We then were going to send Princess Dianna, however your delegation essentially prevented that. If we could provide a replacement of grains, we would not have to worry. And that was all done, or so we thought. Although it was not in the agreement, the Tillerian empire assumed it would always be wheat. When we sent them the soybeans and corn we bought from your delegation, they sent it back. Now we worry they may break the agreement or put pressure on us."

"When are they likely to attack?"

"We have received an envoy, but it was an invitation to the annual harvesting ball and festival."

"Their annual fall festival?"

"Every year, in tribute to the season of harvest and fortune, they hold an annual festival and ball where they invite envoys from all nearby kingdoms. Since its during harvesting season, most kingdoms are not at war."

"Why would they not be at war?"

"Does the US not have harvesting seasons?" Gerald was confused as to why the president would ask such a question.

"The US does, but wars that our country has fought is not dependent on the time of year. But rather if we get attacked or there is a potential enemy."

"How would it be possible to conduct war and harvest at the same time?" Gerald was still confused. Gerald is familiar with the common assumption that to conduct war, you need people. And to conduct large seasonal harvests, people are also needed. A country cannot go to war while two of these things are occurring at the same time. If they do, it would be their downfall immediately. However, they didn't account for innovation.

"Gerald, I do not know how many people in your country farm, but in the US, only one to two percent of our workforce works as a farmer."

"Wait, just that much? How populous is the United States?"

"Around 300 million people."

Gerald heard it. But he could not really comprehend just how big that was. He never had accurate data on population in the kingdom, but he knew for sure that 300 million was unheard of in a single country. Including the Tillerian and Onleng empire.

"Mr president, I never asked this before, but how many people live in Washington D.C?"

Gerald knew roughly how many people lived in the kingdoms capital. At least 70,000 people lived in the capital.

"Hmmm, if I remember correctly, around 700,000 people live in Washington D.C."

Gerald was shocked. To think their capital was so populated. Just how big was Washington D.C?

"Well, if your still curious, I was thinking of showing you around D.C, our history, and more.

"I would be honored to do so."

"Oh, actually." The president pulled something from under his chair. It was a beautiful wooden box. The type to hold vintage coins and such. It was a little smaller than the width of the President's torso. He opened it to show a piece of wood and purple crystal.

"Do you happen to know what these are?"

Gerald didn't quite understand, however princess Dianna immediately did. "That's a piece of Macana wood and Mana crystal!"

"So you know of these?"

"That piece of wood is often the most prized, but also the most rare Mana Catalyst which exists!"

"Mana Catalyst?"

"Most ordinary people cannot manipulate Mana immediately so they need to rely on what we call Mana Catalysts. Each type is different and there are some trade offs with each type of catalyst."

"And this Macana wood is rare then?"

"They can only be obtained in very cold and dangerous areas. However, what makes them good isn't so much rarity, but its characteristics. Unlike a Mana crystal, the wood can continue to collect Mana for its lifetime. However, not many are on the market for purchasing, especially in the kingdom of Astra. Mainly because the kingdom imports all Mana catalysts."

"What about this crystal then?"

"I know that the color of the crystal is an important factor of how much Mana it contains. Lighter colors tend to mean less and darker means more Mana. Although.... I haven't seen such a deep purple color before. Where did you obtain these?"

"As you may or may not know, our northern border has been encroached by a bunch of rabid bears. They have been leaving these purple crystals everywhere every time they were killed. Furthermore, this wood has been found up north in some surveys conducted. From our intelligence, it appeared that these were rare so we just wanted some confirmation."

"If that is true, then this country is in danger Mr. President."

"What kind of danger exactly?"

"A large presence of Macana trees indicate a natural area for Mana beasts to appear as you may already know. This includes flying beasts and ground beasts. Although I don't know much beyond that. Perhaps the church of cultivation knows more."

"Thank you for that information."

It would not be long until Dianna and Gerald finish their visit and returned to the Blair guest house. That evening.

Everyone from the Astra envoy met up in the meeting room again.

While all were sharing their amazing Dianna and Gerald were able to talk about their experiences.

Gerald spoke first. "Their president was extremely knowledgeable, and I genuinely felt that there will be agreements coming forward as the next month rolls by. I feel that if we continue to have dialogue, we will only find benefits. Especially regarding the predicament of the Tillerian empire situation. But never mind my thoughts. Your highness."

He let her speak. "Although I am not well versed in foreign policy, I am the most well versed in manipulating Mana. From what the president showed me today, I can almost guarantee that the US will become a powerful player."

"What exactly did he show you?"

"A deep purple Mana crystal and Macana Wood. Two of the most prized possessions of any Mana practitioner. I didn't show it then, but the power coming from the purple Mana crystal was immense. More so than any crystal I have seen up till now. However, even the most basic Mana crystal on the market will be almost unattainable for the average person. But I learned today that they could have warehouses full of these crystals, just waiting to be used."

Everyone was shocked. Because if this was the case, then it could quickly destroy the equilibrium that currently exists between the major powers on the main continent. Controlling any supply of Mana crystals is crucial to a strong military and National prestige.

"However, we know they have a capable and strong military. The only question is, will be increase dialogue between our two nations?" Although there may have been some protests before, everyone knew that a large supply of Mana catalysts is the way to go to convince members of parliament back at the kingdom.

Soon, the US would announce the ratification of the Most Favored Nation trading status between the two countries as well as the first intergovernmental military alliance charter in the new world. The Democratic Alliance Treaty Organization. DATO.