Approaching Italian Air Space, 7 days later, 8:32 AM

Travelling aboard the Type-3 La Chaos plane of the Muan government, Lerney groaned as he paced around the cabin of the plane. It had been a long journey to Italy. In fact it had been 5 days since they took off from Otaheit. Almost a week of layovers and resupplying, Lerney was thinking he was rather tired of sitting down now.

He rubbed his back as he looked to his fellow colleagues. As he wore his glasses and mindlessly rubbed his moustache, Myrus Leclerc's 30 years of experience in Mu's army was evident. Being a Technology Officer of the Department of Information Analysis, Lerney knew he was the perfect candidate to deduce Italy's technological capabilities. Right now Myrus was busying himself with reading Mugei's reports, even if they were not too detailed.

Next was Dalia Kolmann. Part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Civilian Livelihood, Kolmann had been at the forefront to improve the quality of living of Mu. She was the perfect woman to deduce Italy's development. Right now, she was napping the journey off as she groggily brushed aside her blonde hair for comfort.

Finally, there was Jon Enning, an elven man from the Ministry of Culture. Having traveled his whole life when he was younger, Jon was ecstatic to learn more about Italy's culture. Like Myrus, he too was reading files on Italy this time on their history and various customs. Lerney watched Jon move his hand around for some odd reason.

Along with some of their aides, the Mu delegation to Italy was now nearing the airspace of the republic. Lerney stood there in anticipation as he fidgeted with his pocket watch, "Any moment now..."

As if on queue, a loud noise could now be heard outside. Everyone including the once sleeping Dalia then looked out the window. Lerney looked out as well as the pilot spoke into the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, here are the flight escorts of the Italian Air Force. We are officially in Italian airspace and will be landing in an hour."

Lerney looked to the flying machine. It looked slick and grey, almost alien even. He could have sworn he saw the pilot wave at him. Myrus then joined him with a smile as he adjusted his glasses, "The Italians call it the Eurofighter Typhoon. Quite a beauty." He said with a smile.

"Indeed. It makes you think just how long Mu has been gone from Gaia for the Italians to be this advanced," Lerney said in contemplation as he stared at the jet.

...

An hour later, Lerney looked out the window as he could see the Italian landscape. The distant city centre of Rome could be seen along with its suburbs as they were now gradually descending to land into the airport.

Lerney made sure his seatbelt was secure. And finally, after five whole days fo flying and landing, the Muan delegation has finally arrived to Italy. Lerney and the others immediately looked around as they immediately gasped at their first taste of modern technology. The airport was huge, bigger than Otaheit La Doma Aerodrome, and ahead seemed to be aeroplanes that were like the La Chaos. There were dozens of parked planes with varying designs, while aeroplanes coloured blue or with the Italian flag lined up near the terminal.

The La Chaos taxied on for a moment before it then finally stopped in front of a set of vehicles. Lerney could see a woman with brown hair wearing a suit along with a few others. It took a moment, but as the air crew opened the door and set down the stairs, Lerney adjusted his coat before he smiled.

He stepped out as he looked around. Lerney adjusted his monocle as he approached the woman who had her own smile, "Welcome to the Republic of Italy, sir! I'm Bianca Lorenzo, minister for foreign affairs. A pleasure to meet you!" She said enthusiastically as she offered her hand.

Lerney smiled. He tipped his top hat before he shook her hand, "Well hello there! A pleasure Miss Lorenzo," he said. Soon enough, the others then arrived to Lerney's side. "Oh yes! Miss Lorenzo, I'd like to introduce the rest of the delegation..."

...

Bianca sat across Lerney and Myrus as they rode in the sedan taking them to Rome. Myrus eyed the cars that drove alongside them as he took note of the designs while Lerney busied himself with Bianca who spoke, "We have planned out an itinerary based on your approved requests, and my ministry's ideas on the best way to show off Italy. We got approval to tour your delegation to one of our most important shipyards in La Spezia, including a demonstration of our jets and flagship of the navy."

"Oh that's so exciting. The reports we received from Mugei were unbelievable that we just had to see for ourselves," Myrus said with a wide smile as he and Lerney received each a folder detailing their trip. As they opened their files, Bianca continued.

"We truly appreciate your nation reaching out from such a far side of the world. Italy is still taking its time to make sure we've truly stabilised everything," Bianca said.

"I can imagine the chaos when Italy was transferred here. It must've been as bad as the panic our ancestors experienced," Lerney said.

"There was quite the panic, yes. The riots and heartbreak was heavy but we've been slowly settling down here in Elysia," Bianca said. "Thanks to our allies here in the region we've since stabilised the country despite the challenges we faced."

Myrus looked out again to the window as he left the conversation to Bianca and Lerney. As he gazed outside, he couldn't help but spot a passing flying machine.

...

As the cameras flashed and the welcoming band played, Lerney looked around as alternating flags of Italy and Mu dotted the hall. Ahead, Giovanni stood alongside Roberto with their own polite smiles. Lerney smiled as he offered his hand to the two men.

"Welcome to the Quirinal Palace, sir Lerney," Roberto said with a smile as he shook Lerney's hand. "I'm Roberto Sotto, president of Italy. And this is my head of government, Giovanni Canessa."

"It's so finally nice to meet you two. We have a lot to talk about," Lerney said.

...

The diplomatic meeting between the two was energetic. Excitement of all sorts swirled around the room, especially due to the fact that both nations came from the same planet. But as the joy subsided, a sense of dread and sadness befell onto the Italians as Giovanni asked the question they had in their minds since the transfer, "So then... There is really no way back to Earth?"

Lerney lost his smile before he frowned and sighed, "I don't think so, your excellency. Mu has been in Elysia for over ten thousand years. It's been so long that our own transfer is seen as a story of myth and legend despite it being actual history. If anything the recent transfers eliminated any further doubt of our own."

Giovanni sighed as Roberto sat there thoughtfully. The mood wasn't the best right now, but he perked up, "Well... It will certainly take us some time to accept that we'll be here for good. But, seeing as Italy has so far fairly stabilised I suppose we will pick our heads up soon enough."

Lerney nodded, "I've no doubt that you will, your excellency. Our embassy in Parpaldia has been watching your country. The War in Rodenius, the Second Demon War, and the Attack of the Hydra. We have been truly impressed with your military might. You've been making the rounds here in the far east and are rising as a top power as far as I'm concerned."

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The prime minister took a more humble approach, "We were just acting on the interests of our nation. We don't usually engage in military operations frequently until all that happened."

Lerney smiled, "A nation who is humble with their military capabilities despite their power. I... don't think we've met any country on Elysia like that."

Giovanni sighed, "Sometimes we forget that Elysia is not like Earth. Every time we go to meet a new country around here, the leaders always seemed to tremble and try to appease us from the get go. Having this sort of diplomatic meeting where we both immediately know we are equals? It's a refreshing experience."

Lerney nodded, "That I agree with, your excellency."

..

The next day

As the Frecciarossa traveled down the tracks at immense speed, Myrus looked around in astonishment at how smooth the experience had been so far. And how thankful he was that he made sure to have the Italians accommodate them in transport more appropriate for an everyday civilian.

Myrus sighed in relaxation as he reclined his seat. Across him, Jon continued to read a provided book given to them by the Italians. A comprehensive history of the Republic of Italy, translated to the common tongue. Deciding to get into some conversation, Myrus cleared his throat, "So then Jon, what do you think so far?"

Jon looked up before he hummed, "Mmmm... I am impressed," he said. Despite his monotonous voice, Myrus knew that Jon was being honest. "This Italy has a very rich history. They first started as bloodthirsty warriors before they slowly evolved to a dedication to religion... After that, an explosion in the interest of the arts and science made them a major cultural hub of Gaia... I cannot wait to see this Uffizi gallery."

Myrus smiled, "You'd think you were just in another Third Civilization country with how their cities are. They look like they're stuck in time. Which makes their advanced technology all the more amazing to see."

"The contrast is truly amazing... They continue to advance through the years without losing their identities. And the way their culture is quite similar to the Philadeans, it explains why they've incorporated easily since the transfer," Jon said. "But they're also distinct enough for me to need a book on. Did you know Italians tend to speak with their hands as well?"

Myrus rubbed his chin for a moment, "It did seem like mister Canessa was... rather animated. I did notice he moved his hands a lot when we spoke."

"It's quite a cultural quirk, to put emphasis in words through actions. Despite the regionalism here in Italy, I guess that's one thing that unites them all. That and cuisine."

Myrus rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Hmm... Their history of innovation explains their technological prowess, I suppose. I did some online research on their weaponry and they have this company called Beretta, founded during that period of sudden cultural innovation. Apparently they make guns so efficient they are exported and sought after back in Gaia. Even by their strongest nations."

"Any chance we'd have a gander for a few?" Jon asked curiously.

"Well with both of our countries being from Gaia, maybe there could be a layer of trust. Right now they have an active law to prevent technological exports considered of strategic value... But if we make sure to keep our relationship with them on good terms, we may just get some of their guns."

"That would be a relief," Jon said with a deep sigh. "Because I am not liking how things are looking in Leifor."

"Yeah... Me neither."

...

Aman Hotel, Venice, 10:32 PM

Dalia shut off the lights of the en-suite bathroom as she sighed in satisfaction. As she adjusted her sleeping robe, the woman tossed her towel onto the nearby armchair to dry before she slipped on the provided indoor slippers courtesy of the hotel.

Dalia looked out to the window for a moment. Deciding to approach it, she unlocked the window and pushed it open as the sounds of gentle water paired well with the warm lights of the city.

Venice, a city on water. Such a concept wasn't unknown, but it was uncommon. And to see a city as large as this being on water was practically impossible. The most Dalia would see with this concept were small villages on stilts. And yet here it was, a large city that used the sea as its vessel.

She took a deep breath as she looked around. Dalia watched a few late night boats travel up and down the Grand Canal. As she stared a particular boat, she watched as there was looked to be Parpaldian nobility being gently guided by a gondolier down the canal. And in another site, a beastman family being taken by a photographer in front of the city lights.

Well, it was no surprise a place like this was popular. Dalia hummed as she thought to herself for a moment before she looked to the desk behind her. On it was a single journal, and a fountain pen. As she then closed the window, Dalia approached the desk and took her seat.

She opened the journal to the latest page. It was time for her next entry. Dalia thinks to herself for a moment before she starts to write.

Day 3 of our trip to Italy

We have been traveling around the country ever since we arrived. And yet there was no exhaustion as one may expect. The fast trains has allowed us to see much of the sights in such quick succession.

There is a certain interest that my colleagues have observed. Culture, technology, but as you know, I'm seeing a certain lack of... hardship. Yes, that's an appropriate word.

Reading online, Italy isn't shy to admit that their country is not perfect, especially in the south. Like every country there are those who struggle with social development. Homelessness, lack of education, or unemployment are all things not unheard of. But here, somehow even the worse off are better off than the peasants of Mu. In fact, a lower income family here would seem like nobility than say those in barbarian nations.

Of course, I recognise that not all struggles are the same. And the government knows that as well. Apparently Italy has had history of struggling governments and many even believed that the Canessa administration should have collapsed due to the transfer.

And yet here they were, prevailing. The government had a basic message that they wanted to convey to us. No Italian is left behind. They offer luxurious healthcare unheard of in undeveloped kingdoms for a cheap price. Their top public universities give incentives and scholarships to those who can achieve yet cannot afford it. And those struggling in the streets were slowly being brought into their own apartments. Despite the crisis of the transfer.

This gave me a thought. When was the last time Mu had helped the common folk? Much of the common folk in the country spend their days either working in the factories or the fields. And if not so, they work odd jobs such as distributing the newspaper or keeping track of tram riders. Or, worse still, work as coal miners and chimney sweepers. And despite the soup kitchens and water pumps we may build, it seemed like the poor of Italy is way better off than the poor of Mu.

I suppose what I want to write here is this. Is Italy perfect? No, not quite. But they make no attempts to hide and try to convey a perfect utopia like all the others. Instead, they show that they do indeed want to try and be actually perfect. A country that thinks of its people. Perhaps that's something we should strive for. Technological and cultural prowess are up there, but one day I hope to see that even the poorest of Mu may at least have a small place to call a proper home.

Dalia looked to what she wrote. Last she read, Giovanni campaigned himself to be a man of the people. It seemed like he was fulfilling that promise.

...

4:13 PM, La Spezia, Day 4

Lerney and Myrus enjoyed the new coats they were wearing as they walked along the docks of La Spezia. They both looked in awe at the slick designs of the Italian Navy ships that were docked in town as they took in their forms. Sharp, yet futuristic. Ahead of them, a man of the navy continued to speak as he explained the ships, "And here we have the completed version of the Thaon di Revel class that we showed you earlier. The ITS Francesco Morosini. She was just commissioned in 2022 and like the rest of her class, is classified as an offshore patrol vessel."

Myrus couldn't help but hold in a snort. If these were mere offshore patrol vessels, then he was the king of Mu. Because these were way too capable to be just OPVs, he thought.

"She's capable of speeds up to 31.6 knots, travel vast distances, and is retrofitted with her main guns, anti-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and anti-submarine capabilities. Onboard her are various helicopters for aerial support as well," the man said.

Definitely not just an OPV.

"Now, honestly folks, I would have loved to show you our bigger ships. La Spezia is more specialised to handle the smaller Bergamini and Comandanti classes that I showed you. All of our bigger ships are down south in Taranto... But luckily we have a visitor from there," he said with a little relaxed smile. As they walked past one of the Bergamini class frigates, he then spoke.

"Ladies and gentlement, ahead in the distance."

The Muans looked to the sea only to spot a large aircraft carrier. They all looked now in interest and anticipation, especially Lerney and Myrus. An aircraft carrier.

"There, the flagship of our navy. The ITS Cavour. She was commissioned just almost twenty years ago. She has a displacement of 27,100 metric tons, a length of 244 meters, and is retrofitted with her own guns for defence and offence. On her are our state of the art F-35B Lightnings which we have begun with full domestic production after the transfer. They should be taking off right about..."

The Italian's voice was then drowned out as the Muans could spot two jet fighters taking off. And as quickly as they did, the jets flew above the Muans, sending an impressive display of speed and sound as their booms resonated through the air.

Myrus couldn't help but look in astonishment as he clapped. He then stared gobsmacked as the jets flew at such high altitudes at quick speeds. Way faster than the Marin planes of Mu.

As for Lerney, he watched this time with excitement. There was no doubt. Italy was gonna be a very formidable ally for the foreseeable future.