Aboard an Airbus A319CJ of the Italian Air Force, 15th of January, 1640; 5 days later

The change of plans had been a fair success. After the Muans were made aware that the Airbus could travel the equivalent of a Rome-Anchorage flight in 17 hours, they suggested that maybe, perhaps, possibly they could come along.

It was understandable, Bianca thought. The plane ride from Mu to Italy took them 5 days. Which made sense with a plane equivalent to that in the 1920s. And Lerney along with the others dreaded such a long journey again. So when she explained that their government plane could make the journey in just a day, they of course wanted, or even nearly begged, to fly with them.

After they communicated with Otaheit, and made sure that their runway was even long or developed enough for an Airbus, all was clear for the journey. And that's how Bianca found herself in the same plane as her Muan counterparts.

Initially, Bianca was told that the Mu Royal Air Corps Marin fighters would be guiding their government plane to... what was it again? Bianca checked her files. Ah, the Delfon's Cross Aerodrome. But due to the Airbus being much faster than the Marin, it seemed that the Muans will instead guide the Italian pilots via manacomm through its magic signals.

"Hey, Misses Lorenzo?"

Bianca immediately looked back. It was Lerney coming from the Muan's side of the plane. He tipped his hat to her as a greeting before he sat beside her, "I would like to say thank you again for the change and extension of our visit. It was... Perhaps unprofessional to do so."

The woman smiled as she shook her head dismissively, "It's alright, Canessa was glad to still have you in the country. I forgot to ask, how was Naples?"

Lerney then sighed melancholically, "Ah the food was simply to die for. Mister Enning had been enthusiastic about the food during his research. Naples was, in my opinion, the best in terms of cuisine."

Bianca chuckled, "I'm glad. If Canessa heard that from you he'd definitely ramble about it in pride."

"Muan food, I'm sure you'll find quite interesting. We've had thousands of years to develop and adjust our palette when we transferred from Gaia to Elysia," Lerney commented as he checked his pocket watch. They should be nearing Otaheit soon.

"Huh... That made me think, how did Mu handle the transfer actually? Because an ancient nation being brought to another world... I'm sure such reactions are much slower compared to ours," She said as she rubbed her chin.

"Ah yes. In our history books, it was written that ancient Mu took almost three months to actually realise that they were transferred. The first signs were the mysterious creatures arriving, being the wyverns and dragons. And what came next were overseas vessels and sailors no longer returning... And when they finally did start an expedition and returned about a month-ish later? Yes, about that time. It was debated and realised that Mu was transferred," Lerney explained.

"I see... Well I'm sure we will find answers soon enough. That reincarnated Ravernal soldier from Topa will be coming home soon," Bianca said.

"A certain Mister Luca, yes? Please do update us whenever. I've no doubt that Gaia has changed after so long but... I'm sure our people wouldn't mind at least seeing the planet we've lost again," Lerney said as he sighed. Despite it being ages ago, long before he was alive, there was a certain longing for Gaia in every Muan.

"Don't worry, we will," She said. But then the seatbelt sign turned on as the intercom came to life.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are now set for descent and landing at... Delfon's Cross Aerdrome, Otaheit. It is currently 12:37 PM, local time. Temperatures are expected to be chilly at around 12 degrees. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts as we will now be landing shortly. Cabin crew, prepare for landing."

Lerney then smiled, "Thank the gods I didn't have to spend five days in the air once more. Well misses Lorenzo, I shall see you later."

Bianca smiled and nodded, "Of course. Thank you for the little chat."

Lerney tipped his hat once more before he walked off. Bianca grabbed her seatbelt and strapped in as she watched the cabin crew, much of them being air force personnel as well, start to prepare their landing. One was now sliding the window shades open, and that gave Bianca a view outside.

As of now, much of what she can see were the seas. But as she then looked ahead, she could see a whisper of land through the mist. Bianca looked down to her pants pocket and pulled out her phone. She read through her last messages with her husband, jokingly asking for some souvenirs once she's back. Bianca chuckled at that. It was gonna be an interesting 5 days for her.

...

The first thing she noticed was the smoke.

With the aerodrome settled in the east side of the city, Bianca could immediately see the distant smoke spewing from the factory chimneys as she took in the sight. It was like right out of a Victorian-era movie. Despite the trees surrounding the vast concrete field, there was no use hiding the smoke coming from the factories. Bianca adjusted her scarf and coat at how cold Otaheit was.

Bianca gently went down the steps as her feet finally touched the ground. Lerney then followed as he smiled, "The sights of progress. Welcome to Mu, misses Lorenzo."

She smiled. Bianca then started to follow Lerney and the rest of the delegation to awaiting cars. She took notice of the design. It resembled the Ford Model T, except with distinct Muan design elements such as the patterns dotting its body. After he managed to break his dumbfounded gaze at the Airbus, the driver opened the door for Bianca. She adjusted her scarf and thanked the man before she hopped in.

Lerney followed soon after as he took his seat beside the woman. He watched Bianca look around in fascination. It was more so fascination for the past and not the future like his with Italy's car. He cleared his throat, "I do apologise if everything is not up to your usual standards."

"Oh no I'm fine, I just find it so fascinating," Bianca said with sincerity in her voice. The driver then hopped in and as he signalled to the rest of the convoy, they were now off to head to the castle. "Besides, we've met with nations that were more ancient compared to this. We don't look down to those with a technological gap."

Lerney nodded, "Indeed, and as you can see, Mu is much like the industrial powerhouse of your own country. We manufacture the majority of our own goods such as automobiles, military equipment, and civilian technology."

"I can see that," Bianca said as she looked out the window. She eyed the passing terminal building and control tower, on it which were elven-looking mana comms that contrasted greatly to the Victorian-esque design of the building. "Back in our world, our economy was much more interconnected. You can't quite manufacture everything you wish in your own country anymore. But thankfully we've been making steady progress to reach our industrial goals."

"And with that many people stranded in your country? I'm sure it's a win-win," Lerney said.

"I've no doubt about that. And luckily, Canessa has been making sure that those new workers would be paid fairly. Exploitation through low wages has been something he's cracking down on," Bianca said.

Lerney adjusted his tie, "Yes... I see."

Bianca looked out the window again as she took in the sights. They seemed to be going through some sort of middle class suburb with houses resembling that of British homes. Except in a more... elegant matter. There were people walking about as they'd look to the convoy, and Bianca in curiosity.

The automobile continued through the city as Lerney would make comments and provide explanation to any areas of interest. The East Helpen Market, the General Zariath Monument, the Royal Fine Arts Museum; Bianca's eyes scanned everything as she practically felt like she was in a movie.

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As they passed what seemed to be a more industrial area, the crowds of humans slowly mixed with a sizeable group of dwarves. They went down the main avenue of the industrial area where their biggest companies were based in. Bianca remembered that their additional plan for the Muans was a tour of the Beretta factory, and how their guns were made.

But compared to the cleanliness back in Italy, Bianca took notice of how... Very busy the people were, as if their lives depended on it. In fact, she could see more dwarves than humans now, with the humans seemingly taking a more managerial role. Bianca looked to a group of dwarves carrying some heavy cargo onto a truck as their car stopped. She could see the toughness in their bodies, but the exhaustion in their eyes.

Bianca frowned a bit. It seemed like there was no interest in the workers much like before in history, and as she looked to Lerney, clearly he was disinterested in the area as he was more akin to scanning his personal notebook. Bianca looked back outside as her and a dwarf's eyes met. He looked... Much more childish than the rest. But their gazes were now broken as the car drove off.

As they reached the downtown of Otaheit, the streets were rife with activity. Trams ringing their bells, horses whinnying in complaints from the noise, and automobiles honking their horns at other road users. Bianca noticed how diverse the crowd was. Mostly humans, but there were also some elves, beastmen, what looked to be fairies as well, all under a city that resembled a steampunk landscape. It was captivating to see, and Bianca couldn't help but look at the gothic high rises that were now prevalent around them.

...

Bianca could not believe what she was seeing right now. As they drove uphill, ahead was the Royal Castle of Mu. And castle was understating it, it looked almost like a citadel. As they drove through the castle gates, Bianca looked around. With that, Lerney spoke.

"Here is the Royal Castle of Mu. Built around 1013, we have since upgraded the castle grounds through the years to accommodate the every government agency that eases thought of. Though slowly we have since started to disperse and have government buildings around the city," Lerney explained.

Bianca took in the sights. She could see a medieval castle in the centre, and then the newer looking palace grounds amid the other government buildings. She then looked to Lerney, "I've never seen such a sight."

"This castle is a big pride among us Muans. I'm glad to have you witness a very important marvel of our country," Lerney said with a little chuckle.

As the automobiles then stopped in front of the main doors of the palace, or castle still as called, Bianca thanked the servant as she hopped out and looked around. The higher altitude of the castle on the hill gave the air a cleaner feel along with how far it seemed to be. The drive took nearly 20 minutes. With Lerney beside her, and a few of her aides and coworkers behind, Bianca started to walk through the halls of the palace.

The inside had a sense of posh drabness with lots of green and warm wood. Bianca looked around as she took in the interior of the palace, and as she did Lerney explained, "This is the south wing of the castle. It was built just about a hundred years ago. The oldest part of the castle in comparison was built in 1344. We've since turned that part into the Royal Vault and moved the king and his family to the newer, central building."

"I see... We haven't really done much changes for Quirinal and Chigi except to make sure its structural integrity wasn't compromised. How big is this castle?"

"It takes up about 60 acres of land area. The reason for this was back then, Mu was always heavily sieged against by native Elysians. Otaheit was frequently invaded, so to ensure a strong defensive position for the royal family, we've made the castle grounds large with twists and turns. But it's been almost 200 years since the last time the castle was besieged," Lerney explained.

"I see," Bianca simply said. But soon enough, they reached a large set of doors leading into a grand drawing room. Bianca took in the sights of paintings, mirrors, and intricate sculptures displayed about as in the centre were two sets of couches facing one another. Directed to sit, Bianca sat down with a huff.

There was a certain tension in the air that only she could feel. Bianca has met with numerous world leaders before. Andrew Lee of the US, Takamori Yomoya of Japan, Jacques Durand of France; but this display of wealth felt almost intimidating. Not even with the Prince of Wales she felt out of place. So why here?

Another set of doors then opened. Lerney and the others quickly stood up as Bianca followed.

"His Majesty, King La Mu VI," someone announced.

Bianca looked to the king. He looked to be in his 60s, with greying hair and sporting a nice, fancy suit. Which no doubt was everyday wear for him. There was a certain tubbiness to the man as he walked with a smile. Bianca smiled back as she and the Muans bowed their heads to the king.

"Please, sit," The king said with a gentle tone as they did so. Bianca adjusted her blazer as he watched the king call out for a nearby servant, "Harrick, please serve these fine guests some tea, yes?"

Harrick bowed his head, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Thank you," La Mu said as he watched the servant leave before he turned his sights to Bianca. "So you must be... Bianca Lorenzo, yes?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Bianca said as she offered her hand to the king. "It is an honour to meet the king of such a fine nation. I've been infatuated since we first got here."

"The pleasure is mine as well, misses. Now then... Let's get to business, please tell me more about this Italy of yours," La Mu said as Harrick returned with a tray set of tea.

Bianca pulled out her laptop from her suitcase as she sets it down in front of La Mu. Even Harrick couldn't help but take a look as he effortlessly poured tea for everyone, "This here is a gadget we call a laptop. On it will be a video, aka moving pictures that will explain our nation some more. Please take a look." She said with a smile as she pressed the space bar.

The king took his teacup as he sipped on it. His eyes remained fixated on the screen as he took in the video. The video was the same for every other diplomatic visit. Italy's basic facts, geography, culture, show of industrial and military capabilities, and their desire to begin friendly relations. By the time being, Bianca enjoyed her own cup of tea as he'd look to the king's fascinated reactions. After about ten minutes, the video came to an end.

"With that, Your Majesty, we intend to begin diplomatic relations with you and your nation. Our common heritage with Earth, or well, Gaia, has made us more confident in us being allies. Not to mention the common denominator of being void of magical capabilities, Italy and Mu can achieve greater heights through cooperation," Bianca said.

The king smiled, "I've no doubt about that, young lady. You don't need to convince me much that I can see the upsides of such a diplomatic relationship. Now... shall we discuss further here with Lerney?"

Bianca looked to Lerney before she nodded with a smile, "We shall, Your Majesty."

...

7 hours later

A state dinner wasn't out of the blue. The same was done for the Parpaldians, Qua-Toynians, Topans, and the Muans back in Italy.

But this was way out of proportion.

Bianca stood awkwardly in her newly tailored dress. How the royal tailor could make an amazing dress in a few hours was beyond her. Despite rejecting the corset for how uncomfortable it was, she did not look any different from all the other nobles in the dinner. If anything, why were nobles here in a state dinner meant for diplomacy? She did see that much of them were foreign affairs staff, but the dinner felt less professional and more leisurely.

Bianca swirled her glass of wine as she looked up to the king, who laughed a heartily with humour to a few visitors. But then she looked back to see Lerney in his own fancily tailored suit as he smiled, "Did you enjoy the food?"

"Oh, yes! I did. It was... exotic," She said with a chuckle. Grilled Dasman was something she never thought she'd try. If she even knew what a Dasman was. "The king, hm... He's been a gracious host."

Lerney nodded, "I've no doubt about that. He's always made sure that state dinners would be enjoyable," he chuckled only to hear someone call his name. "Ah, excuse me."

Bianca nodded as she sipped her wine before she sighed. The day had been exhausting and she couldn't wait to lie down in a bed soon. Yet she remained troubled still, but why? Bianca looked to the king. Then the intricate design of the ballroom. The food. The guests.

That's when she realised it.

Bianca felt as if she did not fit in. The glamour and poshness of the party was not the sort of environment she was used to. She was never one to experience richness except only now on state visits as her role with being minister of foreign affairs. Bianca was a people person. But this crowd was not her people. She was a peasant stuck behind castle walls.

...

The dinner finally came to a close after Bianca gave a speech on Italy's commitment to new diplomatic goals for Mu. But as she sat at her desk with a laptop, Bianca could only be thankful that she wore her favourite sweater and pyjama pants. The dress was absolutely suffocating for her.

She looked to the screen. Bianca wondered if she should even type what she had in mind. But she couldn't exactly keep it in her mind either. With a sigh, she started typing.

There is a certain flaw to the country of Mu during the visit. It was the same that can be seen in Louria and Parpaldia, but what made me realise such a thing was how close Mu is to our own history.

The king's castle was settled high on the hill, and surrounded by heavy and thick walls. The air was clean, the view was beautiful, and the grand windows shined through the sunlight that would illuminate the posh decorations and furnishings of the inside.

It would make one feel safe and protected. And sheltered. Our government has made efforts to crackdown on nigh-slave labour in the farms and factories. Such practices are done to retain the highly sought after label of 'Made in Italy' back on Earth.

But here it seemed, there is a certain cluelessness of the king with his people. Less he admits that he never even leaves the castle unless it is to take an airship to his many country palaces. The industrial factories we passed by gave me another side to Mu that made me feel pitiful.

I guess what I want to say is that I feel out of place. Mu is a beautiful country in the right eyes. But to the eyes of the majority here, it is a place they survive in, and not live in.

If even the more developed countries were like this with the people, Bianca thought, then it seemed like Elysia still has a long way to go.