Presidential Office.

3:00 PM

A pair of anachronistically dressed individuals entered the room. President Irwin easily identified them as Azurian delegates thanks to the brochure sent by the Department of State, raising an eyebrow in fascination at their outfits and facial features.

“Mister President,” Ambassador Anderson greeted.

President Irwin stood up. “Welcome back Ambassador! And you two must be the delegates from the Kingdom of Azuria. I’m President Irwin Patris. Welcome to the United Federation of Elysia!”

The pair bowed, Ruprecht stepping forward to address him. “Thank you for your endless hospitality, President Irwin Patris of the United Federation of Elysia.”

“Please, no need for such long titles. You can call me President Irwin if you so please.”

After exchanging pleasantries, President Lee led the delegation to a conference room, where his cabinet was already present. Taking their seats, the Azurians felt their hearts pounding in nervousness and anticipation.

“The first topic we’ll be discussing is trade,” Anderson began.

President Irwin spoke. “On Elysia, our home world, we used to import exotic food from all over the planet, which could only be grown only in certain environments.” He handed a list to Ruprecht. “For starters, we’re interested in importing about 120 million tons of these food products.”

Ruprecht read through the list. Some items were familiar to him, such as wheat and coffee beans since his people grow wheat for food as well as for export and coffee beans, due to having seen Anderson and his guards using them to make drinks which had a strange rejuvenating effect much like tea. Other items were much more alien to him such as bananas, durians, lychee, grapes and peppers. “Hmmm, I don’t know what most of the items on this list are, but I can guarantee that the lands of Azuria can provide the amount you asked for.” Ruprecht raised a hand. “However! We do not have the capability to transport such massive amounts of food over sea as most of our trade is done over land to the Principality of Lior.”

President Irwin looked at the Secretary of Trade and Commerce, who is already writing down notes. “Don’t worry about that. We can provide the necessary infrastructural modifications, from the development of a railroad system to the expansion of your ports, even the construction of airports could be done. You may also view our agricultural machines and we can discuss corporate investment later on.”

Ruprecht smiled. “Your generosity knows no bounds,” he bowed his head slightly and gave the list to Evatyr to read.

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“The second topic of today is cultural exchange,” Anderson announced.

“After a brief health screening and inspection to safeguard against any unknown pathogens from both sides, and setting up the appropriate regulatory bodies, we will open up tourism and merchant trade. Most items sold in the Federation will become available to any Azurians wishing to purchase, although certain core technologies will of course be withheld.”

Ruprecht nodded, happy with the offer which aligned with the Duke’s goal. “Yes, that is reasonable.”

“Furthermore, we are interested in an exchange of knowledge; magic is something we would like to learn about.”

“Hmmm… we are willing to divulge any acquired knowledge on the topic of magic, in exchange for a defense treaty.”

President Irwin folded his hands. “Mister Raynard, any thought?”

The Secretary of Armament and Defense stood up. “I believe that the analysis of magic is a top priority for our national security, and the establishment of a defense treaty to both secure this knowledge and protect our trade is beneficial for us all. There is nothing to gain by shunning our potential trade partners and starving ourselves of beneficial knowledge as well as food, not to mention the destruction of Azuria and Lior surely would not go well with the general public.”

President Irwin nodded. “Okay,” he turned to Ruprecht. “We are willing to negotiate a defense treaty, but we will need access to some of your land and ports in order to establish bases. Is that alright?”

Ruprecht contemplated this. If the Elysians decided to backstab them, having bases already inside Azuria could be devastating. However, this doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, he reasoned. The fleet of metal ships going about in the Great Sea could be deployed quickly, regardless if the Elysians had a naval base in Azuria. With their iron dragons, Azuria could not put up a fight either way. Therefore, he concluded, there was nothing to lose by allowing the Federation to establish bases in Azuria. “Yes. You have permission to establish bases in Azuria, but I must discuss specifications with my Lord, Duke Kalush first.”

Inwardly, Ruprecht was overjoyed. The presence of Elysian bases would essentially guarantee their safety from Yarian conquest should the time come. He sighed in relief as the meeting drew to a close. After finishing with sending his manacomm message to the Duke and settling in the new building where the Azurian embassy would be, he sat down on a small bench outside, thinking about the hopeful future of his country.

He looked over to his right. “You think this will work, Evatyr?”

“I have hope.” She answered.

“Maybe we can settle down, focus on our future instead of working like this.” Ruprecht said.

Taking a deep breath, Evatyr leaned on his shoulder. “After all of this is over, I promise.”