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Post by Greywall on Apr 25, 2022 20:17:34 GMT -5
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its drive to expand Gaelian relations and establish more trade routes for the realm, began branching out more and more across the globe and assigned Amanda Walsh to Ashigawa. Not much was known about the Ashigawan people, Amanda studied the paperwork given to her aboard the HMS Falcon a UKUG Corvette heading toward the island nation North of Touli.
"Let's see, they're island based. Actually, a bit developed compared to the rest of Touli and somehow have avoided subjugation by the Kumo. Curious." Amanda tried to not think about the Kumosenkan and Ashigawa having similar cultures somehow propping it up to the possibility of the culture simply being a product of Osmosis hundreds of years old via trade and probably old interactions. Prior to her arrival a telegram was sent to Kyoto of the diplo team's arrival, they also because of the proximity of Elenria and having to deliver the diplomat via a warship relayed the journey to Kumo naval command of the Falcon's intent to not enter Kumo waters near Elenria. Amanda laid down in her private bunk staring at the grey ceiling above her mulling over what would be at the best a two month mission with the Ashigawa. "I should have brought more books..."
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Post by aimway921 on Apr 25, 2022 20:56:07 GMT -5
As the Gaelian ship pulled into the Kyoto harbor, everyone on board would feel the stark difference of this land from their home. Hot and humid, the shoreline, in places not yet consumed by urban sprawl, had primarily palm trees growing. Even from afar the peculiar architecture could be seen on the larger buildings, such as the Imperial Palace located on a hill overlooking the city, it's curved roofs rolling from practically every floor of the building being nothing like the construction styles on Toichi (Ashigawan name for the Megacontinent), with the exception perhaps of Kumosenkan.
Soon enough the ship has been safely docked in the port of Kyoto. On the pier, a welcoming party has assembled. 3 fox men in light khaki uniform were waiting for the Gaelian representative. The two on the sides were holding rifles in the Present Arms position. The one in the middle had a traditional Ashigawan sword strapped to his side, and a handgun holster to the other side. All were wearing white gloves. The one with the sword has an officer cap on, while the two men beside him had regular soldier caps. Behind them had been waiting a beautiful, heavily ornamented horse-drawn carriage.
As the Gaelians approached, the officer in the middle bowed.
"Welcome to our beautiful country," he said in Commons, though with a thick accent. "My name is Hagasowa, Captain of the Kempeitai. I will be your guide and guard for the duration of your stay."
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Post by Greywall on Apr 25, 2022 21:17:20 GMT -5
Walsh would smile and nod back trying to not let the humidity get to her, "Thank you for receiving me, I am honored to be here in your country." She took in the scenery but couldn't but notice the Gaelic crew of the Falcon were now on deck looking at the city taking it in as well. Some of the sailors' voices carried down saying "bloody hell its hot" "they carry swords still, ah that's actually wicked" "think we get-" before much more could travel down to the port an officer shooed them back to their duties.
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Post by aimway921 on Apr 25, 2022 21:52:54 GMT -5
Hagasowa motioned towards the carriage. "Please, this way." The two soldiers quickly approached the carriage and opened the doors for the guests to enter. As the Gaelians were seated on one side and Hagasowa on the other, the two soldiers closed the doors and stepped up on the ramp at the back of the carriage. Hagasowa, meanwhile, addressed the driver through a small window in the front before closing it, and the carriage began moving.
It was noticably cooler inside the carriage, especially as it began moving and a breeze woodshed in through the vents.
"Perhaps this would make you feel better," Hagasowa said, as he opened a compartment on the wall opposite of the wall, revealing a mini bar, several shelves lined with glass bottles and crystal goblets.
"Water, still or sparkling, iced tea, or sake. All chilled to a nice temperature to cool off in this weather."
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Post by Greywall on Apr 25, 2022 22:14:43 GMT -5
Walsh gave a small laugh in relief, "water please". The heat had made her and the assistant aiding her both begin to sweat, and they willingly took anything to get relief from it. "It doesn't get this warm in Faroe. Though I think the climate is like this in Cricon and Zedonia. Never been this close to the equator actually." She paused to take a drink letting the cool water bring immediate relief.
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Post by aimway921 on Apr 25, 2022 23:08:03 GMT -5
Hagasowa patted the part of his face that would've been a beard had he been human.
"We Ashigawans don't mind the weather. It might counterintuitive to some, but our fur coats protect us both from the cold and from the heat. The rain, however - I believe everyone is miserable in the rain, humans and beastfolk alike."
The officer would pour some iced tea into a goblet for himself and take a sip.
"Let's get to the agenda for the next several days. Right now we shall get you settled in the Asashi Hotel. It's the most prestigious hotel in the city, located in the middle level. The Citi is divided into 3 levels, see. Both by status and actual elevation. The Lower level holds lower middle class housing, factories, etc. Middle level is where most of the upper class live. Upper level is for the nobility and government institutions - including the Imperial Palace."
"After you are settled in, we can tour some of the historic cultural districts, or you can rest, the choice is yours. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will see you tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, however, the Emperor would not be available for an audience for 3 days."
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Post by Greywall on Apr 26, 2022 8:13:51 GMT -5
Walsh was slightly taken aback about the wait but understood, “I think I might rest a day and then tour the city. I think it would be lovely to learn about your country while I’m here.”
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Post by aimway921 on Apr 27, 2022 22:56:25 GMT -5
As they were talking, the carriage pulled to a stop. Exiting, the party would find themselves under a lanai in front of the main entrance to a large building. The pearly white walls seemed to be polished to the point of reflecting sunlight. A small staircase, also covered by the roof, led to ornate gold-trimmed red doors. The two soldiers were already by the doors, opening them.
"Please, after you," Hagasowa gestured towards the door, with a slight bow.
As they were all inside, they were greeted by 5 workers of the hotel - all women, wearing traditional kimonos. Unfortunately, they did not speak Commons, although from the circumstance of the situation, it was obvious they were telling the visitors "welcome".
Hagasowa approached the hotel worker behind the receptionist desk and talked with her in a hushed tone for a few seconds, before returning to the Gaelians.
"This place is called Asagi Hotel. Your rooms will be on the second floor. There are 3 rooms - one for each of you, and a third as a temporary office. It has already been furnished to serve that function. We", he motioned towards his soldiers, "as your guides and guards, will be housed in 2 rooms across the hall from you, so you will always be able to find me if you need anything."
Several minutes, the Gaelians would be escorted to their rooms, where they would part ways with Hagasowa - for now. The inside of each room was exquisitely decorated. A large bed - although much lower to the floor than the Gaelians would be used to - was standing at the center of the far wall. In the center - a low table, although no chairs. The table was so low, the only reasonable way to sit at it would be on the floor - which, only around said table, was covered with what looked like a very soft carpet. The wall opposite of the table was occupied by a dresser with 6 drawers. On top of it were several books, a radio and a telephone. Two booklets were laying by the telephone which at a first glance seemed to have titles written in Commons instead of Ashigawan. A ceiling fan was moving the air around the room, keeping it cool. The view from the window opened up upon the Imperial Palace, still a ways out but certainly closer than from the deck of HMS Falcon, surrounded by lush greenery growing on the mountain that the Palace was built upon.
About 15 minutes after the diplomats were left alone in their rooms to unwind from their long trip, a knock came on the door. A maiden has handed the Gaelians a light but large box. A folded note would be tied to the ribbon on the box. Written in commons with elaborate handwriting, it read:
"Dear guests of Ashigawa. We have noticed that you may not have anticipated the climate in this part of the world, for it is as unfamiliar to you as the climate of your home unfamiliar to us. We hope that this gift from the Office of Foreign Relations will provide you relief in the heat of this spring and upcoming summer."
Inside they would find a set of clothes in a traditional, though slightly modernized, Ashigawan pattern. In green and white colors, meant to personalize the gift, as the shade of the green matched perfectly with the green on the Gaelian flag, the outfit consisted of an ankle length silk skirt, linen white blouse, short linen robe meant to wrap around the front and fastened at the side and tucked into the skirt, a silk belt that would fit into belt loops in the skirt, and an open-faced Haori jacket extending halfway to the knee. The soft and comfortable materials were light, and much more suitable for the hot weather compared to the Gaelian wool and cotton.
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Post by Greywall on Apr 28, 2022 19:53:25 GMT -5
Walsh would thank the maiden for delivering the clothes, her and the aide that came with her would go into their individual rooms and washed off in the bath cleaning off the excess sweat they accumulated. Walsh changed into the Ashigawan outfit and immediately felt a difference, she looked out the window at the city she was in, dominating the scene was the imposing Imperial Palace. There was no telling what history and stories were made here as the world turned on, Ashigawa was a nation of mystery and of the unknown the Gaelians, some sailors would meet them in the open sea and traders would meet them but not much more. She stepped out of the room heading to the room meant to be used for an office. As she entered her aide was already inside wearing her Ashigawan clothes as well, preparing the office to be used. "We have 3 days to prepare, let's set up shop and then go find us something to eat around here."
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Post by aimway921 on Apr 28, 2022 21:14:03 GMT -5
The two Gaelians would be left to their devices for the rest of the day, complimentary meal brought to them by the hotel staff at 5 pm, consisting of rice, vegetables fried in tempura, an okra salad and roasted fish.
Next morning, they would be greeted by Hagosawa at around 9 am, as they got ready to go meet the Foreign Affairs Minister. The same carriage would be used to bring them to the Upper level, passing several rich mansions, until they'd arrive at a large building that looked to be made of a mixture of concrete and bricks. Perhaps raising questions as to why they are travelling in a carriage, they would see a few automobiles pass by during their journey, that took about 20 minutes.
Inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they would be led to the Minister's office, on the top floor. As they passed through the entry vestibule, the halls, and finally looking inside the office, they would see, just like in any other interior space they have been in so far, exquisite furniture. This would give the impression that Ashigawans are quite the expert woodwork craftsmen.
In the office, there was a large table in the center, with exquisite chairs of wood and leather. A young man dressed in a simple business suit was sitting at a smaller table to the side, with multiple papers, writing utensils and two typewriters - one looking like a regular typewriter, while the other had a large cylindrical shape to it. By the centeral table, they were greeted by a man wearing a more exquisite business suit. Bright blue eyes behind thick lenses of glasses in a thick black frame, the graying tips of fur on his face and tail gave away his rather advanced age. The old man bowed to the guest. "My name is Tagomi. I am pleased to meat you. Please, take a seat."
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Post by Greywall on Apr 29, 2022 20:04:16 GMT -5
Walsh and her aide took their seats, "Thank you for having us Tagomi, I am very pleased to meet you. Your nation's hospitality has been excellent to us we have both been very gracious for it."
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Post by aimway921 on May 2, 2022 1:05:37 GMT -5
"Of course," Tagomi replied. "After all, you are the first foreign diplomat to step foot on Ashigawan soil in decades. Now, without further a due, as the first foreign power to have reached out to us after the ending of our isolationism, I would presume you would like to get straight to business."
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Post by Greywall on May 2, 2022 8:35:24 GMT -5
Walsh slowly lifted her hand balled into a fist to her mouth and cleared her throat, "Of course, I have been given authority by his majesty King Rufus McDonald to extend this offer." Her aide brought out folders with documents signed and approved by King McDonald and Taoiseach O'Donnell, "we would like the expand trade with Ashigawa and provide materials to improve your infrastructure and military capabilities. I do not mean to chastise the capability of the empire, but it is our observation that Ashigawa has fallen slightly behind and this is dangerous with the expansive Kumosenkan on your doorstep. The United Kingdom doesn't want the Empress of the spiders to further disrupt the peace and status quo so we are offering to aid in the uplifting of Ashigawa if you are interested."
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Post by aimway921 on May 2, 2022 10:47:03 GMT -5
Tagomi glanced at the window for a bit, stroking his chin in thought, as he contemplated what response to give.
"So they are worried about Kumo across the world as well..." He said quietly, as if mumbling to himself, but clear enough for Walsh to hear.
"We have been watching them around Elenria from afar for a while now," he said, now in a normal voice, fully turned to Walsh. "To say that their Naval activity in the region is worrying would be an understatement. So, I see you share our concerns. What can you offer exactly?"
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Post by Greywall on May 2, 2022 11:26:33 GMT -5
"We have some warships, outdated for the current climate but they would give you a better chance if they decided to expand over the Ashigawan Empire. We can also sell blueprints and designs for certain weapons, small arms and various military upgrades to improve the Imperial Army. This arrangement would take time, but we believe we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement that keeps the safety of the seas and status quo of Touli. I do want to stress, this is not to enrich Ashigawa with military technology and materials for offensive warfare, we are seeking the determent of war, we do not hate the Kumosenkan we simply want them to respect the sanctity of peace."
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