Another Worldly Summons

Chapter 59: The Wind of Change

"May I know why we hastily built this building to meet the ASEAN? We know they are stronger than most of the barbarians of this world, but this is too much preparation and treatment just to meet them. I can't understand why the 'God of War' would personally request this kind of hospitality and grand welcome for those people from the east." Dallas Claymond, a well-known ardent ultranationalist of the Gra Valkan colonial office in Leifor, said it.

"Dallas, please be mindful of your words."

"Hmm, it's evident they supported Mu and well-known associate with them. It's a risky gamble to be close with them. Honestly, it's like playing in a fire."

"There's nothing we could do, and this is an order. With the exception of Lord Siegfried of the Imperial Guards and Supreme General Xand Pastall, the head of the Warhawkish faction of parliament is also backing Admiral Ceasar too."

Many people are questioning Roland Caesar's decision. Even with his almost legendary status in the Gra Valkas Empire, he won't be able to escape criticism and opposition to his approach. However, no one mentioned it after Guinea Marix, the leader of the Warhawkish Faction in the Gra Valkan Imperial Parliament and the one who is leading the advocacy for the conquest of a second civilization as a foothold in the new world, said that ASEAN were possible allies, if not collaborators, in the new world. Ironically. Despite his radical and aggressive approach to dealing with the second civilization, and his slogan "Mu is for Gra Valkans," he is the one who proposed the 6-month truce in the second border conflict in March, followed by a peace agreement with Mu in September.

Given how powerful and technologically advanced ASEAN is, Caesar's concerns are at least understandable. Nonetheless, Guinea Marix's motivations are unknown, and what he learned that led to his soft and cautious approach toward ASEAN perplexes many. His opponents in parliament thought he was too stupid or insane, and they wanted to know why he would do something like this even with a slightly unusual country in the east. But he didn't answer it straight but rather initiated counterarguments and was vague in his answers, much to the suspicion of the people inside the parliament, including the military and the Imperial family.

"Sir Aariz and Paul were our counterparts for today. Aariz was the chief negotiator, and Sir Paul seems closely related to being a co-negotiator and likely the second highest among them. They are pretty young for this kind of work. Next is their demonym was Southeast Asians not ASEAN..." Rambal continued to give clarification from his papers on hand. They came to a halt as they approached the door where the negotiations would take place."Lastly, the establishment of diplomatic ties and a trade treaty was the top priority so we could determine the true technological threat of this country and develop countermeasures against it. If possible, a non-aggression pact too; am I clear?"

Both nodded as they entered the room

°°°°

As we wait for the Gra Valkan side to arrive, I and Aariz are closely watching the room. Like what we've gathered so far, their warships and weapons are basically carbon copies of the Imperial Japanese. However, we noticed that the entire place here resembles those of Europe, particularly the engraving, which resembles Nordic or German language in some ways.

Aariz swiveled his head as if pointing something at me."Is that Stonehenge?" I said this because certain portraits feature stacks of rectangular stones resembling Stonehenge in Britain."But in the desert?"

"The foundation might be solid either naturally or artificially. Also, this country has a mix of inconsistent architectural aesthetics... British, Japanese, Germans, and even Nordics all mix as if multiple countries have been assimilated or united." A lowly whisper by Aariz as he secretly takes notes using his tablet.