Chapter 7.1: A Meeting of Two Delegates
Queen Sarah's Revenge slowly cruised nearer towards the ashen ironclad. While it was one of the largest ships in Nada Kingdom, it was only about 2/3 the size of the mysterious ship. A gangway ladder was lowered between the two ships as delegates between the two parties prepared to meet each other.
Legatus Franx climbed up the ladder as his retainers remained vigilant against any treachery that may fall upon their leader. Knowing that they were treading on unfamiliar ground (or deck, as in this case), Legatus Franx carefully see to it that he and his troops would not brashly act and provoke the newcomers. To his surprise, the foreigners welcomed him rather amicably.
"I am Legatus Franx of Queen Sarah's Revenge of the Royal Fleet of Nada Kingdom," the military leader said as he mustered his courage, "This location is adjacent to the territorial waters of Nada Kingdom. If you proceed beyond here, you will enter within our Kingdom's domain. Please tell us your ship's nationality and state the purpose of your incursion."
The crew of the unknown ship were dumbfounded as the commander of the other party spoke in a familiar language.
"Did he just speak in English?"
"I guess so...."
"Excuse our manners. I am Raphael Tesoro, a diplomat from the Federal Republic of the Philippines. Our country wishes to initiate a diplomatic relation with yours. Kingdom of Nada, I believe?"
"I see you are your country's envoy," Legatus Franx said, "Very well, I will report your intention to His Majesty. However, I would like to ask a question. One of our Pegasus Knights have encountered a flying object that looked like a flying sword. Is it one of your troops?"
"Yes. It is one of our F-50As, and our country formally apologizes for causing such unnecessary alarm to your citizens. However, we can guarantee that we have no ill intention against your country."
Legatus Franx studied the Philippine Diplomat's words and body language. He cannot detect any guile or mischief from the official, but he perceived a tone of urgency and desperation from him.
"Very well. However, you must wait for a while as I must report your intentions to the Royal Family and the magistrates."
"Um... May we know how many days do we have to wait?"
"Days? No. We can communicate at long distances with our Echo Crystals. You'll have to wait for minutes at most."
"I see. Thank you very much, Sir Franx."
The Philippine diplomat fell into deep thought as he analyzed the situation, feeling a sense of deja vu.
"This is weird. Why does this situation feels a bit too familiar? Perhaps I read to much Japanese Light Novels..."