Summoning Our Country - NHS Kai

Chapter 19.5: Darkening Skies

Note: This is rose. We wanted to set some things up with this chapter, details which would be important in the development of the Parpaldian arc. We return to Parpaldia and Japan next chapter.

Discord: https://discord.gg/p7NJppEjza 

Cent. Calendar 01/07/1639, Royal Castle, Le Brias, Altaras, 14:20

Escorted by a squad of the elite Altaras Guard Corps, the Japanese delegation, led by diplomat Fujinuma, arrived at the throne room of the Altaran royal castle. Walking on the lavishly decorated, shining marble floor, the Japanese suits made their way down the long hall, lined on both sides with towering glass windows from which the blistering afternoon sunlight flooded in. Looking up, they found the hall's ceiling painted in pitch black, which was then dotted all over by shining gemstones of elegant purples and flashing greens. The awestruck diplomats could only stare with obvious admiration, resisting the urge to pull out their smartphones to take pictures, to at least maintain their professional outlook.

At the helm of the delegation, Fujinuma walked in front, following the backs of the green uniformed guardsmen marching in frighteningly sharp discipline. Beyond the towering headgear of the palace guards, she caught sight of the scene at the end of the throne room. There, beneath a massive hanging banner of the Altaran coat of arms, were two massive thrones of glittering gold. The one to the right was empty, but the one to the left was occupied by a man dressed in a silver-white uniform underneath a cloak of flashy red. The proud expression he wore on his face juxtaposed with his graying hair and beard, his wrinkly fingers decorated with rings of what looked to be solid gold.

Arriving at the foot of the steps that led up to the thrones, the guards parted their formation, coming to a stop at both flanks of the hall and letting the Japanese diplomats move forward. Making eye contact with the old man sitting on the throne, Fujinuma then bowed deeply, followed by the others.

"Our sincerest thanks for hosting us, your highness."

The man's lips slightly curved upwards, reflecting his impression of the diplomats' respect to him, for he was none other than King Taara XIV, the ruling monarch of the kingdom of Altaras.

Taara raised his hands in acceptance of the diplomats' gratitude.

"Naturally, for I and the kingdom only want what's best for all! My heart is touched by your kind response to our hospitality. Now, to whom am I speaking to?"

Rising from her bow, Fujinuma promptly introduced herself.

"I am Fujinuma, your highness. We came here to represent the nation of Japan."

Taara's eyes widened at her statement, which piqued his interest. Leaning in forward, the king gave his maximum attention to the diplomats.

"Japan?! My, my. You are the nation I've been dying to meet!"

The king's slightly wrinkled face brightened up with a smile as he clapped his hands.

"You have been the talk of the merchants, who've been telling tales of either mighty grandeur, economic revolution, or regional instability when mentioning your country! Such controversial topics are only but warranted from those that wiped out the Lourian dynasty in a flash!"

Fujinuma and the diplomats started sweating, their eyes darting from place to place as they swallowed their saliva. They all had varying opinions on Operation Zanzibar, but they were unanimous in dreading the effects their operation had on the region. For the Altaran king to be aware of this, they feared that his perception and impression of Japan had already been warped beyond salvation. Fujinuma opened her mouth to attempt to correct the king, but...