Nihonkoku Shoukan: Thus The Sun Rises In Another World

CH 1: Unwelcoming Demise

Disclaimer: Nihonkoku shoukan is originally written by Minorou.

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-- oOo --

Central Calendar, February 10, 1638

Second Civilization Area, West of the Muish Continent, Paganda Kingdom, capital city of Païenne, Diplomatic Bureau

West of the Muish Continent lay the proud Kingdom of Paganda, a nation notorious for its pride and unyielding arrogance. Strategically positioned as a "gateway" to the greater powers within the Second Civilization Sphere, Paganda thrived on its alliance with Leifor, the fifth-largest power in the region. This partnership, heavily weighted in Paganda's favor, had imbued the kingdom's people with an air of untouchable superiority. They believed their standing as Leifor's favored ally rendered them beyond reproach, cultivating a culture that openly disdained "lesser nations" and saw itself as the threshold of true civilization.

In the heart of Paganda's capital, the Diplomatic Bureau loomed-a stone edifice that seemed more fortress than office. Its granite façade bore intricate carvings depicting scenes from Paganda's "glorious" history: triumphant soldiers, bowing figures from subjugated territories, and emblems of the kingdom's might. Above, the kingdom's bold, crimson banners fluttered in the wind, each stitch proclaiming Paganda's dominance.

Inside, the polished marble floors gleamed under the glow of chandeliers, casting reflections of the bureaucrats as they moved with practiced poise, each carrying an air of self-importance. In the innermost chamber sat Douglas, Paganda's formidable head of diplomacy and a member of the royal family, at a dark oak desk littered with neatly arranged maps, documents, and reports. The room, adorned with tapestries depicting Paganda's many victories, radiated an intimidating opulence.

Douglas, dressed in an immaculate uniform adorned with medals that glinted in the soft light, exuded authority. His expression was sharp, his gaze steely and calculating. He was the embodiment of Paganda's pride, a man who believed in the kingdom's supremacy with every fiber of his being.

A soft knock broke the silence. Douglas's eyes flickered to the door as it opened to reveal Martha, a junior bureau member, who entered with measured steps, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. She held a folder close to her chest, her demeanor composed, though her lips curled ever so slightly into a smirk.

"Lord Douglas," she began, her voice carrying a thinly veiled disdain, "a nation from outside the civilization sphere has arrived, requesting an audience."

Douglas raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued but guarded. "Oh?" His voice was smooth, yet laced with faint amusement. "And which nation might that be?"

Martha handed over the folder, her smirk widening. "They call themselves Japan. It seems they wish to establish diplomatic relations-though, as I mentioned, they're not from within our sphere."

"Japan?" Douglas repeated, his tone dripping with indifference as he flipped open the folder. He scanned the scant details, a slight crease forming on his brow. "Never heard of it. Where exactly are they from?"

"A relatively obscure place," Martha replied, her voice tinted with mockery. "Their location isn't precisely known, but their obscurity alone speaks volumes. They remained unnoticed until now, which likely means they're a primitive, backward society-likely still coming to terms with basic technologies, like a steam engine" She chuckled, a sound as cold as the marble beneath her feet. "They even attempted to contact Leifor first, only to be rejected."