That Time the USA Got Transported to Another World!

Chapter 7: The President Arrives at The Palace

King William II waited outside his palace gate. Anxiety had gotten a hold of him, wrapping its clammy hands around his waist. He knew deep down that if even one thing went awry, the empire built by a lineage of great men would come crashing down. He gulped, looking at the city he ruled over: buildings made of stone bricks, with wooden pillars and broad glass windows; in front of these buildings laid a thick, cobblestone road that travelled upwards. Similar to a small child hugging their mother, the warm embrace of this city said: this is home. Yet, today, the king didn't feel that warmth; instead, he felt cold (like standing in the middle of a snowstorm).

He watched as the carriage he prepared strolled across the road, bouncing up and down with each bump. Thinking back to it, such a rubbish little thing was no fit for a ruler! What would this... president think about it? Would he be mad, or would he be glad? Regardless, he would soon find out, as not even a moment later, the carriage came to a stop. One of his knights (wearing a full suit of armour) rushed over to the side door and said:—

"Ladies and Gentlemen: today is an exciting day! Travelling hundreds of miles, the king of the Land of Warriors has decided to grace our presence!" The common folks dropped everything; they each darted their curious little eyes towards the carriage; one, who seemed far too skinny, whispered to his wife, saying:

"What do you think he looks like?"

"Can't say," his wife said: "he's probably huge... the definition of masculinity!—I bet with one punch he could kill us all without even trying." That would be terrifying, the husband thought. With a quick grab, the knight slowly unveiled the treasure behind the curtain.

"Brethren, I give you..."

"Uh," James said, his face confused as ever; "the President is sitting on the left-hand side." The knight looked up in shock, before scurrying his frail body to the left-hand side, and redoing his introduction.

"Brethren, I give you: the king of the Land of Warriors!—or, the President, as they call him!" Alfred Brown stepped out of the carriage; he took off his top hat and said:—

"Greetings, it's wonderful to be visiting your beautiful country." Out of all things... the husband thought, the king of a barbaric warrior culture... being a sweet old man—

King William II quickly rushed over to Alfred, feeling a wave of relief; grabbing his hand, he interlocked their fingers and said:—

"Hello, thank you for coming; I must say, you don't know how much this truly means to me."
Alfred said: "It was nothing... after all, when a possible ally comes our way, I can't miss the opportunity."

"Indeed; say, why don't you come in? Dinner will be ready in a few hours."

***

The King walked Alfred and James through his palace, passing all sorts of expensive treasures: picture frames made of pure gold; statues of past kings (somewhat exaggerated, of course). Alfred said:—

"I must say, you have quite the place."

"I'm flattered," the king said: "but it's certainly not as grand as your palace... My President?"

"It's Mr. President," Alfred corrected; "but, on the topic at hand: my office is quite nice to be sure, but nothing made of gold like this." The king turned his head slightly, peeking at James. That guy... the Vice President, I think they called him?—he's practically made of gold: each one of those rings is worth at least a few thousand gold coins; are they lying to me?—no, they're trying to appear humble... they know my plan! Curses, of course the Land of Warriors would sniff out my scheme! He cleared his throat—somewhat awkwardly—and said:

"I beg my pardon, but I've called upon the Senate to meet with you before dinner; I hope you don't mind."

"Don't worry," Alfred said. "You said we had a few hours anyway."