Chapter 340 IFNS Napoleon Part 1
As the small boat came closer, a crane was lowered to lift the Japanese envoy aboard the IFNS Napoleon. The Japanese envoy, a man of stoic appearance, wearing traditional Japanese attire scanned around the deck of the IFNS Battleship.
The first thing he noted was the cannons. Their four cylindrical cannons were huge and the mount was taller than their forts. The deck was meticulously organized, with every piece of equipment and each crew member in their designated places, exuding an air of discipline and order.
The Japanese envoy's eyes continued to wander, taking in the stark contrast between his country's traditional, albeit outdated, naval capabilities and the technological marvel he now stood upon.
The metal under his feet felt solid as if the deck was made out of steel. This wasn't just a ship; it was a floating fortress, a manifestation of the West's technological and military advancement.
Admiral de Richebourg observed the envoy with a measured gaze, noting the flicker of awe and trepidation that passed through the man's eyes. He was aware of the psychological impact the IFNS Napoleon and the rest of the fleet had on their Japanese counterparts. It was an advantage he intended to utilize to the fullest.
He leaned to his side, where an interpreter from the Qing Dynasty, specifically Canton, stood. His name is Li Wei, a man of small stature, wearing a traditional Hanfu, indicative of his Chinese origin. Just like every man in Chinese, they have a hairstyle called Queue, or what the Westerners refer to as a pigtail, with the front part of the head shaven and a long braid at the back, according to the Qing dynasty's hair code.
"Li Wei, I want you to tell these gentlemen here that I'm Admiral of the French Pacific Fleet and wish to know that he is an official of sufficient stature and authority that we can talk to."
Li Wei is fluent in French and in Japanese, so it would be an easy job for him.
Li Wei nodded and turned his attention to the Japanese envoy and spoke in Japanese, relaying Admiral de Richebourg's message clearly and respectfully. The envoy listened intently, his eyes occasionally flicking to the Admiral before returning to Li Wei.
"I am Hayato Takeyoshi, the Governor of Uruga," the Japanese representative replied in his native language formally.
"He introduced himself as Hayato Tekeyoshi, the Governor of Uruga," Li Wei said to the Admiral and Francis after quickly translating the Governor's words.
"Okay, he is a governor, but what I want to ask is if this person in front of me has a direct link to the Shogun, who we have learned is the most powerful figure in Japan?" Admiral de Richebourg questioned Li Wei, seeking clarification on Governor Takeyoshi's authority and standing within the Japanese power structure.
Li Wei relayed the question, and Takeyoshi responded, "I have the authority to communicate directly with the Shogun and represent his interests in matters of foreign affairs."
Li Wei translated this to the Admiral and Francis. The Admiral nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response.
"Okay, tell them that we are escorting them to the Admiral's Quarters where the son of the Great Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, is waiting for him Admiral de Richebourg instructed Li Wei.
As the words were translated, Takeyoshi's eyes displayed a subtle reaction, marking the revelation of the French prince's presence. The two parties then proceeded to the Admiral's Quarters.
Meanwhile, at the Admiral's Quarters. Daphne was on the sofa, lying on it with her front body pressing into the cushions, looking bored. Her legs curled up and her gaze fixed on her brother, Francis.
"Brother, how long are we going to stay here in Edo? Don't tell me we are going to keep this saber-rattling for over a week or the worst month. We need to return to Paris before our father's birthday."
"Don't worry, we are not going to stay here for very long because we have a Japanese envoy heading to us right now as we speak," Francis said in a reassuring voice.
***
Speaking of the Japanese envoy, Governor of Uruga, Hayato, and his courtiers were being led down the corridors of the IFNS Napoleon. The interior of the battleship was unlike anything they had seen before. The hallways were narrow yet efficiently designed, illuminated by bright lights that made every detail visible. The walls and ceilings, made of meticulously joined steel panels, showcased the superior engineering and craftsmanship of the West.
As they walked, the group's eyes were drawn to the intricate network of pipes running along the ceiling and walls, marked with inscriptions indecipherable to them. It was apparent that every element of the ship's design was purposeful, aimed at optimizing performance and utility.
The Japanese delegation was visibly affected by what they saw. Each feature of the battleship's interior underscored the country's technological shortcomings. Every step they took, every new detail they observed, widened the palpable gap between the naval capabilities of their nation and those of the Western powers.
Governor Hayato was silent, his face betraying a mix of awe and concern. The implications of this technological disparity were not lost on him. His country, with its deep-rooted traditions and esteemed warrior class, was ill-prepared to contend with the military might encapsulated in the steel behemoth they were now aboard.
If Japan were to wage war on a country with such huge ships and cannons, Japan would surely lose. And there is no doubt about it.
Arriving at the Admiral's Quarters, Admiral de Richebourg stepped forward and stood in front of the door. He knocked on it gently, announcing their arrival to Francis.
"Come in," Francis responded.
The Admiral opened the door, and the Japanese delegation was beckoned inside.
The interior of the quarters was a stark contrast to the mechanical austerity of the rest of the ship. It was furnished and decorated to provide comfort and a touch of luxury. Governor Hayato and his aides, still reeling from the shock of the ship's advanced engineering, were now faced with the sophistication and opulence that adorned these quarters.
Sitting behind the desk was a western man in his mid-twenties. Wearing a white naval uniform with pins and insignia pinned on the chest. There's no mistaking it, that's the son of the Emperor of France. He was not alone, there was a young beautiful woman in a safe who promptly rose to her feet and curtsied to the Japanese delegation as they entered the room.
Francis rose from his seat, a courteous smile on his face, extending his hand towards Governor Hayato. The protocol was slightly foreign to the Japanese, but Hayato, aware of Western customs, reciprocated the gesture.
"I am Francis Bonaparte, Son of the Emperor of France, Viceroyalty of New France. Welcome to the French Pacific Fleet Flagship IFNS Napoleon. Standing there is my little sister, Daphne Bonaparte."
Li Wei translated Francis's words swiftly. Hayato, absorbing the introduction, bowed low, demonstrating the Japanese custom of respect. The contrast between the Western and Eastern traditions was as distinct as the surroundings each party hailed from.
"Let's begin."
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