Chapter 341 IFNS Napoleon Part 2
The upcoming meeting was crucial for Francis. He had sailed to Japan with a purpose, a purpose he had kept to himself. Above all, he desired glory, and he knew that to gain it, he would need to accomplish feats that would leave an indelible mark on history. And what could be more momentous than ushering Japan into the Western world?
For years, Japan had followed the sakoku policy, sealing itself off from foreign influence and trade. Their determined isolationism kept the nation rooted in age-old traditions, undisturbed by the changing world outside. But Francis was intent on changing that.
For the last two hundred years, Western powers like France, Britain, and Russia had tried and failed to penetrate Japan's isolationist shield. Attempts at diplomacy had been rebuffed; Japan's stoic refusal to engage with the outside world was ironclad. But Francis believed this time could be different. Armed with the combined military might and technological advancement of the West, embodied in the IFNS Napoleon and its fleet, he felt the balance of power had shifted.
Now facing the Governor of Uruga, Francis began the meeting.
"First off, I would like to thank you for voluntarily meeting us despite our sudden appearance. I know the sight of our fleet is shocking to many but I believe that it's our way of announcing our presence. For the last two hundred years, I have been told stories of Western nations trying to establish relationships with Japan only to be turned away. I want it to be different, I want that this time, Japan would open up to France because if you do, you'll enjoy luxuries that we have in the West."
After saying that, Li Wei swiftly translated Francis's words into Japanese for Governor Takeyoshi and his aides. The room was silent for a moment after the translation, the Japanese delegation absorbing Francis's words.
Governor Takeyoshi, with a composed demeanor, took a moment to consider his response. This was uncharted territory for Japan, a nation that had steadfastly maintained its seclusion for centuries. The presence of the Western fleet, an undeniable display of power and technological superiority, punctuated the need for careful deliberation. But the Shogunate had already made their decision. That is to repel the West.
Of course, those decisions were made by the collective decision of the councils who hadn't seen the fleet of the French Navy. They believed that it was just another sailing boat of the west.
"I appreciate your words, Mr. Bonaparte," Governor Takeyoshi began, his response translated back to French by Li Wei. "And your respect for our customs and sovereignty is noted. But unfortunately, protocol is protocol. Your fleet should leave and head for Nagasaki, as that was the designated port for all foreign contact."
Li Wei translated his Japanese words into French and Francis was visibly dissatisfied.
"You see, two years ago, we sent an envoy here on a traditional sailing ship to negotiate trade. But they were kicked out and weren't received well. Do you know what those envoys told us? They weren't taken seriously and were looked down upon. They were told the same thing, leave Edo and go to Nagasaki. The cycle repeats again and again, but that cycle has to stop. So we are not going anywhere, Mr. Takeyoshi until our objective is met. The first being Japan apologizing to the envoy and the second is opening up the country to trade. If those are not met, well I'm afraid that we will have to take drastic measures."
Governor Takeyoshi stiffened at Francis's stern words. Li Wei, caught in the middle, maintained his professional poise, translating the threatening ultimatum back into Japanese.
Hearing the translated words, Takeyoshi shifted in his seat. He scanned the face of the Emperor's son and there was seriousness in Francis's eyes that he could not ignore. The silent threat carried the weight of the entire French navy, anchored ominously in the bay.
"Mr. Bonaparte—"
"You," Francis interrupted as he called the interpreter. "How is he referring to me? Mr. Bonaparte?"
Li Wei nodded in confirmation and Francis felt disrespected. He is the son of the Great Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and has made achievements in his life that are second to his. To be called by that title Mr. is an affront, especially coming from a backward country like Japan. Francis's patience, already thin, began to fray.
"Before you give your response, sir, I need to know how you address the Emperor's son or the Shogun's son for that matter?" Francis asked, trying to draw a parallel to highlight his point.
Governor Takeyoshi responded, "In our land, we address them with titles that signify their stature and position. For example, the son of the Shogun would be addressed as 'Oji-sama'"
Li Wei explained the word "Oji-sama" to Francis and he learned that Oji-sama translates to His Highness.
"In that case, you should call me as such, because I'm no ordinary mister. Tell him that," Francis said.
Li Wei bowed slightly and translated Francis's words. The room was silent except for the soft whispers of Li Wei's translations. Francis's stern gaze remained fixed on Governor Takeyoshi and Takeyoshi bowed his head slightly, as if acknowledging his mistake.
"I apologize if I have caused any offense, Your Highness," Governor Takeyoshi said, acknowledging the French prince's rank for the first time.
Francis nodded. "I appreciate your understanding, Governor. Now, let us proceed to the matters at hand. Which is—that's correct our two objectives and I believe I don't have to repeat it again. So those were not meant in the given deadline, you know what will happen."
Takeyoshi knows what's going to happen, and that is a conflict with the French Pacific Fleet.
"And if it comes to that, let me give you something," Francis added as he flickered his finger. A person entered the room and handed Francis a box.
Francis then handed the box to Governor Takeyoshi.
The Governor, cautious but curious, opened it. Inside it was a folded white fabric and a piece of paper.
"What is this?" he asked.
"That's called a white flag. If our both nations were to be led in an inevitable conflict I will assure you that the French are going to obliterate your forces, starting from your junks that are surrounding our ship and the shore. Just wave that flag to inform us that you are surrendering because if you don't, we will take it as a sign of resistance, and our forces will continue pounding your defenses until there is nothing left," Francis said, his voice cold and matter-of-fact.
Governor Takeyoshi's hands clenched the white flag, the severity of the situation bearing down upon him. He too was frustrated at the arrogance of the Prince but he had the power to back it up. The weak have no choice but to submit to the strong.
"What about this letter?" Takeyoshi asked, grabbing the paper.
"That is a missive I wrote personally to the Emperor of Japan," Francis said. "It's only for him to read. Deliver it to him."
Takeyoshi sighed. "Fine."
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