Chapter 399 Visitor from the Far East Part 1
December 10th, 1821.
In the bustling Port City of Toulon, a French ocean liner is docked at the busy port. Crew members are efficiently and quickly moving around, preparing for the passengers to disembark.
Moments later, the passengers began to disembark from the ship. There was a mix of excitement and relief as they stepped onto the dock. Some were eagerly greeted by waiting family and friends, while others looked around, taking in their new surroundings. The air was filled with a cacophony of sounds: people talking, luggage being moved, and the distant calls of seabirds. It was a scene of busy activity, a typical day at the port as the ocean liner offloaded its human cargo and prepared for its next journey.
Among the passengers were forty Japanese individuals in traditional attire, noticeably out of place in this foreign environment. They paused, taking in the sights and sounds of modern Western civilization. Their attention was drawn to a mechanical crane, efficiently loading and unloading heavy cargo – a stark contrast to the manual labor they were used to. Nearby, an innovative horseless carriage moved with ease
The people around them wore fashionable Western clothing, different in style and fabric from their own garments. Above all, the sight of black smoke billowing from a nearby factory, so different from the Japan they knew.
"So this is France, huh? Supposedly the strongest nation on the planet," Takenouchi Yasunori, the leader of the group and governor of Shimotsuke Province, remarked thoughtfully, Just then, a man dressed in a typical black suit approached them. His attire seemed to be the norm for men in this part of the world. He addressed them in French, asking.
"Are you the delegates from Japan?" The Japanese group looked puzzled, not understanding his language. Sensing the communication barrier, the man gestured to a translator accompanying him, a man from the Qing Dynasty who spoke both Japanese and French.
The translator relayed in Japanese, "This gentleman here asked if you are from Japan."
The Japanese group nodded, grateful for the translation. As time passed, their presence began to draw the attention of the people around them. Their traditional clothing, unique hairstyles, and the swords they carried were objects of curiosity. Onlookers gathered, some discreetly glancing, others more openly staring at these foreign visitors. "We are from Japan, yes, sent by the Shogunate to establish diplomatic relations with the French Empire," Takenouchi Yasunori confirmed through the translator.
The Frenchman in the black suit smiled and introduced himself, "I am Henri Duval, appointed by the French government to assist and guide you during your stay in France."
Henri, along with the translator, began to lead the group away from the crowded dock. They were to be taken to their accommodations where they would have the opportunity to rest and prepare for the series of meetings and engagements planned for their visit. The Japanese delegation, led by Henri Duval and the translator, entered a building in Toulon. Inside, they immediately noticed a significant change in temperature compared to the outside air. It was noticeably warmer, and there was a pleasant, sweet fragrance in the air.
Takenouchi Yasunori, expressing his group's curiosity, asked, "What is this? It's warmer here than outside."
Henri Duval responded with a smile, "This is the result of a heat pump, a recent innovation. It helps to maintain a warmer temperature inside during the colder months." "And the fragrance?" another member of the Japanese delegation inquired.
"That comes from the flowers arranged in the building and some perfumed oils used for ambiance," Henri elaborated. "It's a common practice in France to make indoor spaces not only comfortable but also pleasant to the senses."
The Japanese delegates were intrigued by these innovations. The concept of a heat pump was entirely new to them, as was the idea of deliberately scenting indoor air for comfort. They discussed among themselves in Japanese, their conversation a mix of fascination and inquiry.
Henri then informed them, "Just wait here, we'll be arranging for our transport to Paris." He excused himself momentarily to make the necessary arrangements.
While waiting, the Japanese delegates had the opportunity to observe more of their surroundings. The building was a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, with paintings adorning the walls and comfortable furniture arranged throughout the space. They noticed the intricate designs and the craftsmanship that went into creating such a welcoming environment.
This brief waiting period allowed the delegates to relax and gather their thoughts. They were about to embark on a journey to Paris, the heart of French civilization, and the anticipation was evident among them. They were keen to learn more about French culture, technology, and politics, understanding that this knowledge would be crucial for their mission to establish diplomatic relations.
Henri returned shortly, announcing that the transportation was ready. "We have an automobile waiting outside. It will take us to the airport, where we will board a plane to Paris. The journey will be comfortable and quite fast compared to what you might be used to," he explained.
The concept of flying in a plane was entirely new and somewhat daunting for the delegates. The idea of traveling through the sky seemed like a ridiculous notion. But this is France, it might exist. As they were escorted to the convoy of automobiles, the Japanese delegation observed the vehicles with a mix of curiosity and wonder. These were the same type of carriages they had seen earlier upon their arrival, but the concept of such a vehicle was still new and intriguing to them.
Takenouchi Yasunori, voicing the group's curiosity, asked, "How does this move?"
Henri Duval, sensing their interest in the technology, explained, "These automobiles are powered by engines that run on fuel. It's a recent advancement. The engine converts the fuel into motion, allowing the vehicle to move without the need for horses."
The Japanese delegates listened intently, trying to grasp the concept of an engine and fuel.
"And this is faster than the horses, right?" Takenouchi Yasunori inquired, still trying to wrap his mind around the concept of an automobile.
"Indeed," Henri Duval confirmed. "These vehicles can travel much faster than any horse-drawn carriage. You'll see once we are inside, so why don't all of you get comfortable."
The Japanese delegation followed Henri's suggestion, climbing into the automobiles. Once inside, they were amazed by the interior comforts – cushioned seats and windows that provided a panoramic view.
As the automobiles started, the Japanese delegation experienced the gentle hum of the engine, a sound completely different from the clopping of horse hooves. It was indeed moving without a horse, and they noticed that the driver, who was seated on the left side, was controlling the vehicle in a way that was completely new to them.
Takenouchi Yasunori observed closely. He noticed that the driver was using his feet to operate pedals on the floor of the vehicle. There were at least two pedals that he could see, and the driver seemed to press them in a coordinated manner to control the speed of the automobile.
In addition, the driver frequently adjusted a stick positioned in the middle of the front area, seemingly engaging different positions. Takenouchi guessed that this stick had something to do with controlling the speed or perhaps the manner in which the automobile moved.
Perhaps the most intriguing to Takenouchi was the steering wheel. The driver held a circular wheel, turning it left and right to guide the automobile along the road. This was a stark contrast to the reins used for directing horses. The precision with which the driver maneuvered the vehicle using this wheel was fascinating to the delegates.
The entire experience of riding in an automobile was a revelation to the Japanese delegation. The smoothness of the ride, the control the driver had over the vehicle, and the speed at which they were traveling were all aspects of modern French technology that were both astonishing and enlightening. Not only that, this reminded them that the foreigners whom they deemed barbarians were superior in terms of technology. They have truly fallen behind.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the airport. Takenouchi Yasunori looked out of the window and saw a machine made of metal with fixed wings and four propellers, two on each wing. The aircraft had a large body, significantly bigger than anything they had seen before.
The Japanese delegates exited the automobiles and approached the aircraft.
"Please, climb aboard, we'll take off soon," Henri urged the Japanese delegates. Takenouchi Yasunori and his group, still in awe of the massive aircraft, followed Henri's lead.
As they boarded the plane, the Japanese delegation took in every detail. The plane's interior was a new world to them: rows of seats, overhead compartments, and windows offering a view of the wings and propellers. The size of the aircraft's interior was much larger than they had imagined from the outside.
Takenouchi noted the large body of the plane, understanding it was designed to accommodate many passengers. Now he couldn't wait to see how this big machine could fly in the sky.
Once settled in their seats, the delegates fastened their seat belts, a safety feature explained by the flight attendants. "In the past, it could almost take a day, a week, or a month to get from here to the capital city of France, now witness as this machine can take us to the capital in hours," Henri said proudly.
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