Chapter 340 IFNS Napoleon Part 1

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The Japanese envoy's eyes continued to wander, taking in the stark contrast between his country's traditional, albeit outdated, naval capabilities and the technological marvel he now stood upon.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.

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."