With the discussion concluded Alexander rose to his feet and beckoned the diplomats to join him for a feast that had been meticulously prepared for the occasion. The grand doors at the side of the hall swung open, revealing a long table adorned with an array of exquisite dishes, each meticulously crafted by the finest chefs in Valoria.
"Please, esteemed guests," Alexander invited, "join me in celebrating the beginning of our partnership. This feast is a symbol of the prosperity and friendship that we hope to cultivate between our nations."
The Zambesian diplomats exchanged pleased glances, clearly appreciative of the hospitality. They followed Alexander to the dining area, where the table was set with fine china, crystal goblets, and an array of silverware that gleamed under the soft lighting.
As they took their seats, servants moved gracefully around the table, pouring fine Valorian wine into the goblets and presenting each dish with care.
Alexander raised his goblet, waiting for the others to do the same. "To a future of mutual prosperity and collaboration," he toasted, his eyes meeting those of Chief Mosi and the other diplomats.
"To prosperity and collaboration," Chief Mosi echoed, raising his goblet in return.
The clinking of goblets marked the start of the meal. The Zambesian diplomats glanced at the dishes before them—Western-style foods, including steaks, roasted vegetables, and various breads and cheeses. The spread was clearly different from what they were used to, but they approached it with polite interest.
Chief Mosi cut into his steak, taking a moment to chew thoughtfully. The meat was cooked medium-rare, a bit different from what he was accustomed to. The other diplomats began to sample the food as well, their expressions showing mild curiosity and a hint of unfamiliarity with the flavors.
As the meal progressed, Alexander observed their reactions. He knew the food was a significant departure from their usual fare, but it was meant to introduce them to Valorian culture in a subtle way.
"How do you find the meal, Chief Mosi?" Alexander asked, breaking the silence.
Chief Mosi nodded politely. "It's different from what we usually eat, Your Excellency. But it's well-prepared. The flavors are strong."
Alexander nodded, satisfied with the response. "I'm glad you think so. This meal is a small part of the cultural exchange that comes with our new partnership."
"With this train, you can travel to any district of the capital. There's a commercial district where you'll find our most prominent businesses and markets. It's a bustling area, always filled with activity," Alexander explained, gesturing out the window as the train began to move.
"There's also the cultural district," Alexander continued. "It's home to our theaters, museums, and art galleries. If you're interested, I can arrange a visit for you."
Chief Mosi didn't reply, instead he gazed out of the window and saw towering skyscrapers when the train emerged and was trailing down on an elevated track.
Alexander noticed his silence and allowed him the moment, understanding that the view of the city could be overwhelming, especially for someone from a place where the pace of development was different.
"Looks like we are bound for the commercial district," Alexander continued, trying to re-engage Chief Mosi in conversation. "You'll get to see some of our most successful enterprises in action.
Chief Mosi finally turned his attention back to Alexander, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Valoria has certainly achieved much. The infrastructure, the businesses, the culture—it's all very impressive. We have much to learn from your nation."
"And we have much to learn from yours," Alexander replied diplomatically. "But I'm sure you'd want all this to happen in your country and we can work on that, but I do have one question for you."
"What is it?"
"Does the Kingdom of Zambesi have internal strife? You know such as power struggles, a tribe not aligned with the central government, or any unrest that might hinder development efforts?"
Chief Mosi's expression grew more serious. He paused for a moment before responding, clearly weighing his words. "Your Excellency, like many nations, Zambesi has its challenges. There are indeed internal conflicts, particularly among some of the tribes in the more remote regions. But we can handle it."
"Are you sure? Because if we were to enter an alliance and start building your nation, those minorities that aren't aligned with your central government could potentially disrupt our efforts. Stability is key to the success of any development plan. We need to ensure that any investment we make will not be jeopardized by internal conflicts."
With this, Chief Mosi rubbed his chin and spoke. "There is one tribe."