Two weeks later. In the Empire of Triesenberg.
As the convoy made its way through the streets of Triesenberg, Alexander sat quietly in the back seat, his mind occupied with thoughts of the day's exhibit. Valoria's technology was about to be showcased to the Triesenberg public, along with key military and government officials.
Though not dramatically futuristic, Valoria had managed to pull ahead of the rest of the world with innovations in vehicles, aircraft, and communications systems—enough to cause a stir.
Arriving at the city square, Alexander stepped out of the vehicle, followed closely by Julieanne and Captain Everglade. The square had been transformed into an exhibit area, with rows of Valorian vehicles, aircraft, and household appliances ready to be displayed.
Crowds had gathered behind the barriers, eager to catch a glimpse of what Valoria had brought. Government officials and military officers from Triesenberg stood nearby, watching closely as the first vehicles rolled into the square.
Valoria's cars weren't the futuristic electric or autonomous vehicles of a distant future, but they were undeniably more advanced than anything the world had seen in this era.
Sleek and streamlined, with better engines, enhanced fuel efficiency, and mechanical improvements that made them stand out from the boxy, less-efficient cars of the current era. The onlookers marveled at the subtle but noticeable differences.
"These vehicles run on more efficient combustion engines," Alexander explained to a group of Triesenberg officials. "They have increased horsepower, better handling, and reduced fuel consumption compared to current models."
A Triesenberg general leaned forward, inspecting one of the cars. "It's certainly ahead of what we have. And if Valoria's cars are already here, I can't imagine what your military vehicles are capable of."
Alexander gave a small nod, noting the general's quiet concern. "You'll see soon enough."
Next came the aircraft—a pair of fighter planes taxied into position. These planes have a rather odd design as instead of propellers, it had jet engines. The sleek design and more powerful engines made them faster and more agile than the propeller-driven aircraft that were the current standard.
It immediately drawn attention from the top officials in the Empire of Triesenberg.
"Wait, isn't that aircraft the same as the prototypes our men in white coats are experimenting with?"
"Yes...they are called jet engines," said one of the officials.
"And they already done it..."
Alexander observed the exchange with quiet confidence as the officials took in the jet engines, a technology Valoria had perfected ahead of Triesenberg and its allies. But the real focus of today's exhibit wasn't meant to be military technology.
Instead, Alexander had arranged to showcase consumer advancements that would demonstrate Valoria's industrial ingenuity and forward-thinking approach to everyday life.
Chapter Stay:
As the crowd moved to the next section, Valoria's advancements in entertainment technology were on display. The centerpiece was an early television model. While television had only just begun to emerge in parts of the world, already had the advanced model of it.
Their television sets offered clearer images and better sound quality, though they were still far from the sleek, high-definition models of a distant future.
"This is our latest television," Alexander explained, gesturing toward the bulky but functional unit. "The picture quality is much improved, and it can broadcast across greater distances. We see television becoming a major form of entertainment and information in the near future."
The gathered crowd stared in awe as the television displayed a live feed of a local news broadcast. The image, though black-and-white, was clearer than what anyone in Triesenberg had seen before. The potential of television as a medium for communication and entertainment was apparent to all.
"It's like having the news right in your living room," one man in the crowd marveled.
"And think of the cultural impact," added another. "Valoria is ahead of us in so many ways. They'll shape what people see and hear."
As the day's exhibition continued, the reactions from the Triesenberg public and officials shifted from curiosity to awe. While Valoria's military capabilities had impressed earlier, it was their advancements in consumer technology that truly captured the imagination of the crowd.
The appliances, electronics, and communication devices represented a future where everyday life was more convenient, more efficient, and more connected.
However, alongside the admiration came an underlying sense of unease. Several Triesenberg officials huddled together, quietly discussing the broader implications of Valoria's technological edge.
"If their consumer products are this advanced, what else are they hiding?" one of the officials whispered. "It's clear they've been working on innovations we haven't even considered yet."
Another nodded. "This is a concern to our national security. We should report this to the High Command as soon as possible."
Alexander overheard fragments of the conversation between the Triesenberg officials as they expressed their concerns. He knew such reactions were inevitable, but it was all part of Valoria's plan. The subtle display of technological superiority was meant to evoke both admiration and caution.
As the exhibition drew to a close, Alexander allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. The seeds of Valoria's influence had been planted. The Triesenberg officials, while intrigued by the practical benefits of Valoria's technology, were also visibly unsettled by the implications.
He could see it in their hushed whispers, the way they exchanged glances, and their growing awareness that Valoria was further ahead than they had anticipated.
Julieanne approached quietly, her expression unreadable. "It seems we've achieved the desired effect, Your Excellency."
Alexander nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the crowd as they dispersed. "Indeed. Now, we wait for their next move."