NOVEL SIMPLE V3 Ch 61. Empires demand respect
“H-hello?”
The sailors glared at me. They were ready to shoot, if I twitch the wrong way.
Their bullets will not do anything to me but I don’t plan on making a bad impression on those guys.
Judging by the symbolics I see around, they are the Westerners I should be expecting.
[I should’ve expected something like that. At least the tension is still bearable.]
Some time has passed, and the sailors started to cool down. Nobody was going to actually fire now. Some of them even lowered the guns.
One of them stepped forward and said something.
I did not understand anything and shrugged my shoulders with confused expression to show that the language barrier exists.
While we were exchanging confused glances, a man in uniform walked through the crowd.
I leaned on the board behind me, and waved at the man.
[Everything’s cool, dude. What’s up?]
“May I ask who you are? I doubt you fell from the sky.” The presumed captain measured me from head to toes.
“T-technically I did fall from the sky.” He was not amused and frowned.
“I am from there.” I pointed at the destroyer squadron.
“Are you? Then how come you managed to cross the distance so fast, without a boat?” The man’s expression softened a bit.
“I am very good at swimming, or rather I can walk on the water surface.”
“I will pretend I believe your words. Then why are you here?” (E)
“It would be a shame to have somebody sunk. How about we have a chat?”
“I am not against. Do you have the authority to talk?” (E)
“I am a free soul, my authority comes from me having a ship.”
“Very well, follow me.” The captain beckoned me, and led me to a spacious cabin.
The man sat into an armchair, and beckoned me to do the same.
After I sat down, he stared at me, waiting for something.
I had nothing to do, so I started staring at him too. Seeing that I am playing monkey, he straightened his back and started talking.
“Is this local custom to have a ship’s captain have autonomy in government’s decisions?” (E)
“It’s not. We are at war with the government. Those guys tried to kill us a few times, so we are just returning the favor.”
“You rebelled against your sovereign? Impressive. That government must be too weak to maintain order.” The captain smiled but it was a smile of contempt.
“Weak, ha? My ships are doing fine. The others… The government’s fleet wrecked everybody. Why would anybody cross the ocean just to ask this?”
“The forementioned government did a very despicable thing to our diplomat. We have come to demand an apology.” He put the things in not too bad of a way. At least you wouldn’t think the Benezians maimed the poor soul.
“We are a bit at odds with the forementioned government. I bet an armed warship did not come just to wave the flag and say ‘hello’. How about we help each other~?” The captain grinned. He immediately moved closer and whispered.
‘This may be an interesting offer. It all depends on the conditions of the partnership.’ (E)
“I can discuss only things related to myself. My immediate superior, however, can talk about a large variety of options.”
“Is this an invitation~?” (E)
“It is.” The man’s grin disappeared immediately.
“I wonder if my safety will be guaranteed. We have a bit of an experience with the Islanders.” He nodded towards the East.
“Would I even come if I was worried…? I put some trust in you, now I expect the mutual courtesy.” Seeing my unexpected diplomatic move, the man sincerely smiled (I hope that it was a sincere smile), and stretched out his hand for a handshake.
“Let us hope this proposition will be mutually beneficial.” I may’ve brought a snake onboard.
“I hope you understand that no matter how strong your ship is, I expect the talk of the equals.”
“It all depends on your conduct. For now, we are interested in negotiations. What will happen afterwards, is all up to your side.” (E)
I hope Patricia will not start shouting at him. A diplomatic gaffe would be unwelcome in the current geopolitical conditions. Or something like that.
