NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc: this is a conference that I have decided to oblige for Scandinvans when making our embassy exchange. I would please ask that all other comments, SIC, IC, OOC, or anything else be kept to a minimum. If you wish to participate, TG either Scandinvans or myself before engaging excessively into this.

大皇光武帝

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY - THE EMPEROR GWANGMU - SENDS INVITATION TO THE IMPERIAL REALM OF SCANDINVANS, UPON REQUEST BY STANDING MONARCH TO PAY VISIT; SUCH A REQUEST IS GRANTED AND HOSPITALITY THE PREROGATIVE OF THE HAN EMPIRE.

斯堪納維亞大王國 {사감납유아대왕국}
"Great Scandinvans Empire"

His Imperial Majesty graciously awaits your company in the Summer Palace in Gwangju. His Imperial Majesty's servants await you at the airport in Gwangju, with transportation already arranged to bring His Majesty safely to the Palace. Itinerary includes tea and a small meal, we aim to please and show the full hospitality of the Han to our visitors.

Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs

At the airport of Gwangju an Scandinvan Imperial aircraft had landed safely on the runway after quite a long flight from the Scandinvan city of Valdra. As the plane came to a halt the in built stairway extended out from which the King Ariotagi whose namesake also meant he was the leader of the great house Ariotagi descended the stairway to see…

OOC: By the way do you have Luo Jie tea?

ooc: I prefer ginseng and honey...

The attendants. They were waiting as the Emperor had instructed to receive the King. The time was early, and they were surprised to receive the King earlier than they had expected, but nonetheless, they politely greeted the Scandinvans King with due respect and invited him into a special cover motorcade. The airport had a direct access to the Summer Palace (for emergencies requiring swift departure), but the attendants were instructed to allow the Scandinvans Monarch to decide whether he wanted the scenic view.

"His Majesty is patient, and is willing to offer you time to examine the city through its highways. There is many a great view of the Xi River Bay (where modern Hong Kong and Macau exist), and we can see the prosperity of the first truly international city in all of Qin (pronounced tcheen). Or you can prompt for the quick access to the Palace and arrive immediately to begin the conference. We leave this to your discretion."

ooc: I prefer the quick get on, because I have to sleep sometime tonight, and I can't guarantee this to continue forever if we talk about the city and not about what we have to talk about - trade, diplomacy, etcetera - but if you inclined to make me give a panorama, I'll do so...

OOC: I will just take the quick access to the palace, though I would not mind a quick low down on your culture, city, and history.

I was just asking to see about Luo Jie as I have heard of it before and it was what some Emperors drank.

IC: King Ariotagi came forward to the delegates, bowed his head, and then said,” Alright, let us directly to the palace as my Emperor gave me very specific instructions for this to be solely a diplomatic mission to your nation as I have not been granted leniency in this to go on side trips. Though I would like to greatly thank you for the offer and though I would like to inquire about your nation’s culture and history.”

The attendants gave admittance to the King and on the ride to the Summer Palace, an attendant gave a miniature history of the Empire.

"The Empire was founded by the Emperor Taejo, after he defeated the Ming and Goryeo. Since those days, the Empire has seen many finer days, and indeed prospers from the union of Joseon{Korea}, Qin {China}, and Jonam {Philippines}. The city of Gwangju was the first to be opened to the west, to the Portuguese, and while the Empire has only recently come out to the world again, Gwangju remains the most international city in the Empire. The Han Emperors spent their summers here, which is why they built the Summer Palace here. Of course, summers in Gwangju are awful, because it rains often and the monsoon season is known to be ferocious at times. But Gwangju is an ideal location. It is near the Jonamdo Region, and one can easily reach the other extremities of the Empire easily, especially the picturesque Sacheon {Sichuan} Province. Additionally, Gwangju has since recent growth that rivals even Hangyeong {Beijing}, and Sanghae {Shanghai}.

"Our recent history has been less than admirable. The Emperor Gojong was the first to institute a modern system in the Empire, and even over the past 150 years, the Empire has struggled with modern democracy and political systems that continually divide the power of the central government, particularly of the Emperor. Nonetheless, we have made significant progress in economic management, and soon we will translate this into technological, scientific, and research potential, which will improve the prosperity of our great land even more so. Additionally, we have begun to pursue environmentally sustainable development."

As the attendant ended the history, the motorcade emerged from the access tunnel and in the midst of a garden, featuring exotic plants and even more exotic animals. It was a short half kilometer ride through the Palace gardens, but it was almost as if running through a magnificent country and emerging once again the Han Empire. At the end by the Gate, a row of Hwarang guards (http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/Hwarang.jpg) greeted him.

King Ariotagi thanked the attendant for the book and then replied,” Quite interesting as your nation’s present state was formed by the military powers of your rulers which bears many similarities to my own nation which was formed due to the abilities of our Emperors in war which was able to forge the current massive state of our current Empire.

As well, our nation is currently in a kind of transition state between a democracy and the autocratic rule of our emperor. Yet, unlike your nation my nation is still ruled mostly by the Emperor due to him commanding the loyalty of the people and to him having the complete obedience of the Imperial legions who would fight to the death in his name. As well, our nation is very reserved and our people are quite xenophobic and regard our cultures with distrust.”

Looking at the grounds around him he was silently impressed by it.

The Resident General of the Palace came forward and greeted the King.

"His Imperial Majesty is expecting you in the Courtyard. He is very pleased that you could come on such short notice and so promptly too."

They entered through the gate, with the Hwarang guards following. The Head Resident commented on their history.

"The Hwarang Guards were enacted by the kings of Shilla (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silla) to help defend the state. They later unified Joseon into the first kingdom since Dangun in the 3rd millennium before the Common Era. Today, the Hwarang are an elite order of knights, well versed in martial skills and are the most able of espionage agents. They also serve as the chief protectors of the Emperor, the Kings of Joseon and Jonam, and the Governors of each Province. I would caution you to be careful with them, because as they are trained extremely well, they have no transition between their courteous smiles and their fierce attack. But not to worry, as you are under their protection as well today."

In the distance, the crowd could see the Emperor in his red and gold regalia, bearing the dragon crest upon his chest, as he reviewed the Hwarang Cavalier Guard. Mounted on a white horse, he approached the company with two others accompanying him.

"The two men following him are equally important men," the Head Resident informed the King. "The one to the right is the Governor of Gwangdong Province - Duke Yi Haechan; the one to his left, riding the red Mongolian horse, is the Emperor's son."

The Emperor drew near and dismounted his horse before greeting his visitors. "Welcome to our humble home."

King Ariotagi took note of them, though he only said a few words that were in the most sense a compliment towards them and a few words mentioning the elite guards of the Scandinvan Emperor.

Approaching the Emperor King Ariotagi cordially bowed and continued to do while he said,” Your Imperial majesty,

I have been sent, as you know, by my own Emperor, Olaf IV, to negotiate diplomatic matter with regarding the forming of diplomatic and trading relations between our two great and honorable nations for the benefit of both of our nations.

I am thankful of being able to meet you on such notice to as being able to have a meeting of a man of your stature must be hard to make on such short notice, no matter the circumstances, and my coming here so quickly is far less of an achievement.

To speak in a tone more suited for normal conversation might I remark that your nation has been able to breed some fine mounts as these horses are amongst the most healthy and strong looking I have seen in many years. As such I wish to state that my own Emperor has sent you a pair of his own specifically breed white Valgardians horses which are breed to be strong, long lived, and fast as a gift to you for your use as you see fit.

As well, I have brought with me a number of my people’s gold relics which date back to the first millennium B.C. and are significant in that they are amongst my people’s first symbols of the power of the Empire to forged as a symbol to the unity of the Empire under of its prosperity and peace ushered in by the building of the first great buildings in our nation.”

The Emperor smiled as he removed his headdress, handing it to a servant.

"Are you a man of history, sir?" He waited a while before he continued. "In 1793 by the Western calendars, we received an Englishman on a mission to open trade with the Han Empire. He brought miracles of Western science and other treasured pieces with him, hoping to entice the Han Emperor to open trade with England. The Emperor replied pithily, 'I am pleased with all of these toys that your generous monarch has sent, but what I am to do with these?' Of course, in those days, the Emperors of Han still followed the tribute system."

The Emperor of Han was rather elderly, as was evidenced by his graying hair. His facial hair was neatly trimmed, and his regalia was neatly displayed, as if to tempt the heavens to make a better arrangement. He was perhaps 50 years old, though his son looked only to break 20 years of life. And his appearance, though elderly, commanded a deep respect from all around him.

"I have heard the requests by your Emperor, and I have thought that it would be good to discuss trade and diplomacy. We are interested in the toys of the West, to see what benefit they can bring to all of us. I must thank you for your kind words to my horses. They come from the steppes of Mongolia, where the Yuan custodians still reign. Annually, they sent us hardy horses, though the tribute system has since ended. And I continually pay for these fine breeds. I will see how well these Valgardian horses can do in the climate of the lands of Qin however - it is a different land, and I would hate to see well-bred horses suffer in a land they cannot tolerate.

"But let us talk more of these deals in trade and diplomacy. I am interested in these."

The Emperor walked towards the clearing guards and with his company entered an open temple, where tables were set for them. They sat in their arranged positions and tea was served to everyone present. Before anyone drank the tea, the Emperor turned to the visiting King - "Allow me to introduce some esteemed visitors - this is the Duke Yi Haechan, Governor of Gwangdong Province. He was recently elected to his office by an eighty percent margin. This is my son, Yi Taegon. Doubtless, you've met the Head Resident of the Summer Palace, Pak Jeonghoe. Of course, I am the Emperor Gwangmu, Yi Myeongbok."

King Ariotagi kept his composure well, though he was a little abashed by the Emperor calling them toys as back in the Scandinvan Empire a man whom considered such things as a mere tinker toy would be shamed and seen as an uneducated man, but he did recognize that this was a very different culture with different perceptions and as such he was not offended at all by the statement.

But responded to the Emperor’s statements by saying,” You have nothing to fear as these horses are breed in order to fair well against the cold and will thrive in temperate climate, though these horses cannot tolerate such conditions as the Gobi desert for long.

As for diplomacy Emperor Olaf IV is looking to establish an alliance of sorts with your nation, though we leave it up to you to establish the criteria of any possible alliance agreement that might be reached.

As for trade my nation offers your nation precious stones and metals, cheap oil, agricultural stuffs, and our automobiles in exchange for electronics and other things that you might offer.”

ooc: two things - this is the last post for the night, and I should have quoted 'toys' because it was a mark of sarcasm, as well as reflection on historical attitudes of Han perceptions... but perhaps you're right to be abashed a little

The Emperor calmly drank his tea listening to King Ariotagi's statements. The word 'alliance' went into his ear and he became somewhat reluctant to give a reply. He nonetheless heard the rest of the requests and gave a calculated response to the King.

"At this moment, owing to this shift in domestic politics, I cannot rightfully make any alliances with any country. The Han are naturally suspicious of outsiders, and while I am willing to embrace any person warmly, I am always wondering what reason they have to do the same for me. I see alliance on the agenda, but as far as I see, the Empire is not threatened by any outside forces - we are secure at the moment, and while that will not rest the same forever, we have no reason to entangle ourselves into an alliance so. According to our Defense analysis, we are to be extremely cautious of countries coming to our borders asking for an alliance without giving any reason for it. Is there an enemy that needs to be destroyed? Do we share mutual strategic interests? As I can see, none yet.

"But to our concerns of trade, I am willing to consider discussing trading resources - your oil for our domestic products. We have a burgeoning automobile and electronics industry. The King of Joseon once informed me that Joseon is the industrially sophisticated in the Empire, and its information connections surpass even those of the most modern states. I cannot say for certain, but if you visit the cities in Joseon, they are well connected by efficient public transport, the parks filled with happy families and working officials. The countryside is teeming with laborers that are more skilled, more educated, and even more adept to using modern technology. Of course, there is still the older generation, but they are not losing anything in our modernization scheme. We take care of our parents, in the same manner as they reared us for our entire life.

"But enough of that. How rude to barge on some wild talk, I must apologize. Of course, we have a large surplus industry in automobiles, and I think the Agency {AICC} would be pleased to expand our markets to foreign countries. And of course, to power all of this, we need energy. Coal has been the traditional fuel, but it is too dirty. Oil is cleaner, but too costly to maintain in the long run. I have looked at uranium as the next best solution. Joseon has the highest per capita nuclear energy production in the Empire, and their energy costs are down significantly; I feel that the Empire can benefit if we procure the trade of uranium and oil for reasonable prices. And even as we speak, the Imperial Academy of Science and Technology in Sanghae {Shanghai} is looking into solar energy as the next best alternative. Cheap sunlight can supplement our energy requirements, and can even be used in automobiles to some degree. We can consider a possible dual project - to cut the costs of the development, to improve our energy dependencies, and even to promote a common bond and drive us closer to a strategic alliance of mutual benefit in securing our economic and political advantages.

"I have also heard that the Han need more iron to build new structures - that would be useful to us. But as far as agriculture goes, we are fine. Our farmers are increasing crop productivity annually, so I don't see our people suffering from starvation any time soon."

The Emperor placed his cup on the table before him, and spoke a little more - "I hope that this is nothing troubling for His Majesty's ears, as I would hate to disappoint you in your expectations. After all, we each have our agendas; it would be dishonorable to see your objectives not being realized here so far away from home."

(bump)

(bump unless we're too busy to start up the second round)

OOC: Sorry though it looks like I am online constantly I actually come and go.

IC: King Ariotagi replied,” Well, as for the alliance the details of it were to be more of a pact of non-aggression then anything which is a common method from which my nation has employed for thousands of years to incorporate other lands into our greater sphere of influence. Though to say in modern times our use of the term sphere of influence is used to describe nations that we are quite good terms with and that we know have a very low likelihood to pose a military threat to the security and propesperity of our own people which we put ahead always put deep consideration of in our diplomatic dealings.

As for our nation’s automobiles we do not build many vehicle designs which are meant to solely to only run on batteries or solar polar, though we do create many models which run on a mix of electricity and either on gasoline or on natural gases. These models are actually cheaper due to the fact that currently our nation’s factories are creating a fairly large surplus of them and available to be imported to your nation if you wish.

Relating to iron we sell our iron at prices which are quite cheap and we produce massive supplies of it, which of course we open to your nation to purchase as much as you see fit at your own convenience.”

The Emperor glanced at the King and replied courteously - it was apparent that alliances were valued in the West for more than simply security.

"If we must call our relationship anything at the moment, let us consider it 'mutual acquiescence'. Anything more and I fear that we may trust each other too much. Instead, let our trade relations build us closer bonds that words can only dream to build. I don't think to think that spheres of influence have evolved into a modern concept, because I remember my father speaking of his fathers' speaking of the same thing with our tributary states. I don't ask for tribute from my neighbors, but they still do out of tradition and little fear I suppose.

"We produce many great models of automobiles, but I think that if we started traded each other cars for the heck of it, we'd waste our energies sending the same products to each other, so I'll leave that aside for the moment. I hear nothing of electronics, so perhaps the Han can offer something there. To your large and cheap supply of iron, I can contact the Agency of Imperial Contracts to determine the precise requirements of iron for our economic growth."

OOC: Please do not consider this a god mod as my King is trained as a diplomat and has a fairly good knowledge of eastern cultures and habits.

IC: King Ariotagi looked upon the Emperor and then said,” To point out do not view my nation as one of ‘western’ nations as my own nation has a proud and ancient culture which posses a unique culture which has evolved by itself mostly for thousands of years. This has caused for my own nation to take a different trend in terms of Christianity, habits, views, beliefs, and cultural identity which is very different then any that we have ever come to meet.

Alright, then let me know what your nation can offer in exchange for Scandinvan iron?”

The Emperor waited for the King to finish speaking.

"I do believe the title 'Western' is misunderstood, because I imply to mean everything West of Han. It is a foreign thing, not a civilization dominated by the dominant culture there. We are at the extreme east of the world, where the Sun rises first, and all other lands lie to the West. However, I do not wish to carry the connotations of the 'Western' tradition, as it means that I cannot trust you because you are a foreigner."

The Emperor made a sarcastic remark: "At least I do not consider you a Northern, for they are the barbarians of the world. But we must truly move beyond these cultural differences. After all, we are here to bridge these gaps, not to make them more acute. And I do appreciate your concern that I may be viewing you as less than worthy, for I do wish that your mission here is satisfied. We are not the center of the world, as our ancestors once perceived, and some perhaps still do. We share it with our neighbors, whether we would like it or not. And it is good that you are aware of the people around you, for it makes you an able ambassador to your people. I have the burden of showing the Han to you, though I am not all of Han - so I hope that we do a good job representing the Han tradition.

He paused, as the servants finally refilled his cup of tea. "Your iron is worth whatever we are willing to pay for it. But I must wait for our representatives to come from the Agency. At this time, I think that it is best that we walk and speak more, because there is much more than trading iron that is at stake here. We are made for business, but business requires more than the simple exchange of goods. Come! Let us go to the garden, and after that, we can continue our discussions over lunch. I hope that this tea does not spoil your appetite; it seems to me that you enjoyed it."

ooc: Last post for the evening...

The waiting for the Emperor to get, as his standard of courtesy was in that the one of higher rank lead the way. Then the King responded," I apologize as my people have had a long standing dislike of being regarded as simply other westerners as our culture has had a long rivalry of against a number of western nations.

As well, I must say your culture has a fairly more enlightened perspective then my own as my people still view our culture egocentrically and see it as our duty to maintain supremacy over “lesser” nations.

Alright, when you wish I shall follow you to the gardens..”

The Emperor led the way to the gardens, with the Scandinvans company following closely. The Emperor grabbed a bucket of water from a servant and entered the garden through the court doors. Behind it was an extensive collection of humble plants - some common plants in fact.

The Emperor explained, "The art of gardening tests the four characters of human excellence - patience, ethic, integrity, and passion. It requires much of all and the fruits of its labor are all rewarding to those seeking it."

He began to water the ground, generously to soak the ground completely. The path leading through the garden was of humble cobblestone, having seen many years. "This is the same garden that the Emperor Injo established, and over the years, it has since the rise and fall of many Emperors since that time. But the more humane of the Emperors have kept this place close to their hearts. It is because the master who demonstrates care for even the lowliest of creatures can demonstrate the same love for his subjects."

He turned around suddenly and addressed the King directly: "You know, there is a secret desire among the Han to be more like the West." He turned back to gardening, as suddenly as he had turned around. He continued his watering path as he explained that little tangent. "Like the plants, we are settled into firm ground and old ways. But to grow stronger, we must diversify our needs and our potential. The West has embraced ways that the Han can only dream to settle. They perceive other states with apparent openness while we remain hindered by our humble sincerity. You have stated that your own realm is xenophobic, and perhaps rightfully so. Yours does not belong with the others West of Han.

"But the West - they turn to each other and smile with hidden faces. We must see the hidden face before we return a smile. Otherwise, our face will remain stern and solemn - a sincere face. But our face does not indicate our inclination to stay away from the world."

The Emperor stopped watering but remained facing down the path. "I hope to one day inter a number of these plants into pots so that I may plant them in a new garden. I know that it will test them, but with good water and soil, they will survive the trip; of that, I am certain. I cannot turn away the old garden, because my heart lies with it, but I think that we both can agree that they need a new garden."

ooc: I hope you don't mind the excessive metaphorical language

bump

are we continuing or are we done for now?

The Emperor led the way to the gardens, with the Scandinvans company following closely. The Emperor grabbed a bucket of water from a servant and entered the garden through the court doors. Behind it was an extensive collection of humble plants - some common plants in fact.

The Emperor explained, "The art of gardening tests the four characters of human excellence - patience, ethic, integrity, and passion. It requires much of all and the fruits of its labor are all rewarding to those seeking it."

He began to water the ground, generously to soak the ground completely. The path leading through the garden was of humble cobblestone, having seen many years. "This is the same garden that the Emperor Injo established, and over the years, it has since the rise and fall of many Emperors since that time. But the more humane of the Emperors have kept this place close to their hearts. It is because the master who demonstrates care for even the lowliest of creatures can demonstrate the same love for his subjects."

He turned around suddenly and addressed the King directly: "You know, there is a secret desire among the Han to be more like the West." He turned back to gardening, as suddenly as he had turned around. He continued his watering path as he explained that little tangent. "Like the plants, we are settled into firm ground and old ways. But to grow stronger, we must diversify our needs and our potential. The West has embraced ways that the Han can only dream to settle. They perceive other states with apparent openness while we remain hindered by our humble sincerity. You have stated that your own realm is xenophobic, and perhaps rightfully so. Yours does not belong with the others West of Han.

"But the West - they turn to each other and smile with hidden faces. We must see the hidden face before we return a smile. Otherwise, our face will remain stern and solemn - a sincere face. But our face does not indicate our inclination to stay away from the world."

The Emperor stopped watering but remained facing down the path. "I hope to one day inter a number of these plants into pots so that I may plant them in a new garden. I know that it will test them, but with good water and soil, they will survive the trip; of that, I am certain. I cannot turn away the old garden, because my heart lies with it, but I think that we both can agree that they need a new garden."

ooc: I hope you don't mind the excessive metaphorical languageThe King briefly replied,” But, yet is it not the nature of man to build and to seek inner peace in such manners as your garden. To clarify I am saying that the nature of humanity is to seek to create and to create their own manner of harmony as such things as gardens are in a manner necessary for any sane person as a hobby to maintain their own peace in that way.

Yet, to know the ‘West’ is not necessarily a better culture as to lie to other and oneself all the time in a false façade is not at all the real way to live a life and it is better to live a life of truthfulness in a manner that our ancestors have always lived which for us is the truest way to exist.

In such a way though one most remember to honor both the ways of the ancestors and to take note of the ever changing modern world and to live in a sort of balance of both.”

OOC: Sorry, thought you dropped this thread.

ooc: sorry for the late reply, I've been hooked on a new game that's very addicting. I'll make a reply later this evening.

The King briefly replied,” But, yet is it not the nature of man to build and to seek inner peace in such manners as your garden. To clarify I am saying that the nature of humanity is to seek to create and to create their own manner of harmony as such things as gardens are in a manner necessary for any sane person as a hobby to maintain their own peace in that way.

Yet, to know the ‘West’ is not necessarily a better culture as to lie to other and oneself all the time in a false façade is not at all the real way to live a life and it is better to live a life of truthfulness in a manner that our ancestors have always lived which for us is the truest way to exist.

In such a way though one most remember to honor both the ways of the ancestors and to take note of the ever changing modern world and to live in a sort of balance of both.”

OOC: Sorry, thought you dropped this thread.

The Emperor nodded. "What else would I do with the old garden? This plot is useless for anything else. And besides, I cannot simply abandon the plot that has been used for generations by my forefathers. You are correct - a balance is required. But do not think that I believe the West to hold a better culture. For centuries, the West had looked to the Han for inspiration, and even now they still seek our civilization. But they have contributed other things that make resting stubborn in old grounds impossible. I must move to embrace more than my own plot and make new plots. But as always, a tree removed from its roots will die, yet its branches stretch eternally to the sky."

A loud gong resounded from outside the garden. The Emperor handed his watering pot to a servant and turned to his guests. "I am surprised that lunch is already set for us. If you please, we can continue this discussion there or return to our business. I hate to take you on winding tirades and not quite finishing them, but the best time to talk is when you are certain never to be interrupted by life."

you probably didnt get the chance to read the last post, but im curious if youre at all interested in the dialogue anymore, and more importantly in its possible conclusion.

bump?

The Emperor nodded. "What else would I do with the old garden? This plot is useless for anything else. And besides, I cannot simply abandon the plot that has been used for generations by my forefathers. You are correct - a balance is required. But do not think that I believe the West to hold a better culture. For centuries, the West had looked to the Han for inspiration, and even now they still seek our civilization. But they have contributed other things that make resting stubborn in old grounds impossible. I must move to embrace more than my own plot and make new plots. But as always, a tree removed from its roots will die, yet its branches stretch eternally to the sky."

A loud gong resounded from outside the garden. The Emperor handed his watering pot to a servant and turned to his guests. "I am surprised that lunch is already set for us. If you please, we can continue this discussion there or return to our business. I hate to take you on winding tirades and not quite finishing them, but the best time to talk is when you are certain never to be interrupted by life."The King simply replied," My nation has long only looked internally as we have a proud cutlure which borders on arrogance as we see our own culture as a unique thing and we have long guarded it as such as we see our culture as the most essentialy thing for us to live by. As well, my own people are serious and do not take offense lightly and are courteous and to the point in matters. So may I inquire if it would be alright with my host if we move on into a more proper dialogue as I worry I am taking up your majesty's time."

you probably didnt get the chance to read the last post, but im curious if youre at all interested in the dialogue anymore, and more importantly in its possible conclusion.OOC: Sorry for not rping here for a while and sorry for trying to get to the conclusion a little fast.

ooc: my apologies if my grammar is not up-to-date... my last finger is taped to my ring finger pending a possible fracture...

"It is right for us to settle our business. Let's talk over lunch, shall we?"

The company returned to the open pavilion where the tables were already set with the lunch. It was a simple rice dish with mixed vegetables inside and some spicy sauce. It had an artistic presentation, only pitifully to be eaten in a moment.

The lunch was passing by idly when the Emperor returned to their important matters.

"I think for the both of us, it would fare better if we avoided any future allegory, since it is certain to distract from our work. You mentioned earlier about your iron. I have received word from the AIC Board of our requirements. If you can supply at least 60% of our requirements, they say it will be beneficial, as while we have large iron deposits, we still need more. The official number is 115 million metric tons at the moment. They neglected to send me an official rate, although a suggested offering is up for $70 per metric ton of semi-refined ore. I don't know where to take this. I think there is also an offering for cheap but efficient electronics by some of the Agency Managers."