The American In Another World
Chapter 57: The Arrival of the Prince

February 4, 1640

San Diego, California

Prince Cabal looked at the scene below, watching the American jets escorting with intrigue. Looking out his personal jet window – a new passenger plane developed by the defense company Gra Valkan Orsen – he caught a glimpse of the future of jet technology. The sleek angular jet itself is a much more sophisticated version of the OR-262 Orsen fighter-bomber, which is slated to replace the Antares Carsline fighter by the end of the decade.

Blue exhaust sparks flew from the backs of the fighters, their engines sandwiched between two sets of foreign wings and integrated into the fuselage of the jet. For comparison, the OR-262 has an engine tucked under its wing. As a graduate of the Imperial Academy of the Sciences, he was interested in design differences. He called out to the chestnut-haired youth sitting across the path, who was also studying the plane. "Mr Naguano."

He turned from the window to face the prince. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"What do you think of the design of the aircraft?" She asked. “Machine in frame; swept wing; tail.”

“Yes,” said Naguano nervously, “Machine that is in order definitely helps reduce the drag. The swept wing is something we are still working on, especially with our airflow and dynamics calculations. The tail looks like it's there to add stability. Overall, I hate to say this, but—”

Cabal interrupts while Naguano stops, sensing that he is not sure to share his opinion. “It's okay, Naguano. You can speak freely.

Naguano gave an appreciative smile as he expressed his thoughts, “Thank you, Your Majesty. To put it bluntly, I believe it is clear that this civilization transcends our civilization, in terms of technology. It kind of scares me how sophisticated the design is, even from this distance.” The fighters continued to fly beside the Gra Valkan plane.

“Hm, yes. I doubt it, but seeing it in person is much different from what the video showed us.. ” Cabal said. “As a proud Gra Valkan, I regret having to admit this, but I agree with your judgment.

"It is wise to be humble, Your Majesty," Naguano said.

The Cabal once again found a good reason with Naguano's words. He takes wisdom into his heart, approves it. “Yes, yes indeed,” he said as he looked out the window as the plane began to descend.

The clouds split to show the city below: airports filled with planes as large as or even larger than Guti Maun, their special super bomber; a port crowded with ships of all brands, all over the world, from wooden sailing ships to large American cargo ships; and glass skyscrapers reminiscent of Ragna, sparkles for all Elysian natives to see. Several warships patrolled the coast, guarding against piracy and sea monsters. He also noticed a carrier with hundreds of small figures walking on the deck, and long lines formed outside. Quickly concluding the building as a museum, the Cabal made mental notes to visit.

He stops himself, realizing that he barely knows his schedule. Curious, he left his seat and walked towards Gesta, Cielia, and Dallas. As usual, Dallas was lazing around, half asleep in his chair while Cielia and Gesta discussed diplomatic strategy for America.

Seeing the Cabal walking towards them, Cielia stopped her conversation, stood up and bowed. Under the table, he kicked Dallas, who was immediately raised when he realized that the prince was in front of him. "Your Majesty," they said hello.

The cabal extended its hand, gesturing for them to sit back down. “How is the strategy?”

Gesta replied, “Walk well, Your Majesty. In fact, we just finished discussing the framework. We decided to wait for more information before revealing the details.”

"What information are you waiting for?" ask Cabal. He hopes to stir Gesta's mind and learn from his diplomacy skills.

“Civil, economic, cultural, military technology if possible. Because Americans have offered tours of their country before meeting their leaders, we think it is best to study their communities first. We have two weeks to learn as much as we can before heading into a possible negotiation.”

“Ah, tour? It is interesting,” comments Cabal, contemplating his previous visit to the continent of Mu. She smiled, her adventurous soul awakened by the thought of exploring a technologically advanced alien society.

"Lumayan. I'm sure we even have some guided tours for the day.” Gesta looked back at Cielia. “Cielia, do you remember the itinerary?”

Cielia nodded, her glasses reflecting the light of the cabin as she did. "Yes, sir." He read out the schedule from memory, “Once we arrive, we should last a while from the local media. We just need to smile for a bit for their cameras, and then we can head to our transport convoy, which is provided by the government. Today, we will only settle in our hotel, where some guides will discuss basic details about American culture: general laws, how to access services, how to navigate the road, and so on. We would then spend three more days in this city, San Diego, before we were flown to New York City, where we would spend three more days, he said, and finally to their capital Washington DC ”

Before Cielia could explain further, the pilot announced that they would be landing soon.

“Once,” says Cabal. "I'll ask you more details later, Miss Cielia." He turned around to return to his seat.

With a strong clasp, the plane shook as it descended and touched the long runway. The cabal watched the fickle scene outside as it passed by. The American passenger plane was much larger up close, almost surprising him when he considered the coverage of the airline's existing infrastructure in just one city. The plane finally stopped near a small glowing wagon. Men with bright vests and orange glow sticks helped steer the plane to a predetermined spot, where a red carpet and a crowd of reporters had been waiting. The carpet leads to a row of black vehicles: one limousine for the prince and several SUVs for his followers and other visitors of the Gra Valkans.

The pilot parked the plane easily near the carpet, stating that they were good to get off. Plane ladders were deployed, lined up with velvet support posts on the ground. Prince Cabal walked down the stairs, waving towards the news crew with a graceful smile. He was followed by a Gesta delegation, which was less accepting than the publicity-oriented princes. They waved slightly, smiling faintly as they walked down the carpet. Dallas followed behind them, frowning as he trudged forward with his hands in his pockets.

"Your Majesty, can you tell us more about who you are and where you come from?" A reporter asked.

“Of course,” Cabal said with a proud smile. “I'm Prince Gra Cabal, son of Emperor Gra Lux of the Gra Valkas Empire! Just like you, we are also called from our home world.”

Before the reporter could ask any further, he continued.

"Your majesty!" A woman raised her hand. “News ABC! Why do you visit USA?”

Trying to raise public opinion about him, he smoothly praised the country. “I was told that the United States has more advanced technology than any other country in Elysia. Oh, and the friendliest society of all the other nations of Elysia! I just have to visit, ”he said, leave immediately after finishing his sentence.

Meanwhile, Gesta and Dallas are doing their best to avoid press pressure. Gesta ignored him just like that, ignoring him as he looked ahead. Dallas removed the microphone and camera from his face, only telling reporters to "go". Cielia was more likely to answer a few questions, providing basic details about their purpose here and her kingdom's hopes for a relationship with the United States.

As the Cabal approached the convoy, reporters tried to swarm his group. Secret Service agents quickly intervened to protect the prince, blocking access from a crowd of journalists and reporters. The people of the Valkan Gra hurriedly entered the vehicle, sighing in relief as their smiles disappeared and were replaced by frowns and moans. The Cabal and Gesta troupe enter the limousine while their other staff enter the SUV flanking it.

“Media is always the same, wherever you are, yes, Your Excellency?” A man in a blue suit said from across the limousine.

Cabal analyzed the man as he replied, “Ya, yes indeed.”

"I'm Agent Nomura," said the man, removing his sunglasses and extending his hand. "I'm responsible for your protection and your scheduling while you're here."

Prince Cabal shook the man's hand. "Meet well, Agent Nomura."

Nomura exchanged introductions with Gesta, Cielia, and Dallas as well, noting their personalities for future reference. Classical music was played as a backdrop while Nomura elaborated on the technical details of their stay. “We will show you a series of videos outlining the basic rules in the country, including the exchange rate between the dollar and the gold bullion you carry, along with a demonstration of how to use it,” he raised a smartphone.

"What is this thing?" Cabal asked curiously, grabbing her.

Nomura handed it to him, explaining, “Your Majesty, this is a versatile communication device. Does your community have a phone?”

“Intrue,” says Cabal. “Phone was developed about four decades ago. Previously, we used telegraph communication.”

“This device has many functions — one of them is to be phone.” Nomura shows his iPhone to Gra Valkans, then opens the phone app. “By using the calling system that is inside this app, I can tap the number that matches someone's phone number, then call it. I can also save certain numbers as contacts, so I don't need to call them using the number board. We will distribute this device once we reach the hotel.”

“Interesting,” Cabal says as they gather around the device. “I see other apps like that. What other functions can this device perform?”

“I can see you are very open-minded, Your Majesty. Outstanding quality for a leader,” commented Nomura.

“Thank you, Agent Nomura.”

“Smartphone is capable of taking notes, calculating math, capturing images and videos, sending messages to others, playing music, watching videos, and playing games.” Nomura pointed to the appropriate app as he explained it. “Most importantly, the device is also capable of obtaining information from the vast digital library that we refer to as the Internet. The Internet can be accessed using browsing applications such as Safari. It may be a little tricky, but we will have technicians to help guide you in the hotel.”

“So yes,” Cabal said, his eyes filled with curiosity and astonishment. The prospect of a digital library caught his eye. He and the Gesta delegation can use these resources to find out more about America.

The conversation died down as the journey progressed. The cabal looked out the window as they passed by the beach and throngs of tourists. Its inhabitants seem no different from its homeland, although its homeland is still not open to the natives. Yet here, there were many Elysians who strolled around and enjoyed the scenery, some even performing magic shows, luring the attention of the American public who had no magic.

The Cabal accepts the idea of hiring witches to perform at the imperial palace, but sets it aside when the convoy stops smoothly in front of their hotel. Hotel staff approached the vehicle, opened the door and assisted the Cabal's assistant with luggage. They move the luggage to a predetermined room while Nomura helps Gra Valkan register in the lobby.

After completing the registration, Nomura escorted them to the elevator. He pressed a button that represented the highest floor. After a short trip, the door opened with a bell that echoed to reveal a spacious suite that was truly suitable for a king. The large living room, kitchen, and dining room separate the four smaller bedrooms from the master bedroom. Glass windows provide a full 360-degree view of the city surrounding the floor.

Nomura stepped out of the elevator, turned to face the Gra Valkans with his arms outstretched and smiled, "Your Majesty, welcome to the United States."