His majesty and I were working on documents for the upcoming annual meeting with all the lords. It was a special meeting where the king would work out a decree with input from other lords. Usually, the king would have some decrees laid out before the actual meeting. This is to ensure that all the lords have heard the decree in person, but also to get some valuable input from other lords.

However, the work will have to be put on hold for the moment. There was a loud knock on the door to the study. The guard rushed into the study and gave a report in his haggard state.

"Your majesty, we have received a report that three strange ships have docked at Allure port. The town was on high alert for a moment until the ship stated out its intention. The port master allowed it to dock for now. However, it appears they are envoys from another nation called the United states of America. They wish to meet with you."

His majesty and I looked at each other.

"Prime minister, you don't know this country do you?"

"No your majesty, I haven't. Its has quite a unique name that I would probably never forget. But I don't recall ever encountering such a name. Guard tell me, do you know where these ships hailed from?"

"The port master told me they came traveling up from the southern region of the Kingdom. He assumes that they came from the islands near there. However, he also says the envoys came from a continent in the east."

"The east, they say? Did someone come from the other side of the world, perhaps? In addition, what is strange about these ships?"

The guard thought for a moment before giving his account on what the ships looked like.

Ships made of metal? No sails? Weird contraptions on the top of the ship. It sounds strange, but what is more concerning is the lack of sails. If the ship is being propelled by some magic, then it’s likely that this country has a firm grasp at magic manipulation. This would make them essential as allies if we are to stave off potential warfare with our neighboring kingdoms.

In addition, they could help increase our agriculture output and hopefully stave off fears from our provincial lords and hopefully riots at the same time. I looked towards his majesty and he had come to the same conclusion.

He immediately responded to the guard.

"Have the envoys arrive tomorrow morning. We need to prepare for their arrival while me and the prime minister here still have to finish working on the decrees for the annual meeting in a couple of days. Send them my wishes."

"Yes, your majesty."

The guard left, and we resumed our work for the annual meeting in three days. Although it wasn't uncommon to receive envoys, they are usually from the Tillerian empire to the Southern continent or the Onleng empire to the northern continent. However, if my assumption is correct, we will have to somehow win them over and allow them to work with us in developing our magic.

However, as the day passed and morning arrived, my workload only increased. Not only to prepare for the envoys, but to prepare a feast and to also discuss with his majesty on the schedule of the meeting. I also had to prepare for housing and quarters for the envoys and guards coming along. So much work, but it finally got done.

Eventually, the envoys arrived at his majesty's castle. However, they arrived in a way unlike anything I have seen. When I was notified of their arrival, I noticed that they had peculiar carriages. Sleek with no horse pulling it, they truly were very bizarre. Was this also done through magic? Even more of a reason we have to appeal to these envoys. Coming from a nation with such development would be a boon to our country. However, from a country with such power, it’s strange I have never heard of them.

What’s more is the attire of the envoy. Instead of being highly decorated with ornaments, they wore a rather reserved black coat over a white shirt with a weird ribbon going down the middle. In fact, all of them wore that, even the women in the envoy.

"It’s an honor to meet you. My name is John Stuart, the head of this diplomatic mission from the United states."

"It’s also a pleasure to meet you honored envoy of the United States. I am the prime minister Gerald, the sole advisor and second head of state. Please, follow me to his highness's hall."

I led the envoys to the hall where the king is waiting. Two guards opened the doors to the hall and the big spacious hall came into view. It was wide enough to have ten people's open arms side-by-side while also have twenty people's open arms from the door to the throne. It was a magnificent hall that was built in the king’s third generation. The floors are made of marble and pillars flanking the carpet side by side, elegance and magnificence radiated off the throne room.

We made our way towards his majesty who was sitting on the throne. There was another chair next to him, however it was empty. It was usual for her majesty to sit, however it seems she is also not doing well today.

"Are you the envoys from the United States of America?"

"Yes, your highness. I am the ambassador for this mission and also the secretary of state John Stuart."

"I see, so what brings you here John?"

"My country wishes to open up trade and to also work out other intelligence agreements and military agreements with your country. We would also like to explain our country's unusual circumstances."

One of his people opened a briefcase and took out two pieces of paper. He handed them to me and I also gave one to his majesty. When I looked, I was shocked by what I was seeing. A map. Something which me and his majesty would prize over. They were crucial for planning and war, and yet this map in my hand is unbelievable.

It was so precise and accurate, as if it was made from looking down on us. This map was unlike anything I have seen up till this point.

"Our country has found itself in another world it seems."

"I'm sorry?" His majesty replied.

"Our country used to be on another planet called Earth. From what we can tell, everything has changed around us. For this, our country would like to establish trade to stabilize our economy."

"I'm sorry, but I am afraid that everything you have said is unbelievable."

His majesty is right, this is unbelievable. Another country from another world? Although it’s not out of the realm of possibility since it’s an unknown, this map only serves to strengthen their claim. I know of no person who could make such an elaborate map. Not to mention those sleek carriages and weird attire. Maybe they just developed more sophisticated magic than us?

"Excuse me, your majesty, but I want to ask John a question."

He nodded.

"John, I want to ask, what type of magic did your country use to make this map? I understand if that is a state secret, but this map is too accurate for any means that this kingdom has."

Although this will reveal our kingdoms capabilities more, it still wouldn't outweigh the benefits of this magic. If we could figure out a way to produce these ourselves, we could track everything around our shores.

However, I looked at the envoy from the United States and saw that it shocked him and looked loss for words for a moment.

"Prime minister, I don't know what you mean by magic, but we created this using satellite images and analysis by multiple agencies. It might seem like magic, but it took many days for it to finally be completed."

"Satellite? I'm sorry, but I am afraid I don't understand."

Is that another magical device that can fly? I just understand nothing coming out of this envoy’s mouth.

"A satellite is a piece of equipment that is sent into space to take photos of the planet. The images taken by the satellite are used to create that map. Unfortunately, because of time constraint, that is the best map we could provide. It is still incomplete."

Hmm, this is something that needs to be discussed later on.

"However, your majesty, I would like to ask if I may be so bold."

"Proceed."

"Do you know why some animals disappear into thin air when they are killed?"

Huh? Isn't that supposed to be obvious? I was about to answer, but his majesty stopped me.

"So you really are not from this world?"

"No your majesty, it is as we said. Our country has found itself with no allies and without trade, our country's economy is unstable. We would like to open diplomatic channels with this country."

His majesty immediately responded.

"Then lets head over to my study now. We have much to discuss."

His majesty got up while I got confused.

"Your majesty, isn't this too fast? The schedule said that we wouldn't begin talks until tomorrow. Why proceed so hastily?"

He looked at me with his eyes shining brightly more than ever before.

"Have you inspected the maps they gave us?"

"Yes. The maps were amazing. They should have been made using new magic of some sort. I heard other kingdoms were trying to do this so it is easier to track ships or attackers."

"I am not talking about the maps themselves. Did you see the size of this country compared to the United States? I am afraid that if we mess up now, we may never have another chance at competing with the other regional powers."

I looked that the map and also realized what his majesty was talking about. The sheer landmass of this country was huge. It was over ten times the size of the Astra Kingdom. They sent envoys from this continent? Just how many months must it have taken them to get here alive? Its unimaginable. Even with our fastest ships, it would take months to get to this country.

If that is the case, then that means this country somehow can trade with other countries in their previous world despite this ocean. Perhaps, no, even on their other world, they were oceans apart from the major continent. Just how did they trade? Did they rely on the southern continent?

As I was contemplating, we already arrived at his majesty's study. We, including the envoys, sat around a long table in the study. It had about a dozen chairs to accommodate large meetings.

Everyone settled into the room.

"Now, I believe you asked why some animals disappear when they are killed. To put it they are a cursed species."

"Cursed? Is that why they are aggressive as well?"

"Yes, when a species is cursed, they lose all reasoning and only attack anything that moves. A cursed species can be seen as unnatural and dangerous. The only thing to do is to kill them on sight."

"As for why they disappear into thin air?"

"That is because they are made mostly of pure mana, energy which flows all around us. When they are killed, all they leave behind are some remnants of pure mana stones. They are quite valuable for magic research and can assist in a range of areas such as combat and daily living. However, few cursed ones are found in Astra kingdom."

"And why is that?"

"These cursed species only dwell in colder regions where mana is concentrated more heavily. However, these regions also have the valuable Macana trees."

"And these trees are?"

"They are trees which absorb mana from the air. They exist mostly in the colder regions. However, they are highly prized for since they differ from the mana stones. Even when cut from the tree, they still collect mana from the air whereas the mana stones will eventually run empty."

"I see, so this mana. What can we can use it for specifically?"

"It can produce and manipulate a wide range of materials such as water, wind, fire, and earth. The only problem lies in the user's education and getting the Macana wood or Mana stones. These materials are quite expensive since they are so rare."

"Interesting, our helpers will get more elaboration from your court helpers later. But lets move onto the main issue brought forward by my government. Trade."

"Yes, you were heavily emphasizing trade, but just how much trade does your country conduct? This is the first time I heard of a country so reliant on trade."

"I am not sure how countries in this world operate, but on Earth, it was very rare for a country not to trade with one another. In fact, you could say that a country would be worse off if they didn't trade with each other."

"But what about the pirates and the inevitable losses when ships disappear? Not to mention that it must take months to transport goods from one place to another. Isn't it more efficient to just produce everything yourself?"

"As one famous economist put it back on Earth, "To be self sufficient is to be inefficient." A country would be better off if they simple traded with one another. For example, our country has a comparative advantage in growing some agriculture products such as soybeans, corn, wheat, and other products. I am curious, what is the main agriculture crop of this kingdom?"

Finally, my time to shine.

"Our crops vary a bit, but the southern region grows coffee, nuts, and oils while the upper region grows wheat and potatoes. However, the yearly tributes to the Tillerian empire have strained our yields for many years now."

"Hmm, could you send some people to get us the numbers on this if possible? Our country would be interested with the crop yields of this world."

I was about to object to that, but his majesty once again stopped me.

"I assume that you will also show us how much wheat your country produces?"

"Of course. Hmm, this might be difficult though. Tell me, are you familiar with the imperial system or the metric system?"

I thought for a moment, but unfortunately did not come up with an answer.

"I am not familiar with those."

The envoy sighed and held his head a bit.

"It seems my luck has run out. How does this kingdom measure yields?"

Since I often looked at reports regarding crop yields of our province, I am quite familiar to how we measure it.

"We measure it using a woven basket. Guard, can you go down to the kitchen a grab a basket used to measure the yields?"

"Yes, will do."

While the guard left, the envoy proceeded with the talks.

"So what other significant product does this country produce?"

"What do you mean? Agriculture is our main output."

The envoy contemplated and let out a soft "I see".

"What does the United States export?"

"The U.S. exports a wide variety of products, however, most of our exports are made up of manufactured goods such as cars, petroleum, electronic circuits, and car parts. If we are talking about services, then a wide variety of commercial services."

Well, I do not understand what he is talking about again. But let’s leave that aside, it looks like the guard came back.

"Here is a basket we used to measure yields. We refer to it as one basket."

The ambassador looked at it and gave it to someone on the table. He took out some measuring device to look at it.

"This basket is around one bushel, it seems. Not completely, but it will do."

The envoy hands it back to the guard.

"If we go by baskets or bushel, then our country has exported around 900 million bushels of wheat."

"Huh, wait a minute. Your telling me that your country produced 900 million of these baskets filled with wheat?"

"Well, actually, that is the amount we exported. We produced closer to 1.9 billion baskets of wheat. The U.S. exports about 50 percent of the wheat we produce."

What is this madness? That is impossible! The Onleng empire might produce closer to 100 million baskets of wheat, but not that much! Not to mention, they export 50% of their grain!? Such madness. How will their people eat? Even the tributes only made up around 10% of our yearly yields. Wait, something’s not right here.

"You said your country produces other crops?"

"Oh yes, wheat isn't even our biggest agriculture export. Our top 5 exports from the agriculture sector are soybeans, corn, various nuts, cotton, and various foodstuffs. Although, we are measuring the top exports by value rather than by bushels. But by measuring in bushels or baskets, the U.S. exported nearly 2.1 billion bushels of soybeans and nearly 2.2 billion bushels of corn."

My protector. Did you send the devil himself here? Or perhaps your relative? These numbers just don't stick in my head. How is it possible for a country to produce this much?

"How baskets of wheat does the Astra Kingdom produce?"

"Although its more of a guess, its estimated to be around 2 million baskets of wheat in the entire kingdom."

"This is..."

"Yes, our country, despite its efforts, has not lived up to your expectation it seems."

"Well, considering your country didn't know what a car was, this was sort of expected. Although I think many anthropologists will be delighted with this discovery. But anyways, would your country like to open trade between our two countries. Here are some tariffs and provisions on this document."

I looked at the paper. Even the damn paper was nice. Just who the hell are we dealing with? I felt like they have overturned my entire worldview. However, when I looked at his majesty, all I was was a glow in his eyes as he looked at the document.

This is no time for being awed, we must not let them push us around.

"The terms look fine your majesty, shall we agree to the trade deal?"

"Yes, this looks good. Alright ambassador John, was it? I look forward to future cooperation."

"I also look forward to it. However, after this, my friend will take over. I have to run the department of state back in the states."

He introduced someone else. Similar age, but had more of a cleaner feel to him. His name was apparently Jeffery. Interesting name.

However, before he could finish, a guard ran inside the room.

"Your majesty, pirates are attacking Allure port!"

Everyone looked at the guard. The guard didn't know there would be so many people, but his majesty spoke.

"What of the guards and port master?"

However, everyone was shocked to learn that the pirate fleet blew up out of nowhere.