A Worldly Approach (Underath-Reitzmag Summit)
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"Truly, this has been quite a surprise. Not once in my life have I received such a welcome, not even in my own country. But of course, we don't have such things there. Cannons and limousines and planes and all. It has been quite an exciting journey to get here, and I saw things no Underathian has ever seen. I am afraid they won't believe me when I narrate it to them!
Though, enough with that. All this must be normal for you and though I won't take up more time talking about them. An exchange of culture and history would be preferable. Talk to me about your nation. What are your people renowned for? What great battles have you fought? Because you certainly have many of those.
I am glad I have found a King. Finally, someone bearing the same heavy title and responsibilities as me. I was displeased to find that there are not many royal families in this new world"
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Everyone had their seats on the comfortable furniture, household servants then come in to serve some food and drinks while the Prime Minister and Cabinet prepare documents.
GR: "I'm glad that you're impressed, and of course there are people that really adhere to the principle of 'to see is to believe'. Soon they will eventually believe you. Our people have long moved from the medieval technology and developed our own technology to the best we possibly could, and it paid off with our country being one of the most modern and developed. We did fight great battles, ever since our nation was united by my ancestor King Richard. Our empire had expanded for some time to the very far east into Asia, but of course we no longer lived in that colonial past. Along with our technological prowess, remained the development of our military might with more modern weapons. Anyway, I think it's best I let my Prime Minister discuss about the agreements our countries could have today."
SB: "Your Majesty, I am Simon Bridges and serve as the current Prime Minister of the Reitzmic Kingdom. I'm very pleased to meet you."
Simon kissed the hand of the Underathian king and went back to his seat.
SB: "Your Majesty, we're really glad that you accepted our request for you to be brought to our country. Our government prepared various proposals that would be of great help to Underath, and these were carefully analyzed based on the research our experts conducted about your nation. This includes a massive investment from our Foreign Aid Budget which would be allotted to the development of education, commerce, and industry in your country. These funds could also be allotted for infrastructure, and ensuring your country's defense from nations that seek to abuse your technological inferiority to violate your sovereignty. Primarily, we don't really ask for much other than that we be allowed to protect and defend Underath during its modernization. The placement of any military base is of course not part of our requests, and it will be all up to you what strategy you wish to employ."
"Your nation, sir, is on a very important geostrategic chokepoint of trade. And that is something crucial that would help raise your nation to the modern world quickly. This development, however, may not be too fast, but we estimate to be able to complete helping connect Underath to the modern world within 5 years of continuous work and funding from our nation's budget. We do of course understand the concern that this may simply be an instrument for us to imperialize on your nation, something that we no longer aim in this modern world. To counter this, the control of the development process will be fully up to you and your people. We want to ensure that, the steps we are taking in case you accept our offers and requests is very suitable for the society in your country."
The conversation is then interrupted as household servants bring in a small gift which the king himself presents to Zagreus. It was a small box, containing a bar of gold and a collection of various precious gems and stones.
GR: "Have a look, this is my gift that you will bring when you return to your nation. All of those are precious gems and stones that were carefully mined from our nation's mountains. I hope you like them."
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The King smiled widely, appreciating the kindness and generosity he has received. He looked at the hand that the prime minister had kissed, and said, as he laughed.
"There was really no need. Through many of the summits, I took part in I realized you outsiders have particular means of showing respect that is alien to us in Underath. Nevertheless, I am glad that you respect me and my nation in every way you can."
He took a look at the gems, before putting them back in their box.
"I am very thankful for this gift as well, just another proof of your generosity that makes me very happy. I will be turning these gems into jewelry for my wife so that all my people and all foreigners are able to see them and admire their beauty."
He put the box away and sat more comfortably in that seat that was so soft and comfortable it seemed better than the King's magnificent bed back at home. Of course, he thought, such an advanced civilization would have advanced luxuries.
"I am glad that you are willing to aid us, as there are pressing issues that must be countered in Underath. We are planning to build a port for economic development through trade and to enhance that we could build roads for your cars, buy better tools for our citizens to farm and produce jewelry, clothes, furniture, and other leisure goods, as well as upgrade our people's houses. They have brick walls, wooden roofs, and floors and I am sure through your aid we can give people in Underath a better life.
Of course, if you are willing to aid us, we will grant you economical benefits such as less shipping costs for our products to arrive on your land, discounts on certain products, and much more to give back the generosity you are giving to us."
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SB: "Primarily, our aid package offer is concentrated for education in Underath to fit the standards of modern-day systems. We believe that it would be best that we help educate Underathians about industrializing the world by aiding the education sector of your country in developing a newer and more modern curriculum. And to further speed up and support Underath's modernization, part of our package offer will also include spending for newer infrastructure in your nation that will boost its opening to the modern world via trade and commerce. We of course do not ask anything much in exchange, apart from that we be allowed to help and support Underath's internal and external defence whenever necessary. Our forces are ready to protect your nation from any attempt at invasion, but this of course is all up to you. We do not ask to take any part of your territory or money in compensation for our service, as we simply want to build better relations and help Underath become a modern nation. The ways the funds would be spent and the projects will be conducted are of course under you and your people's control, you can simply tell what you do and do not like and that will be done so."
Simon takes a sip of his wine as he continues to negotiate, looking at the guest king trying to read whether he's been forced by an aggressive power into a very fishy deal.
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"Of course" Zagreus smiled.
"I have always believed that a good nation begins from the good education of its people. I am thankful that you are willing to help us without much in return, we appreciate it.There is not much more for me than to accept your kind offer for aid in infrastructure and education, but I will kindly refuse your military support. Your nation is just too far away to be effective and letting you make a base in our lands is just out on the table. Worry not, for Underath has allied itself and the will of the Underathian people will drive any enemy force away, as they have done for centuries."
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SB: "We respect your decision, sir. But worry not about distance, modern technology allows us to deploy forces within hours especially with the presence of a base in our ally Yosai where many of our ships from our Atlantic Fleet are prepared to be dispatched at any time. Of course, military bases are not our interests but simply the protection of small nations from the harassment of large powers. Underath can always call for our support, to help defend its land and its people or to help the local defenders by supplying them with training and equipment that can counter modern threats."
Simon continued, before then signaling his secretary to begin writing the document based on what has been agreed.
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"I am glad you want to help Underath" King Zagreus started
"Having just discovered the land that we own, we realized that there is a small island just next to our land. Since we haven't colonized yet, it would be the perfect base for a military base for us and our allies. I suppose you could make one there so that you are able to defend us. I am sure that modern technology makes it so your soldiers can come quickly, but in a war, every second counts."
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SB: "I'm thankful for the trust you are putting on us in the promises we wish to deliver for your nation. Please, enjoy the food and drinks as my secretary writes our agreement."
Time passed and the secretary came back with two copies of the printed version of the document for both nations.
TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION
Between the State of Underath and the Kingdom of Reitzmag
ARTICLE 1: Modernization Program and Investment in the State of Underath
Section 1. The Kingdom of Reitzmag shall allocate part of the budget on Foreign Aid worth not less than 10 billion Euros for the modernization program to be undertaken in the State of Underath. The final value of the investment shall be determined by the Parliament of the Kingdom of Reitzmag within a week after the ratification of this agreement.
Section 2. The Kingdom of Reitzmag shall aid native scholars and experts in the State of Underath in developing a new curriculum that fits the modern standards of education for the latter. Educational personnel shall also be dispatched from the Kingdom of Reitzmag to assist in providing quality modern-day educational system to the citizens of Underath. The execution of teaching the new curriculum shall focus on higher education and the introduction of industry to native citizens of Underath.
Section 3. The Kingdom of Reitzmag shall invest, through the funds identified under Section 1 of this Article, in the construction of modern infrastructure that will benefit the modernization of economic and commercial status in the State of Underath. This shall include, but will not be limited to, Residential Buildings, Government Buildings, Seaports and Dockyards, Lighthouses, Airports, Educational Buildings, Entertainment Infrastructure, Highways and Road Networks, Manufacturing Facilities, and Communication Infrastructure. The design and construction of such infrastructure shall follow the guidelines set out by the State of Underath, and undertaken with the help of Reitzmic engineers and architects. Citizens of Underath shall be permitted to provide the manpower necessary in the undertaking of the construction projects, they may not be forced to work and must be paid appropriately and fairly with local currency.
Section 4. The Kingdom of Reitzmag shall, in consultation with scholars and experts in the State of Underath, identify the necessary policies to open the economy of the latter to the Global Market. The policies shall serve as advice to the government of the State of Underath on the necessary actions they must undertake to integrate their economy to the modern world, and that the implementation of which shall rest solely on the decision of such government. This shall include, but will not be limited to, Monetary Policy, Foreign Currency Exchange Policy, Trade Policy, and Immigration Policy.
Section 5. The Kingdom of Reitzmag shall assist the State of Underath in the exploration and study of its other territories, especially those yet to be realized.
Section 6. The execution of the projects under this program shall at all times receive the approval of the government of the state of Underath, and must follow customs, traditions, and standards in relation to the culture of the citizens of the state of Underath.ARTICLE 2: Defence Assistance
Section 1. The Kingdom of Reitzmag shall ensure the defence of the territories in land, air and water, of the State of Underath and may patrol such territories whenever necessary.
Section 2. The Kingdom of Reitzmag, for the execution of its responsibilities in Section 1 of this Article, may establish a naval base on the island within the internationally recognized territorial bounds of the State of Underath. They may through this base, deploy vessels for patrolling and defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the other party.
Section 3. The Kingdom of Reitzmag shall identify and provide basic equipment and training for the formation of a modern armed force for the State of Underath. The selection of the enlisted members and officers of which shall be determined by agreement between the Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Reitzmag and the government of the State of Underath.
Section 4. The Kingdom of Reitzmag shall not receive compensation for the training and provision of any equipment for the Armed Forces of Underath, the equipment and training provided shall be ensured appropriate for the amount of knowledge the members of the said armed force of Underath. The conduct of training shall follow a standard approach, based on that of the system employed by the Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Reitzmag with the necessary adjustments for the trainees.ARTICLE 3: General Conduct of Assistance Programs
Section 1. It must be ensured that the execution of the programs under this agreement shall be appropriate for the culture and intellectual background of the citzenry of the State of Underath. Mastery of the concepts and ideas shall be a priority over speedy understanding.
Section 2. The conduct of each project and their specifications shall be presented to the government of the State of Underath, and that must receive approval and consent to be executed.
Section 3. No portion of land or territorial waters of the State of Underath may be annexed and occupied by the Kingdom of Reitzmag without voluntary approval from the government of the State of Underath. Both parties shall recognize each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.Signed on this 27th day of April in the year 2022 at Buckingham Palace, Kingdom of Reitzmag.
Simon presents a copy of the document and signs his copy while instructing the secretary to assist Zagreus in signing his copy. Both documents were in English but includes a translation in Underathian language for every text.
SB: "I hope the terms of the agreement is acceptable to you."
After signing his copy, Simon gave his to Zagreus for him to sign as he waits for Zagreus to hand the other copy for him to sign.
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King Zagreus read the paper carefully and signed it.
Signed, his majesty King Zagreus, sole ruler of the Kingdom of Underath
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After the exchanges of pleasantries and signing of papers, the summit was done. But before leaving, Zagreus was toured around Hampton City and in a museum exclusively opened for him. There, he was presented with various weapons and technology Reitzmag had from the Medieval Age to the Modern Era. As they return to the palace, a small but still pomp banquet was held for the Underathian king and his company. Of course, the meals were ensured to be familiar for Underathians while giving twists that would introduce modern cuisine to the guests. Everything was done fit for monarchs.
At the end, the Royal Family with the King and the Government led by the Prime Minister gave their farewells as Zagreus departs for the flight back to Yosai and to Underath. At Yosai, the naval base salutes and gives respect to the Underathian monarch. He's introduced to the modern warships, something that soon the Underathians would have and receive. Eventually, a flight of helicopters brought the visit to an end.
