A month had passed since we 'took' over the control of this faction. The people were reluctant to trust us and still are but things have improved as we have laid out a list on what we want to do. First build schools, improve infrastructure, improve security and healthcare. Me and Kahoda decided to lean into more of the European style of building and thought as the Japanese was simply redundant since their reason for separation was the want for a chance in belief and morals. The two of us spent three days of just sitting and writing down the laws that we were to pass down, the people were confused by the prosperity of being able to vote. But as the first wave passed of votes they really seemed to enjoy it. In the meantime I disbanded my ship, there was no point for it to sit there. Overall we were improving things, we even destroyed every single laboratory that existed, destroying any evidence but keeping the data that they managed to extract. Even in such terrible thing useful byproducts exist. Atsuko gathered more 'ministers' that both of us requested. We trust her decisions as she had proven herself rather useful and is quite smart. Things were improving, people worked hard on building more roads, more farms and plots to grow crop on. However, with such improvements came a slew of problems, first, finding teacher but that was fixed by simply employing the monks since they didn't have a job really and were educated enough. Second was the problem of what to do with the really poor and frankly useless lands. That is where Kahoda and me had an argument, he wanted to invest into those villages and I wanted to move them since those lands are not good for growing anything. And thirdly, the news about this spread to other neighboring factions which isn't good. As this one we control really isn't liked by any of these. However, since we took control, this wasn't going to be a faction no more, this officially became a country. We decided to have some fun and agreed on a single name, a country that existed back on Europe that we quite liked. Prussia. We immediately rebranded, tore down every previous flag and immediately put up another. 

New armor was ordered for the soldiers, metal and with different pattern. We knew quite a lot about that stuff and even changed out appearances. I got tired of wearing the same old uniform and went for a new one. A SS uniform by Hugo Boss and while I don't like what the SS did, I have to say, they had some quality fashion, some of the best. Kahoda went with a Prussian one with the spiky helmet, looks cool honestly. We couldn't stop complementing our choice of clothes, but eventually nothing else could have been said. We sent out new designs for everyday clothes, we stop wearing old rags, now we wear nice dresses, what Europeans wore back before World War 1. Atsuko was confused at the sudden change of clothes but as she fit into one she started to like it more and more, there were holes in the designs for the different animals tails. We even cleaned up the military, changed up the training regime, the tactics used and the way the meals are prepared for the soldiers. These were forwarded to the higher ups and those who did not comply with these new requirements were fired and replaced. Commanders are to be among the soldiers, for quicker decisions making, not cower in some tent far away from the battlefield. The soldiers would be followed by mobile kitchens with a couple large cauldrons where stew would be prepared, in the meantime the soldier would eat the basic course of meat, dried fruit and bread. 

Another month passes by quickly and the streets are more colorful, the people have really gotten into this new fashion, ladies taking better care of themselves and men staying in better shape than ever as a result. Work has increased and with that more money among the people, but our goal is definitely to establish trade with other nations. And to our joy, or despair, we haven't really decided, one of the neighboring factions wishes to send a 'diplomat' over to talk with us. The castle had been awry with life, maids and other servants working hard to keep the castle nice and tidy, inside has been more decorated and  livened up. Breaking open a couple walls to let in more natural light, no more will these walls suffocate us. The garden had been given more love and with some nice magic it is lush, green and beautiful. The food had been improved, we put in more of the herbs and since we did come across not only a salt mine but also a couple familiar herbs we immediately requested their addition to the kitchen. You see, Kahoda was a massive instruments guy, he even played a violin in his past life and gathered many of the craftsman and explained new instruments that are to be created. While the craftsman were confused they obliged, you can't oblige a person that is right under your leader in power. He spent days and nights locked up in his room, smoking a lot of herbs that had the same effects as cannabis. Writing down the many compositions he remembers, the works of Vivaldi, Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, Back and others. He was really into this whole European thing, he wanted a part of Earth back I guess. Gathering street musicians he would create orchestras. Another two months pass by rather quickly, he spent that time practicing with the orchestra, while others spent on improving everything. The cities began to change as not only were parks, walkways next to rivers required in the towns and cities but also cleaned the streets and paved them with cobblestone. 

The time had passed quickly, a complete year had passed since we came into power and many things have changed. The nation that existed prior was no more, now a completely new culture, new everything had formed. And as the snow falls outside, cowering everything in the white blanket, the diplomats are to arrive soon. Kahoda, Atsuko and me await their arrival, the kitchen is in full work mode to prepare dishes and maids are tiding up the rooms for our guests. There is a hint of nervousness as we make small talk, how will they react, especially to me. One of the maid comes into the room. 

Maid: Sir, they have arrived, they had just entered the castle ground. 

Draven: Thank you dear, is everything prepared?

Maid: Yes Sir, we were thorough. 

Draven: Good, you may leave. 

She leaves and we take a deep breath. 

Draven: So, shall we go and meet our guests. 

Kahoda and Atsuko nod and we walk through the halls. We had instructed the servants to bring them over to one of the guest room and served tea and biscuits while they carry off their belongings to their respective rooms. As we enter the room, we see them sitting, dressed in kimonos and traditional Japanese clothing, good to see it seeped over into this world. At first they are shook by me but quickly regain their composure. 

Draven: Greetings dear guests. My name is Draven, next to me is Kahoda and the beautiful lady is Atsuko. We are so glad that you came, your journey must have been exhausting. 

An elderly man bows down, not shaking my hand, I guess they probably don't do that. 

Hideo: It certainly was. Glad to meet you Draven-sama, my name is Hideo and I am joined by a scholar Gin and lady Kiyoko. I must apologies if came off as rude, but you look, different from what we expected. 

I hear a stomach grumble and see a flustered Kiyoko, she like Atsuko is a kitsune which might have some correlation. 

Draven: Don't worry, I get that a lot. You must be hungry, I invite you to join us to a special dinner we had prepared. 

Hideo: And we would gladly accept it. 

I whisper to Kahoda. 

Draven: Go and tell the kitchen staff to start preparing the table. 

He nods and leaves and I turn my attention back to the three. 

Draven: Please, follow after me. 

The five of us walk out and while walking through the extravagant halls they look around, peeking through the windows. Taking all of this in, it is probably completely new to them. We finally reach the dinning room where the maids have prepared the table, plates, napkins, appetizers and vowels filled with drink and glasses. The inside is decorated with  a chandelier and beautiful paintings, furniture that compliments the room. As we take a seat the staff slowly bring in the food, the first course is a light but warm soup. 

Hideo: Excuse me Draven-sama, but we don't see chopsticks anywhere. 

Draven: Haha, excuse me truly for my carelessness. We stopped using them in favor of utensils but if you wish, we could bring you some. 

Hideo stays silent for a second, looking at the spoon, fork and knife, picking it up and examening it. 

Draven: Would you like me to show you how to use it? 

Hideo: That would be most helpful. 

I walk over to him, first pouring him the soup and taking a hold of his hand and showing him how to hold it. At first he is awkward but quickly he picks it up. Then in the air I show him how to use the knife and fork, with the left you hold the fork and with the right you cut gently. It takes them a moment but they pick it up and we start to dine. Making small talk. 

Hideo: I must say, this food is very delicious, such complex tastes. What is in these strange cups here? 

Draven: Ahh, the white powder is salt and the dark one is pepper, you use it to adjust the meal to your liking, if it isn't to your liking you add either salt of pepper. 

Kiyoko: I must say, all of this is rather interesting, the people wear different clothes, the building are different. Why do you pay so much attention to appearances? 

Atsuko: Our philosophy is that not only must you be competent but at the same time, presentable. We believe that a healthy mind does not come from a dark and monotonous atmosphere, but a lively and bright one. 

Hideo: Can you tell me more about the things that have changed? Well, since you took over. 

Kahoda: Many things have, not only on the aesthetical side but at the same time, the very heart of our society had changed. We introduced education to the wider populace, it is mandatory to complete the basic education by law, we introduced the ability for people to cast a vote on the things they wish to see happen. 

Gin: Why would you do that? Why would you limit yourself on purpose?

Draven: If you give the people a choice, a chance to influence something they will be happier. They would not feel like another pawn but a citizen of said country. They will feel like they are respected and that their voice actually matters. That makes them happier. 

Hideo: Interesting. You said that you improved the education, how? 

Kahoda: We introduced four levels of education, elementary, middle, high and faculty. Faculty being for the most talented, persistent and smart people. It gives them better chances for future development as a individual. 

Kiyoko: Are foreign students allowed to come?

Kahoda: But of course. We welcome all, students and teachers, scholars, writers and musicians. 

The deserts come in and they seemed chuffed about it, savoring every cookie, biscuit and chocolate sweet. 

Draven: We have prepared you three separate rooms in which you will be able to rest since we believe you must be tired from that long journey. At your disposal you will have maids which you can request anything that you wish. Well, of course, not everything, but anything that you require they will bring it over to you. 

Hideo: I must say, we are really grateful for your hospitality. 

Atsuko: It is our honor to host such guests. You are our first visitors that have actually come to us. It is the least we can offer. How long do you plan on staying here? 

Hideo: A week we had predicted would be enough. 

Draven: Perfect. We hope to show you around tomorrow. Maids, please show our guests to their rooms. 

The maids nod and motion to the guests to follow them. As they walk out we slump down into the chairs, letting out a sigh of relief. I grab a vowel with wine in it and drink directly from it. 

Atsuko: That went better than I expected. 

Kahoda: I expected them to be worse, arrogant and such, but they are quite nice. 

Draven: Is the tomorrows play been prepared?

Kahoda: Tomorrow at nightfall. It will be spectacular. 

Draven: Well then, we should probably call it a night and get some rest. 

As we head to our separate rooms Atsuko stops me. I turn to face her. 

Draven: Yes? 

Atsuko: Could I join you for tonight? 

I am shocked slightly, but I see this took a lot of courage to say. She is flushed, her ears lay flat, her tail low, she fidgets with her dress. 

Draven: I would feel honored.