Reincarnated with a Country Creation System
Chapter 21: The Delegation's Arrival in Maputo

April 12th, 1938

At the Kingdom of Zambesi, Maputo Port

The delegation of the Kingdom of Zambesi arrived at the port city of Maputo, their presence commanding attention as they disembarked from their carriage.

The men in the delegation were adorned in the elegant "capulana," a length of vividly colored fabric wrapped around their waists, extending down to their ankles. The patterns on the capulana are a vibrant mix of geometric shapes and floral designs in hues of deep red, gold, and indigo.

Over their shoulders, they wore long, flowing "capa" cloaks made from the finest woven cotton, dyed in rich, earthy tones. Each man also wore a "fez," a cylindrical hat that sat atop their heads, embroidered with delicate gold thread that glinted in the sunlight.

"So that's the Kingdom of Zambesi diplomatic officials huh?" Captain Ellis muttered under his breath. Their presence alone demanded respect from the local population as they quickly hushed down and simply stared.

At the forefront of the delegation was the leader, a man of imposing stature, who wore a capulana of the deepest blue, symbolizing his high rank. His capa was longer than the others, the edges trimmed with fine golden tassels. His fez was taller, its gold embroidery forming a complex pattern that denoted his authority.

He walked towards Captain Ellis and scanned him from top to bottom. A translator, a man of medium build wearing a simpler version of the traditional garb, stepped forward and introduced the leader to Captain Ellis.

"This is Chief Mosi, the esteemed envoy of the Kingdom of Zambesi," the translator announced with a clear and respectful tone.

Captain Ellis straightened his posture and offered a slight bow.

"Chief Mosi," Ellis greeted, choosing his words carefully, "it is an honor to meet you. I trust your journey was pleasant?"

The translator relayed Ellis's words to Chief Mosi, who listened intently, his expression neutral. After a brief pause, the Chief nodded and spoke in his native tongue and the translator quickly conveyed his response.

"Chief Mosi said that the honor is mutual, Captain Ellis."

"In that case, we should prepare for our journey to my country, Valoria. It's going to be a thirty-six hours voyage. Our armada that you are seeing off the coast will be our transportation."

Chief Mosi turned his gaze to the horizon, where the Valorian armada rested on the water like a row of steel giants. His breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight. The ships were unlike anything he had ever seen—massive structures of steel and iron, towering above the water with an imposing presence.

They looked more like floating fortresses than ships, their sheer size and modern construction dwarfing the traditional wooden vessels that were familiar to the Zambesi people.

The Chief had heard stories of Western nations and their powerful navies, but seeing such a fleet up close was an entirely different experience.

The Valorian armada exuded an aura of invincibility, and it was clear to Mosi that these were not just ships—they were symbols of a power that could challenge even the most established empires, which is something he'd need when countering the Western nations.

"Well, I can see that you are in shock," Captain Ellis chuckled softly, noticing the awe in Chief Mosi's eyes. "But there's no need to worry. My men will guide you and your delegation to the ship that will take you to the flagship of our navy, the VNS Titan."

Captain Ellis gestured to a group of Valorian sailors standing at attention nearby. "Escort Chief Mosi and his delegation to the launch. Make sure they are comfortable and that everything they need is provided."

The sailors snapped to attention. They stepped forward, politely motioning for the Zambesi delegation to follow them.

Chief Mosi exchanged a glance with his advisors. They had never experienced such hospitality from a foreign power, especially one so obviously formidable. The Chief nodded to his men, signaling them to follow the Valorian sailors.

As the group moved toward the dock where the launch awaited, the enormity of the situation began to sink in for Chief Mosi. The opportunity to forge ties with such a powerful nation could mean significant changes for the Kingdom of Zambesi—changes that could alter the balance of power in the region and continent.

Once everyone was aboard, the launch smoothly departed from the dock, cutting through the water toward the VNS Titan, which loomed larger with each passing moment. The closer they got, the more the sheer scale of the flagship became apparent. It was indeed made of steel. He wondered how it floats as steel is usually heavy and would sink under the water.

As they drew near, a set of cables began lowering from the side of the Titan, guiding a sturdy platform down to the water level. This platform, a mechanical marvel in itself, was designed to hoist the delegation from the launch directly onto the deck of the ship.

The Valorian sailors expertly guided the launch alongside the platform, where the delegation was invited to step aboard. The platform ascended smoothly and once the platform reached the deck, the delegation was greeted by a formal welcoming party of Valorian officers, all impeccably dressed in their white naval uniforms.

"Welcome aboard the VNS Titan, Chief Mosi," Captain Ellis said as he hopped out of the launch and joined the delegation on the platform.

"It is an honor to have you on our flagship. We trust that your time aboard will be both comfortable and enlightening."

Chief Mosi, still absorbing the scale and sophistication of the ship, nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Captain Ellis. Your hospitality is most gracious, and this vessel is truly a marvel."

Ellis gestured for the delegation to follow him. "Please, allow me to show you to your quarters. We have prepared accommodations that we hope will meet your needs for the duration of the journey."

The group moved across the deck, the sound of their footsteps muted against the metal surface. The Valorian officers stood at attention as they passed.

As they descended into the interior of the ship, the corridors were wide and well-lit, lined with polished metal, and adorned with subtle yet elegant decor. For them, it was like a maze.

Captain Ellis led them to a series of rooms located in a quieter section of the ship. He opened the door to one of the suites, revealing a spacious chamber furnished with plush seating, a large bed, and a desk.

"This will be your room, Chief Mosi," Ellis explained. "Your advisors will have similar accommodations nearby. Should you require anything during the journey, simply ask, and it will be provided."

Chief Mosi stepped inside, taking in the surroundings with a nod of approval. "These are fine accommodations, Captain. We are grateful for your attention to our comfort."

Ellis inclined his head. "It is our duty and our pleasure to ensure that you are well cared for. Once you are settled, you are welcome to explore the ship at your leisure. If there is anything specific you wish to see or discuss, do not hesitate to inform me."

With that, Captain Ellis excused himself, leaving the delegation to settle into their rooms.

Once alone with his fellow delegation, Chief Mosi spoke.

"These Valorian people were different from the Western powers. We would often be mocked and disrespected here, but they treat us with respect and dignity," Chief Mosi said, his voice thoughtful as he looked around the luxurious room. "Their technology, their ships, everything about them is advanced, yet they have not looked down upon us as others have."

One of his advisors, a man named Zuberi, nodded in agreement. "Their power is undeniable, but so far, they have shown no arrogance. This could be the beginning of a beneficial alliance if we handle it correctly."

Mosi sat down on the edge of the bed. "We must tread carefully. The opportunity here is great, but we must ensure that our own interests are protected. We need to learn as much as we can about these Valorians—what drives them, what they seek. Only then can we determine the best course of action for our kingdom."