Terrador, Altoran Region, Duskshire, Present Day, Mid-day:

  Lady Nimrara Waesmer

  As the castle came into view above the town rooftops, the noisy chatter of townsfolk filled the air. The town was not filled with only Can'ar as it was known to. Instead, merchants and visitors from all across Terrador were filtering into the town, creating a bestial stampede of various opportunists looking to make gold.

  Even now, looking out from the carriage, new buildings were being constructed. No doubt from requests from the merchant guilds seeking to make a base of operations here. What storefronts could be purchased were under renovation. Carpenters old and young marched to and fro, the dull whacks of hammer on nails distant and constant.

  The effects of the humans, their presence not uncommon, were obvious on the population, the usual ragged and dull attire was replaced with brighter colours and fabrics of higher quality. Whatever strategy the humans are using to integrate into the realm was used on the entirety of the populous, not just the nobility. Whatever they were planning, we would know soon enough.

  I placed my hand on the round crystal in my pocket and kneaded a message into its colours, the paired crystal in another carriage receiving them. On que, our carriage behind us changed course to investigate the town. They will return in due time with information.

  Returning my focus back inside the carriage, I confirmed with my retinue of our roles. To which I was met with agreement, as expected. I turned to my nephew who gazed longingly outside. "Are you well rested Lord Sternea?"

  "Y-yes Lady Nimrara, I'll be fine." He said immediately, snapping out of his lethargy. I pressed on with our retinue as Sternea returned to gazing out the window. The weariness was still apparent from his posture and his face despite the gentle ride to the town. The late lessons that he attended in the last two weeks were still taking their toll, but it was better than having him unprepared.

  For all intents and purposes, he was the highest royalty of our delegation. Though I alone bore the intent of her majesty for the tour. It was a simple means to allow our delegation the authority of the high-royal house without their actual presence. As long as Sternea heeded my council, there was little issue to be had.

  Once within the castle walls, the castle's Can'ar Knight Captain came forth to greet us and lead us inside the diminutive castle. I could not help but notice that there were no humans to greet us Captain. Why is that?" I asked, looking around. The castle appeared to have enough hands to man

  The captain cleared his throat as he forced an authoritative tone. "Ahem- They were called in to the great hall to assist the nobles who arrived early. As the next available authority of the castle, I would take the position of herald in their absence."

  "I did not think the Can'ar were short of hands. The humans did not help you ensuring this castle was fit for the arrival of nobles?"

  "No milady. The humans were of great help to us. It was by their suggestion and the town's High Lord that the castle be kept the same as not to show favouritism to any one delegation. The focus of this day is not the castle after all, but the realm of Sol."

  The captain seemed eager to demonstrate the town's neutrality for the tour despite their clear praise to the humans. I had thought that they were under control of humanity but it appears that it is not the case. Looking around, I could see that the Can'ar preferred a minimal amount of décor, though one could forgive them today as it was not the focus of attention. Once we were before their Great Hall's doors, one of our retinue stepped forward to herald us.

  "Nobles and royalty of the realms, I present, the Elven Delegation of Etherium, on behalf of the royal elven court!"

  Our arrival was met with various bows from the many delegations, their attention taken away from the various knick-knacks set upon the tables. The first to greet us was none other than the Union's representative and humanity's diplomat.

  "Lady Waesmer, it is an honour to have you with us today." Said the human.

  "Lady Tarith, it is a pleasure to be here. I do apologise for the late arrival, but we had some prior business to take care of."

  "Not a problem. We do have some time before we officially begin. Please, feel free to make yourselves comfortable."

  Our delegation dispersed across the room to greet the other nobles, meanwhile I accompanied the human to the many tables that held refreshments. It felt… strange, seeing a human up close again after some time. The feeling of discomfort given from something familiar yet so foreign sent a shiver through me.

  "If I may be so blunt Lady Waesmer, I understand that you arrive today as the Chief Advisor for the delegation but not as the representative of your government. I was under the impression that you held the highest position under Lady Dawnwake and that you would be the head of the delegation."

  She offered a flattering presumption, though I could not garner whether it was from curiosity or ignorance.

  "Oh, that is simply a matter of tradition. Royalty would ordinarily take the office as our representative, but with so little time to prepare, the only one to hold the position was my nephew who you had the pleasure of meeting those nights ago."

  "Ah. Well, I do apologise for our hastiness. There were many factors at home that wanted to push our presence into the realm as fast as possible. This tour is simply meant to introduce the realms to humanity as we introduced ourselves at the Gala. As it was aforementioned, the tour will focus on our culture and economy."

  "Regardless, we have prepared ourselves appropriately. Though I do have my grievances on your requirement to withdraw our magic."

  I lift my hand as I let my blessing seep into the air, the mana forming like a winding breeze around my arm, a glimmering iridescence at my beckoning. While I don't intend to pursue any petty advances, I would prefer the humans acknowledge the indignity of their request.

  Before I could continue, Lord Rasmuth stepped forward. "While I understand the disrespect that such a request would garner, it is a matter of safety upon entering Sol, for both us and the denizens. So please Lady Waesmer, there is no need for a demonstration that would go unseen for our hosts."

  I glared at Lord Rasmuth at his disruption only to see Lady Tarith confused, a request for clarification on the tip of her tongue, as was on my own. "Unseen, Lord Rasmuth?"

  It was then that realisation dawned on the human as she spoke. "If our disrespect is in regards to our policy on magic, then it is something we do apologise for. It is a request we have asked of all delegations upon visiting as it is a policy that we enforce on the entirety of our world."

  I was stunned. "You mean to tell me that you deprive your people of the gifts of magic?" I asked incredulously, before the words of the Gala so many nights ago dawned on me.

  The human simply shrugged as she answered. "You cannot deprive people of something they never had."

  …

  I could only let out a deflating sigh as they doubled their efforts on their narrative. "Lady Tarith, please. I can understand exaggerating ones home to build intrigue and wonder, but what you speak of borders on the absurd and the impossible. If this tour will be the bridge that connects your realm to this one, then I hope that you can see the wisdom on building it on a foundation of honesty."

  I could not care any further about this ludicrous narrative that supports whatever scheme they had in mind. If they intend to begin on a foundation of lies, then so be it. And yet, instead of the expected continuation of their fantasy, she chose to end it there and then. Before Lord Rasmuth could continue his tirade, Lady Tarith stopped him with a hand so that she could speak.

  "You're right Lady Waesmer, " She said with tact. "Perhaps we did lean too far. Perhaps I don't need to go and recount that which you are about to see. After all, that's why you're here, so that you can see with your own eyes. Instead, why don't we focus on the here and now. I have yet to be introduced to the rest of your delegation."

  'Well at least she is reasonable.' I thought to myself. The truth of their realm can wait until we get there. I let myself return to stateliness.

  "Well first and foremost, I believe you are familiar with my nephew Prince Sternea Waesmer of the Waesmer Kingdo-"

  I turned my head to find not my nephew but an empty spot. He was gone. He was no longer behind me. Our delegates also turning in surprise to find he was no longer at their side. He was always soft-footed but to do so as easily as he does was a gift of his as it was a curse to our family.

  "If you are looking for Lord Sternea, he had departed to the other tables while we were speaking." Lord Rasmuth was quick to point out my nephew who had made his way to one of the Radagon nobles. I had believed him too tired to act out per usual but alas, he remained as unreadable as ever.

  "It would appear he's taken an interest in Sol's goods here." He continued as I felt a tinge of frustration in me, one that I had grown familiar to tempering. While I had half a mind to march over there and drag him back, I was interrupted with a suggestion. "We will be beginning the tour soon enough, so perhaps we can speak to the rest of the delegations? I believe the prince would be quite occupied for some time."

  It… took me a moment to pull myself from my frustration. I agreed with Rasmuth, ultimately Sternea was a figurehead for our delegation and I could trust him enough to not cause a scene. For now I acquiesced, as I had the rest of the delegation to introduce. For now, I would keep my expectations low and an eye on the boy.

  ______________

  Terrador, Altoran Region, Duskshire, Present Day, Mid-day:

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Lord Sternea Waesmer - 5 minutes ago

  I had spent the last few days deep in inter-realm politic lectures and etiquette lessons, courtesy of my aunt. She ensured that my mind would be kept within the confines of the lecture room, reprieve coming sparingly, given only when I have performed to her standards, and her standards were indeed high.

  I had begged her mercy whenever feasible, that I was not so dull that I would embarrass the delegation, that my role was merely decorative at best. She responded that even a decoration must adequately perform in the room it is set upon, which reminded her of another topic to cover. I did not dare to complain again.

  The terror of her reign left deep gouges in my mind, even as we entered the town and the castle as I recited my lessons over and over in my mind. Only as we walked into the castle's great hall was I allowed some moment of reprieve as she became distracted with the diplomats. I warily allowed myself to take in the sights around me, making sure I did not catch her attention. Only then did I notice the strange sights around me. Various humans stood behind displays upon the tables with various jewellery. On another, bulky tools made with sturdy but strange materials and one with glass bottles filled with what I assume is some form of alcohol, if the dwarves surrounding that table was any indication. But what truly caught my eyes was the last table where stood an armoured man.

  Or so I would describe it at first glance. A Kobold noble was conversing with the individual covered head to toe in armour. It was only as I observed that I noticed that this was no ordinary individual; his moves minimal and stiff, his armour more akin to blocks of metal, too thin for any person to fit inside, the single slit of his visor glowing a blue light along its entire length. And like the humans, there was no mana coming from him or around him. My curiosity, ever my downfall, overcame me as I decided I would make my way over.

  My aunt was too occupied in her conversation with the Human and Can'ar and the other delegates were either busy talking amongst themselves or were lightly scattered to look at the human goods. And no sooner were they distracted did I find myself at that table, and a reprieve from my satisfied curiosity, as I would find not a man clad in armour, but a golem.

  What I thought were gauntlets of armour were in truth an imitation of a normal arm, hollow and stiff, a dermal skeleton of steel. This imitation extended to its legs, it too minimal in its construction as exposed pipe-like components made the most precise of movements to balance the golem on its two legs. What made up its joints were compact cylinders that were seamless in the golem's design, an earie, soft and smooth groan of metal with every bend of a limb. A result of what I could only imagine to be hidden pulleys and belts, crammed sophistically and perfectly in their tight confines. Its arms hung by its side as its posture remained upright, its demeanour polite and attentive, like a servant ready to serve.

  What made up its torso was disproportionate to its limbs, less a torso, more of a housing, to hold what I assume were the metal organs that allowed it animation. Its head, unlike the bulk that was its silhouette, was small, an angled and simple prism of metal, a blue-tinted pane of glass facing forward, a strip of light across it, indicating eyes. More extending pipes connected the base of its head to its throat, moving synchronously for head movement. When it spoke, it did so as if every word was from a fresh script, its tones inclining and descending per some prior decision, a silent hum of energy punctuating its every word.

  As I continued to gaze at the golem, I came to realise that its construction was as preposterous as it was functional, as abnormal as it was literal. It took what made a being of flesh and blood and transferred those very necessities, as literally as possible, into a metal canvas. Iron skin to hold the muscles beneath, a housing torso for the most important of organs, limbs to move, touch and walk, and a head to see and speak.

  It was a novel and unique design that stood apart from any golem that was every brought into existence. While it clearly followed an elven anatomy, or perhaps a human anatomy in this case, the philosophies that drove its creation are so far departed from any known convention that it could easily become its own. Its construction alone was enough to fill a whole book of its design, as I had yet to even approach it.

  "-Yes, yes, your creator is a noteworthy individual of course, but that does not answer my question. My question 'drone' is of where your summoner or creator is right now?"

  "My creation cannot be attributed to a singular individual. Instead, it is attributed to the Atlas Robotics Construction facility located in Australia. However, if you are referring to the individual who first designed and tested this unit, then I'm afraid that information is not avail-"

  "No you stupid golem! I am asking who is controlling you right now!"

  The Kobold noble and the golem continued their back and forth with the noble slowly becoming more agitated. It was at the height of his anger that he turned away in frustration to see me before him.

  "Oh, pardon me. I did not notice you." he said in his surprise. "I apologise if you were witness to the unpleasant display before you."

  "Ah, no need for apologise, Lord…"

  "Lord Jalid, Gandal Jalid, serving as a cultural minister for the delegation representing the Radagon Alliance. It is a pleasure to meet you."

  "I am Prince Sternea Waesmer of the Etherium Delegation. It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I was simply observing this fine golem you have before you."

  "Ha! 'Fine' would be an apt description were it not so frustrating. It refuses to answer a simple question."

  "I do apologise for any inconvenience I have cause you Lord Jalid. It was not my intention to cause you frustration."

  "Well at least it's able to belt out an apology. Feel free to engage with this incompetent statue Prince Waesmer, I tire of it already." The Kobold stepped aside to allow me a chance to speak with it, reaching for a glass of wine to sate himself.

  I stepped forward before the golem in wonder as I continued to marvel at it. I focused my sight to see it was as manaless as the humans, unlike a regular golem that bore the simplest of mana-fields around it. It remained stock still, its eye trained on me as I gazed into the blue glass that was its eye. It was as an uncomfortable silence began to build that it chose to speak.

  "Greetings Lord Sternea Waesmer. I am KD32-4, a Civil-class drone created by Atlas Robotics to assist with the presentation of goods you see before you." It gestured to the table that was beside it, holding various items, what I assume were various artifices. But I no longer cared about what was on the table, I cared about what was right in front of me. This golem.

  It still spoke like it read from a script. While I could simply talk to it like a normal golem, the scholar in me was hungry. This was unlike anything ever seen. A manaless golem. What is it capable of? How does it see? How does it walk? Talk? I have so many questions and I didn't know which one to ask first.

  …I have to slow down. I always let my mind run away and I couldn't let that happen here, on the cliff of new discovery. Better yet, a new realm. I needed to go back to steady progression, like my professors taught me. Focus on what's in front of me. What has this golem done so far? He spoke, said his name, described himself, described his origins, described his purpose, all unprompted in perfect Raegal. Or perhaps it was prompted? Did he speak to fill the uncomfortable silence? How-

  Stop…

  I've stood in silence for long enough. What should I say? I think I should begin with a simple greeting.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you too. You said your name was 'Kay-Dee Three Two dash Four'?"

  "Indeed. Though you may call me 'KD' for short."

  'K, D, Four'. These are letters and numbers. The human's common language of English that my aunt drilled the basics of during the last two weeks. Though it was of little importance.

  "Your name doesn't sound like a human name. They're of your language's letters and numbers. Why? Are you not given a name?"

  "It is my designated name to distinguish me from other units. This unit is of the 32nd batch of the production line of my creation and the 4th iteration of this unit. Individually, to distinguish me from other units of my line, I am unit 'KD'"

  I was momentarily stunned. One's whole origins identified per their name? Then again, it is a known fact that some commoners take up the name of their homesteads. Is it similar to that? A question for another time.

  "Right, I see. Thank you, KD. Might I ask for your purpose here?"

  "My purpose, my current directive, is to serve as one of humanity's business representatives for the sale and presentation of goods and services. Specifically, in low-end technology such as radios and basic tablets."

  "...You are the representative merchant of these items before me?"

  "That is correct. Today, I represent L&G Electronics as their representative of their goods and services."

  "Am I to assume that you are capable of business transactions, monetary exchanges and appropriate service?"

  "That is correct."

  "That is… quite advanced for a mere gol- drone. Ahem. Is such a complex task considered a standard for a 'drone'?"

  "No, not for a majority of drones. Though there are many models who are capable of similar tasks. Some of whom, performing better than I."

  "Hah! I don't believe that!" The diminutive noble observing chuckled. "Surely there is a summoner in another room pulling your strings like a puppet. I applaud you on your attempts at deception oh fanciful drone."

  "I wouldn't slate such statements so easily Lord Jalid. There are adventurers and mages who can command their golems to do the most basic of actions." I reasoned with the noble. "It is not as difficult as you would guess, perhaps the instructions given to these drones are simply far more complex and concise."

  He raised his brow at my statement only to huff and shrug in apathic acceptance. Though I did share similar suspicions as I kept my manasight empowered, despite no disturbances thus far. While having a hidden puppeteer was the simplest answer, I've always found that following along with a ruse led to some interesting development, especially if one considered the context of today. Perhaps I should push how complex KD's instructions are.

  "You said you are presenting some goods from the realm of Sol. Can you show me what you have available?"

  "Of course. Please follow me."

  With immediate agreement, the drone stepped back behind the table like a humble shop keeper. Its voice became noticeable more cordial as it presented the various devices before us.

  "As a representative of L&G Electronics, today's display focuses on the variety of electronics we have available. However, I must mention that the majority of our products have been restricted due to existing trade policies. As such, the products you see before you focus on [RF technology], low-end [computers] and [camera technology]."

  …

  I did not understand any of the words the drone just spoke of. The first sentences were simple but the last had words that were clearly not part of Reagal. An apparent realisation that KD picked up on on account of my blank face and silence.

  "I detect that my words may have led to some form of confusion. Do you require clarification?"

  "Are you not aware that the last few words you spoke of were not in Reagal?"

  "Processing, stand by… My apologies, I was not aware that certain terminology bore no Reagal equivalent. Please allow me to correct myself."

  It was not aware of the translation of its own words? Perhaps it is an error in this 'script' that it appears to read. It is not a mistake a being of flesh and blood would make. Interesting… though my self-reflection was immediately interrupted.

  "The products you see before you focus on short-distance communication, tablets for organising documentation, mathematical processing and accounting statements, and devices for capturing and storing visual information."

  …Now that I understood. These innocuous boxes bare such capabilities? I let my manasight gaze down at the various boxes to see no enchantments or glyphs, only unknown symbols and markings. Some bore what appeared to be dials and miniature levers that would be at home in an artificer's workshop, another with various extrusions of various other metals and another had metal perfectly shaped into a smooth, clean outer shell, opened to reveal its upper face a reflective pane of glass and beneath it a hoard of buttons, each baring a letter or number of English. Presumably. Their language was a rather glossed-over topic between lectures.

  "Pfff, hah! Oh how convenient!" The Kobold laughed derisively. "Lord Waesmer, I do hope you don't believe this charade. Surely you are smarted than this?"

  "I understand that the capabilities of these devices may be difficult to see, but I do have permission to make another demonstration if you wish Lord Jalid."

  I turned in surprise. "You've seen these devices at work Lord Jalid?"

  "Oh of course! He oh-so elegantly demonstrated his voice travelling through the air and into its paired box. I may not know where the hidden voice comes from, but this golem is not the first to make such a parlour trick."

  I picked up one of the boxes in question; small, compact, made of a material I did not recognise and without a wisp of mana. KD, perhaps taking initiative, took up the other box and stepped away before raising it to his head. And right on que, out came his voice from the box.

  "These Two-Way Radios operate by transmitting sound spoken into them to the other Radio. When configured correctly, multiple radios can transmit and receive from each other."

  I almost dropped the radio in my hand. Shock, surprise and amazement fluttered through me as I immediately intensified my sight on the box, once again finding nothing. I could understand that it was indeed the KD's voice as I could faintly hear it from where he stood while he spoke.

  I needed answers.

  "How do these radios transmit sound? You called in a 'two-way', that must mean it simply sends and receives. What is the medium that this artifice uses to communicate."

  "I apologise Lord Waesmer, but I am restricted from answering such questions at this period of time."

  "…"

  My hands dropped onto the table in disappointment, keeping me from collapsing onto the table in despair. Of course they wouldn't reveal such revelations so casually, my scholars heart weeping inside.

  "Worry not Lord Waesmer. You have demonstrated that there is a brilliant mind between those ears, you will solve this ruse soon enough." Lord Jalid came to my side, reaching high to pat my side in comfort. It did nothing to absolve me of my heartbreak.

  Seeing my devastation, KD returned to the table, remaining dour as he arrived.

  "If I may Lord Waesmer, it is my understanding that you are here on behalf of the Etherium delegation. Is this correct?"

  I looked up drearily at the posed question and the faceless KD, an emotionless face portraying no intent.

  "In-indeed I am."

  At the beckoning of my answer, KD dropped behind the table to place two heavy paper boxes before me. On it a picture of one of these [tablet]s.

  "I have been authorised to offer samples of some of our products. It would be an honour if you were to accept Lord Waesmer. This included you as well, Lord Jalid"

  "…Why would you give me this? Surely these are too valuable to simply give away?" I said, stunned at the sudden charity.

  "Those of L&G Electronics understand that these devices may garner mistrust amongst those who have never seen such technology. As such, I am also tasked with spreading our products to those of importance in hopes of advertisement. As part of the Etherium Delegation, you fit within this category.

  Also, these devices are not rare, they are very common, especially that of more powerful models. This one is not as capable as concurrent models, and pose little risk to us. As such, it would be an honour if you were to accept."

  While I was tentative to take up the box, Lord Jalid simply lifted it nonplussed before handing it to one of his servants. I flipped the box over in my hand, hoping to gain some knowledge as to the inscriptions that ran across all its surfaces, though I would not be given the time to open it as an announcement came from the centre table.

  "Nobles, Lords and Ladies of the realms, may I have your attention please. I would like to thank you all for joining us on this historical day!"