From Metallic Soil to the Dry Savannah
The Grand Duchy of Japuile, cautiously yet cordially, extended a diplomatic hand to the Automatocracy of Trong, who at the time appeared—at least to Japuilean diplomats—too absorbed in their technological deities to conduct diplomacy in a way that would be safe for both sides. The Honorable Prime Lord Alard Reyrond and His Grand Majesty Casamir I of the House of Episcopo held a frank discussion about Trong - whether dispatching a diplomatic mission might disrupt the host country’s internal order.
“Your Grand Majesty, I must point out how, according to reports, automated and totalist the Automatocracy of Trong is. Given this, it would be easy for us to inadvertently destabilize our potential ally - our embassies tend to integrate into the everyday lives of both elites and common citizens alike. We do not yet know what long-term impact they might have.”
Spoke Alard Reyrond in a calm voice, as he took a sip of tea and reviewed the report on the Automatocracy of Trong, prepared by a diplomatic attaché who had been dispatched to deliver the embassy exchange proposal. Grand Duke Casamir I had invited his head of government to discuss the matter over afternoon tea, beneath majestic silk curtains on the balcony of the Ducal Palace, to determine the best course of action.
“I believe inaction harms not only the court but the entire state. We may have our doubts, but we also have the expertise and strength to respond to obstacles as they arise along our path. I hereby authorize the exchange of embassies and the observation of cultural influences within Trong.”
The Grand Duke signed the authorization for the construction of the embassy, taking a sip of tea with his other hand - he is ambidextrous due to fencing training from his youth.
Metal Embassy in Artane
The Trongian Diplomatic Mission arrived at an airport near Artane, then transferred to a beautifully adorned train running along the Limne–Artane line. Surrounded almost entirely by nature - in greater and lesser forms - they enjoyed a natural coolness that shielded them from the sun’s rays. Public water stations provided access to fresh, non-bottled water. The ride to the embassy grounds took roughly 45 minutes from the train station — smooth and comfortable.
The Trongian Embassy gives the impression of a cold, shadowy monolith. The building’s façade is made from matte-black panels that absorb, rather than reflect, light - evoking a somber, brooding sensation. The smooth, matte finish creates an almost unnatural first impression of the building’s shape, before the eye can register its rectangular dimensions. The angles of the structure appear almost rounded. The windows are narrow, vertically aligned slits of darkened glass, making it difficult to see into the embassy from the street. Cameras and sensors have been systematically integrated into the building itself.
The embassy grounds are modest yet meticulously curated - black stone paths lead to the embassy entrance and to a garden where trees stand alongside paths lined with black, red, and blue roses.
The doors of the embassy slide open soundlessly, activating a soft red-and-blue ambient light around them and illuminating guiding light-strips of the same colors throughout the building’s interior, offering a better view of its minimalist architecture.
Chairs are ergonomic but cold — unpadded, modular, with built-in spinal supports designed to subtly correct posture. The walls often feature a digital window — an artificial projection of Fort Trong’s skyline, subtly reminding all visitors of the capital and its technological dominance. The ambassador’s room is made with particular reverence: a large desk, several stackable modules for documents (none visibly used), and a projection wall that allows for full 3D data manipulation.
“Ambassador, it is an honor to welcome you to the Grand Duchy of Japuile. Please, allow me to give you a tour of your new workplace.”
Said Royale Chancellor Mainard Larue, dressed in a fine tunic and light linen trousers. He handed the ambassador two items - a set of keys and a bouquet of beige roses, so fresh they still carried the scent of just having been picked.
