Page 416 of DATE
The others introduced themselves in turn, shaking hands with the Italian officials.
They were very well-prepared.
Translators, rosters, gifts, lists, and even cooperation treaties.
After the simple pleasantries, beautiful women dressed in traditional Chinese ceremonial attire slowly stepped forward, holding various items.
Hedy recognized only a few of them.
High-quality tea leaves, precious gemstones, porcelain with icy white cracks, as well as flashlights and lighters.
It suddenly dawned on her that Italy hadn't even invented matches yet—because people hadn't fully understood the properties of red phosphorus and sulfur.
Among the gifts held by the handsome young men behind them, there were also a few small items and several books.
She stood up to examine the items, feeling an unfamiliar sense of distance.
In the past, in Florence, she had almost been a know-it-all.
"This is an internal combustion engine," Eric said, lifting his gaze, a smile in his dark eyes. "It’s also one of the major inventions of the Second Industrial Revolution."
Her eyes narrowed in realization, sensing something unexpected: "We need to talk."
"Indeed," he replied.
The ambassador turned and motioned for the other three envoys to join them. Two men and a woman simultaneously performed a bow.
“These are professors from our university in medicine, engineering, and science. If Italy requires their assistance, they will remain here for three years as part of our technological aid," the ambassador raised an eyebrow. "This is also a gesture of goodwill and friendship from the East."
"Truly grateful," she controlled her emotions, signaling the other officials to reciprocate the gesture in Italian. "Please follow me."
Leonardo glanced at them with a mix of surprise and caution butdidn't rush to follow.
It wasn't until they were seated in a private meeting room that Hedy finally let out a long breath.
Some matters were not suitable to be discussed in front of these medieval natives.
When Hedy had returned from China on Columbus's ship, she had countless questions she hoped would be answered, but the captain clearly didn't have a vast store of knowledge nor had he recorded enough information—despite submitting ten notebooks, it was still not enough.
Rather than focusing on customs, local products, or cultural differences, she was more interested in practical matters.
What state was the East in? What was their political structure?
What was the economic situation and pricing like? Did they have tendencies toward long voyages or aggression?
And... had their rulers already noticed the anomalies of the Italian Queen?
Hedy wasn’t sure whether these people and herself came from the same time and space, nor how much they understood about the historical course of the world.
Some questions, if posed too abruptly, might even cause trouble.
Now, they were sitting on either side of a long table, and the room was silent.
“We are gratified that, even in these distant, ancient times, we are able to meet someone like you,” Eric said slowly. “This is one of the reasons the Empire extends its goodwill.”
What they needed wasn't just people who could understand and protect their technology.
What they needed were those who were at the same level of cognition, not brainwashed by religious or political ideologies.
