Page 418 of DATE
It wasn’t goodwill, but a convergence of interests.
Whether in Europe or the East, nations today would form friendships based on shared interests, but tomorrow, they would equally go to war over them.
Adults should not harbor any illusions about this.
"However..." Hedy paused, then asked, "Do you have any plans to colonize a remote island?"
She intentionally avoided the term "Americas," speaking cautiously and tactfully.
"Colonize?" The ambassador assumed she was referring to their intentions in Europe and, with a relaxed posture, said, "That is not within our considerations."
Hedy’s gaze darkened as she realized another important fact.
These Easterners, at least in their historical understanding, were completely unaware of the existence of the Americas.
They did not understand what America would mean.
After the ambassador's arrival, it wasn’t just the entire Foreign Ministry that began working through the night, reviewing documents; even the Finance, Defense, and Technology Ministries held late-night meetings to confirm the topics they needed to discuss and verify with the Eastern envoys.
They reached an agreement to build embassies in the capitals of both countries and also signed a research confidentiality agreement.
—It was said that Eastern experts had already sent the periodic table of elements to the Florence Academy, which shocked allthe scholars like an explosion.
More and more things were being passed down like epic myths—
A flashlight that could emit light continuously with just a press, more portable than oil lamps and capable of illuminating vast distances.
The Gatling gun, capable of continuous fire, with one gun able to replace hundreds of flintlock guns.
And then there were the oil engines, batteries, and automobiles...
This time, it was truly the Three Doctors from the East who came to worship (The Adoration of the Magi).
What they brought wasn’t gold, silk, and porcelain, but electricity, chemistry, and mechanics.
——
The Eastern envoys didn’t stay here for long, leaving behind about ten people, five of whom were guards.
But the gifts they brought had a tremendous impact on Florence, and one could even say on Italy as a whole.
So much so that, in the past few days, Leonardo had been solving various affairs at five times his usual efficiency, finishing work at lightning speed to attend university lectures and conduct experiments.
Then he would spend the afternoon at the school, recharged and ready, before heading back to assist the Queen with various matters and to pick her up from work.
"—Today, they showed us light bulbs. The light bulb can turn on and off in just one second!"
"And there are electronic trumpets! Oh, Hedy, you have to hear it, I mean, no band, no violinists, but the sound just comes out!"
Although Leonardo was trying to remain calm, even as he bent over to help her sort and label nearly ten files, he couldn't help but emphasize again, "This is truly unbelievable. Our children should see these."
Hedy, who could leave two hours earlier because of his arrival, let out a sigh of relief and listened to him with a smile.
Leonardo, halfway through his excitement, suddenly realized and chuckled helplessly. "You've already seen all of this, haven’t you?"
"Not necessarily," she answered with a kind smile, "These things are indeed very special."
"That light changes colors too! And they call it the ultraviolet light—no, is it black light?" Leonardo practically couldn't stop talking, circling around his love as he spoke. "Our electrical engineering professors have been like lambs, following them around, listening to lectures and taking notes until midnight every day!"
