11 Germany's First Economic Hope

Grimm savored the feeling in his heart, the feeling of excitement. He stood on deck, admiring the afternoon sky, huge abstract piles of clouds litter the orange sky. It seemed the sun was about to sink into the horizon.

He glanced at the 'Submarine' as it was called which his armada had been following for a long while. The Submarine was half-submerged gliding through the water surface creating white ripples. For the past afternoon, he had been staring at this submarine. To his mind, this beastly machine bears a majestic and powerful aura, though terrifying as it stood on top of others on the food chain.

As he was admiring the steel beast, one of his men shouted that they spotted land. Hearing this Grimm's blood boiled, his heart pumped hard and his palms shaking. "Bring me my telescope!"

As he looked through, he could see bodies of land appearing on the horizon, his mouth was wide from agape. He scanned the left and right, 'Thank the gods it's not a puny island!'

"Sir! Two ships closing in from the starboard side, it's..... huge! What shall we do?"

"Relax, it must be German, tell the others to lower the guns."

As the huge ships got nearer and nearer, it circled Grimm's fleet and provided escort. At first glance, the ship is similar to a common warship, only bigger, has a 'smooth' hull, and the ship's bridge is a bit taller and sleek. However, the mean-looking big gun turrets are a bit out of place, like it was recently and hastily mounted. He could also see from the distance a bunch of men with white uniforms on the deck eyeing Grimm's ships.

As Grimm's ships approached closer to land, he could see the concrete ports.... In ruins. But it doesn't seem that his ships would dock there.

As Grimm's ships sailed through the narrow Elbe River towards Hamburg, he could see the land to his left and right has been torn apart, the ground is littered with holes and scattered dry soil. What struck him the most is that he could see massive chunks of destroyed steel beams that once bears the weight of a mighty bridge. 'Who could have lived in these ruins,' he thought.

But his thoughts changed when he saw people. They were glancing at the passing ships, cheering, and waving, ignoring their destroyed lands.

At last, after a long while of sightseeing, he could see a port, massive in size, made out of concrete. His ships docked at the port and wait for further instructions. After he exited his ship, he, Famyne and his bodyguards were greeted by Tom, Senft, and bunch of German soldiers carrying their rifles. One of them, wearing a similar outfit like Tom welcomed the guests. "Greetings with the utmost respect, my name is George, I am Tom's superior." While placing his hand on his chest. "Welcome to Germany, may I bring you inside the car?" While indicating the cars.

"Thank you, George. Though, oddly, you are not speaking German." Famyne giggled at the man in fluent English, then he faced Grimm and began to translate it for him. "The man here is called George, He welcomed us here in Germany. He wants us to be seated in that... Car."

"The pleasure is mine, anyway could you tell them it's troublesome if you translate it word by word, so why wouldn't you cast 'Language Link' right now my dear Famyne?"

Famyne nodded then asked the already shocked George about casting a spell, which rendered George speechless even more.

"Y... y.. You could.."

Seeing the paralyzed George, Tom interrupted in a polite tone, "George is just an escort, you will be hitched on a ride to an important place where we could continue our talks with our higher-ups, where you could cast your spell there." Tom could still remembered the awkward feeling when he was cast 'Language Link'.

Famyne nodded and translated it back to Grimm. "A car you said?" Famyne asked in English. "Yes, a car, and for your men, they can't accompany you and must stay here. Don't worry, your safety is assured." Tom replied, "Isn't that right Lieutenant George?" George, who regained a few of his senses then proceeded to invite the guests inside the car.

As Famyne and Grimm entered the spacious and comfortable four-wheeled car that they had never seen before, they couldn't be much more surprised as the ride is very smooth, in front of them, lay the driver and Tom.

While sightseeing the city of Hamburg and it's partial ruins, they could see the bustling people and children playing. Grimm couldn't help but ask in the help of Famyne's translation, "Who fought with Germany in the war?" Hearing this Tom stood silent for a while, then he said which Famyne swiftly translated. "A lot. The Brits, Canadians, Soviets, some resistance here and there and...." Famyne stopped for a brief.

"And what?" Grimm asked?

"Americans." Famyne continued.

"Aren't you an American Tom?" Famayne asked to Tom.

"Yes I am and proud to be."

"Why fight your own nation?"

"Nation? No! America is my nation, not a race of the Germans. The reason we declare war on Germany is that they wanted to conquer the world and exterminate a race called Jews in which millions of innocent people were killed. After that war ended, some of us Americans are sent here to finish the administration problems in Germany."

"You mean rule your newly gained territory?"

"No... not really... We don't ru- Well... Actually, you could say that." Tom didn't know how to explain it in detail.

"Then Isn't that what every nation is trying to do? Conquer the world? Although killing millions of innocent lives is... Barbaric, but I don't see why that is to be called a justified reason to declare war." Famyne replied while Grimm stood silent because Famyne is so attached to the conversation with Tom that she forgot to translate it for him. "In other words, you are just seeking a reason to conquer the world." Famyne slowed down her speech.

"Er... No, the war is justified, because our earth is different from yours, we try to achieve eternal world peace, and to do that, we must destroy those who want to mess with the balance."

"Are you saying world peace is possible?" Famyne giggled.

"Yes I believe so, we are so close, yet this war had torn the world inside out. I believe in my earth, long after Germany is gone... I mean the Nazis, eternal world peace is a reality. Ooops, we have arrived at our destination."

On their way inside, Famyne explained everything she had conversed with Tom to Grimm.

-

Inside the building, Tom and the rest were greeted by a lot of Generals and higher-ups with their near-perfect uniforms. These generals are American, British, French and occasionally German. After entering the room, the generals hastily gave their welcome to these guests, even they offer them a drink.

Then, one of the generals with a thick white mustache pointed at Tom "You must be Tom Miller, what have you know from this guest of ours?" While pouring a glass of whiskey.

"Sir, these are merchants we decided to rescue from a band of pirates 'bout two hundred miles from the northern shore."

"Rescue? You mean you dealt with the pirates?" Another officer asked.

"Indeed, about a dozen of 'em, all sank from our torpedos, I guarantee all ships kissed the bottom of the ocean. The surviving pirates were rescued for precaution and still detained on one of the merchant ships. Also, no damage is taken from the U-Boat."

"You sank all of them? Christ. did they have guns onboard?"

"Yes, approximately three to six inch gun turrets, the ship's covered with steel... plates."

"An ironclad warship?"

"Sort of, same goes for these merchants, they have an escort similar to those pirates, only most of them sunk before we're able to rescue them. The surviving ship is by the dock."

Hearing this the higher-ups looked towards the guests.

"What do they bring? To where exactly?"

"I don't-"

"We brought cargos of rubber to the Albatross Empire, about northeast from your Germany." Famyne interrupted. Immediately everyone in the room jolted from surprise.

"You could speak English?"

"Yes your lordship, I can. I am Famyne Asmilia, a mage translator from the ruined Zaragoza Empire, at your service."

"Mage you say? Are you saying you're a witch?" An officer asked.

"No, I'm not a witch... Witches are different, they are evil that serve the darkness, I am not." Famyne quickly justified herself.

Hearing this, Tom impulsively helped Famyne. "Sir, with all due respect but may I explain?"

"Hm..?"

"Where do I start... In this world, there is magic. As I hate to say it and how stupid it sounds, it's true. A mage, on the other hand, is someone who can control magic. Er... That's all of it to know I guess." Hearing this, the men inside the room was in an uproar. But somehow,

the chatter amongst the men quickly turned into an awkward silence.

"..."

"..."

"It's true as Tom Miller said! A mage is someone who can control mana in the air!" Famyne suddenly said at the silent crowd.

"A mage is born from a bloodline of mages, they could either be weak or powerful in the extremely diverse types of craft, as for me, I am gifted to understand languages even none have I heard. Though a mage has one similarity, that their prowess is determined by their ability to control the mana from the air, thus manipulating air itself, in other words, fly."

"Fly? What?" Everyone inside the room expressed their confusion and surprise. The same goes for Tom, "You could fly? Really?"

"Yes I could, here, I'll show you."

As Famyne closed her eyes and focused on her surroundings, she slowly levitated. Her levitation is accompanied by a sudden suction of air and a drop in the temperature inside the room. Her upper body is like a vortex of never-ending vacuum keeping a constant almost zero pressure while manipulating air below her feat into extremely high pressure thus creating a vacuum effect that lifts her body upwards. The event created panic amongst the people inside and the outside... Of the building, even Grimm himself who all this time kept silent.

After a short while of levitating, Famyne finally stopped while the generals stepped back away from Famyne, "What are you?"

"I... I... I'm just a human, like you, you Germans have seen magic before have you not?" Famyne asked confused.

"No... We have no magic in our world."

"Oh..." Complex emotions flew out of Famyne.

"Does everyone in this world have magic as powerful as yer's?" A British general asked.

"No, not everyone, only certain bloodlines or lucky ordinary peasants which has been gifted by the Gods can use magic. Some may be weak, others are strong, like me, but unfortunately, my magic prowess is limited only to my craft."

After listening to Famyne's explanation, everyone inside the room was silent, what can they do right now with this information.

"Forgive me, but you may ask me further as in a later time for I am yours to keep, that is after my lord discusses some matters with you Germans and Americans... So may I cast a language spell inside this room?" Famyne suddenly said.

"Lang... what do you mean?"

"It meant that everyone can understand each, rest assured you won't be hurt,"

"Huh?..."

"Then I shall start." As Famyne began to chant some spells, the temperature of the room that had already returned to normal now again dropped to even more extreme levels. Suddenly, everyone inside the room emitted a bright glow, causing fear and panic amongst the men, shouts, and girly screams could shamefully be heard. After everything went back to normal, and the men regained their senses, Grimm took the initiative to talk.

"Greetings my lordships, my humble name is Grimm, I am the most famous merchant on this entire planet, spanning connections among all empires. It's my pleasure to be here. May we shall talk business? And whom shall I talk to?"

"Er... Yes, Mr. Grimm, my name is Clay, General Lucius Clay, I am in charge here. You may speak to all of us, though I held the highest order. So tell us, what do you wish to talk business about?" General Clay asked while slowly offering Grimm a handshake. To Grimm's understanding, he ignored the handshake.

"Yes, I wish to talk simply about trade. I saw on the streets of this city and has been told that Germany has suffered a defeat in the past war and now under the annexation of America."

"..."

"Of course my lord knows that to rebuild a ruined nation, they must need resources. I assume because you are transported here, you lack the necessary resources is this not true?" Grimm talked as like it was an easy business opportunity that baffled the men.

".....Yes... That's true. We are in dire need of resources, however, we have nothing much in gold that we can offer."

"I understand, however, what I am intrigued is a rifle that you Germans possess. I see with my eyes it can shoot multiple bullets in seconds and it can penetrate through tough steel. I believe it's called the 'mashynpistol' or something like that?"

"How do you know such weapons?" General Clay eyes widened and stared at Tom, while Tom was sweating balls.

"You see... I wanted to know what kind of weapons you Germans had so I offered Tom Miller And Johann Senft a duel, a target practice, nothing dangerous of course. If the Germans really possessed a rifle much more powerful than mine, than I shall gift them a prize, and gift them I shall, my rifle is rendered inferior after witnessing its capabilities."

"I... I'm quite lost... but what prize did you offer them?" The General asked.

"This mage, the translator. An appealing gift don't you think? To a nation who just recently got transported to this planet? Don't blame those men for being foolish, in other words, it's a wise decision to accept the duel, for now, she belongs to Germany."

"Uh... Okay, but you said something about your firearms being inferior to ours?"

"Yes, I won't hinder the fact, it's true. I've traveled to every powerful empire on this planet, yet to find something similar." Grimm praised.

Suddenly, Tom interjected, "If I may sir, based on what I see, they have lever-action rifles and revolvers, a bit crude to be honest. Oh yes, I saw a glimpse of a Gatling gun on one of their ships,"

George was silent for a while.

".....If that's the case then I and my men will have to discuss it for a while, Mr. Grimm. It is because those technologies you possess are a bit out of date. Considering if we supply you with a bunch of our superior firearms, one might copy the design."

"And if it was to fall to the wrong hands, it could change the game. Current Germany could not withstand another invasion, we just recently remobilized our industries which already demand a lot of resources and time. So in the meantime, could there be any other technologies that you might wish to trade?"

Hearing this Grimm was very disappointed but he continued, "It depends, you have not given me any information on what goods you wish to receive. Be it slaves or steel or food or clothing, I will try to get my hands on. The goods you demand from me will help me determine the goods I want from you."

"Slaves? Er... We kinda need manpower... But coal is the essence of our industry, so could you provide us?"

"Coal eh? That would be..... The Bahamuth Empire, a perfect coincidence! The Bahamuth empire is abundant with ores and is a haven for technologic goods! How about your cars? Germany seemed to have the upper hand in terms of technology and will definitely catch a high price. So, how about it? Cars?"

"How many cars do you want?" General Clay widened his eyes.

Surprised by the sudden response, Grimm stood silent for a while, stared at the ceiling, possibly calculating. "How much can you provide now? I will depart as soon as possible."

In truth, because Germany got transported and petrol is scarce. The 'temporary government' decided to limit the use of petrol only to military and official vehicles since day three after they were transported. This, in fact, caused everyone to sell their cars to the government for a handful of Deutsche Marks. While car factories which have been running since '46 are forced to shut down. But because of this trade, they might be back up... Again.

"Fifty I suppose."

"Fifty?" Grimm was shocked. He had never seen anyone or that of any empire that could easily export their four-wheeled car, even to the double-digit. A single three-wheeled car could fetch about a kilogram of gold. Imagine what an exotic, rare, four-wheeled car could fetch? Of course, the Germans didn't know this.

"We'll start to provide more if you bring us the necessary coal. In the meantime, I'll provide fifty cars first, as you said earlier you brought rubber with you, we could trade it for the cars as the first payment."

Hearing this, Grimm silently laughed. Lady luck is definitely with him! How lucky is it for him to have this trade? The Bahamuth Empire is full of rich people, therefore, it's easy to sell each car.

Grimm took something from his coat and handed it to General Clay. "This pocket watch, how much do you think it weighs?"

Clay took it from Grimm's hand and examined it. "Hey, Clinton, how much do you think this weighs? two pounds?"

"Hm..? Yea... This is a good two-pounder, no, actually it's slightly heavier than two pounds, a kilo or so."

"Two pounds? Interesting... This watch is exactly one 'pot' in weight as I call it. I'll be providing about one million pots of coal on the next shipment. Oh yes, I still have those captured pirate prisoners, Tom said you might need them."