Gallager, Cartoonia. November, 2021
The streets of Gallagher were cleaned up for today’s ceremonies, as the cool breeze of November blows through the city. It has been years since Cartoonia planned an official state visit, especially from their allies. This year, Her Royal Highness Duchess Marcella has agreed to visit Cartoonia as an official state visit, for about a week or so. With a schedule of ceremonies and leisure, it was going to be a great time for all involved, especially since… … ya know. That was neither here nor there, nor important. What matters is the pleasure and comfort of Her Royal Highness. That is what Cartoonia is known for in the region. Hospitality and Entertainment. At the Supreme Leader’s Estate, The rooms were all being cleaned out for her Royal Highness’ arrival to these fair Cartune Isles. The household servants rush throughout moving things in and out, for this would also be the first time a visiting head of state has a chance to stay within the residence of Supreme Leader Kudo in the guest rooms. True, embassies of visiting dignitaries act as their residence here, but oftentimes, dignitaries of higher notoriety such as monarchs and other high-ranking heads of state have the chance of living in the guest rooms of the estate or stay at the Kiddington House, often larger than their embassies.
With all different variables in place, there is always one big constant. The arrival ceremony where the Supreme Leader meets with the visiting dignitary. Both a military, musical, and diplomatic spectacle that reaffirms the ties that bind two great nations. The honor guards of the armed forces gather in front of the Estate grounds, two military bands also gather. The Supreme Leader’s Own Cartoon Marine Band plays ceremonial music, and the Central City Preußische Armeemarschsammlung Band brings a little bit of history and tradition brought in Cartoonia. Along lines, crowds of AHSCAian tourists and ex-pats, supporters of monarchies, and students from the public schools gather to greet the visiting duchess. They were fortunate to be here today, and wouldn’t be possible without the COVID vaccine made mandatory to all citizens, which has proven effective with 99% of the Cartoon population fully vaccinated (and it helps that there are no cases of COVID within the Cartune Isles).
“Sir,” said Captain Terrance “Toast” Bazaar of the Supreme Leader’s Personal Sentry, The Histeria Rifle Regiment. “Honor guard is all ready. Crowds have begun to gather. And government officials and dignitaries from the AHSCA embassy have also arrived”.
“Excellent. I’ll be down there in a few minutes”.
“Yes sir”. He salutes and leaves the office. After a very hectic year, Supreme Leader Jimmy Kudo was looking forward to a single week where he can relax, enjoy himself, and be as gracious and hospitable to their guests from overseas. Instead of the military uniform he usually wears in other ceremonial occasions, he wears his blue suit and red bowtie.
“You seem excited about this aren’t you?” Rachel, his wife replied.
“Of course, it’s her majesty’s first visit to our isles. We are very close allies, so it’d be nice to show some of that hospitality, especially because of the past few months”. He kisses his wife on the cheek passionately, Rachel blushes. “It’ll be good to not think about any events going on. I think we all need this”.
“You’re right”.
“I got a fun week ahead of us. A few concerts and plays here and there, and of course a special retreat into our mountain residence, and a few spots in the different provinces”.
“Sounds fun”. Both Jimmy and Rachel leave to the front of their home to greet their guests from abroad.
Meanwhile, Port Dickson. Crowds of onlookers wait at a designated port for which the Duchess and whoever else being brought along with her was scheduled to arrive in. A line of guards and secret service members line against the docks and gangways intended for the use of Her Royal Highness. Among the folks in the crowd was the welcoming committee, set up to welcome foreign dignitaries in official state visits. Leading the committee is the Chief of Protocol, Mr. Tenya Iida, the party leader for the Anime-Cartoon Liberty Party. Guards consisting of marines and sailors line the walkway, to salute the incoming dignitary.
The ship enters the port. The military band plays fanfares and ceremonial music, including the nation’s welcoming piece By Land and Sea, as the ship moors onto the dock. Soldiers on the walkway set their ceremonial weapons down and salute the duchess.
“Wow,” one of the members of the entourage, Representative Tamaki Suoh says. “Haven’t seen a sailing vessel as big as that before. Must have come from the age of sail”.
“That’s because the United Island States is rooted in tradition. Kind of like us in a way. We both embrace tradition with a sprinkle of progressivism in society. We share a worldview of preserving technology that works and granting more freedom to all peoples more than ever before. You traveled there haven’t you?”
“Oh, that was before I was elected as a representative of Cartoon House for Ouran”.
‘And you’ve seen first hand of the traditionalism in terms of technology that they to partake in. Our bond is strong, and free trade continues with our faithful ally”. Jubilant cheers from onlookers as the Duchess’ ship anchors in the port. The gangway is opened for her and her entourage to step down onto Cartoon soil for the first time.