Fresh off the success (and mild pyrotechnic mishap) of the National Cucumber Festival, Roy K was feeling invincible. His approval ratings were high, vendors had forgiven him for the pickle fiasco, and Meowster's cucumber hat had gone viral.
But as always, Roy's confidence was misplaced.
The Invitation
One morning, Aziz walked into Roy's office holding a gold embossed envelope.
"Sir, we've received an invitation from the president of Jerukland," Aziz said.
Roy, who was trying to teach Meowster how to pawshake, froze. "Jerukland? The country we just… borrowed pickles from?"
Aziz sighed. "Yes, sir. Apparently, they were impressed by how quickly we turned their pickles into a nationwide sensation. President Manis wants to discuss a formal trade agreement."
Roy grinned. "See? My genius knows no bounds!"
"Or maybe they're planning to arrest you for pickle smuggling," Aziz muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" Roy asked.
"Nothing, sir. Pack your bags."
Arrival in Jerukland
Roy's entourage arrived in Jerukland's capital, Limau City, to a grand reception. Streets were lined with banners proclaiming "Cucumber and Pickle Unity!" and vendors handed out free pickle samples.
"This is amazing!" Roy said, waving to the cheering crowd. "They love me!"
Aziz rolled his eyes. "Let's not forget, sir, they think we came to negotiate. Try not to mess this up."
"Relax, Aziz," Roy replied, adjusting his bright green tie. "Diplomacy is just acting, and you know I'm great at that."
Aziz muttered, "Too great, sometimes."
The Welcome Banquet
That evening, Roy attended a state banquet hosted by President Manis. The room was lavishly decorated with gold and green, symbolizing the friendship between Cahaya and Jerukland.
President Manis, a stately woman with a calm demeanor, gave a warm speech about the potential for economic cooperation. She then turned to Roy.
"Prime Minister Roy K," she said, "we look forward to hearing your vision for a fruitful partnership."
Roy stood up, holding his glass of sparkling cucumber water. He cleared his throat and began:
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to be here in the beautiful land of Jerukland. Your pickles are… unparalleled, and I am here to ensure the cucumber-pickle alliance remains unshakable."
Aziz, seated nearby, relaxed slightly. He's doing okay so far, he thought.
Then Roy added, "In fact, I see a future where cucumbers and pickles dominate not just trade but global culture! Together, we'll create the Pickle Empire!"
The room fell silent.
Aziz buried his face in his hands. "Oh no."
A Cultural Misstep
President Manis gave Roy a tight smile. "Prime Minister, while we appreciate your enthusiasm, I must clarify: Jerukland has a long tradition of independently producing pickles. We are proud of our heritage and do not see ourselves as part of any… empire."
Roy, oblivious to the growing tension, laughed. "Oh, come on! Everyone loves a good empire! It's just branding!"
Aziz whispered harshly, "Sir, stop talking about empires!"
Roy waved him off and leaned forward. "Madam President, imagine this: cucumber-shaped embassies, pickle themed holidays, and a unified anthem called 'In Brine We Trust!'"
President Manis's smile disappeared. "Prime Minister Roy K, Jerukland values its sovereignty. Perhaps we should move on to the specifics of the trade deal?"
"Of course!" Roy said, still grinning. "But don't forget—empires are where it's at!"
The Negotiation
The next day, Roy and his team met with Jerukland officials to discuss trade terms. Aziz had prepped a detailed strategy to ensure Cahaya could secure a steady supply of pickles without offending Jerukland's sense of independence.
Unfortunately, Roy ignored all of it.
"Here's the deal," Roy said, spreading out a map of Cahaya and Jerukland. "You send us pickles, and we'll send you cucumbers. Simple!"
A Jerukland official frowned. "Prime Minister, we already have plenty of cucumbers. What we need is access to your mango surplus."
"Mangoes?" Roy exclaimed, horrified. "Never! Mangos are sacred in Cahaya!"
Aziz stepped in, trying to salvage the discussion. "What the Prime Minister means is that mango exports are currently limited, but we can explore a gradual exchange."
Roy interrupted, "No mangoes! Take more cucumbers instead!"
The Jerukland delegation exchanged uneasy glances. President Manis finally said, "Perhaps we need more time to consider."
The Pickle Escape
That evening, Aziz confronted Roy in their hotel suite. "Sir, you've managed to offend Jerukland's pride, derail the trade talks, and somehow suggest a cucumber-pickle empire. How are you this bad at diplomacy?"
Roy shrugged. "Hey, I thought it went well. Did you see how much they clapped when I talked about the anthem?"
"They were clapping because it was over!" Aziz snapped.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted them. A staffer entered with a note.
"From President Manis," the staffer said, handing it to Aziz.
Aziz read it aloud: "It's clear that Cahaya's vision does not align with ours. We will not be pursuing a trade deal at this time. Safe travels."
Roy frowned. "So… no pickles?"
"No pickles," Aziz confirmed.
Roy sighed. "Well, I guess that's that. Let's pack up and go home."
Back in Cahaya
When they returned to Cahaya, the media was waiting at the airport.
"Prime Minister, how did the talks with Jerukland go?" a reporter shouted.
Roy, ever the showman, flashed a confident smile. "Fantastic! We've laid the groundwork for a strong partnership. In fact, President Manis personally thanked me for my leadership!"
Aziz groaned quietly.
Later that night, as Roy sat in his office eating a cucumber sandwich, he turned to Aziz.
"Aziz," he said, "do you think I'm bad at diplomacy?"
Aziz hesitated, then replied, "Sir, you're… unique."
Roy grinned. "Exactly! That's what makes me great!"
Aziz muttered under his breath, "That's also what makes us a global laughingstock."
Meowster, sitting on Roy's desk, let out an approving meow, as if to say, You're doing fine, Roy. Keep being you.
End of Chapter 16